The Australian Packaging Design Awards are open to brand owners, designers, printers and manufacturers, producers, SME's, foodies, retailers, transport and logistics. The whole packaging industry watches.
They are also open for entries now.
The awards are run by the Packaging Council of Australia and the aim is to applaud “companies that are imaginative, innovative and creative in producing packaging of a high standard.” They are how the PCA helps companies to launch new products, boost their company profile, promote both their business and brands on a national and international scale, plus attract new clients and the best talent.
There are six product categories:
- Food
- Beverage
- Household & Office
- Health & Beauty
- Industrial & Supply Chain
- Seasonal & Promotional
There are also four Outstanding Achievement Awards and one Special Award:
ACCESSIBILITY AWARD: Judges will be looking for packs that are functional (easy to open, use, close); legible (contents, directions, warnings); technical innovation and fit for purpose.
INNOVATION AWARD: The Judges will look for entries that display innovative – design and thinking; technology and/or material use; benefit to consumers; functional and/or convenient elements.
DESIGN AWARD: Judges will focus on brand awareness (strength and design); sensory elements (colour/shape/texture/typeface); communication to consumer; functional design; presence of shelf; point of sale impact and material suitability to product/consumer.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: Judges are looking for packaging designs that are:
1. Fit-for-purpose: meet market and consumer needs, while minimising net impact in a cost-effective way
2. Resource efficiency: minimise the use of materials and other resources without compromising product quality and safety.
3. Low-impact materials: minimise the environmental and social impact of materials and components. Materials should be selected on science and incorporate a whole-of-lifecycle approach
4. Resource recovery: maximise its potential for recovery and recycling and to minimise the environmental and social impacts of its disposal.
Judges will want to see communication on the pack educating the consumer on what to do with the packaging after use.
CONSUMER EXPERIENCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AWARD: will be given to an entry that provides a direct benefit to the consumer. Judges will be looking for a significant technology that enhances the consumer experience. This may include keep foods fresher for longer, interaction on the pack ie. QR codes; interactive feedback, integrated technology etc. (You will need to opt in on the registration form to be nominated for this Award.)
Everything you need to know to enter is on the new Awards website:
Note that there is an Early Bird Registration Rate, $165 per entry, until Thursday, 30 April.
From May 1, registration will cost $220 per entry and closes on Wednesday, 29 July.
Entries must have entered the marketplace between 1 January, 2014 and 29 July, 2015 and have at least one Australian component. Entries must be registered by July 29 and submitted by August 19.
