FreshRealm Zero-Waste Meal System

Scalable reusable packaging system.

FreshRealm envisioned a system that goes beyond meal delivery, eliminating single use packaging, ensuring rapid freshness, and reducing food waste. RKS partnered to design a reusable, efficient cold box infrastructure with consumer and operator focused usability.

Nourishing meals with zero waste, from field to table.

“Upon our first meeting with RKS the stars were all aligned. We met and it was instant connection. They got what we were trying to do.”

— CEO of FreshRealm

FreshRealm packs with food in them

Our objective was clear: to develop the most efficient and sustainable method of delivering nourishing meals directly to individuals, regardless of where they cook and prepare their food. Our research efforts delved into understanding consumer preferences and behaviors, enabling us to tailor the solution to meet their needs. Through our expertise in industrial design, research, and engineering, we embarked on a journey to create a game changing solution.

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

User Personas
Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 Map
Benchmarking
Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria

How We Used Psycho-Aesthetics™ to Identify Unique Opportunities in the Project.

Using our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 framework, we conducted in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation in diverse lab settings. We identified key emotional and usability pain points — such as intimidation with complex interfaces, workspace clutter, and trust in precision. These insights guided both the form and interface strategy, ensuring approachability and confidence in operation.

PA Map of RKS Design's project with FreshRealm
A collage of sixteen business presentation slides featuring charts, diagrams, headshots, and text, covering topics such as competitive landscape, workflows, innovation, ecosystem targets, and strategic planning.

One of the key innovations we introduced was the development of a reusable cold box, unlike any other one way food delivery system in the market. This unique packaging system was designed to be returned, refreshed, and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for pounds of disposable insulating materials commonly found in other systems. By optimizing the transportation process, we enabled the efficient delivery of food from the fields to customers’ doorsteps in as little as two days. The result is an exceptional dining experience that offers fresher food while promoting sustainability.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

CAD and physical prototypes validating insulation and stacking
Foldable tray architecture for meal separation flexibility

Cleanability focused materials and form in line with food handling norms

Three black and white panels show: hand-drawn sketches of a geometric object, a person inserting a metal grate into a box-like device, and hands drawing similar geometric shapes on paper.
Two men assemble a device on the left; on the right, two images show hands opening drawers revealing organized apples and packaged food inside a storage unit. Black and white photo.
Fresh Realm product design

One of the key innovations we introduced was the development of a reusable cold box, unlike any other one way food delivery system in the market. This unique packaging system was designed to be returned, refreshed, and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for pounds of disposable insulating materials commonly found in other systems. By optimizing the transportation process, we enabled the efficient delivery of food from the fields to customers’ doorsteps in as little as two days. The result is an exceptional dining experience that offers fresher food while promoting sustainability.

Product Engineering & Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Functional cold box prototypes tested to 72‑hour temperature targets

Stackability designs fitting delivery vehicles and household door, verified by field trials
Material sourcing and tooling specs for scalable manufacturing
Showing full design of FreshRealm system

The impact of RKS Design’s contributions to Fresh Realm has been remarkable. In an era where the demand for fresh meals continues to surge, our innovative solutions have positioned Fresh Realm as a leader in the high growth fresh meals category. With category sales projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, FreshRealm is well positioned to capitalize on this immense market opportunity. Our Branded and Private Label Programs cater to consumer demand for simplified meals, offering a catalog of over 100 delicious, vitality packed options that require minimal effort and cater to households of all sizes.

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

Laid foundation for continued global investment: FreshRealm recently raised $15M to scale its platform across the food supply chain
Positioned FreshRealm as leader in food as a service, supporting partners like Marly Spoon, Blue Apron, Wonder, and Walmart expansion
Enabled consistent delivery times meals arrive within ~48 hours of assembly, using a just in time system

Held food at 40 degrees for 48 hours

FreshRealm system surrounded by food

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