Valpak, for a second year, worked in partnership with the Royal College of Art and sponsored two design awards for Post Graduate Art and Design students. Students were awarded for projects that aim to encourage the innovative design of eco-efficient products and services, and their communication to industry and the public.

With support from two influential industry bodies, INCPEN and Green Alliance, the students had the choice of working on one of the following projects:

Project 1: 'Spread the Word' - changing consumer behaviour in the field of communication
Inspiring consumer behavioural change by communicating a strong and cohesive message in the field of recycling or carbon reduction.

Adam Paterson and Santi Tonsukha were the lucky winners in the "Spread the Word" category with their "GrowYourOwn" initiative, a new seed packet design concept.

Project 2: 'Shrinking Footprints' - addressing the impact of insatiable demand through eco-design
Eco-efficient design and environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes can help reduce the impact of society's dependence on carbon and packaging. This award looked to encourage innovation in the field of product and service design that recognised and addressed the need to reduce unsustainable waste production and move the UK to a more efficient and low carbon economy.

Daniel Watson obtained first place in the "Shrinking Footprints" category with his "SafetyNet" fishing net idea, which aims to preserve fish stocks by using illuminated escape hoops for small fish.

These awards complemented the current work of recycle-more and aimed to engage with a disconcerted public to both promote and incentivise recycling initiatives.

For more information on these initiatives please contact info@valpak.co.uk or call Valpak on 08450 682 572.