Benson Group serves as 2014 Schools Starpack Packaging Design Awards sponsor, awarding UK-based Farnborough College with Benson Schools Starpack prize; a number of students from competition have become packaging designers, says school official

Elyse Blye

LEICESTERSHIRE, England , July 11, 2014 (press release) – Benson Group sponsored the Schools Starpack Packaging Design Awards

Benson Group, one of the UK’s leading printed folding carton suppliers, was delighted to be involved again as a main sponsor of the Schools Starpack Packaging Design Awards for 2014.

The Benson Schools Starpack prize was awarded to Farnborough College at the event (presentation pictured above, with Benson Group’s Nikki Clark 2nd from right), which took place at the end of June at the IOM Head Office in Carlton Terrace, London.

Farnborough has been a regular in the competition for over 10 years. The College encourages all of its AS students to take part in the competition very year and the teaching staff help to develop the students ideas.

Commenting on behalf of Farnborough College, Bob Dunn said: “The Starpack competition has been instrumental in inspiring our graphics students to produce quality outcomes to the variety of briefs set by IOP. The students that have won awards have been inspired by the recognition of their work by industry specialists. This being the case, we are extremely grateful for companies such as Benson Group that have supported the Starpack competition and provided generous awards to the students. Consequently it is pleasing to report that a number our students have gone on to become packaging designers.”

The Schools Starpack Packaging Design Awards are designed to encourage students to take up a career in the exciting world of consumer packaging design. Aimed at Years 10, 11 and AS Level, the school awards, now in their thirteenth year, form part of the Packaging Society’s Annual Awards programme. This also includes the Starpack Industry Awards and the Student Starpack Packaging Design Awards for Colleges and Universities.

Once again, Bungay High School had some great entries, and won two of the three schools briefs against entries from 22 other schools, with all winners and runners-up attending the event. Mark Shayler of Green Ape provided the students in attendance with a very inspirational speech.

Gold Awards that were presented included:

Connor Wallace, Collingwood College, for the Movie Night with Friends Brief, the category sponsored by Benson Group
Judges’ comments: “Clearly a functioning product, simple and effective. Good supporting folio processes in evidence, focus in graphics final net not evidence.”

Beatrice Flatt, Bungay High School, for the Miniature Washing Liquid Container Brief
The comments from the judges’ included: “Wash Buddy – a great name! Nice use of the sucker to prevent movement, falling over during transit. Great ergonomics, met brief objectives all round! Different manufacturing approach, popular with families.” Whilst the sponsors’ of the award said: “Two of the three briefs achieved Gold and Bronze ratings. Both have interpreted the design briefs well and delivered well thought out, logical ideas that work well. Good clean models, nice mood boards with attractive portfolios. Well done Bungay High School.”

Chloe Webster, St Andrews School, also for the Miniature Washing Liquid Container Brief
The judges’ said: “Works in the market – camping, travel, home use practical ergonomics. Like the brush/sponge option – “make sure the the lid is on first”.” Sponsors’ added: “The design is simple but works so well. Good consideration of the design brief – works in vending equipment, works in the market from manufacture, filling and supply chain along with end user. Removable sponge attachment is a nice idea when camping/travel/ bbq’ing.”

Charles Baggott, Bungay High School, for the Car KidTidy Brief
“Clear evidence in folio and very good modelling. Super 3D outcome, very functional,” said the judges’, whilst the sponsors’ added: “A well presented portfolio giving clear and detailed information about each stage of the product development process. It showed the candidate had thought very carefully about every aspect of the brief and how the product could be taken to production. Well done!”

About Benson Group

Benson Group is one of the UK’s leading printed folding carton suppliers, producing packaging product for both the food retail and healthcare industries for a wide range of UK and European customers.

The business manufactures packaging product at four production sites covering in excess of 400,000 sq ft. Benson Group continues to grow and expects to achieve annual sales for the current financial year in excess of £120 million. Food and beverage processors are the main customers at Bardon and for the company’s two North East facilities in Newcastle and Gateshead. The fourth site in Crewe serves healthcare and consumer care markets.

Benson Group creates packaging for many well-known companies, brands and retailers. Key account clients across the Group include Two Sisters Food Group, Reckitt Benckiser, Greencore, and Samworth Brothers. The company is an approved supplier for all of the UK’s leading retail chains. Food and healthcare packaging is exported to customers in countries throughout Europe.

For further information on the Benson Group visit the www.bensongroup.co.uk web site.

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