ZEDLAB is a sustainable design and engineering studio based in Hawke’s Bay, Aotearoa, creating smart packaging solutions that protect products, extend shelf life, and reduce waste. By combining natural materials with innovative design, we develop structural packaging that elevates product quality while caring for the planet.
the Team
ZAC TAYLOR
Zac’s journey into sustainable packaging began far from the design studio — on the workshop floor. Starting his career as a sheetmetal engineer, he honed his precision skills working with iconic New Zealand brands like Fisher & Paykel, Technopak, and Rayglass Boats. Every project sharpened his understanding of materials, manufacturing, and how things fit together down to the millimetre.
But the engineer in him was curious about more than just metal. Seeking a creative challenge, Zac moved into the world of signage and event activations, crafting installations that brought brands to life. It was here he realised that brands needed more than just eye-catching displays — they needed packaging that could tell a story, protect products, and respect the planet.
Combining his engineering expertise with his creative instincts, Zac set out to design structural packaging that was as functional as it was imaginative. Partnering with Evie, he went a step further, developing FreshTag — an all-natural additive for pulp packaging that absorbs and inhibits ethylene, the gas responsible for ripening fruit. This breakthrough has the potential to extend shelf life, reduce waste, and help growers and retailers alike.
Today, Zac is deeply immersed in the sustainable packaging industry. His work explores mycelium-based EPS alternatives, molded pulp innovations, and creative cardboard engineering — all with the same goal: to help brands move beyond standard packaging into solutions that are sustainable, distinctive, and built for the future.
EVIE TAN
With a Master’s degree in Food Science, Evie has always been fascinated by the chemistry of natural ingredients — how they behave, how they interact, and how they can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges. Her career began in the lab, developing formulations for food products and functional ingredients, but her curiosity quickly pushed her beyond the food industry.
When she joined forces with Zac at ZEDLAB, Evie brought a deep understanding of natural chemistry and material behaviour to the packaging world. She leads the Natural Formulation R&D arm of the business, where her work blends science and sustainability.
One of her key innovations is FreshTag — an all-natural additive that can be incorporated into pulp packaging to absorb and inhibit ethylene, the gas responsible for fruit ripening. This breakthrough extends shelf life, reduces waste, and offers growers and retailers a smarter, more sustainable option.
Today, Evie is driving ZEDLAB’s research into alternative packaging materials, from plant-based fibres like Harakeke to biodegradable coatings and mycelium composites. Her approach is both scientific and imaginative, turning complex research into tangible solutions that are good for business — and for the planet.