Project 1: Cormack packaging

Cormack Packaging- Toothpaste Dispenser

The conventional toothpaste packaging has been left unchanged for the past couple of years, and while small problems do exist, no many solutions were provided no matter how tolerant and adaptable consumers are. For this project, while observing the process of toothpaste being used by kids and adults, some of the most occurred problems are kids who just started to brush their teeth indecently does not know how much toothpaste is not enough or too much, and often a mess is made as a result. An interesting method that some people to overcome toiletry issues is by the use of pump toothpaste which was introduced in the mid 80’s,  however due to more cons than pros, pump toothpaste gradually faded out. Some of these issues including pump malfunction, the can being top-heavy through use and becomes unstable, and most important of all, excess packaging. Through this process the value of being able squeeze out that last bit of toothpaste has become a ritual and money saving behaviour for people in general. But due to the tube shape of conventional toothpaste, this has been proven hard to do so.

Therefore as for my product attribute I concentrated on these aspects

1.      Portion control for kids

2.      Minimise packaging

3.      Easy access to the last bit of toothpaste

4.      To be fun, and easy to use for kids.

And here is how I achieve these points

1.      Portion control: the use of a pump system means that it is easy for kids to learn the “one pump per use” system. This will also teach kids to know how much they will need in the future

2.      Minimise packaging: conventional toothpaste tube is 110g with thicker plastic. In my design I have use thin LDPE with 200g of toothpaste which means that each purchase will give more toothpaste as well as less packaging.

3.      Easy access to the last bit of toothpaste: because of the thin LDPE , the bag could be ripped off the nozzle and it is easily flattened.

4.      Fun and easy to use for kids: the outer shell of the packaging are in the shape of animals, with a push at the tongue, the toothpaste will come out.