The international packaging design competition Better with Less - Design Challenge 2019-2020 challenged designers to develop more environmentally friendly solutions for some of the most commonly used consumer packaging.
The competition is hosted by Metsä Board, a leading European manufacturer of virgin fibre-based board and member of the Metsä Group. A total of 146 participants from 28 countries took part in the competition. Ten finalists have now been selected to compete for the competition or the main prizes:
Elisabeth Wittauer, Austria - Onlineworld epack
Jasper Chou, China - Preject FF
Magdalena Schmitz, Germany - Disposable razor packaging
Hamzeh Za'balawi, Germany - Reload
Alessandro Grossi, Italy - Twist pop and host
Pricila Rios Salas, Mexico - Cosmos
Silvana Ruiz, Mexico - Crayon house
Christine Gamboa, Philippines - Expandable eco street food package
Anna Nowak, Poland - Cradle box
Eric Smith, USA - Bruk
This year, sustainability and the dual function of the packaging played a particularly strong role in the designs submitted. There were several inspiring solutions reflecting how consumer trends are shifting from plastic to more sustainable packaging materials. In several designs, the packaging played a dual role by becoming part of the product when used. This further strengthens the cycle of the packaging.
The chairman of the competition and member of the jury, Ilkka Harju, Director of Packaging Services at Metsä Board, summed up the jury's feedback: "We were impressed by the quality of the designs and the very international group of participants. It was easy to see that people in different corners of the world have the same environmental concerns - the need to find alternatives to plastic is a reality".
The winners will be announced in March 2020. All ten finalists will be presented on the competition website, betterwithless.org, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites.
