7 Jun 2018
Loughborough students impress judges at the 2018 Starpack Awards
Students at Loughborough’s Design School impressed judges at this year’s Starpack Awards.
A total of 43 students entered into seven of the eight briefs available as part of the competition. All of the students’ entries were shortlisted, with 23 students being awarded a prize or highly commended.
Three students – Edward Hepworth, Chesca Atender and Megan Jackson – were announced as Gold Award winners of the competition with their ideas.
First year students Edward and Chesca were awarded for their ideas Portion Pots and GivTEA.
Portion Pots, designed by Edward, is a product suitable for the health-conscious, consisting of separate containers of fruit or vegetable portions that users can snack on.
The concept also promotes a sustainable lifestyle, as the pots can then be re-used as seedling kits to grow plants by using the pots and cardboard sleeve (which are also recyclable).
Chesca’s GivTEA is a luxurious tea brand designed with premium packaging to reflect the high-end product inside to attract the consumer.
Megan - who is currently on her placement year – also won gold for designing a freestanding display unit for a water bottle brand, that was able to be flat packed and recyclable after use, all while standing out from its competitors with a bold design that could be seen from all angles.
In addition to the Gold Awards, there were six silver winners, six bronze winners and eight highly commended awards given to Loughborough students.
Dr George Torrens, Module Leader for Industrial Design Studies 1, said: “This is great news for our students and a fitting reward for all of their hard work.
“We currently have a great support team of staff in Karl Hurn, Dr Rhoda Trimingham and our technical tutors. In addition PhD students Nikki Clark, Salman Asghar and Nick Johnson have provided a new dimension to the support we provide to our students.”
One of the winning students, Edward Hepworth, said: “Finalising my submission was challenging as it was the first design competition I had ever entered, but winning in my category has provided me with more confidence in my capabilities before I enter my second year of studies.”
Fellow Gold Award student, Megan Jackson, commented: “Having entered the Starpack competition in my first year and receiving a commendation, I am thrilled to have entered for a second time and come away with not only a Gold award but the Sponsors prize too!
“As I am on placement, I have been able to give the brief more time and dedication which has ultimately resulted in me doing so well. It is a great accolade to have and to showcase this in my portfolio.
“The competition has been great for keeping my key skills developing ready for my final year. As part of the Sponsors prize, I will receive two weeks work experience with Smurfit kappa which is truly an invaluable experience!”
Chesca Atender added: “I am extremely honoured to receive the gold award from the Starpack competition.
“I would like to thank the team at the Design School for their guidance, encouragement and inspiration that led me to create Givtea.”
The awards ceremony will take place on 25 June at The IOM (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining) Headquarters in London.