San Francisco, California, USA
Bret Recor, Kenneth Young, and Benjamin Gross of Box Clever collaborate with cookware manufacturer Caraway for its ceramic cookware collection that is free of PTFE, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials commonly found in consumer cookware.
Both designers and manufacturer took a holistic approach and have considered the full user journey, use – cleaning – storage, designing touchpoints to fit the hand effortlessly, details that improve the cooking experience developing integrated accessory solutions in the packaging that created delight for the cookware rack and hanging lid storage systems.
The project has been awarded a prestigious 2021 Good Design Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Traditional non-stick cookware is not only unhealthy but also has several safety hazards.
Caraway ceramic cookware upends the standard and moves towards a new era of cooking.
Human-centered design is at the heart of Caraway cookware.
In addition to the industry-leading nonstick ceramic coating, ergonomic considerations were integrated throughout the cookware system including handle pitch, balanced weight distribution, grip, and an integrated hand placement guide to prevent grip slip when holding the pan.
Solving storage issues via dual-use pan rack and flexible lid holder system that also provided structure and protection in the plastic-free packaging.
The overall design of the product is a reflection of the functionality within.
Box Clever wanted to create an elevated cookware experience that balances highly durable performance, carefully tuned proportions, clean modern lines, and thoughtful details for improved usability.
Traditionally, cookware manufacturers tend to weld the handle onto the body, Box Clever identified this as a potential risk in terms of durability.
Caraway wanted the handle and body attachments to be durable, aesthetically elegant and used robust fasteners to ensure the products would last.
Taking into consideration the impact that cookware lines have had on the environment, we knew it was crucial to consider the manufacturing, shipping, and packaging processes.
The product also aimed to reduce the cycle of plastic waste through effective packaging when delivering Caraway to the consumer.
Inside of the box, they chose recycled cardboard with zero plastic bags, low-impact print dyes, and 100% biodegradable cork trivets.
From this sustainable viewpoint, the manufacturer ensured there was no single-use plastic used, with cardboard being the only single-use material.
Project: Caraway Home – Cookware Without Chemicals
Designers: Bret Recor, Kenneth Young, and Benjamin Gross, Box Clever
Manufacturer: Caraway Home
