Intelligent technology in smart packaging

Packaging design for start-ups

RHIEM Druck designs and produces the appealingly sporty packaging for the technology of smart sports T-shirts from ambiotex.

The black slipcase reveals the fresh green hollow chamber containing the ambiotex TechUnit. The high-tech device can be clipped onto smart T-shirts using a magnet, records the data from the sensors integrated in the shirt and sends it to the ambiotex app via Bluetooth.
RHIEM Druck designed the packaging for the innovative technology from the Tübingen-based start-up, which provides a new wearable for athletes: “ambiotex technology stores and analyzes vital data. It can determine the anaerobic threshold and stress level of athletes, who can then adjust their training accordingly and improve their performance,” explains Martin Lieberasch, who is responsible for marketing at ambiotex. “RHIEM Druck has designed an appealingly elegant packaging for our high-end device that reflects our high technical standards and is also sustainable.”

Customers like to touch the ambiotex box, they even prefer to store it in the cupboard to keep their sports equipment safe and attractive. The slipcase is printed in a black carbon design and also conveys the haptic feeling of innovative technology when unpacking. The box inside is in fresh green, the ambiotex brand color, and protects the TechUnit and the associated cable.

A practical and affordable cover

As a young company, ambiotex was looking for eye-catching, but also affordable packaging for its technology. RHIEM Druck developed a high-quality appearance for the Tübingen-based company, thanks to a clever choice of materials, efficient form and professional printing technology at a low price. “The design, material, printing and finishing of a carton must match the product,” says Ulrich Treiber, Managing Director of RHIEM Druck. “The bright white cardboard chosen is comparatively inexpensive and can be processed to a high standard. The carbon look with a subtle sheen has a technical, sporty appearance and corresponds with the fresh green of ambiotex.”

RHIEM also develops and produces colored sample packaging for the introduction of new products at trade fairs, for example. Customers also receive comprehensive advice on topics such as materials, printing and finishing. “RHIEM presented us with all the designs as dummies, so we were able to get an exact picture of how our TechUnit would be stowed and how the packaging would look to customers,” says Lieberasch about the collaboration. For ambiotex, the packaging specialist designed a multi-part box consisting of a slipcase and inlay in which customers can discover the device and its accessories on several levels. It can be used several times and conveys a positive packaging and brand experience.

ambiotex sells the sets for athletes, which consist of a T-shirt and TechUnit, mainly online. For storage and shipping, the box was designed and processed in such a way that it lies flat and saves space on the shelf, but can be erected with little effort thanks to pre-processing. “This means that the TechUnit from ambiotex can also be packaged cost-effectively by hand,” continues Treiber.