1 June 2019

Starpack Schools and Students Judging

This year’s Starpack Schools and Students awards judging took place on 15 May 2019 in London. More than 20 judges made up an independent panel of packaging and design experts came together to judge packs created by young designers and children for these awards.

Starpack Schools and Students Judging

This year’s Starpack Schools and Students awards judging took place on 15 May 2019 in London. More than 20 judges made up an independent panel of packaging and design experts came together to judge packs created by young designers and children for these awards.

Over 300 entries were received and were marked on innovation, design, sustainability, quality and market potential. Speaking about the trends as a judge this year, Daniel Hazelton at the University of Bath, UK and a previous Starpack student winner said, ‘You could really see this year the pupils and students have a new sense of focus on eco and sustainability. The stands out designs were those that took a basic approach to modelling to produce innovative outcomes. There is no substitute for good ideas and hard work.’ Hazelton was just one example of someone who had previously entered the awards and has gone onto to become one of the judges for the second year running.

Also present on judging day was Nicholas Johnson, from the Design School at Loughborough University, UK, who stated that it was for the Starpack Awards that led him to further study and now onto his PhD focused in design practice in industry for packaging. ‘It is nice to be involved from a different perspective and it is so encouraging to see so many young designers interested and innovating with packaging,’ said Johnson.

Each of the judges praised the incredible dedication and effort made by students highlighting that the standard continues to grow. David Wiggins, Chair of the Starpack Judging Panel, said ‘2019 has had some great entry numbers and the quality continues to grow year on year. For someone who has been involved for many years it is great to see so many young people engaging with packaging.’

The competition was established in 1964 and is aimed to challenge young people from a wide range of ages, schools and courses to submit solutions to problems set by brand-leading packaging companies, design agencies and manufacturers.

Dr Milica Stevic FIMMM, Lecturer in Cosmetic Science at London College of Fashion, UK and board member of the Packaging Society of IOM3 attended judging day and was already planning to enter her students into next year’s competition highlighting that ‘I think it is important for students to explain the stages and development behind the design and I would say to any future applicants to consider this.’

A massive thanks to all this year’s sponsors including Owlstone Medical Ltd, Graphic Packaging International, RPC, Logoplaste, Bakkavor, Smurfit Kappa, the University of Cambridge, NHS, Klöckner Pentaplast, MPMA, and The Packaging Society.

A ceremony will be held on 26 and 27 June in London to celebrate this year’s winners.

Contact information: 

Natalie Daniels

Communications Manager

[email protected] 

020 7341 7395