Running packaging awards for 53 years, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining challenges entrants, often from graphic or product design backgrounds to produce packaging solutions for briefs set by leading brand companies, design agencies and manufacturers.

Previously run independently of each other the award ceremonies for the student, schools and industry competitions were this year for the first time held together under one roof on 12 July.

In the Industry Starpack competition, entrants produced solutions in 12 categories including structural design, luxury and giftware, transit and retail ready. The overall winner, taking the ‘Packaging Superstar’ accolade was Fuji Seal Europe for its Henkel Vernel fabric softener packaging.

The judges commented: "Excellent innovation progression and offers up countless opportunities in marketing. First to market with laser cut out; gives visibility of product and can be used for other applications to show fill levels."

In the schools competition pupils were asked to design for three different categories: reusable containers for carrying fruit and vegetables from a market; a single use container for Cravendale; and the Benson Group-sponsored constructional shape for the Green's Cakes kids' baking kit carton.

Among the winning designs were entries from Newham and Farnborough 6th Form colleges, Hymers College, Adams Grammar School, Bungay and Larbert High Shcools, City of Leicester, Queen Elizabeth, Hull, Sindon and East Surrey colleges, and Brentwood School.

Meanwhile competitors in the student awards designed packaging for eight categories including food on the move, festival pack and premium wine.

Winners came from across the world with gold, silver and bronze being awarded to students at universities in Finland, Spain and Lancashire, England respectively.

Lahti University of Finland was a resounding winner picking up five golds, four silver, two bronze and five sponsored awards.Tweet