ATOMIC Student Project

ATOMIC is a sustainable personal care product developed by Lehigh University students, transforming everyday chapstick into an eco-friendly essential. Each chapstick is housed in a metal reusable tube that reflects the aesthetics of various periodic elements, enhancing both durability and style. The compostable refills, inspired by the four classical elements—air, water, fire, and earth—feature unique flavors and vibes. The design process involved intricate engravings and metallic colors, achieved through a collaboration with the Wilbur Powerhouse using advanced laser technology. The resulting product not only reduces waste but also elevates the experience of personal care, making sustainability both practical and visually captivating for consumers.

"ATOMIC is a sustainable twist on an everyday essential, designed to reduce waste and elevate eco-friendly personal care. Crafted in metal reusable tubes, each chapstick embodies the essence of a specific periodic element, bringing both durability and distinctive style. Our compostable refills draw inspiration from alchemical elements—air, water, fire, and earth—paired with flavors that capture each element’s unique vibe. When finished, simply compost the refill and swap it out for a new one. ATOMIC chapsticks offer an earth-conscious experience that’s both refreshing and restorative, redefining personal care for a greener planet." My goal was to create something that is not only practical and sustainable but also aesthetically captivating. Chapstick felt like the ideal item to make sustainable since it’s a daily staple in my life, aligning with my values. Drawing inspiration from the periodic table, I chose metals as the visual theme for the tubes, bringing each element’s unique colors and textures to life. For instance, I’ve always admired the intricate patterns of bismuth, so I incorporated its unique look into one of the designs. Each chapstick tube is crafted from wood, engraved with patterns reflecting the aesthetic and historical qualities of specific metals, enhancing their visual appeal. For the inserts, I added a touch of alchemy to emphasize the scientific yet whimsical roots of modern chemistry, choosing elements like air, water, fire, and earth to represent different flavors and vibes. These inserts are compostable, aligning with the product’s sustainability focus. The production process began with Illustrator designs created to wrap continuously around a wooden dowel. After testing the alignment on paper, I worked with the Wilbur Powerhouse to use a rotating laser engraver, achieving detailed engravings on the tubes. I then painted each with metallic colors to evoke the look of metal. To display each unique design, the packaging includes a cutout on the front, allowing a glimpse of the chapstick tube’s distinctive aesthetic.

From the original award submission.