Who will judge the entries?

An independent panel of packaging experts encompassing the different facets of the packaging industry. Judges are exempt from judging categories in which they have an entry.

Judges' profiles

How will the entries be judged?

The Starpack Awards are all about rewarding excellence. Entries are not judged against each other but considered on their individual merit. The judges mark against criteria taking into account where applicable:

• Innovation – What is it about your pack that really demonstrates innovative thinking – it is through use of materials. Structure, new manufacturing techniques/ novel features/
• Fit for purpose -3 P's / safety / legality / dispenses well / openability / Filling line performance / distribution/relevant to product. 
• Environmental - minimises use of materials / recyclability / re-usability / sustainability / minimises waste.
• Display/ Design - Functional and graphic design/ visual impact / shelf presence / image/directions for use.  What differentiates your pack from the rest?
• Technical Development: quality of production - production hurdles /problem solving

Environmental considerations

Environment: rewarding excellence in environmental effectiveness. Packaging design and systems that facilitate the best use of materials, containers and systems throughout a product’s journey will be awarded.

Technical developments, which either provide optimisation of material usage or new developments that demonstrate environmental and commercial advantages, will be rewarded. Entries should take each link in the packaging supply chain into consideration. Packs or systems should protect products from the rigours of production facilities through distribution, in-store, consumer use and final disposal.

Designs may include material optimisation, use of recycled content, enhanced recyclability, new and innovative materials; closed loop, reuse, refill and dispensing systems; and packaging that delivers optimal product usage.

Entrants should demonstrate holistic design solutions that lead to net reductions in packaging food waste while ensuring that the product is sufficiently protected. Consideration should be given to primary, secondary and tertiary packaging.