Soulmaterials: What if we swiped right on packaging?

As part of EUROPEN’s “Packaging with Purpose” campaign, an idea came up during an internship this summer: what if we looked at packaging materials through the lens of dating apps? 

We spoke with Paul Lefebvre, Public Affairs Intern at EUROPEN, about the idea behind Soulmaterials, how the concept came to life, and the technology behind the project. He led every part of the project before returning to his studies in Packaging Engineering. 

Where did the idea for Soulmaterials come from? As part of EUROPEN’s “Packaging with purpose” campaign, the idea came up during my internship this summer to bring a fresh perspective to packaging materials. Observing the growing popularity of dating apps in our daily lives, the concept felt like a natural fit: merging soulmate and materials to create Soulmaterials. 

So, what exactly is Soulmaterials? The concept behind this web app is straightforward: each material features its own profile, joining the dating game through its dedicated presentation. It is a great opportunity to highlight the diversity of the entire value chain represented by EUROPEN. 

What was your role in bringing the project to life? On the creative side, I designed the user interface and built 3D models for all the sets and packaging to generate custom computer-generated imagery (CGI). This approach ensures complete artistic consistency, a polished finish, and full control over copyright issues. To bring the project to life technically, I leveraged emerging technologies such as AI to generate the code, supervising the development process throughout. 

What did you want people to take away from the experience? The outcome is an engaging experience that approaches our industry from a fresh perspective. 

And finally, how can people find their perfect match? I leave it to you to find out which material you match best with! 

Find your soul material here!