TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Alexander Kwapis​

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Meet Alexander Kwapis, a driving force behind the future of sustainable packaging. As the vice president of new package development, engineering, and creative for FusionPKG and the co-owner and co-founder of The Wild Dirt, Alex's story is an intentionally constructed blend of creativity, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Alex's path in visual arts began with a degree in graphic design, a field he explored for two years before diving into industrial design at Columbus College of Art and Design. He ultimately earned a BFA with a minor in writing. He furthered his education by earning certifications in disruptive strategy, design thinking and innovation, and entrepreneurial essentials from Harvard Business School Online. These credentials would equip him with a unique blend of creative and strategic thinking, making him a formidable force in the packaging industry.

 

Alex's enviable career commenced with project-specific roles for Mary Kay, where he made history as their first industrial designer. This role served as a steppingstone to the graphic design department of a glass company. Here, Alexander honed his skills in art direction, photoshoot management, and working on high-profile projects for brands like Martha Stewart, HDTV, and Pier 1.

 

In 2010, Alex moved to Dallas to join FusionPKG, which had operated primarily as a distributor since its founding in 2004. Under his visionary leadership, the company made significant strides, impacting the beauty industry through innovation, exceptional design, premium quality, and flawless execution.

 

Through locations in Dallas; NYC; El Segundo, CA; Paramus, NJ; and China, FusionPKG is now an indispensable partner to many leading global and rapidly growing indie brands. Further, Alex's dedication to sustainability led to the expansion of their product line by introducing over one hundred new, metal-free, recyclable packages in under three years.

 

Complementing his noteworthy success with FusionPKG in 2020, Alex co-founded The Wild Dirt, reflecting his dedication to protecting the environment. The Wild Dirt focuses on products with minimal carbon footprint and promotes the benefits of responsible outdoor activities. Alex's sustainability contributions and design prowess have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized as Leader of the Year in Packaging, holds over ten patents, and has been published in Beauty Packaging and GCI. His insights and expertise have also been featured in Fast Company magazine, where he serves on the executive board, participates in expert panels, and contributes to podcasts discussing sustainability.

 

We were thrilled to have an opportunity to speak with Alex to discuss his journey, insights on sustainable packaging, and what the future holds for the industry.

 

Alex, let's start with FusionPKG. Tell us what makes it unique.

 

At FusionPKG, we combine design, engineering, and sustainability expertise with consumer trend insights and impeccable project management. We understand the relationship between product and package, which allows us to innovate at every stage of development. Whether designing a custom package with unique functionality, integrating cutting-edge formulations with our packaging for impressive speed-to-market, or introducing an entirely new product, our goal is to create award-winning solutions that outshine and outperform the competition.

 

What sets us apart, though, is our focus on sustainability. We prioritize using PET, the most widely recyclable material in the world. We also use polypropylene and polyethylene because they are very recyclable and compatible with cosmetic products. This ensures that our packaging solutions meet our client's needs and contribute to a more eco-friendly future.

 

You are also a co-founder and co-owner of The Wild Dirt. Can you tell us about this?

 

Absolutely! We founded The Wild Dirt to leave the wild places we love better than we found them. We aim to inspire others to find their path outdoors by creating sustainable technical products for accessible adventures. We also support outdoor non-profits to protect these beloved wild places.

 

My passion for the outdoors comes from my experiences camping, kayaking, and exploring nature. As an Eagle Scout, I've always connected deeply to nature. Along with my partner, Dennis Fiore, we create products and share information that inspires people to get outside with gear that leaves a minimal carbon footprint. Designing and creating new products is something I love, so we assembled a team to develop sustainable products that are ethically made for everyday use with the spirit of adventure in mind. From drinkware to headwear, apparel, bags, and backpacks, we aim to equip people for the outdoors using reusable or recyclable materials. One of our proudest achievements is our plastic-free reusable lids for camp mugs. We developed a Flex Lid and Flex Grip Base, making the first camp mug completely plastic-free, all metal and silicone.

 

Can you explain your design philosophy and how it incorporates sustainability?

 

My design philosophy at FusionPKG is very modular. Instead of reinventing the wheel whenever we create something new, we focus on mix-and-match designs. This approach is more efficient and allows brands to adjust packages easily. Our innovation revolves around seamlessly integrating design, technology, and functionality, all while prioritizing the planet's well-being. I aim to craft designs that are not only visually appealing but also practical. Rigorous testing is also central to this approach, ensuring that our products meet the highest quality and performance standards while optimizing resource utilization. My ultimate goal is to create a perfect future where design, innovation, and sustainability coexist.

 

Lastly, Alex, what are some of your greatest triumphs?

 

Leading my team at FusionPKG as we created packages for some of the world's most famous brands has been incredibly rewarding. We've worked with MAC, Rodan and Fields, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Saie, Rare Beauty, and Tarte, to name a few. We are highly involved in bringing many of Drunk Elephant's skincare, body, and haircare packages to market. This significant project showcased our ability to innovate and deliver high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions. Each project had its challenges and triumphs, and I'm proud of our impact on the beauty industry.

 

 

Alexander Kwapis

Vice President of New Package Development, Engineering, and Creative: FusionPKG

Co-Owner and Co-Founder: The Wild Dirt
Website: https://www.wilddirt.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderkwapis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewilddirt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexander_andthe_outdoors