BERRY SEED PACKAGING DESIGN
for Marches Publics de Montreal
The Société des Marchés Publics de Montréal is a social enterprise dedicated to improving access to fresh produce by connecting Montrealers with local producers, retailers and artisans through public markets.
Since 1993, they've managed various markets under the mandate of the City of Montreal. Governed by a mixed board of directors comprising merchants and residents, they operate as a non-profit organization with over 200 members who sell at these markets.
The aim of this project is to create packaging for a series of seeds to be sold at the Marches Public de Montreal. These seeds originate from berries which can be found in the region of Quebec : blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
The target audience comprises individuals seeking to cultivate smaller-scale produce due to space constraints, such as the lack of a garden. The packaging must not only captivate attention but also provide comprehensive instructions for successful cultivation.
Origami has been historically used to create seed packets, for storing seeds in agriculture and botanical contexts. These envelopes provide a practical and accessible means of organizing and protecting seeds before planting, utilizing the simple folding techniques of origami to craft paper envelopes. Seed packets made through origami offer customization options for size and labeling, enabling efficient seed management.
Moreover, they align with eco-friendly practices by being made from recyclable materials, contributing to sustainable seed storage and distribution. Beyond their practical function, origami seed envelopes may also showcase cultural and artistic expressions, reflecting the traditions and creativity of their makers.
Overall, origami seed envelopes play a role in preserving seeds and promoting sustainable agriculture practices while highlighting the versatility and ingenuity of origami as an art form.
The packaging design draws inspiration from a square origami envelope concept because I wanted the packaging itself to be fun. As for the visuals, I settled for a stylized vector illustration of the top of each berry on the front of their respective packaging. The back, serving as the opening flap, features a cluster of four leaves alongside essential product details.
Traditional seed packaging often falls short in providing comprehensive instructions, typically offering only basic information about the seed, leaving consumers to search online for additional guidance, especially if they lack prior experience. In response, I designed this packaging to include detailed planting instructions, empowering consumers to successfully cultivate their seeds using the information provided in the packaging itself.
To access the contents, gently pull out any of the leaf tabs, then simultaneously draw outwards on two opposite tabs. This unveils the inner envelope, along with the complete set of instructions.
Overall, I had fun with this project, especially with illustrating the berries and trying to fit as much information as possible inside the packaging.
