Polystyrene packaging is difficult and costly to recycle. As a result, this type of packaging, according to the Campaign for Recycling, “contributes disproportionately to oceanic plastic pollution.” It is incredibly difficult to clean up and can suffocate animals that mistake this material for food.
I found a local establishment that used polystyrene packaging and redesigned the experience. I chose the Basil Leaf Café, an Italian restaurant run out of a gas station. They are known for serving large amounts of pasta, but their packaging cannot contain the food, leaving the customer with a messy eating experience.
The Basil Leaf logo was used in a reflected pattern to create a typeface, and colors from and old Italian poster were used in the graphics. The packaging is made from chipboard and low-VOC soy based inks. It is fully recyclable and reduces spillage with a lid that fully tucks into the base. The lid also bends to give the customer a place to lay their utensils.
