Packaging designed with, rather than simply for, people living with disability has taken top honours in the 2026 Accessible & Inclusive Packaging Design category, with ByStorm Beauty recognised for its adaptive makeup tools and accessible mailer box.
Founded by Storm Menzies after her own experience navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy and, later, a broken dominant hand, ByStorm Beauty set out to redesign beauty products and packaging for people whose hands move differently. Rather than adapting conventional products, the company developed its solutions through co-design with members of the disability community, using user feedback to refine comfort, function and usability.
The first products, Betty and Margie, are adaptive grips that fit a wide range of cylindrical beauty products. Betty features a rounded grip for users able to curl their fingers, while Margie's flatter paddle design provides greater stability for users who find pinch or finger-control movements difficult. A product compatibility checker helps customers identify suitable products before purchase.
Accessibility extends beyond the product itself. The accompanying mailer box includes an easy-tear opening strip that reduces opening force, together with an under-hand ribbon lifting feature that removes the need for pinch grip. Inside, braille identifies the location of a QR code linking customers to audio, visual and Easy Read instructions, enabling people to access product information in the format that best suits their needs.
Caps & Closures received silver for its Honey Squeeze Pack.
The Accessible & Inclusive Packaging Design category recognises packaging that improves usability, ease of opening and consumer satisfaction across a broad range of abilities.
