Deadline for nominations: 23:59 BST on Friday 12 April 2024
Packaging is one of the largest global consumers of materials (Global packaging materials market size was estimated at just under USD 1.1 trillion dollars in 2022 (source: Global Market Insights)) and one which impacts upon everyone. Packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring that all products, from delicate fresh produce to large pieces of industrial equipment, reach their destination in pristine condition and can be traced throughout the supply chain on their journey from manufacturer to consumer. Fundamentally, materials selection for packaging relies on having a good understanding of the structure, and properties of materials, and their performance during their first life and beyond.
In recent years greater emphasis has been placed on sustainability and circularity; materials selection and design are key in ensuring that packaging is fit for purpose and environmentally responsible. This is being achieved through innovation in the use of existing materials and the development of radical new materials.
The Brief
The challenge for this brief is to research one of the following and identify how your chosen material could be applied to performing in a packaging application.
- Identify and explore how a traditional packaging material can be adapted to do its job better
- Identify and explore how an innovative new material can be used as a substitute to a traditional material.
Points to consider
In the course of research, you should consider the following:
- How the design of the packaging is influenced by the material choice
- Whether the material is suitable to allow the pack to be reused and, if so, how many times.
- How the material can be integrated into existing waste management infrastructure.
- How the pack will perform in the supply chain.
- Other benefits of the new package, such as improved barrier properties (perishable goods), improved protection (shock/drop), pack size reduction and material reduction should be noted
Entry Guidelines
Submission details
You should submit the findings of your investigation in the form of a report no longer than 3,000 words, supported by an impactful, succinct summary of your response to the brief. This can be a poster, PowerPoint presentation or summary document.
Entry Requirements
- 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 Friday 7 April 2023 at the very latest and the deadline for payment is Monday 8 May 2023. If your invoice is not paid, your entry will be revoked.
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The online regstration must be completed on or before the published closing date.
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Development boards must not show the entrant’s name or university/college
- We cannot amend entries once submitted. Names submitted at the time of entry will be printed as typed, if there are any errors and certificates/trophies need replacing, then the school will be liable for these costings.
- If you are not able to attend the ceremony in person or the ceremony becomes virtual, certificates and trophies will be delivered directly to the university/college listed in registration. We will be unable to issue replacements for certificates/trophies sent to wrong addresses.
About the Entry
Brief F Judges
Prizes
The sponsor will present cash prizes to the winner (£500) and runner-up (£100)
Trophies will be presented to Gold, Silver and Bronze entries.
Highly Commended entries will receive a certificate.
About IOM3 Packaging Group
The IOM3 Packaging Group (formerly the Packaging Society) traces its roots back to the Institute of Packaging. This network provides people with knowledge, information and best practices on all aspects of packaging materials and technologies enabling considered choices, good design and more sustainable packaging. The group helps provide an understanding of the key role packaging materials have in reducing food waste and in working towards a net-zero society.