Bureau of Betterment: 54-40 Packaging

I’m loving this new packaging project by Bureau of Betterment…

The 54-40 packaging project was a collaboration between two sole proprietors: Mette Hornung Rankin of the Bureau of Betterment and Greg Jones of Fifty-Four Forty. Greg had the idea to create a set of magnetic-backed US states made out of laser cut wood that show the topography of America. After meeting at an ADX Feedback Loop event, Mette and Greg decided to collaborate on packaging prototypes for the first batch of products he wanted to sell to gather interest in his idea.

The packaging structure was inspired by the jig used to assemble each state. A piece of charcoal colored chipboard is sandwiched between layers of thick cardboard that mimic the topographic nature of the product and show off the rich birch color. The front of the packaging is laser cut with the pattern of surrounding states while product information is shown on the back panel. The product is easily nestled into its’ own shape with a small finger hole on the back to help pop it out for use. The packaging doubles as a free-standing display for the state.

To highlight each state’s unique attributes, a small pamphlet with state facts was created with images and notable geographic landmarks. The pamphlet folds in 3 each way and slides into a recessed slit on the back side of the packaging structure, making the product and packaging a fully integrated solution.

CREATIVE CREDITS
Bureau of Betterment
in collaboration with Fifty-Four Forty