2021 GUIDELINES
Please fill out a separate entry form for each package you wish to submit. Each entry must be sent digitally as a word document and emailed to kyra@paperbox.org.
Payment may be made payable to “Paperboard Packaging Council,” and mailed to: 1350 Main Street, Suite 1508
Springfield, MA 01103
Credit Card: email sandy@paperbox.org Entry Guidelines
Deadline to Enter: June 1, 2021
ENTRIES MUST BE PAID FOR BY JULY 30,2021 TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. NOTE: Entries are rated on how well they meet the criteria outlined on the entry form below. The more complete the write-up for each entry, the better the judges will understand your package’s development objectives and impact. Thoroughly answering the entry form questions is vital to receiving the best possible score! To be eligible to enter the competition, each entry must be submitted by a PPC member and converted in their facility. Unless it is a self-promotional piece, each entry must have been produced and sold by a PPC member for the first time between January 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021.
The packages must be designed to distribute, market, and protect a product and must consist of at least 50% paperboard that is visible to the end user. Laminated grades made with E-flute, F-flute, and other micro-flute corrugated qualify, as does molded fiber. In addition, each entry must not have been submitted into a previous NAPPC competition unless as a self-promotion or pre-commercialization.
Judges consider all designs the original work of the entrant—and all descriptions and explanations provided—as true, accurate, and complete. Since the judges do not rely on external verification to assess the originality of any design or the truth, accuracy, or
completeness of any entry, by submitting an entry into the competition, each company warrants that each entry represents the member's original design; that all information, descriptions, and explanations provided are true and accurate; and that none of the design, information,
descriptions, explanations, or any other material provided with the entry violates or infringes upon the intellectual property rights (including any patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secrets), of any other person or entity.
Photos to give the judges a better understanding of the package’s function or shelf presence are encouraged, as are those that show the previous design if the entry is a redesign.
Judges and PPC reserve the right to reclassify entries as necessary.
The identity of participating converters is intended to remain anonymous to the judges, so we request that you to cover your logo, including dielines, wherever possible and omit your company name in the write-up. However, we do encourage you to specify the brand of paperboard used, even if it was produced by your own company. Note that self-promotional
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2021 ENTRY FORM
Please submit this application as a filled form PDF.
A separate scanned PDF may be included to submit signature in addition to the required form.
NAME: TITLE: COMPANY: ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
PHONE: EMAIL:
PACKAGE NAME: CLIENT NAME:
Both of the following must apply to your entry. Please check the boxes:
This entry was manufactured in a converting facility that my company owns or controls. If this package is converted by a patent, my company is a qualified licensee or owner. All entries will be considered for the General Category. The judges should also consider this entry in the following categories (check all that apply):
Sustainability Digital Application Innovation
Product’s Retail Category- Select One:
Options: Beverage, Confections, Cosmetics, Foods, Hardware/Auto/Houseware, Media, Misc./Pet Supplies, Office Supplies, Pharmaceutical/Healthcare, Self-Promotional, Toys & Recreation
Structural Designer’s Name and Company:
Graphic Designer’s Name and Company:
In-House Graphic Designer’s Name and Email In-House Structural Designer’s Name and Email
What Type of paperboard was used, from what company, and why? (i.e. 24 pt. Candesce from Clearwater Paper because…):
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WRITE UP
Awards are given out for outstanding achievement in package design, development,
production, and consumer impact. The top rigid box receives the Rigid Box of the Year Award; the top folding carton receives the Folding Carton of the Year Award; and the best entry overall receives the Paperboard Package of the Year Award. In addition, entries are eligible to receive Gold, Excellence, and Boxmaker awards in the General, Sustainability, Innovation, and/or Digital Application categories.
Executive Summary
(No more than 200 words providing a high-level overview of the most important aspects of the entry. We suggest writing this last.)
What was the customer’s objective?
Explain how the entry’s structural design meets or exceeds the customer’s objectives:
Explain how the entry’s graphic design meets or exceeds the customer’s objectives.
Explain how this entry meets or exceeds expectations in distribution, fulfillment, and at retail.
Describe any other important or special attributes you would like the judges to consider.
Packaging Competition Entry Form
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SUSTAINABILITY
(Complete only if the following applies to this entry)
While every entry will be scored in the General Category, the judges will also consider some for the Sustainability Category. Awards in the Sustainability Category recognize extremely sustainable packaging, outstanding use of paperboard in replacing a non-paperboard substrate, and/or the fostering of materials reductions for better cubing. Entries may receive Excellence or Gold awards in the Sustainability Category, and the top entry will receive the 2021 Sustainability Award. To qualify for this award, the package must have been sold commercially; no self-promotional entries
considered.
When the entry is a redesign of a previous package, please send the old package if possible. If not, photos/drawings of the “before” and “after” package are highly encouraged. Also include metrics around savings in packing, palletization, cubing, or shipping if relevant.
Note: switching from virgin to recycled paperboard or simply printing on uncoated board in and of themselves do not merit consideration for Sustainability awards.
If paperboard replaced a less sustainable non-paperboard substrate, list the substrate(s) it replaced.
Explain how the package addresses environmental issues such as conservation of resources; social responsibility; renewable/recyclable materials; clean production processes; and environmental viability.
INNOVATION
(Complete only if the following applies to this entry)
While every entry will be scored in the General Category, the judges will also consider some for the Innovation Category. Awards in the Innovation Category recognize new and unique package or graphic design, converting techniques, or other concepts otherwise new to the industry. Entries may receive Excellence or Gold awards in the Innovation Category, and the top entry will receive the 2021 Innovation Award. To qualify for this award, the package must have been sold
commercially; no self-promotional entries considered.
Note: Creatively solving a customer’s problem using standard technology (gloss, matte, soft
touch, hologram, foil, cold foil, etc.) or standard structure does not generally qualify in the Innovation Category in and of itself.
Describe in detail the innovative aspects of the package’s graphic and/or structural design; the use of innovative materials such as substrates, inks, laminates, or coatings; and any technical improvements made during the design and/or converting process.
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DIGITAL APPLICATION
(Complete only if the following applies to this entry)
While every entry will be scored in the General Category, the judges will also consider some for the Digital Application Category. Awards in the Digital Application Category recognize excellent use of digital printing/converting technology. Entries may receive Excellence or Gold awards in the Digital Application Category, and the top entry will receive the 2021 Digital Award. To qualify for this award, the package must have been sold commercially; no self-promotional entries considered. Describe in detail how digital technology was used in the manufacturing of this package. Describe how this enhanced the end-user experience or increased product sales.
PAYMENT
$249/entry. Each entry may be eligible for all 4 categories—General, Sustainability, Innovation, Digital Application.
# of entries _______________ x $249 = (total) $ ____________________
YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT BE ENTERED INTO THE COMPETITION UNTIL PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED:
Please send me an invoice
Pay by credit card, email sandy@paperbox.org
Will mail a check/money order
Payment may be made payable to “Paperboard Packaging Council,” and mailed to: 1350 Main Street, Suite 1508
Springfield, MA 01103
PPC reserves the right to photograph all entries and to use photos and entry package submissions for promotion, publicity and exposition displays, both in connection with the Competition and otherwise as deemed appropriate by PPC.
By signing below, you agree to the terms and conditions above and listed at paperbox.org/cc. You further represent that all entries were converted in a plant owned or operated by your company; if this carton is patented, that your company either owns the patent/or is licensed to use it if
appropriate; and that you have the authority to grant PPC the promotional rights set forth above with respect to each entry and photos of each entry. Cartons will not be returned.
Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________
ENTRY MAILING CHECKLIST
Two flats of every size, obscured of all carton manufacturer identifications including names, bugs, and logos (self-promotional pieces may include identification information). This is important for two reasons: The judges like to try features, tear substrates, and otherwise bend and look at the flat—which makes it unusable. Occasionally, the provided assembled carton is inadvertently damaged and the spare will allow PPC’s staff to properly display your entry for the judges or at the awards ceremony
Two assembled cartons, one with product (unless perishable). Same reasons as above.
Product (highly recommended). This is especially important for packages with apertures where the product is visible or where the product supports the structure. In the case of bottles or cans, empties are acceptable. If unable to send product, include a photo of the carton with the product in place. To avoid damage when shipping liquid/beverage container please ensure proper
packaging. If need be, ship the product separately.
