Beer Crate – 2017

Within a group of five industrial design students, we focused on environmental impact as well as an improved ergonomic handling of the crate for customers and deliverers. In an extensive field research we gathered information about preferred placement, arrangement and size of handles resulting in the big and grippy handles on the top, as well as the handles on the bottom, which allow for easy transport with stretched out arms and relaxed muscles. Along with a survey, we figured out existing crates’ problems and aimed to fulfill enhancements people proposed to us such as less weight, more compact size or locked-in bottles to prevent annoying rattling. To ensure minimum environmental impact and sustainability we decided to use „Arboform“ as main material and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) for soft-grip around the handles. With the deposit system in Germany and biodegradable materials, the crate cuts down environmental impact to the bare minimum.