Packaging is designed to meet a wide range of requirements, including safety, usability, and environmental performance. But for many users, it represents challenges. Aside from the 25 million UK residents that have injured themselves opening packaging in recent years, many people suffer with medical conditions – such as stroke, arthritis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis – that affect dexterity.
This makes some packaging, especially formats designed for safety ((e.g. child-resistant packaging), difficult or impossible for some to open. Similarly, the RNIB reports that 9/10 blind and partially-sighted people find it difficult to access crucial information on packaging.
The Brief
We would like to see designs for packaging that is easy to navigate for those with physical or visual disability. It will also succeed in protecting the product inside, feature an attractive design, and demonstrate that it is reusable, or meets the criteria for recyclability under the UK’s Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).
Product weight, rotation and linear force can all be challenging for people with dexterity issues. According to Arthritis UK, people with arthritis struggle most with:
- Opening bottles, tins and jars
- Squeezing plastic packaging, such as shampoo or condiments
- Removing medicines from foil packaging
For blind and visually-impaired consumers, QR codes are providing a solution.
Students may wish to consider:
- Designing for a wide range of user needs (inclusive design principles)
- Real-world challenges such as:
- Difficult-to-open secure packaging (e.g. small components or safety-critical items)
- Everyday items that require flexibility or adaptability in use (e.g. straws, closures)
- Trade-offs between safety, accessibility, and material use
- Labelling, instructions, and tactile or visual cues
- Compatibility with UK recycling systems and guidance (e.g. RAM)
Entry Guidelines
Entries must include uploads of the developments boards
- No model required.
- VIsualise the texture/inclusion on how you believe it should look/feel.
The 4 A3 development boards uploaded as a single PDF document should include the following:
- Research board.
- Design exploration board.
- Net of recommended design solution.
The photographic evidence should be uploaded as a single PDF document and should:
- Showcase the front, back and sides of the model.
- Be shot against a white background and in focus. These images will be used in the Starpack Students Competition book and potentially for additional promotion.
- A maximum of 4 images should be uploaded.
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
Each entry must also include the following:
Explanation of how the packaging improves accessibility.
Rational for safety and environmental performance.
Evidence that the packaging will be classed as recyclable under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
- The project names submitted at the time of entry will be printed as typed, if there are any errors and certificates/trophies need replacing, then the entrant will be liable for these costs.
- If you are not able to attend the ceremony in person or the ceremony becomes virtual, certificates and trophies will be sent by post to the entrants to the mailing address listed in the entry in July 2027.
- Please make sure you have access to the mailing address past term times. If you are unsure, please enter your home address.
- IOM3 is unable to issue replacements for certificates/trophies sent to wrong addresses.
- The entry fee is £20 per entry.
- You will be invoiced for the entry payment once you have submitted your entry. If you have indicated that your college/university is paying for your entry, please ignore the invoice directed at you as another invoice will be sent directly to your college/university.
- The invoice will be received by Thursday 1 April 2027 at the very latest and the deadline for payment is Tuesday 4 May 2027. If your invoice is not paid, your entry may not be shortlisted for judging.
About the Entry
Judging criteria
- Be accessible to users with reduced strength, dexterity or mobility.
- And/or demonstrate accessibility for visual impairement.
- Demonstrate compliance with good environmental practice (e.g. recyclability, minimal material use or re-use).
- Be intuitive and easy to open, use and rereal where appropriate.
- Maintain the necessary safety features where relevant (e.g. preventing accidental access by children).
Judges
Packaging Consultant
Lorraine Wilson
David Daw
Head of Voluntary Compliance, Valpak Limited
James Beard
Valpak Limited
Ellie Mitchell
Prize
Winner: £500.00 cash prize
Runner-up: £100.00 cash prize
IOM3 presents trophies to Gold, Silver and Bronze.
About Valpak
Valpak is a leading provider of environmental compliance, sustainability and data solutions, helping businesses navigate complex environmental regulations and improve their environmental performance. As part of Reconomy, Valpak supports organisations across a wide range of services, including Packaging EPR, WEEE, batteries, international compliance, carbon footprinting, life cycle assessments (LCAs), ESG consultancy and packaging optimisation.
With more than 25 years of experience, Valpak combines regulatory expertise with one of the UK's largest packaging and product databases, enabling businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions. The organisation supports brands, retailers, manufacturers and public sector organisations through compliance reporting, consultancy, data management and sustainability programmes.
Valpak's mission is to simplify environmental compliance and help organisations turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for improvement. Through expert guidance, innovative data solutions and practical sustainability support, Valpak helps businesses reduce environmental impact, meet legislative obligations and contribute to a more circular economy.