Katla

Design: Isabella MacKirdy
Project Type: Student Project
School: RMIT
Course: Communication Design
Tutor: Renato Gallina
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Packaging Contents: Volcanic Rock Teapot
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Recyclable paper
Printing Process: Black ink on black paper

Katla is a luxury Icelandic homeware brand inspired by Icelands unique landscape and folklore filled heritage. This packaging has been designed for Katla’s Volcanic Rock Teapot. The packaging is crafted from deep textural blacks with subtle black ink printed on top, featuring hints of moss green throughout, culminating in an overall feel of luxury.

Sustainability has been kept in mind for this design, therefore, it’s made from 100% environmentally friendly recyclable paper. The packaging does not include the use of glue for any of its structure but utilises folds which apply pressure upon one another. A booklet explaining the heritage and story behind the establishment of Katla and their products is included within the box, crafted with the same materials to achieve cohesion.

The teapot packaging portrays the dynamic yet subtle landscape of Iceland through the use of considered materials. Application of a textured black stock for the box represents the black volcanic rock prevalent throughout Iceland’s unique landscape, along with the smooth slip case embodying the soft appearance of geothermal mud and solidifying lava.

Green textured paper included in the booklet along with the green ribbon pull tab is reminiscent of the moss found across the Icelandic landscape. The linear forms across Katlas branding embodies the contours of Katla the volcano, whilst referencing layers of volcanic ash and rock. As a subtle hint to the hidden people of Iceland, the lines resemble creatures of their folklore tales.

This is a hypothetical product for a student project.

What’s Unique?
This packaging is 100% environmentally friendly whilst also fitting under the category of luxury packaging, the structure of the slip case, box and booklet are made without the use of any adhesive. Taking a leaf from Icelands book, we see that luxury and sustainability can work cohesively.