Welcome to the world of sustainable packaging design, where beauty and functionality meet. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards eco-friendly and reusable packaging as consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact. Brands are now under pressure to not only create beautiful products but also package them in a way that minimizes waste and promotes sustainability. One brand that has stood out in this movement is Dove, known for its dedication to real beauty and social responsibility. In collaboration with design agency JDO, Dove has launched a new line of refillable shower gels with a stunning packaging design that encourages consumers to reuse and reduce plastic waste. Let’s take a closer look at this innovative and visually striking packaging design by Dove.

Introduction to Dove and JDO’s collaboration 

Dove is a personal care brand owned by Unilever, known for its commitment to promoting body positivity and using ethically sourced ingredients in its products. In recent years, Dove has also made significant efforts towards reducing its environmental impact. According to their website, Dove aims to use plastic packaging made from 100% recycled materials by 2025 and reduce the use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2020.

In order to achieve these goals, Dove has partnered with design agency JDO to create a sustainable packaging solution for its shower gel range. JDO is a multi-award-winning creative agency that specializes in packaging design for global brands. They have worked with other well-known brands such as Cadbury, Nestle, and Heineken, to name a few. Together, Dove and JDO have come up with a revolutionary packaging design that not only reduces plastic waste but also elevates the overall consumer experience.

Dove aims to transition to 100% recycled plastic packaging by 2025 and cut down the use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2020, as stated on their website

The inspiration behind the design

The new Dove shower gel packaging design was inspired by the brand’s commitment to natural beauty and its iconic Dove logo. The packaging features a sleek and modern design with vibrant botanical patterns, giving it a spa-like feel. According to JDO’s Creative Director, Ben Hutton, their goal was to create packaging that was “too beautiful to throw away.” In an interview with Packaging Europe, he explains, “We wanted to connect with consumers on an emotional level and make them feel good about their product choice.”

The botanical patterns used in the design were carefully chosen to reflect Dove’s use of natural ingredients in their shower gels. The colors used also add to the overall aesthetic appeal, making the packaging stand out on shelves. By incorporating elements of nature into the design, Dove and JDO have successfully captured the brand’s message of celebrating real beauty.

Refillable packaging as a sustainable solution 

The main focus of this collaboration was to create a sustainable packaging solution that would reduce plastic waste. The new Dove shower gel bottles are made from either aluminum or recycled plastic, which are both materials that can be easily recycled. Additionally, the bottles are designed to be refillable, meaning consumers can simply purchase refill solutions instead of buying a new bottle every time they run out of shower gel.

This refillable system not only reduces plastic waste but also saves energy and resources needed to produce new packaging. According to Dove, refilling the bottles with their concentrated refill solutions reduces plastic usage by half compared to traditional shower gels. This is a significant reduction and a step in the right direction towards achieving a more sustainable future.

A closer look at the packaging design 

Now let’s dive into the details of Dove and JDO’s sustainable packaging design and explore its various components and design elements.

The new Dove shower gel bottles immediately capture attention with their sleek and modern design

Sleek and stylish bottles 

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the new Dove shower gel bottles is their sleek and modern design. The bottles are available in two sizes, 310ml and 500ml, both of which feature a slender and elongated shape that is easy to hold and use. The bottles are made from either 100% recycled aluminum or plastic, depending on the size. The use of recycled materials not only reduces plastic waste but also gives the packaging a premium feel.

The bottles are also designed with a flat base, making them stable and easy to stack on shelves. This is a small but significant detail that adds to the overall functionality of the packaging. The bottles also have a wide opening, making it easy to refill and mix with water.

Vibrant botanical patterns 

One of the most striking features of this packaging design is the vibrant botanical patterns used on the front and back of the bottles. The patterns were carefully selected to represent the natural ingredients used in Dove’s shower gels, such as pomegranate and verbena. The colors used are also inspired by these ingredients, resulting in a beautiful and cohesive design.

The botanical patterns are printed onto the bottles using a technique called gravure printing, which involves etching the pattern onto a cylinder and transferring it onto the bottle. This process ensures high-quality and detailed prints, adding to the overall premium look and feel of the packaging.

Easy-to-use pump dispenser

The pump dispenser on the Dove shower gel bottles is not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The pumps are made from 100% recycled plastic and are designed to be easy to use, even for those with limited hand mobility. The pumps dispense the perfect amount of product, reducing wastage and ensuring a consistent experience for the consumer.

The pump dispensers are also removable, making it easier to clean and refill the bottles. This further incentivizes consumers to reuse the packaging instead of throwing it away after use. The pumps also have a locking mechanism, ensuring that they don’t accidentally dispense product during transportation.

The refill solutions 

As mentioned earlier, Dove’s refillable shower gel bottles can be refilled with concentrated solutions, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at these refill solutions and their various benefits.

Dove’s refillable shower gel bottles can be replenished with concentrated solutions, minimizing plastic waste and supporting sustainability efforts

Made from 100% recycled plastic 

The refill solutions used for Dove’s shower gels are made from 100% recycled plastic. This not only reduces plastic waste but also minimizes the need for virgin plastic production. According to Dove, each refill solution saves up to 80% in CO2 emissions compared to traditional shower gel bottles. This is a significant reduction and showcases Dove’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

Concentrated formula 

One of the main benefits of using refill solutions is that they are highly concentrated, meaning consumers can get more uses out of one bottle. The formula is mixed with water to create the shower gel, which also means less water usage during production. This concentrated formula also makes the refill solutions more cost-effective, encouraging consumers to make the switch to this sustainable option.

Easy to use 

Using the refill solutions is as easy as mixing powder with water. The bottles come with clear instructions on how much water to add to create the perfect consistency for the shower gel. This ensures consistency and prevents wastage. The refill solutions also come in different scents, allowing consumers to switch things up and try new fragrances without having to buy an entirely new bottle.

Previous refillable products by Dove

This is not the first time Dove has introduced a refillable product to their range. In 2019, the brand launched a refillable deodorant with a compact design. Let’s take a look at this product and its sustainable packaging design.

Refillable deodorant design

Similar to the shower gel bottles, Dove’s refillable deodorant also features a sleek and modern design. The deodorant is housed in a compact case made from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. The case can be refilled up to three times, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

The refillable deodorant also has a twist-lock mechanism, ensuring that the product doesn’t leak or accidentally dispense during transportation. The case is available in two sizes, 50ml and 75ml, making it convenient for travel.

Convenient and cost-effective

Dove’s refillable deodorant is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient and cost-effective for consumers. The compact size makes it easy to carry around in a bag or purse, and the twist-lock mechanism makes it suitable for travel. The refillable design also means consumers don’t have to repurchase the entire product every time they run out, saving them money in the long run.

Sustainable packaging solution 

The refillable deodorant case is made from 100% recycled aluminum, making it highly sustainable and eco-friendly. According to Dove, using refillable deodorants reduces plastic waste by up to 80% compared to traditional deodorant packaging. This is a significant reduction and showcases Dove’s dedication to sustainability.

Consumer response and impact on the environment

The new Dove shower gel packaging design has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from consumers. Many have praised the brand for its commitment to sustainability and creating packaging that is not only functional but also visually appealing. The refillable system has also been well-received, with consumers appreciating the cost-effectiveness and convenience it offers.

Impact on the environment 

The environmental impact of this new packaging design is significant. According to Dove, each refill solution saves up to 80% in CO2 emissions compared to traditional shower gel bottles. This reduction in carbon emissions is a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable future. Additionally, the use of recycled materials for both the bottles and refill solutions significantly reduces plastic waste and minimizes the need for virgin plastic production.

Consumer participation in environmental efforts

One of the main goals of this collaboration was to encourage consumers to participate in environmental protection efforts by making it easier for them to do so. The refillable system, combined with the beautiful and functional packaging design, has made it more appealing for consumers to switch to this option. By making sustainability more accessible and attractive, Dove is paving the way for a more eco-conscious future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dove and JDO’s collaboration on a new sustainable shower gel packaging design is a major step towards achieving a more sustainable future. The sleek and spa-inspired design, combined with the refillable system and use of recycled materials, makes this packaging design not only visually appealing but also highly functional and environmentally friendly. By encouraging consumers to reuse and reduce plastic waste, Dove is setting an example for other brands to follow. With their goal of using plastic packaging made from 100% recycled materials by 2025, Dove is committed to creating a better world for generations to come. Let’s admire and support this innovative and beautiful packaging design by Dove.