Sprint’s Packaging Takes a Walk on the Wild Side

Oct 21, 2013 11:15 AM ET

Prove Your Purpose

From Puma's "Clever Little Shopper" to HP's "HP Protect Messenger Bag," packaging innovation is in a constant state of improvement. And although it often takes the best and brightest scientists to solve tough sustainability packaging issues, sometimes nature already has the answer. This week, we explore the key takeaways from "Telecomm and the Armadillo: A Biomimicry Story," a session at SXSW Eco.

When Sprint wanted to create new, sustainable packaging that was lightweight yet durable, it looked to an unexpected place for inspiration: the zoo. The telecomm giant recently partnered with the San Diego Zoo's Center for Bioinspiration to take a cue from nature. Harnessing biomimicry – the study and imitation of nature's systems to solve complex problems – Sprint, the Bioinspiration team and design partner Deutch Design Works zeroed in on the three-banded armadillo.

To read more on Cone's Prove Your Purpose blog, please click here.