The recently concluded Packaging Design Awards recognized the ingenuity of young students in sustainable and industry-standard pasalubong (souvenir) packaging designs for diverse Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from different regions in the Philippines.
Co-presented by Fedrigoni Asia Ltd. and Prestige Quality Paper Products, producers of premium eco-friendly specialty paper for publishing, arts, and packaging, the initiative was organized by the Industrial Design Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).
Twenty-nine budding talents rose to the challenge to develop products not only visually appealing to the global market, but are likewise mindful of their environmental impact.
They were mentored by Benilde Industrial Design Chairperson Romeo Catap Jr. and educators Christian Pagulayan and Stuart Yang. They were joined by Fedrigoni Asia Ltd marketing manager for Asia Pacific, Kervin Valero.
In preparation for the competition, Valero, together with Prestige Quality Paper Products general manager, Leah Marie Ayeng, guided the students on the fundamentals of ecological packaging design.
Under the supervision of the One Town One Product Philippines program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the competitors collaborated with their chosen MSMEs to earn an overview of the brand.
Following the conceptualization process, they presented their ideas in an online clinic and received professional advice from the members of the Philippine Printing Technical Foundation (PPTF).
The prototypes were constructed using supplies from Fedrigoni Asia Ltd. and Prestige Quality Paper Products. These were exhibited at the 4th International Processing and Packaging (ProPak) Trade at the World Trade Center in Pasay.
To provide a more holistic learning experience, the participants, together with Catap, specially curated the Informa Markets-sponsored booth.
