DuPont Packaging opens innovation awards

The DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation is the industry’s longest running, independently judged competition, but has been refreshed in its 26th year to reflect current trends in the packaging industry.

As such, the judges will consider excellence based on the following criteria in 2014: technological advancement, responsible packaging and enhanced user experience.

Technological advancement will cover the new and/or clever use of materials, new technology integration, creative configuration and/or assembly, and increased production and/or distribution efficiency.

Responsible packaging will assess the responsible use of materials, energy consumption, waste reduction and benefits to the greater good.

Enhanced user experience criteria cover the fulfillment of a user need and/or provision of an enhanced experience, enhanced product merchandizing, product accessibility and a preferential price/value equation.

Brand owners, retailers, packaging designers, converters and technology providers from around the world are encouraged to enter new packaging that has been commercialized since January 1, 2012. 

There is no fee for entry and DuPont materials do not need to be in the packaging structure. 

The deadline for entries is March 1, with the winners to be announced in May.

Yasmin Siddiqi, marketing director for DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers, DuPont Packaging Awards program leader, said: ‘The DuPont Packaging Awards honor packaging innovations that use science, inspiration and creativity to shift the paradigms and change the way we live. As we enter the next quarter century of celebrating packaging, we believe we need to evolve with the industry.

‘Our past awards categories have been upgraded to reflect future global challenges and the increasingly important role of the consumer in driving packaging innovation.’

Lead judge David Luttenberger said: ‘The global packaging industry is experiencing a transition from disruptive packaging innovation to solutions-based innovation.

‘The 2014 edition of the DuPont Packaging Awards will honor unique and beneficial packaging technologies, while at the same time embrace the future-forward ideas and innovations that are solving real needs for retailers, brand owners and especially consumers.’

Submit your entry here.