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The Australian Institute of Packaging [AIP] was again involved with the 2006 Southern Cross Awards organised by the Packaging Council of Australia [PCA]. This year, twenty seven education institutions participated with over 500 students registering, and 400 of them submitting an entry.

The AIP “Judges Rationale” Award was won by Blake Pearce (see photo) then at Holmesglen Institute of TAFE in Victoria but now a student at Monash University studying design. At the March meeting of AIP Blake was invited to share the secrets of his success with members and guests. Given the background of the presentation an invitation was extended to students across Melbourne undertaking courses related to Packaging. Around one third of the attendees were students and those interviewed gave a “thumbs up” to the evening and the opportunity to network with packaging professionals.

Sharon Robertson the senior Judge who is Design Director of The Promotions Factory, Prahran (VIC) said, “This year, the briefs were challenging, with the introduction of some packaging aspects not looked at before. The aim is to always encourage students to keep pushing themselves, go outside their comfort zones and explore design solutions that work through imagination, research and innovation. As a result, we found the standard of entries to be high with a strong emphasis on well executed mockups [sic] and more thorough rationales.  I am deeply passionate about giving students every opportunity to achieve their best and I can think of no other vehicle that allows them to excel in such a unique way. I would like to thank all of the students and lecturers who entered the Awards. To the students - you have taken part in something that will be of value to you as you embark on your careers. It brings me great joy to think that we have helped you on your way.”

So it was with that testimonial that Blake fronted the podium and explained the rationale behind his creation that was adjudged the entry across all briefs, which best represents excellence in research, documentation and presentation of the rationale.

Blake explained that he sought a packaging solution to changing trends in demographics, wellness, cooking and optic skills. He determined that 42% of the population are said to be obese which has focused many on healthy eating. But as the out-of-house food providers do not always dispense healthy food many have returned to home cooking. He found that some who want to make their own meals do not have many culinary skills and those who have belong to another generation and due to ageing have poor eyesight.

His award winning submission was called COOK which was a multi-compartmented spice, herb or other free flowing condiments. It is shown below in an extract from the PCA web site.
Blake’s explanation of the functioning of COOK indicates that anyone could well be the next Mrs Beeton or one of the TV cooks who have whipped up a batch of hyperbole about how easy it is to prepare meals.

Australian Institute of Packaging "Judges Rationale" Award

"Judges Rationale" Award Criteria:  For the entry, across all categories, which best represents excellence in research, documentation and presentation of the rationale.

Student:  Blake Pearce
Institution:  Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Victoria

Blake’s rationale traced the creative stages of his design process in a logical and clear progression, outlining each stage closely.  The structural details of the multi-compartmental spice container, called Cook, were clearly defined and supported by detailed drawings and photographs. This was a well researched and well presented rationale with sufficient detail in support of his entry.

During question time it was determined that Blake was unable to afford to have demonstration units manufactured so the concept has not been tested in the market place. But the benefit of involvement with AIP at technical meetings shone through when a member of the audience expressed an interest in following through with Blake to possible manufacture and test marketing.

AIP conducts monthly meetings and endeavors to cater for members wants, but as education of packaging professionals underpins its very existence the students who excel in disciplines related to packaging will always find a warm welcome at any meeting.

Written by Michael B Halley FAIP
Australian Institute of Packaging 
Web site:  http://www.aipack.com.au/

I was surfing around the other day and ran across the website of Spitzer & Boyes.  They are a consulting firm, they do training and write books and columns.  I spoke with David Spitzer, one of the authors, to see if he would be interested in guest authoring at the level measurement blog, but he gets paid to write and speak.  Any way, the book looks good but I haven't read it. 

The cost of the book is $250 and can be ordered from Amazon or click here.

Non-contact level sensors are a hot topic so this is why I thought you might be interested in this book.  However, contact level sensors (they are working on this book too) should never be ruled out and in fact I feel they are the best choice for most all applications. 

Open-air devices always have to deal with the internal vessel environment.  This especially true for powders.  I have found that the best technology available for continuous level measurement of powders is guided wave radar as this case history illustrates. 

And for granular plastics?  The leading technology is smart cable-based inventory monitors.  This is what ThomasNet can find on that subject.

Got an application you need to discuss?  Post a comment.  It's easy.

Joe Lewis