CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Packaging students awarded top prize in international competition for toy box design

The "Giggle Diggle Toy Box" won the household products category of the 2024 Student AmeriStar competition hosted by the Institute of Packaging Professionals, which invited undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their innovative package designs for an expert judging panel.

The judging criteria for the 15 categories included economics, environmental impact, innovation, marketing, package performance and product protection.

Hoon Han, Ya-Su Hsieh, Hanna Song and Kate Kim came up with a toy box that adapts to various toy categories, all under the unisex and internationally appealing Giggle Diggle brand.

The description: "The design utilizes the shapes of letters to evoke smiles, with circular forms resembling children's faces. A vibrant color palette conveys a sense of fun and unisex appeal, making it attractive and inclusive. A large window allows children to see and touch the toy, increasing the desire to purchase. At the same time, the unique logo band ensures brand recognition across different toy categories, helping customers quickly identify Giggle Diggle products."

Adjustable inserts secure the product during transportation, even irregularly shaped toys. The logo band also acts as a security feature, locking between the window area to prevent unexpected unboxing.

The box was also designed to be eco-friendly, using no plastic, rubber bands or wires and instead relying solely on paperboard. The window-cut part of the paper can be repurposed as a toy stand, and the box can be easily flattened and recycled.

Gregory Crowe, professor in the Packaging Engineering Technology program, said the honour is well deserved for the team.

"Congratulations to all the students who excelled in the IOPP Ameristar structural packaging design competition for household items. Your ingenuity and design prowess have truly shone through."

Conestoga's two-year Packaging Engineering Technician program prepares students with training in the structural design of corrugated, plastic, paper, metal and glass packaging materials. Students apply theoretical knowledge and develop the practical skills required to design and evaluate packaging materials through the application of engineering principles and practices. Concepts and issues in product safety and security, durability, material selection, cost, and process are all covered in detail. Graduates are prepared for employment in the manufacturing and packaging material supply industries.

The program is part of the School of Engineering & Technology, which offers a comprehensive suite of engineering and technology programs.