Uncover & Understand
Can Shed’s business is container redemption. It has been for nearly 30 years. Through Iowa’s Beverage Containers Control Law (Bottle Bill), Can Shed makes our communities cleaner and planet greener by keeping aluminum, plastic, and glass bottles out of ditches, landfills, and waterways.
As they prepared to launch a new app-based redemption option, BottleDrop Iowa, to make the process even easier, Can Shed came to our team for help with branding and marketing. We saw the new program as an opportunity for a total rebrand—transforming Can Shed’s identity through vibrant design, fun messaging, and the power of purpose-driven marketing.
The goal? Raise awareness of BottleDrop Iowa while fortifying Can Shed’s presence in the communities they serve.
Before
After
Ideate & Implement
A great brand needs a solid foundation. We started by developing several elements for overarching company branding:
- Logo
- Tagline
- Color Palette
- Design Icons
- Mission Statement
- Values
- Supporting Messaging
We rebuffed simple, derivative design for something brighter and bolder. The colors and shapes invoke liveliness and a sense of fun. The messaging follows suit, using an exuberant tone and short, catchy phrasing to make redemption relatable to anyone.
We then used this new direction to create items for both BottleDrop Iowa and Can Shed’s charitable initiative, Containers for a Cause. From drop-door sites and container bins to billboards and shirts, the brand came to life in ways people couldn’t help but notice.
Refine & Refresh
The work stands out, leading to a successful launch and surge of signups for BottleDrop Iowa, more community engagement opportunities, and higher brand profile for Can Shed.
As new needs arise and Can Shed continues to expand their efforts, we develop new materials that leverage the brand’s versatility, including interior and exterior signage.
The Refreshingly Meaningful Part
Container redemption takes center stage. A new brand not only helped Can Shed’s business; it spurred more people to redeem their containers—earning consumers money, supporting our community, and helping our planet. That’s redemption (and branding) done right!
