Smart Packaging Concept Tracks Milk’s Freshness Level

When we design primary and secondary packaging for our clients, one of the main considerations is form versus function. The form must communicate the essence of the brand and speak directly to the market, but must also be functional for the practical use of the product. Usually these two concepts worked hand in hand – but what happens when the function actually becomes the form?

We recently came across this concept from designer Ko Yang, who turned the form vs. function idea on its head with his project “Expiry Date/The Things Far Away Beyond Numbers.” Yang’s milk carton starts life as a white box, which over time turns totally orange, indicating that the milk has expired. Of course, this design won’t likely be hitting stores anytime soon, but could the idea of “smart” materials be the next trend in packaging?

Story via Yanko Design.