The XIV National Packaging Awards already have finalists

2023-05-26

In a globalized context marked by the transition to a circular economy, more and more innovative and sustainable formulas are needed to optimize production and distribution processes. This has been the central axis of the projects of the XIV edition of the National Packaging Awards, which already have finalists.A total of 636 registered students from 25 educational centers are the ones who have finally presented their projects at the Awards, the initiative awards of the Packaging Innovation Cluster that seek to establish a connection point between students and companies in the sector.

The universities that have obtained representatives in the final are the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the University of Zaragoza, Mondragon University and the University of Valladolid, the Escola D’art i Superior de Disseny de les Illes Balears, Elisava School of Design and Engineering of Barcelona, the Escola d’art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló, the School of Art and Superior Design of Alicante, and the University of Deusto.

These awards are supported by Grupo Hinojosa and the Itene Technology center, as well as with the collaboration of Ayming, Heura, Caixa Popular, Grupo La Plana, Emsur, Sacmi, Upalet, Siegwerk, Grabalfa and Limitronic, and with ESIC Business & Marketing School. They are also financed by the Ministry of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labor of the Generalitat Valenciana.

Surprising the consumer

Creativity and originality when proposing solutions in line with the circular economy are two of the key requirements in all the challenges of this edition. Achieving the “WOW effect” in the consumer, as Maverick Laboratories proposes, is possible. This company has proposed to the students the design of a new line of cosmetic packaging that is made with sustainable materials and that, when the product is finished, the consumer can reuse it for other uses.

The finalist projects of this challenge are Silver Tinting, from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Hopi, from Elisava and Hex, from the University of Valladolid.

Reuse, in the single-use culture, is a novelty for the consumer. For this reason, Logifruit has proposed to the students the design of a container for fruits and vegetables in bulk that can perform the current distribution circuit and at the same time be an exhibition box, being useful both for distribution and for exhibition on supermarket shelves.

The company has selected as finalists the projects “Modelo 312” from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Fruta va from the University of Valladolid and Modelo 240 from the University of Zaragoza.

On the other hand, Encaja has proposed the redesign of its Eco Box product, a reusable, mountable and removable packaging, so that it has a complete folding capacity, extending its useful life and accessibility. The finalists for this challenge are from the Escola d’art i Superior de Disseny de les Illes Balears, with Eco Box optimization Project and Eco Box Fits; and from the University of Zaragoza, with Eco Box.

Efficiency and minimalism

Many of the food products are composed of several containers, usually plastic and cardboard, to avoid possible damage in the distribution process. However, the participating companies of this edition are looking to go further and have proposed to the students their redesign based on an essential factor: minimalism.

ITC Packaging seeks to optimize the packaging of products such as hummus, dairy desserts or prepared dishes. To do this, he has proposed to the participants to provide the plastic container itself with both the functional and decorative characteristics of these elements. This time they aspire to the first prize “Hexabox“, from the EASD of Castellón, ”Magma“, from Mondragon University and ”Snack go”, from the EASD of Alicante.

Likewise, ”Better with less” is the challenge of Grupo Hinojosa, which has proposed to the contestants a redesign of food delivery with paper or cardboard packaging and using the minimum possible elements. The company has selected as finalists the projects “Resideño take away” of the Polytechnic University of Madrid; “Petite” and “With food no¿jugamos?”, by Mondragon University.

Coexistence of tradition and modernity

The Moderna technological systems often replace the old ones. However, both can also coexist, extracting the best from each other.

Aware of this factor, Cabka has proposed the design of a modular container system for last-mile deliveries with drones or autonomous systems. This design will combine current logistics (Pallets, Big Containers) with future logistics (delivery drones, geolocation) in a simple and bold way, responding to customers’ needs.

The finalists chosen for this challenge are the works “Fold.me ” from the University of Zaragoza, “Pharma box” from the EASD of Alicante and ”Cabcover” from the University of Deusto.

Finally, this edition stands out for the innovative and disruptive nature of its challenges. All the finalist works can be seen here. The winners of the National Packaging Awards will be announced on June 1st at a presentation ceremony that will take place in Valencia.