The packaging design project “Phong Lai Honey – Thuan Chau” by two FPT University students draws inspiration from modern beekeeping models and embodies the spirit of “green packaging for a greener Earth,” showcasing both practicality and environmental friendliness.
At the beginning of 2025, Nguyen My Kim (K18) and Ngo Chuc Quynh (K19) — two students majoring in Digital Art Design at FPT University — collaborated on the “Phong Lai Honey – Thuan Chau” packaging design project to participate in the Vietnam Packaging Awards 2025.
From the moment the competition officially launched in November 2024, the two students received dedicated guidance and mentorship from Ms. Truong Thi Quyen, lecturer in Digital Art Design at FPT University. Kim shared: “From the moment we selected the brand for the design, we had to complete the concept in under a month. Wanting to stand out from other honey products, we kept evolving our ideas and went through multiple design trials before arriving at the final result.”
Initially, the team chose a hexagonal packaging design — a familiar shape often seen in honey products. However, during development, they realized this form was not optimal in terms of aesthetics and functionality. They then decided to pivot, redesigning the packaging in the shape of a house, inspired by the wooden beekeeping houses commonly used in the West, where bees can naturally build hives and produce honey, making harvesting easier without complicated manual steps.
In addition, after researching the Phong Lai honey production process through videos and online materials, the team found that the harvesting methods and tools were generally similar to other producers. Therefore, instead of following the conventional orange-and-black color scheme typically associated with honey products, they aimed to create a fresh, distinctive, and eye-catching look using white and green accents — preserving the product’s identity while offering consumers a visually refreshing experience.
Phong Lai – Thuan Chau Honey” packaging design by My Kim and Chuc Quynh
Kim shared that what the team was most proud of was the thoughtful consideration of practicality in every design detail. Specifically, the “window” feature not only completes the image of the box as a house but also allows users to clearly see the product inside without opening it, offering both convenience and enhanced aesthetics.
Notably, the box’s roof was designed as an artificial stand with a precisely cut hole for the bottle neck to protrude. This allows users to keep the product in its packaging without needing to store it separately, improving preservation while saving space when displayed alongside other products.
Beyond aesthetics and usability, the team also focused on the packaging’s adaptability to meet various user needs. The packaging was designed so the roof and body can be separated using a round Velcro strip. As a result, if customers only want to carry one or two bottles from the box, they can easily detach and bring them along without needing to transport the entire product.
Kim and Quynh’s creative spirit was also framed within the context of sustainable development — a key criterion of the Vietnam Packaging Awards 2025. Their design uses fully biodegradable paper materials that are eco-friendly. Additionally, its flexible structure allows for reuse, helping extend the product’s lifecycle and reduce unnecessary waste.
To create a product that was both “green” and creative, the two Digital Art Design students went through a long journey of hard work. “Before joining the competition, both Quynh and I didn’t have much experience using design software. Personally, I always struggled with printing, measuring proportions, and choosing colors, especially when it was the first time I had to print a real product for a competition,” Kim candidly shared.
However, the two received dedicated guidance from their university lecturers, especially Ms. Quyen, who stood by their side throughout the entire design process — from brainstorming ideas to completing the final product.
For Kim, the “Phong Lai – Thuan Chau Honey” packaging project not only helped her gain valuable hands-on experience but also served as a springboard for her upcoming graduation project, embodying the “learn by doing” spirit at FPT University.
“We’re hoping we’ll be lucky enough to make it to the top of this competition. But more importantly, we’re both proud to have stepped out of our comfort zones, challenged ourselves, and persevered despite countless difficulties. If we are fortunate enough to win, we would like to dedicate that victory, along with our deep gratitude, to the teachers and the university who have always supported and accompanied us on this journey,” Kim emphasized.
Bich Hien