The future of packaging design is looking healthy

Elizabeth Parker, Solihull College University Centre was awarded gold for her solution to the Student Starpack Awards 2017 ‘Health in a Hurry’ brief, which was sponsored by leading folding carton manufacturer, Graphic Packaging International (GPI).

Entrants were required to create a solution, using cartonboard as the primary packaging material, to deliver fresh meals, snacks and drinks to health-conscious consumers’ homes and workplaces in 90 minutes or less. Parker wowed the judges with her ‘Bloom Box’ idea, securing the top prize.

Rakhee Karia, European marketing manager at GPI, said “This brief brought together three real-world challenges that packaging manufacturers must address in today’s market: convenience, shelf appeal and functionality. Combining these elements effectively is a difficult balance and we’re extremely impressed with Elizabeth’s solution.”

Parker’s entry was described as demonstrating ‘great research and branding exploration’ by the judges. The well-thought out design secured her £500 in prize money and the opportunity to immerse herself in the professional world of packaging design, as part of a week’s work experience, at the GPI Global Innovation Centre in Bardon, Leicestershire.

GPI also sponsored ‘Easy Pickings’ in the Schools Starpack Award 2017. The gold award went to Lisa Evans, Exmouth Community College for her seasonal fruit and vegetable pack. In addition, Christ’s Hospital school scooped £500 in prize money after being awarded highly-commended for a number of entries.

Karia added: “We’re delighted to be able to support students with promising futures in packaging design ahead of them and look forward to welcoming Elizabeth to GPI to give her a taste of what the industry can offer.”