Revolutionizing Packaging: The WorldStar Global Packaging Awards

In the realm of consumer-packaged goods, packaging design stands out as a dynamic and influential force. With technological advancements driving new trends and presenting fresh challenges, it’s important for the packaging industry to acknowledge the innovation and collaborative endeavors that have helped propel the industry forward. Among the myriad of awards recognizing excellence in the industry, the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards is a preeminent global honor, tracing its roots back to 1970. Organized by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), this competition not only celebrates the best of the best, but also serves as a compass guiding the packaging industry through emerging trends and challenges.

What It Means to Win a WorldStar Award

With 19 main categories and five special award categories, the WorldStar Awards encompass a broad spectrum of packaging innovations. From Alcoholic Beverages to E-Commerce, Sustainability, and beyond, this competition caters to the diverse needs of consumers and the creativity of the packaging community. Recognizing excellence on a global scale, the WorldStar Awards highlight the transformative power of packaging design.k

How WorldStar Winners Are Selected

Eligibility for the WorldStar Awards is reserved for packages that have won a national or regional packaging award within the last two years from a competition recognized by the World Packaging Association.  The judging panel, which is composed of industry leaders from over 60 countries, meticulously assesses entries based on criteria such as protection and preservation of the package’s contents, sales appeal, sustainability, creativity, and more. The 2024 edition of WorldStar attracted a remarkable 435 entries from 41 countries, of which 212 winners were named.

Fresh-Lock® Closures Wins 2024 WorldStar Packaging Award for Child-Resistant Innovation

In the household category of the 2024 WorldStar Awards, the Fresh-Lock team was recognized for our collaboration with Accredo Packaging Inc. and Radienz Living. Together, our innovative efforts focused on delivering a recycle-ready, flexible pouch with child-resistant reclosability for Kirkland Signature® Ultra Clean HE Laundry Detergent Pacs. Developed for Costco Wholesale Corporation, we worked as a team with Accredo and Radienz to create a more sustainable package that maintained the child-resistant benefits of the original rigid tub. The outcomes achieved through our successful collaboration process were plentiful, achieving an impressive 80 percent reduction in plastic usage and an 85 percent decrease in carbon footprint compared to the product’s original packaging. The Child-Guard® closure, made of polyethylene, maintained its child-resistant properties through 152 open-close cycles, showcasing our team’s ongoing dedication to safety and sustainability. This industry breakthrough opens doors for potential expansion into future applications in household cleaners and pharmaceutical products.

The Future of Packaging Design

As the WorldStar Awards celebrate the present achievements, it’s important that we continue to look ahead at the future of packaging design. Rapidly changing trends require a continuous consideration of how packaging fits into consumers’ day-to-day lives. For insights into aligning packaging strategies with consumer needs and enhancing their experience, connect with the Fresh-Lock team today. Our expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends position us as your dedicated partner in driving packaging innovation.