3D-printed package styles proliferate at Anita’s Balm

The caribiner pot, Anita Redd explains, was inspired by Jason, a climbing enthusiast, and is designed to provide a functional and utilitarian way for rock climbers to carry the product. “Also, we hope this is a good way to reach the athletic and teenage markets,” she adds.

For the 0.25- and 1-oz lip balm pots, the design is based on an Asian teapot, with finger holds on the bottom for a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The pot as well as the caribiner uses a four-color label on the lid with a stained glass pattern, in contrast to the first 3D-printed jar, which uses a black-and-white label. Says Anita Redd, “We noticed the competition was utilizing bright and graphic colors in their packaging, and we like the creativity of using the stained glass drawing technique. Photography is integrated into our label as well.”

To keep their two 3D printers purring along, the Redds now offer these package styles as empty containers to other companies. Anita Redd says the jars offer brand owners a more sustainable packaging solution that is decorative and functional as well. She adds that she is not concerned that by offering these containers to other brands, Anita’s Balm will lose its competitive advantage: “If the market is saturated with our current design,” she says, “we can design other containers.”