Introduction
Over the past couple of years packaging has become a major consumer concern. With focus being drawn in the media to the environmental impact of single use plastics many major brands and retailers are signing up to initiatives such as the UK Plastics Pact, targeting the elimination of single use packaging items by 2025. In addition to this consumers are becoming more frustrated by the challenges presented by the use of single-use plastics, actively choosing to not to purchase brands where the packaging is not easily recyclable.
The Brief
The challenge for this brief is to identify any product which is currently packed and distributed using a single use plastic and to design an innovative packaging solution replacement using 100% corrugated material. The submission should include both the primary packaging used to contain the product and also any secondary/tertiary packaging which is required to collate/protect products through the supply chain. It is important to also pick out a single use plastic that you will be replacing with corrugated. Also, please pay attention and research the corrugated packaging manufacturing process to ensure that the product you design can be feasibly produced.
Points to consider
- Consider how the structure and graphic design elements used on the pack can enhance the consumers perception of the brand.
- Consider how the product is protected to prevent damage through the supply chain.
- Consider how the product will be displayed at point of sale/purchase.
- Consider the ease for the customer to open the pack and use the product.
- Consider the ease for the customer to dismantle and recycle the packaging.
Materials to be used
- Corrugated cardboard – of any thickness
- We can supply material samples on request
Submission Details
Online registration must include upload of the developments boards and photographic evidence of the final model
The development boards (uploaded as a single PDF document) need to include the following:
- A3 Research Board
- A3 Design Exploration Board
- Net of Recommended Design Solution
The photographic evidence 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 Competition Book and may be used for additional promotion.
- A maximum of 4 images to be uploaded
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
Judging Criteria
What the judges are looking for:
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Originality and aesthetic qualities of the design, with consideration to commercial viability
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How the pack delivers the benefits to consumers and that the functionality has been considered as much as the branding
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The quality of portfolio, which must include evidence of research and the development of the design
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Designs which demonstrate awareness of environmental issues, through economic use of the material and recyclability
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Please also check out our past winners to see the standard of work required for winning entries.
In addition:
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Individual briefs may have specific conditions required by the sponsors. Please check each brief description carefully for full details.
Brief E Judges
Simon Astrop
Prize
Winning prize
£500 to the student
Awards
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We award Gold, Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended certificates but only give physical trophies to Gold, Silver and Bronze winners. All students will receive a certificate of entry |
About VPK Packaging UK & Ireland
VPK produces recycled paper, corrugated cardboard packaging, solid board packaging, cores and tubes. The international packaging group operates according to a circular economic business model. Employing over 6200 people across 70 locations in 20 countries, the group recorded a turnover of €1.7 billion last year.
VPK UK & Ireland is an award-winning leader in packaging. As part of the VPK Packaging Group we can trace our roots back to 1907, delivering the sustainable corrugated packaging solutions customers demand.
In the UK and Ireland, we operate from seven strategically located facilities with sites in Desborough, Selby, Wellington, Limerick, and Banbury, Leeds and East Kilbride. At all our sites, we have had a strong investment strategy in the latest manufacturing and converting equipment.
Student Starpack VPK Contact
For guidance with the brief please contact Simon Astrop
mob: +44 (0)777 645 3498
