Milani celebrates its anniversary

Our highlights in product and industrial design that have made history

From groundbreaking product innovations smaller than the palm of your hand to meter-high industrial machines, Milani has set new standards with these products.

Dive into the past with us and discover how these products became trendsetters.

Highlight 1

How Milani turned Tetra Pak packaging into a Swiss cult object

Did you know that Milani is the creative force behind the iconic Tetra Pak milk cartons that became a Swiss cult object?

In the 1950s, Tetra Pak revolutionized the packaging industry with its innovative tetrahedron-shaped carton—a hygienic, space-saving solution for pasteurized milk. This groundbreaking invention paved the way for Tetra Pak's global success. However, its adoption in Switzerland lagged behind until the late 1960s, when a game-changing design opportunity arose.

In 1971, the Swiss dairy industry enlisted Francesco Milani to create a distinctive design that would bring modern carton packaging into Swiss households.

Francesco delivered a series of bold, colorful designs that made Tetra Pak packaging a real eye-catcher.

The impact was immediate. The colorful tetrahedrons not only boosted the product’s popularity but also became an enduring piece of nostalgia. For many Swiss, these cartons are a cherished reminder of childhood—a design that continues to spark fond memories.

Fun fact: The iconic tetrahedron packaging is making a comeback! Spotted recently in a café, it now holds Oatly oat milk, proving its timeless appeal and versatility—even in today’s vegan cappuccinos.

Tetra Pak's first beverage carton was shaped like a tetrahedron and became a trendsetter in Switzerland with its trendy graphics by Francesco Milani.

A classic in a new shape: Tetra Pak for Oatly's vegan oat drink

Francesco Milani and his team developed numerous packaging designs. Unforgettable: the packaging for Künzle medicinal herbs from 1985.

The packaging of the Pharmaton cosmetics line in Lugano-Bioggio is very fashionable in the trendy colors of the 70s.

Highlight 2

Rethinking cookware - How Milani Helped Fissler Create a Bestseller

In 2005, Fissler, renowned for its premium cookware, approached Milani with a bold challenge: to design an innovative pot that would surpass their previous successes. But how do you reinvent a pot?

Milani found the answer through meticulous observation, a deep understanding of cooking habits, and an unwavering focus on user needs. Collaborating closely with Fissler, we developed two groundbreaking product lines—intensa® and solea®—that redefined functionality and aesthetics with thoughtful, user-centric details.

intensa® featured an innovative thermostat integrated into the lid that changes color when water boils, helping users save energy effortlessly.

solea® offered clever innovations like a glass lid, cool-touch ovenproof metal handles, and a smart pouring function for draining liquids with ease. Its conical shape allowed pots to be stacked for the first time, solving the common problem of limited kitchen storage.

The impact was immediate. The first intensa® series sold out before its official debut at the Ambiente international trade fair in Frankfurt, becoming an instant bestseller. Both lines garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious iF Design Award and setting new industry benchmarks.

Fissler and Milani proved that even everyday products like pots hold untapped potential for innovation—when you truly understand your customers and design with purpose.

The lid of the intensa® stew pot has an integrated thermostat that changes color as soon as the water heats up.

Both lines have a new pouring function for easy draining of pasta water. The conical shape also allows pots of the same size to be stacked for the first time.

Highlight 3

A Bold New Start: How Kellenberger Turned a Crisis into Success

In 2014, Kellenberger, a leading Swiss manufacturer of high-precision machines, faced a pivotal moment. Declining sales of its flagship product forced the company to ask a critical question: what's next? Breaking with industry norms, Kellenberger embraced an unconventional solution - and decided that design would be the key to its future. In a sector where aesthetics had little importance, this was a daring move. Partnering with Milani, the company embarked on a journey that redefined its products and revitalized its brand identity.

The collaboration led to the creation of a new corporate industrial design for Kellenberger's next generation of cylindrical grinding machines. The mission was clear: translate cutting-edge technology into a fresh, modern design that would stand out in a crowded, function-driven industry.

The unveiling of the Kellenberger 1000 at the Hanover Trade Fair was the ultimate test—and it was a resounding success

Milani delivered a design that captured the essence of Swiss precision and innovation in a striking yet refined aesthetic. In an industry dominated by utilitarian machines, the Kellenberger 1000 was a bold statement, with its sleek, aggressive design turning heads. Thoughtful ergonomic improvements further enhanced user comfort, setting a new benchmark for functionality.

The results were immediate. Kellenberger not only exceeded sales targets in the first year but also established a cohesive design language that Milani extended across the company’s entire product portfolio—and even to the broader Hardinge group.

More than a decade later, the design remains as contemporary and relevant as ever. With a distinctive and timeless design identity, Kellenberger has strengthened its market position and proven that bold decisions lead to lasting success.

Milani developed the corporate industrial design for Kellenberger's next generation of high-precision machines and created a new brand architecture and naming for the product portfolio.

The Voumard 30 internal grinding machine has been on the market since 2024: it is many times more compact, but just as precise and stylish, and was also designed by Milani.

Highlight 4

Excellence in the kitchen - a groundbreaking product line for V-ZUG

V-ZUG, the leading Swiss manufacturer of kitchen appliances, set out with an ambitious vision: to create a new generation of ovens and steamers that would redefine design, functionality, and user-friendliness. Together with Milani, they brought this vision to life with the "Excellence Line"—a product range celebrated for its timeless design and unmatched user experience.

The Excellence Line seamlessly blends Swiss precision with emotional appeal. Subtle materials, refined colors, and sleek forms come together to create a purist design that integrates effortlessly into any kitchen. Mirrored glass fronts and perfectly synchronized hardware and software provide a harmonious, fully integrated user experience. Despite its wide array of features, the line remains remarkably easy to use, delighting both amateur cooks and seasoned chefs.

At its core lies the patented "Circle Slider"—an intuitive rotary encoder embedded in the touchscreen display. With its tactile, roughened surface, the Circle Slider sets a new benchmark in usability, offering effortless control and precision from the very first interaction. This innovative feature has not only wowed users but also earned accolades from international design juries.

The result? The Excellence Line has achieved international acclaim, expanding V-ZUG’s product portfolio and transforming the cooking experience.

But this is just one milestone in the enduring collaboration between V-ZUG and Milani. Together, we’ve developed numerous innovative products and service concepts, consistently pushing the boundaries of design and functionality.

The "Excellence Line" has won the iF Design Award, the Red Dot "Best of the Best" Award and the Design Center Baden-Württemberg Focus Open Award and has been nominated for the UX Design Award.

The "Circle Slider" was developed from simple prototypes to more complex versions and adapted to the needs of users through various tests.

In addition to the Excellence Line, Milani has also designed the 4000 Line, which includes ovens, dishwashers, hobs and steamers. They also offer the highest level of functionality and design and have won international awards.

Business designers Samuel Beer and Therese Naef in action! In numerous innovation projects, Milani has supported V-ZUG in the development of new product and service concepts for the household: from the idea to prototyping and testing.

Highlight 5

How Feller revolutionized the Swiss mounting system

For over seven decades, the Swiss electrical installation industry remained largely unchanged.The outdated mounting systems were cumbersome, inflexible, and ill-suited to modern building technology. Recognizing the urgent need for innovation, Feller, the market leader in electrical installations, set a bold goal: to revolutionize the system with a forward-thinking solution.

The result? Groundbreaking. With SNAPFIX® and the EDIZIO.liv design line, Feller and Milani redefined electrical installation both “in the wall” and “on the wall.”

SNAPFIX® has radically simplified electrical installation - from installation and planning to the ordering process. Featuring an innovative, patented adapter, this system simplifies the installation and removal of switches, outlets, and smart technologies. The complexity of 92 different mounting plates was reduced to just nine, cutting material waste and installation time by up to 50%

At the same time, Milani transformed an inconspicuous mounting system into a sleek, recognizable design object—setting Feller apart on every construction site.sophisticated design object that ensures recognition on every construction site.

But Feller and Milani did not stop there. With the EDIZIO.liv design line, they have set new standards "on the wall". Characterized by clean lines, subtle colors, and premium materials, this modular platform offers over 130 combinable elements. From switches and sockets to elegant glass and chrome steel finishes, EDIZIO.liv integrates seamlessly into any interior, catering to the needs of architects, designers, and discerning consumers.

With SNAPFIX® and EDIZIO.liv, Feller has set a new benchmark in Swiss electrical installation—combining visionary innovation, timeless design, and practical functionality. Together with Milani, they’ve proven that even long-established industries have room for true transformation.

Feller SNAPFIX® has won the internationally renowned iF Award 2024 and the Red Dot Award 2024. It has fundamentally simplified work processes in the Swiss electrical installation industry while supporting familiar working methods.

The striking red adapter is an eye-catcher on any construction site and ensures clear visual recognition of Feller. Red lettering on the mounting plate underlines the high-quality appearance, while pictograms support the electrician in professional installation.

Image above: Designer Fiona Sartori in conversation with an architect. Image below: The Feller logo is discreetly visible on the cover frame and as a carpet on the back of EDIZIO.liv, ensuring high brand recognition.

EDIZIO.liv can be extended with the EDIZIO.liv prestige design line, made of high quality real materials such as glass and chrome steel, and the EDIZIOdue elegance finishes, both also designed by Milani.