Oquist

Oquist's range of packaging / Source: Oquist

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4 MINUTE READ

Nadine Smith

WHAT WE SAY:

While a niche solution, Oquist’s use of permanent, terracotta-based packaging inspires a user to care for and prolong the life of the product.

Filled with waterless formulas, these sculptural, fit-for-upcycling containers are hard to throw away. While permanent packaging is a step forward, not all packs can be reused in the home – how many pots do we really need? – so positioning permanent design as a luxury, keepsake option should be reserved for the best.

KEY FACTS:

Swedish skincare brand Oquist launched onto the beauty scene in 2021 with its minimal range of products housed in permanent, terracotta sculptures.
Offering only four multifunctional formulas, the brand’s packaging is designed to be reused as ‘objet d’arts’ in the home once empty.
The brand performed its own internal analysis of six possible packaging materials, ranking them against key criteria such as recyclability, decomposition rates, CO2 emissions during production and transportation, and whether they release toxins. Terracotta was the second most favourable option after paper, which isn’t suitable for holding liquids.
Made with 100% natural terracotta – chosen because it’s a lightweight clay without additives – the brand’s range is said to reduce carbon emissions by 80-97% compared to conventional cosmetic brands. This takes into account ingredient sourcing, water preservation strategies, the afterlife of the packaging and so on.
A small scale production, the pots are handcrafted by a ceramicist in Latvia and are designed in a way that no plastic pump is needed to access the product. A combination of the pots shape and opening size, alongside the surface tension between the terracotta and liquid, allows the product to flow out at a steady speed.

Dark Matter collection / Source: Oquist

Design process for terracotta packaging range / Source: Oquist

DIVE DEEPER:

95% of beauty packaging is thrown away after just one use. Oquist’s use of truly artisanal packs, designed by Anatolij Litvin, inspires a consumer to repurpose them in the home as anything from a vase to a coffee cup. As the brand itself says, this is the advent of ‘skinterior’ decorating.
Each pot is made by pouring liquid terracotta into a form. It’s then hand polished and a glaze is sprayed on the inside to ensure cosmetics can be stored safely. The formulas are blended locally and packs are filled onsite, allowing the brand to reduce shipping emissions.
The terracotta containers are sealed with two natural Rubber bungs on the base and the opening, as well as plastic-free twine. The twine can be composted at the end of its life, but the bungs must be separated from all other packaging and collected for separate recycling.
The brand’s transit packaging is easily recyclable kerbside, with products wrapped in recycled Paper and packed in unbleached kraft cardboard boxes.
Oquist’s mission is to reduce the number of products in a beauty regime, in turn reducing waste, and offers only four multifunctional items. Formulas are also waterless, reducing volume, weight and carbon emissions during transit.
Oquist products currently ship to Europe, US, Canada and Australia. Prices range from EUR 45 (USD 50) for the Amber Multi Balm to EUR 99 (USD 105) for the 6-in-1 Anti Ageing Serum, with the latter already a winner of the 2021 Nordic Beauty Award.

"Terracotta is a sustainable clay material that comes straight from the soil. It takes little energy to produce and doesn't contain any toxins or chemicals."

Oquist

Key Design Considerations:

Refill solutions must be prioritised

Serums are an everyday item requiring constant replenishment, which is why it makes sense that Oquist is working on a refill scheme. The brand is prioritising plastic-free, carton-based refill packs, which will be returnable to the brand using a prepaid envelope. This return scheme is ideal for a boutique eco brand whose customers are invested in its sustainable ethos.

The small things count

Oquist’s rubber bungs, while natural, are not currently collected by most kerbside recycling schemes. When a product is destined for reuse, this is less of an issue, but if you’re designing a product that will more quickly be disposed of, consider an alternative such as Cork that can decompose quickly in compost and return to nature.

Scalability is an issue

The Oquist solution is successful on a small scale, but for larger quantities or a less premium brand, the impact of permanent terracotta pots would outweigh the benefits. Look to infinitely recyclable Aluminium cans, Glass and Steel solutions, which can still have shelf presence but don’t require permanency.

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Oquist

WHAT WE SAY:

While a niche solution, Oquist’s use of permanent, terracotta-based packaging inspires a user to care for and prolong the life of the product.

KEY FACTS:

DIVE DEEPER:

95% of beauty packaging is thrown away after just one use. Oquist’s use of truly artisanal packs, designed by Anatolij Litvin, inspires a consumer to repurpose them in the home as anything from a vase to a coffee cup. As the brand itself says, this is the advent of ‘skinterior’ decorating.

Each pot is made by pouring liquid terracotta into a form. It’s then hand polished and a glaze is sprayed on the inside to ensure cosmetics can be stored safely. The formulas are blended locally and packs are filled onsite, allowing the brand to reduce shipping emissions.

The terracotta containers are sealed with two natural Rubber bungs on the base and the opening, as well as plastic-free twine. The twine can be composted at the end of its life, but the bungs must be separated from all other packaging and collected for separate recycling.

The brand’s transit packaging is easily recyclable kerbside, with products wrapped in recycled Paper and packed in unbleached kraft cardboard boxes.

Oquist’s mission is to reduce the number of products in a beauty regime, in turn reducing waste, and offers only four multifunctional items. Formulas are also waterless, reducing volume, weight and carbon emissions during transit.

Oquist products currently ship to Europe, US, Canada and Australia. Prices range from EUR 45 (USD 50) for the Amber Multi Balm to EUR 99 (USD 105) for the 6-in-1 Anti Ageing Serum, with the latter already a winner of the 2021 Nordic Beauty Award.

Oquist

Key Design Considerations:

Refill solutions must be prioritised

The small things count

Scalability is an issue

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