March 2009

A robot and special computer are helping new zealand blind children learn to write for the first time. The system works by combining a touchscreen computer and a robotic arm. As a teacher draws on the screen, a pen on the arm writes the shapes. The children hold the pen in one hand, learning the motion involved in drawing the shapes, while their other hand rests on a tactile pad, bringing up the letter shapes for them to feel. As they write, a computerised voice speaks the letters.

The fluted can has the enhanced design benefits of debossing coupled with its ability to help keep products cooler for larger offers a clear advantage in product differentiation and further added value benefits.

Evian turned to internationally known french designer jean paul gaultier to create two exclusive packages for 2009 the evian prêtàporter bottle and the evian haute couture bottle.the evian prêtàporter, or readytowear, bottle displays a style that is both classic and modern. Adorned with a pattern of interlocking snowflakes, the bottle recalls the crisp, icy mountaintops of the french alps, from which evian natural spring water is derived.

Presenting the shake me egg shaker from zak designs. Simply pull the shake me apart, crack an egg inside and, with a few shakes, the unique shape in the center of the product perfectly separates and beats the egg. Whether scrambling an egg, adding a beaten egg to your favorite recipe or allowing your child to help in the kitchen, the palmsized convenience of the shake me makes an ordinary job noticeably easier. More information about zak is available at www.zak.com.

This is a case where casting the first stone is a good thing. The penta water company, dedicated to keeping the environment as pure as its water, is taking the bold step of turning to one of natures more prolific resources limestone for its new packaging. In collaboration with earth first packaging, penta is the first company in the bottledwater industry to convert its plasticbased bopp labels to thermostone&trade.

The completeness of this package demonstrates a level of thinking and innovation far above the competition. Dulux has solved so many problems here, and improved on the status quo to boot, all via clever pack design. The package becomes the product redefining expectations and creating a new benchmark.

Greenseas chunky is a revolution in tuna and salmon presentation. Technically it is a very elegant piece of manufacturing coextruded edv packaging is thermoformed into a sturdy, high barrier opaque cup that protects and stores the contents at room temperature for 18 months. Greenseas plastic pots are unique, delivering a differentiation at point of sale that is a first in the category.

A hard working, plain looking, ugly duckling, this pack has some hidden assets that make it truly a work of art. It is reusable until it has seen so much wear, any one of the 6 panels can be replaced, or the crate retired for recycling, which happens with minimal impact due to its 100 paper composition. This package is made cost effectively to any order quantity and dimensions, ideal for transporting the most delicate, valuable and heavy goods, as it protects with a real robustness and practicality.

A unique circular child resistant system with 12 engaging drive ramps. Compack&rsquos cr 111 caps have 4 more times the drives than the other caps that have only 3 clicking ratchets on the side of the cap. The 12 drives in this unique circular mechanism means that minimal force is needed to remove or replace the cap. Other caps require considerable downward pressure on the closure before it becomes child resistant. For elder people whose hands might be disabled with arthritis or other degenerative joint disease, the less pressure required to close the bottle the better.

4 Fresh demonstrates a high level of imagination and innovation which yields multiple benefits in design appeal and visual impact, consumer convenience, shelf display and recyclability. A clever triangular design folds four portioncontrolled sections together into a neat pack, presenting a valuable broad face for point of sale, and a pack that can stand upright in the freezer or hangsell. Graphics are used well on all faces of the cardboard sleeve pack to maximise impact.