The Packaging Council of Australia (PCA) is proud to present the 2010 National Schools Packaging Design Challenge for Primary and Secondary school students.

What is this challenge about?

This Challenge encourages young people to research issues relating to packaging in our modern society and produce innovative and creative designs in response to current issues and problems.

Last year I was delighted that over 130 schools registered 4200 students to participate.

To live sustainably in the future, consumers, designers, manufacturers and businesses must address packaging issues broadly. Recycling and reusing, whilst useful tools, are not enough. Environmental impact can be reduced in many ways. Smarter design is a must, including: material reduction, shape and stacking efficiency, more appropriate material choice to avoid breakage during transportation, energy and water use reduction in manufacturing and transportation, just to name a few.

This Challenge encourages students to start exploring possible solutions beyond that which is currently suggested. Research and a broad understanding of packaging issues is a must before students even begin thinking about starting their designs.

For past entrants there have been some changes to the requirements from last year, please make sure you read everything carefully.

If I can be of assistance to you throughout the year, please feel free to contact me.

I do hope that teachers and students enjoy this experience, and it leads to positive learning outcomes for all.

Happy researching, designing and evaluating!