MARIN
A conceptual packaging project where sustainability meets Japanese-inspired visual storytelling. Form, material, and narrative combine to challenge conventional bathroom product design.
Concept
The brand is rooted in Japanese aesthetics and values such as simplicity, respect for nature, and intentional material use. The name MARIN originates from a personal experience during my exchange studies in Japan, where my name, Malin, is pronounced Marin—a word closely associated with the sea. This connection became the foundation for a brand focused on protecting marine environments from plastic pollution.
Inspirational Elements
omamori
charm
noren curtains
sashiko
stiching
hanko
stamp
aizome blue dye
shōji
screens
Visual Identity
The visual language draws inspiration from traditional Japanese elements including shōji screens, noren curtains, hanko stamps, sashiko stitching, omamori charm and aizome blue dye. These references informed a calm, grid-based system emphasizing balance, translucency, and clarity.
The logo is designed to function both vertically and horizontally, reflecting the flexibility of Japanese writing. It combines a red circle inspired by the Japanese flag, the brand name MARIN, and the kanji 真 (ma) and 凛 (rin).
Visual Element
A key element of MARIN’s visual identity is the red circle, inspired by the hanko stamp—a traditional seal used as a personal signature in many East Asian cultures. In this context, the stamp contains the kanji characters 真 (ma) and 凛 (rin), which together signify truthfullness.
Packaging Solution
MARIN 真凛 offers a plastic-free packaging system made entirely from paper. The soft translucency of the material conveys cleanliness and hygiene, making it suitable for bathroom products. The products themselves are made from materials such as bamboo and glass, reinforcing a minimalist and sustainable design approach.
Every design decision—from materials and structure to symbolic references—supports the brand’s mission to encourage more conscious consumption through thoughtful design.
Exhibition
For the graduation exhibition at Kulturhuset in Sundsvall, I designed a shōji-inspired installation to extend the brand into a spatial experience. Natural light, translucent materials, and a small zen garden were used to express calm, balance, and a strong connection between design, nature, and sustainability.
