2019 CPIF Blue Star Plan Opens Global Call for Sustainable Packaging Awards

Sustainable packaging has become a key part of social sustainable development. Yet progress remains slow due to objective factors such as processes, cost and systems. Even so, many companies are actively testing new approaches; their efforts are helping point the way forward for sustainable packaging.

To recognize companies and individuals with outstanding achievements in sustainable packaging, the 2019 China Packaging Innovation Forum (CPIF) has established the Blue Star Plan - Sustainable Development Packaging Competition, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development process.

The competition is initiated by Reed Exhibitions. Award support comes from the China Packaging Federation and the Packaging Promotion Association. It is set up by the CPIF organizing committee and jointly initiated by the three parties.

Packaging heads from well-known end-user companies including Danone, Yili, Mondelēz, Yihai Kerry, Abbott and L'Oréal serve as co-judges. The competition seeks outstanding sustainable packaging works and solutions worldwide, encourages environmental protection and innovation, helps companies advance sustainable packaging strategies, and promotes green transformation and upgrading across the industry chain.

Entrants may include material, packaging and equipment suppliers with innovative results, universities, end-user companies and individuals. Any submitted product or case that meets any one of the entry requirements can apply. Besides original works or cases, nominees may also put forward products or ideas they consider outstanding.

After applications are submitted, the organizer will follow principles of fairness, equity and openness. An expert advisory committee chaired by experts from the China Packaging Federation will score all entries one by one. After at least two rounds, the final results will be determined.

Active participants can receive a range of benefits. For non-packaging-supplier companies, once a submitted case passes the preliminary review, the nominator will receive one ticket to the 2019 CPIF worth RMB 5,800. If the entry reaches the final top 20, an additional VIP ticket will be granted.

For packaging supplier companies, once a submitted case passes the preliminary review, the nominator will receive one ticket to the 2019 CPIF worth RMB 7,800. If the entry reaches the final top 20, the VIP ticket discount can be upgraded to 50% off.

Cases that pass the preliminary review will be collected, organized and compiled into a book by the organizer, contributing to the revision of the China Sustainable Packaging Industry Blue Paper Book. The compilation will be distributed to more than 1,000 attendees at the 2019 CPIF and mailed after the event to packaging or marketing heads at key end-user companies.

The 20 finalist works/cases will have an on-site showcase at the 2019 CPIF, with independent booths and no restrictions on display format. They will be shared directly with more than 1,000 attendees and compete for the Best Popularity Award.

The competition has four major award categories, each with gold, silver and bronze awards. Nominators whose entries are successfully nominated and shortlisted will receive recognition from the organizing committee.

The Material Application Innovation Award focuses on new green and environmentally friendly packaging materials, integration of new technologies, improved business efficiency or cost savings, and material-driven innovation for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. For example, sustainable and recyclable water-based barrier coating technology has greatly improved traditional paper cup coating, cutting plastic use and enabling easier recycling and waste sorting.

The Recycling Solution Award focuses on environmentally friendly or recyclable packaging solutions and innovative recycling systems that reduce product and packaging waste. Coca-Cola China's first concept device compatible with beverage sales and packaging recycling appeared at the Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin, enabling terminal equipment to handle both beverage sales and packaging recovery.

The Green Packaging Design Award focuses on new or creative packaging structures that achieve reduced and lightweight packaging, new or creative graphic designs that promote sustainability, and enhancements to brand image, added value, product sales and corporate social responsibility. SF Express launched an innovative express packaging solution in 2018 that uses zippers instead of sealing tape, effectively reducing reliance on tape and traditional express boxes.

The Packaging Sustainable Development Case Award focuses on corporate future visions that incorporate sustainability and comprehensive efforts across production, circulation and sales to build a complete sustainable packaging strategy. One group treats this as part of its sustainability philosophy and plans to remove disposable small packaged toiletries from all guest rooms worldwide by 2021; as the measure rolls out, it will significantly reduce waste and negative environmental impact.

Organizers recommend six areas for submissions: lightweight innovation and design for packaging materials to reduce thickness and weight; use of green, environmentally friendly or degradable materials; optimized packaging structure or design to reduce or eliminate packaging; innovative packaging recycling or circular systems; improved traditional packaging processing at the production end; and other sustainable packaging solutions that reduce carbon footprint or carbon emissions.

Review process and deadlines: all entries/cases, including supporting materials, images, videos and samples, must be submitted by September 6, 2019. The preliminary results will be announced on September 16, 2019. The second-round results will be announced on September 23, 2019. On-site judging will take place on October 10, 2019. The awards ceremony will be held on October 11, 2019. These deadlines are provisional; if changes occur, the organizer will notify one week in advance.

From now until September 1, 2019, entry forms and all works/cases, including supporting materials, images, videos and samples, can be sent to martin.zhang@reedexpo.com.cn (Mr. Zhang) for details. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; perhaps this is one small step in the packaging industry's transition in the post-single-use-plastic era. A river is formed from small streams. By pooling the wisdom and strength of the whole industry, the effort can be of extraordinary significance to human sustainable development. This article is reposted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn), original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-352638.html.