2024 Starpack Students Awards Ceremony
Join us at the awards ceremony where we will be presenting the shortlisted entries and announce the winners and listen to a panel of experts talking design and packaging for the whole of life.
As we strive towards a more circular economy, good design is integral to success. How do we design packaging for effective use and function, throughout the whole of its life from production and packing, consumer experience, recycling and reprocessing, to retain as much of the material resource as possible. The panel will discuss design choices from thinking about the choice of material, the design aspects for the functionality of the packaging and how important it is to also design for the end of 'first' life of the packaging so it can be recycled and reprocessed.
Timetable
| 17:00 | Arrival & Registration Tea & coffee |
| 17:30 | Designing for the whole of life Chaired by Jude Allan MIMMM MInstPkg(Dip), IOM3 Packaging Group Chair |
| 18:30 | Presentation of shortlisted entries & Announcement of winners |
| 20:00 | Networking & drinks reception |
| 21:00 | End |
Speakers (more tbc)
Design Director, WestRock
Linh Kooc
Design Director, WestRock
Linh Kooc
Linh Kooc is an accomplished Design Director with a remarkable career spanning over 8 years at WestRock Company. Based in Bristol, England, Linh leads the System Food and Beverage Europe division, orchestrating innovative packaging solutions with finesse and precision.
Linh's journey into the world of design began at MeadWestvaco (MWV), where a tenure of over 4 years honed expertise in beverage and food packaging for the Canadian market. Linh crafted impactful designs that resonated with consumers and brands alike.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and innovation, Linh is known for leading high-priority initiatives, ensuring projects progress seamlessly from conception to commercialization. Armed with proficiency in CAD design, user experience analysis, and global collaboration, Linh continues to push the boundaries of design excellence, creating impactful packaging solutions and staying ahead of industry trends.
Senior Business Development Manager, WestRock
Tom Whatling
Senior Business Development Manager, WestRock
Tom Whatling
Tom Whatling is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning over two decades in the packaging industry. Currently serving as the Senior Business Development Manager for Packaging Machinery & Automation at WestRock Company, Tom brings over 15 years of invaluable experience to his role. Based in the United Kingdom, he is adept at driving business growth and fostering innovation in the realm of packaging machinery and automation. Prior to his current position, Tom held key leadership roles including Innovation Manager and Head of Sales UK/EMEA for Automated Packaging Systems. As Linkx Systems Limited Tom excelled in various capacities, starting from Field Service and Controls, Head of Service & After Sales and Technical Sales Manager, where he led teams and spearheaded projects with a focus on technical excellence and customer satisfaction.
Tom's journey in the industry began as a Technician Apprentice at Laurence, Scott & Electromotors Ltd, followed by roles at Bernard Matthews and thereafter, honing his skills in electro-mechanical engineering and technical service. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Tom Whatling continues to make significant contributions to the packaging machinery and automation sector, driving innovation and delivering exceptional results at WestRock Company.
Project Manager, Logoplaste Innovation Lab UK
Darren Wingrove
Project Manager, Logoplaste Innovation Lab UK
Darren Wingrove
Darren has been working within the plastics industry for over 33 years and is currently working alongside Chris Clarke & John George for Logoplaste Innovation Lab UK – a world leading independent division of the Logoplaste Group, exclusively dedicated to the research and development of sustainable rigid plastic packaging.
After studying as a Toolmaking and Advanced Machine setter primarily around injection tool and machine design, Darren joined Logoplaste 21 years ago, he has industry experience working in Plastics injection, Blow moulding processing and Project Management and has led operations as a Production and Development Manager. Darren’s actively works as part of a 3 person Uk team supporting both Logoplaste customers and independents advising and developing packaging from its concept stage through to industrialization.
Darren has been involved in the Starpack Award sponsor over the last 4 years and has been the Starpack leader for the past 3 years.
Director of Research & Policy, INCPEN
Paldeep Bhatti
Director of Research & Policy, INCPEN
Paldeep Bhatti
Paldeep Bhatti is Director of Research & Policy for the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN). Paldeep joined INCPEN in May 2021 having over a decade of experience in local government, specifically within resource and waste management.
A continued focus for INCPEN is working with all four UK governments to design and implement a set of packaging reforms that are cost-efficient and delivery environmental benefits. This includes Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Systems and ‘consistency’ of the range of packaging materials collected from all 27 million UK households.
