A better fast food

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Katherine Bukys ’12 made this package while she was a student. It won first place at an international packaging conference.

Katherine Bukys ’12 (packaging science) designed a happier meal.

Her apple-themed package, “Lettuce Eat: A better way to do fast food,” won top honors at the Paperboard Packaging Alliance Student Design Challenge during the annual Pack Expo and Conference in Chicago. She was recognized for her sustainable and easy-to-use packaging for a quick-serve chain kids’ meal.

This year, more than 200 students competed from 13 leading packaging and graphic design programs. They are required to not only develop the package design but detail the production process—use of sustainable materials and how the package would be produced, shipped and assembled—and produce a marketing plan.

Bukys’ design focused on these elements and has three components including an entrée and side tray held together by an outer sleeve. A beverage cup and side dish nestle in the package.

“It can be assembled quickly, it keeps everything in one place, even the drink, so that a parent doesn’t have to worry about juggling bags and taking the time to figure out which parts of the meal go to which child,” says Bukys, who now works for Astor Chocolate as a packaging engineer.