The Packaging Society has re-launched Starpack - the UK’s most prestigious packaging awards - to include a high-level strategic business conference, called the Starpack Summit.

Starpack Summit 2008 will include the revitalised Starpack Industry Awards programme, which focuses on consumers, brands and retailers and the significant improvements packaging suppliers and designers bring to consumer convenience; environmental performance; marketing, and business strategies.

The Starpack Industry Awards 2008 have been revitalised and arranged by end user market categories. Open to all material groups, manufacturing or conversion processes, the awards will be given for outstanding packaging design including surface graphics and print, form and functionality, use of materials and components, and environmental solutions.

The conference will be held at sponsor the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining’s (IOM3) headquarters in London and will be followed by the Starpack Industry Awards at the Café Royal, London on May 22, 2008. The awards are open to packaging manufacturers, retailers, brand owners, designers and design groups.

The high-level Starpack Summit, The Packaging Dilemma - The Consumer Challenge, will provide a strategic insight into consumer-led packaging dilemmas and possible solutions through the eyes of major retailers, brand owners, environmental organisations, and consumer groups.

“The UK’s packaging supply chain deserves a day which promotes not only the very best in packaging but also concentrates on the importance of the sector in consumers’ daily lives,” explained Gordon Stewart, head of IOP: The Packaging Society. “The challenges facing the packaging supply chain are as great if not greater than they have ever been. Consumers are no longer prepared to pay only lip service to environmental issues; they are demanding real sustainable options from brand owners and retailers, alongside convenience and functionality. It is essential that the industry steps up to the mark to create real solutions.”