Deadline for nominations: 23:59 BST on Friday 12 April 2024
How can we push the limits of packaging to think about sustainably retailing sporting equipment commonly packaged in plastic? Sporting equipment comes in various shapes, sizes, and with varying requirements to display and engage with consumers.
Utilizing paper, think about ways to take out plastic with sporting equipment packaging that focuses on maintaining ‘trying out’ in stores, displays the products clearly, and makes the world a better place!
The Brief
To brainstorm around this brief, evaluate stores carrying various sports equipment observing retailing methods, ‘trying out’ features, and opening methods. Conceptualise and create packaging ideas using paper or paperboard that incorporate many of these observed features or better yet, improve upon them!
Final deliverable should be photos of the concept including overall solution image and pictures of the specific features. These images can be of physical mock-ups or computer generated.
Points to consider
- Should enhance consumers’ experience. Think about users still being able to interact with the product
- Cannot impact retailing space as this is also highly sought after
- Enhance the consumer or purchasers’ experience both in trying out the equipment but also in opening the packaging
- Think about non-traditional methods of closure or ways to minimise or avoid gluing the pack together
- Consider the brand and ways to include visual cues from the brands graphic language.
Materials to be used
Utilise paper or paperboard to create concepts, considering the structural limitations of this material but pushing the capabilities at the same time.
Additional Resources
Follow the link below for concept inspiration and assistance
Entry Guidelines
Submission details
Entries must include uploads of the developments boards and photographic evidence of the final model
The 4 A3 development boards uploaded as a single PDF document should include the following:
- Research board
- Design exploration board
- Net of recommended design solution.
The photographic evidence should be uploaded as a single PDF document and 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 potentially for additional promotion
- A maximum of 4 images should be uploaded
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
Development boards must not show the entrant’s name or University or College.
Dates & Conditions
- The project names submitted at the time of entry will be printed as typed, if there are any errors and certificates/trophies need replacing, then the entrant will be liable for these costs.
- If you are not able to attend the ceremony in person or the ceremony becomes virtual, certificates and trophies will be sent by post to the entrants to the mailing address listed in the entry in late June 2025.
- Please make sure you have access to the mailing address past term times. If you are unsure, please enter your home address.
- IOM3 is unable to issue replacements for certificates/trophies sent to wrong addresses.
About the Entry
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.
Brief D Judges
Senior Business Development Manager, WestRock
Tom Whatling
Senior Business Development Manager, WestRock
Tom Whatling
Tom Whatling is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning over two decades in the packaging industry. Currently serving as the Senior Business Development Manager for Packaging Machinery & Automation at WestRock Company, Tom brings over 15 years of invaluable experience to his role. Based in the United Kingdom, he is adept at driving business growth and fostering innovation in the realm of packaging machinery and automation. Prior to his current position, Tom held key leadership roles including Innovation Manager and Head of Sales UK/EMEA for Automated Packaging Systems. As Linkx Systems Limited Tom excelled in various capacities, starting from Field Service and Controls, Head of Service & After Sales and Technical Sales Manager, where he led teams and spearheaded projects with a focus on technical excellence and customer satisfaction.
Tom's journey in the industry began as a Technician Apprentice at Laurence, Scott & Electromotors Ltd, followed by roles at Bernard Matthews and thereafter, honing his skills in electro-mechanical engineering and technical service. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Tom Whatling continues to make significant contributions to the packaging machinery and automation sector, driving innovation and delivering exceptional results at WestRock Company.
Senior Designer
Kenneth Baumeister
Senior Designer
Kenneth Baumeister
Kenneth Baumeister, a seasoned Senior Structural Designer at WestRock Company, brings over 7 years of expertise in the field of packaging design. Based in the Netherlands, Kenneth is responsible for the structural design, optimizing material usage while making sure the packaging is visually appealing and strong enough to survive the supply chain and consumer handling.
In addition, he has experience with designing operationally efficient packaging for high-speed packaging machines for esteemed clients across Europe in the beer and soft drink industries.
Design Director, WestRock
Linh Kooc
Design Director, WestRock
Linh Kooc
Linh Kooc is an accomplished Design Director with a remarkable career spanning over 8 years at WestRock Company. Based in Bristol, England, Linh leads the System Food and Beverage Europe division, orchestrating innovative packaging solutions with finesse and precision.
Linh's journey into the world of design began at MeadWestvaco (MWV), where a tenure of over 4 years honed expertise in beverage and food packaging for the Canadian market. Linh crafted impactful designs that resonated with consumers and brands alike.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and innovation, Linh is known for leading high-priority initiatives, ensuring projects progress seamlessly from conception to commercialization. Armed with proficiency in CAD design, user experience analysis, and global collaboration, Linh continues to push the boundaries of design excellence, creating impactful packaging solutions and staying ahead of industry trends.
Prize
The winning design will receveive a £250 cash prize.
Trophies will be presented to Gold, Silver and Bronze entries.
Highly Commended entries will receive a certificate.
About WestRock
WestRock is a leader in sustainable, fibre-based packaging solutions. With about 58,000 team members and billions of packages in circulation, we have the responsibility and capability to make significant progress toward a more circular, sustainable economy. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, engineers and manufacturing experts, using leading science and technology to drive innovation in packaging.