The 2007 Starpack Awards ceremony on May 15 will celebrate our industry's ability to innovate, design and develop packaging “a cut above the rest”.
Such is the secrecy behind the competition that even I, an IOP employee, don't know who will win the coveted Gold Stars. However, I am sure whoever does will be able to hold their heads high and stand proud.
We should not forget that the Starpack Awards not only cover professionals in our industry but that the Student and School Starpacks allow tomorrow's rising stars to shine too. To be presented with their awards at Total on May 15 these young award -winners were briefed to design an innovative Carling lager can, create a corrugated gift confectionery pack and a pack for a miniature salad garden. Marks and Spencer and WRAP are encouraging students to think environmentally with their Environmentally Friendly Delicatessen Packaging brief.
We work in an increasingly competitive consumer market, with growing demand for packaging designers and technologists capable of designing and developing packs which are not only graphically attractive, but also properly protect and preserve, are convenient to use and can be produced cost-effectively with due environmental regard.
Schools and colleges recognise teaching students about the role packaging plays covers key parts of the curriculum. Unfortunately this is not followed through in practice and industry needs to take training much further.
Industry benefits from good training as it drives innovation and efficiency, increases motivation and equips teams to drive development. For individuals it broadens and deepens knowledge and skills and allows people to prove their worth to the business.
Starpack has a wonderful array of sponsors from all parts of our industry and although we are not inundated with educational establishments offering Packaging Design courses, it is important we continue fostering this enthusiasm and ensuring we train our people to the highest standard.
Innovative packaging will not just happen. Knowledge Transfer Networks linking research and academia to industry facilitate this flow but we need industry to support the people who do this.
So if you are a Starpack winner or just thinking about entering next time, please remember Gold Star packs don't just happen. Build a sound foundation and have the right people in place who can make your company that “cut above the rest”. More information: + (0)1476 514590; ian.morris@iom3.org
IOP packaging training manager Ian Morris Ian_Morris
