How to promote upcycled products through packaging?
What happens when design meets tradition—and sustainability meets sport? This is the story of a Finnish brand that turned used hockey sticks into something entirely unexpected. And how packaging played a key role in making that transformation just as meaningful outside the box as in.
What happens when design meets tradition—and sustainability meets sport? This is the story of a Finnish brand that turned used hockey sticks into something entirely unexpected. And how packaging played a key role in making that transformation just as meaningful outside the box as in.
The client's challenge
HokiKauha is a Finnish design brand born from a love of local culture and the principles of circularity. Their concept is simple and powerful: take used ice hockey sticks—an iconic element of Finnish life—and upcycle them into handcrafted sauna scoops, another national treasure. Each scoop is unique, bearing the marks of its former life and bringing them into a new, slower ritual.
The challenge was to design packaging that could carry this original concept forward. It had to protect the handcrafted object while showcasing its cultural and sustainable value. The design had to feel intentional and respectful - a clean, smart structure that honoured the product’s authenticity.
Practicality was also key. Scoops always vary in shape and size, so the packaging had to be adaptable, while remaining efficient to produce.
The Antalis solution
To bring HokiKauha’s vision to life, Antalis were involved in both the packaging design and production processes.
Together with the client, they developed a customised packaging solution that perfectly aligned with both the product’s story and the brand’s sustainability goals.
- Custom insert: A cardboard insert was designed to hold the scoop securely in place, regardless of slight variations in shape, offering stability without the need for glue or additional materials.
- Material choice: The packaging was made entirely from cardboard and corrugated board, ensuring a recyclable, plastic-free solution that supports the brand’s circular values.
- Clean, on-brand presentation: The black case added contrast and character, allowing the product and logo to stand out while reinforcing the brand’s minimalist aesthetic.
This close collaboration ensured a packaging solution that was not only protective and practical but also deeply connected to the product’s cultural and sustainable narrative.
“Our expectations were exceeded many times over. We needed an attractive packaging solution that could adapt to different scoop sizes and still reflect the uniqueness of our product. Antalis supervised the design and production with great professionalism, and the result is stunning packaging that brings real value to HokiKauha. This was truly a team effort—with a capital T!”.
Jassi Nyyssönen - HokiKauha
Advantages
Branding
A memorable product — paired with a distinctive black case and logo that leave a lasting impression.
Customer experience
The packaging ensures both protection and a more engaging unboxing experience.
Efficiency
One smart format fits various sauna scoop sizes, with a case made from cardboard and corrugated board for durability and sustainability.
Services provided
We share unboxing best practices for an optimised customer experience.
