Pendulum Supplement Kit

2024 | Pendulum Therapeutics

Role

Structural designer (Zenpack)

Graphic design by Zenpack

Development

13 months

Recognition

Core 77 Design Award | 2024

iF Design Award | 2023

Pendulum is a science-driven health company focused on developing next-generation probiotics rooted in microbiome research. Based in San Francisco, the company translates clinical science into consumer and medical-grade products that support gut and metabolic health, including targeted formulations featuring hard-to-cultivate bacterial strains.

The Problem

Pendulum’s existing packaging relied on traditional plastic pill bottles, which conflicted with the brand’s focus on sustainability and scientific innovation. The design felt generic and lacked the premium presence needed to reflect Pendulum’s precision-driven, health-focused philosophy. As a subscription-based brand, Pendulum also required a solution that supported recurring use while reducing waste. Their brief to Zenpack was clear: create a packaging system that elevates shelf presence, enhances the unboxing experience, and authentically represents Pendulum’s values of science, sustainability, and wellness.

The Outcome

The redesigned packaging reimagined how Pendulum presents its products. At the core of the system is a reusable, petri-dish-inspired container that balances functionality with refined elegance. Designed as a permanent fixture in the home, the slim and durable container elevates the unboxing experience while doubling as a travel-friendly accessory.

To support reuse, Zenpack introduced compostable refill packs made from sustainable materials, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastic bottles. A cohesive visual identity—defined by a curated color palette and minimalist graphics—reinforces Pendulum’s premium, science-led brand. The system is completed with eco-friendly shippers, ensuring sustainability is considered across the entire packaging lifecycle.

Challenges

Redesigning Pendulum’s packaging system presented several key challenges. The solution needed to balance sustainability with durability—creating a long-lasting, reusable container while incorporating compostable materials for the refill system. The packaging also had to communicate Pendulum’s scientific heritage and premium positioning through a visual language that felt both sophisticated and approachable.

Achieving consistent Pantone color matching across diverse materials—including ABS plastic, kraft paper, and recycled corrugated board—required close collaboration with manufacturing partners and precise control throughout the production process.

Solution

I approached the redesign with equal emphasis on form and function. After exploring multiple form factors, I selected a petri-dish-inspired reusable container that references Pendulum’s scientific roots while conveying delicacy and precision. The form was elevated with a soft-touch coating, creating a tactile experience more reminiscent of a premium accessory than traditional supplement packaging.

The refill packs were developed using industrially compostable materials with a kraft paper outer layer. A restrained, neutral print palette complemented the container’s modern aesthetic while reinforcing a sense of natural simplicity. To streamline the product line, I introduced a systematic graphic framework built around a curated range of grey, blue, and purple tones—allowing each product to feel distinct while maintaining cohesion when displayed as a set.

Every element of the system was thoughtfully engineered, from easy-tear refill openings to organized stacking inserts within the shippers. Constructed from 100% recycled corrugated board, the shipper system balanced durability with sustainability while delivering a seamless, considered unboxing experience aligned with Pendulum’s values.

Result

The redesigned packaging elevated Pendulum’s brand and customer experience. The reusable container—engineered to last over two years—became a meaningful fixture in customers’ daily routines, offering a travel-friendly and visually refined solution. Compostable refill packs significantly reduced plastic waste, directly supporting Pendulum’s sustainability goals and resonating with eco-conscious consumers.

A refined graphic system established a cohesive, premium visual identity across the product line, while meticulous production execution ensured consistent color accuracy across materials and finishes. Customers responded positively to the thoughtful design, citing the tactile quality and seamless functionality as key contributors to a memorable experience.