Since the emergence of the first commercial mobile phone in 1983, mobile phone adoption rates have grown exponentially. Around 14 billion people in the world now own mobile devices. The packaging considerations for mobile phones includes packaging engineering, the protection of the mobile phone from any damage in the distribution chain, and packaging design, the visual appearance and feel of the packaging for marketing and branding purposes. The whole should give the buyer a sensory experience that strengthens the brand.
The Brief
Design and develop a metal pack for a mobile phone and its accessories. A fictitious brand should be used. The pack should have a reuse function. Be creative and original, how would Q package a phone for James Bond? It wouldn’t just be a box! Research and exploit the excellent physical and decorative options metal has to offer. Judges will be looking for a clear understanding of metal packaging manufacturing principles. Pack design and functionality should be clearly presented on well laid out development boards and photos or illustrations of the model showcasing the final design should be submitted.
Points to consider
- The focus should be on the metal pack rather than the contents
- Decorative possibilities of metal ie. high quality graphics and print, print finishes, shaping, embossing and debossing
- Functionality of the pack with innovative and creative branding
- Shelf impact and consumer appeal
- Embrace the purchaser’s anticipation in opening the pack
- Suitability of the pack for after use
While a physical mock-up is not essential, the pack and its functionality should be clearly presented on supporting concept boards.The judges will be looking in particular for an understanding of what can be realistically achieved with metal packaging, and an appreciation of how retailers can present the product to consumers.
Materials to be used
The pack must be made predominantly of tinplate and/or aluminium. You do not need to specify the thickness of the metal. For the purposes of a model any appropriate materials may be used to represent metal. However, the judges will expect to see that metal packaging manufacturing principles have been considered in your design.
Click here for more inspiration
Submission Details
Online registration must include upload of the developments boards and photographic evidence of the final model
The development boards (uploaded as a single PDF document) need to include the following:
- A3 Research Board
- A3 Design Exploration Board
- Net of Recommended Design Solution
The photographic evidence should:
- Showcase the front, back and sides of the model
- Be shot against a white background, and in focus. These images will be used in the Starpack Competition Book and may be used for additional promotion.
- A maximum of 4 images to be uploaded
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
Judging Criteria
What the judges are looking for:
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Originality and aesthetic qualities of the design, with consideration to commercial viability.
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How the pack delivers the benefits to consumers and that the functionality has been considered as much as the branding.
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The quality of portfolio, which must include evidence of research and the development of the design.
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Designs which demonstrate awareness of environmental issues, through economic use of the material and recyclability.
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Please also check out our past winners to see the standard of work required for winning entries.
Prize
The winning design will receive a £600 cash prize, courtesy of the sponsors.
Prizes may be award to runner-up designs at the judges' discretion.
Trophies will be presented to Gold, Silver and Bronze entries.
Highly Commended entries will receive a certificate.
About The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association
The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association is the lead voice of the UK metal packaging industry with direct links into a European market employing 177,000 people across 760 companies producing over 98 billion containers each year. The Association supports and represents members’ interests on industry matters related to operational, regulatory and environmental issues and promotes the benefits of metal packaging and the sustainable attributes of steel and aluminium through education programmes, industry awards and relevant communication channels.
Contact Details
On request, MPMA will provide, in person, a lecture/session for students and tutors on designing and manufacturing in metal.
For guidance with the brief contact Debbie Clements
tel. +44 (0) 1273 585833
Useful Links
Visit www.mpma.org.uk for guidance and helpful videos.
For inspiration see: https://uk.pinterest.com/metalpackuk/
For how speciality packs are made see: www.mpma.org.uk/information/howcans-are-made/
For inspiration (including bottle samples) see: uk.pinterest.com/metalpackuk/
On request, MPMA will provide, in person, or online a lecture/session for students and tutors on designing and manufacturing in metal.