FAQs

What are the maximum words for the Brief Narrative?
300-500 words is the recommended length. The Brief Narrative is a summary of the Extended Narrative and should emphasize hot the package meets the judging criteria. Please make sure your narrative clearly explains how your entry aligns with the AmeriStar judging criteria specific to AmeriStar. Avoid submitting generically-worded entries. Our judges often view generic entries as incomplete because they lack key information, especially technical information, that is particular to the AmeriStar competition.

What are the maximum words for the Extended Narrative?
No more than 1,200-1,500-word narrative, addressing how the package meets the applicable judging criteria particular to the AmeriStar competition, in listed order, with each criteria section indicated. The narrative should not exceed four double-spaced type pages.

What is the Extended Narrative?
The Extended Narrative defines how the package meets all the following judging criteria: innovation, product protection, economics, package performance, marketing and environmental impact. See example.

Do I need to submit a physical entry?
Yes. You need to ship your package(s) to IoPP Headquarters so they arrive no later than April 15, 2023. Please send 3 samples.

Ship to:
Institute of Packaging Professionals
12930 Worldgate Drive, Suite 200
Herndon, VA 20170 USA
Attn: Paige Jarvi

All winning packages will be displayed at various packaging trade shows (i.e. PACK EXPO).

Does my package have to contain the product or can I send it empty?
No, your package does not have to contain the product. However, sometimes the product helps give the judges a better idea of the package functionality and if the package meets the judging criteria.
 
How many photos can I upload?
Maximum of 4

Can I upload a video?
Yes. There are two additional optional fields for one file upload or one URL. Either of which may include a video, CAD drawing PDF or prototype image.

Do my entries (entry) need to be paid for before they are moved into Judging?
Yes, all entries need to have their payment (credit card and checks) in by the entry deadline.

What is the requirement for a package in terms of when it is entered into the market?
An entry cannot be submitted into the competition until it has entered the market.

What is the requirement for where the package is produced or sold?
An entry can be produced or sold anywhere in the world.

Can I enter a package that went out in 2022 shipments and is still in production?
Yes, but only if the package was never submitted before.

If I don't enter my package into the most appropriate category, will it be disqualified?
No, at the discretion of the judging panel, your entry will be moved into the most appropriate category.