How to Enter

All entry requirements must be submitted together in one package for each entry.

Mail entries to:

Institute of Packaging Professionals
AmeriStar Package Awards Competition
1833 Centre Point Circle, Suite 123
Naperville, IL 60563

Click here for Submission Checklist and Written Narrative formatting.

• Entry Form: Complete one entry form for EACH package or family of packages being entered. Photocopy the entry form if needed. Select one category per entry. Packages are judged against competing packages in the same classification, organized around the function of the package, rather than its form or material.

• Package: Two samples of each competing package are required. One will be used during the judging process; the other will be displayed if the package is awarded a prize. Label each package, identifying the package name. If your package is larger than 3' x 3’ x 3’ do not send the actual package. Instead, submit two (2) mounted photograph displays, no larger than 2’ x 2'. Please provide set-up instructions if necessary.

NOTE: The actual product need not be included with your package samples. Packages will be disposed of at the end of the competition cycle. Do not include the product if it needs to be returned. IoPP will not assume responsibility for lost or damaged items.

• Package Photo: Include three (3) color photographs of each package. (Photos will not be returned.)  Please also submit photos in a digital format. DIGITAL PHOTOS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FILE FORMATS: .JPG, .TIFF or .EPS. Digital photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION, 300 dpi. Digital photos must be burned onto a CD-ROM only. Floppy discs, DVDs, JAZ or ZIP discs will not be accepted. Please keep in mind that the submitted photos will be used in all publicity for winning entries.

• Video: A video is required for entries submitted with a mounted photo display, but optional for entries submitted with package samples. Include a 3 -5 minute VHS video presentation highlighting the judging criteria points and special features of the package. Place a label on the video identifying your company and package name. Please show only one entry per video. It is not required to have the video professionally done.

• Written Narratives: The judges are influenced by what they see and read. And you, the entrant, provide that information. Be factual, technical and detailed in your writing.  ALL NARRATIVE INFORMATION SHOULD ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT, as Word or Text files.  Include each of the following:

1. Brief Narrative: Emphasize the judging criteria attributes, as you prepare a 20-30 word narrative on a separate sheet (listing your name and the name of the package). This information will be included in publicity materials.

2. Expanded Narrative: You must respond to the judging criteria (for judging criteria, click here), with each criteria section indicated. The narrative should not exceed four double-spaced, typewritten pages. For example of layout format to answer your Expanded Narrative questions, click here. 

3. Additional Participants: REQUIRED THIS YEAR. List the names, addresses and contact information of the suppliers of design, machinery and materials which are part of this package.

Special Note: It is to the candidate's benefit to be as detailed in the narratives as possible. Also, if one of the judging criteria is not applicable to your package design, then indicate this in your expanded narrative. (Example: Economics. No significant cost reduction realized.)

ALL REQUIRED ELECTRONIC FILES (PHOTOS AND NARRATIVE) SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ON THE SAME DISK.  CD-ROM format only.