Innovative packaging design earns Leeds student major national recognition
Leeds student Emma Baldwin-Quirk has won a national award for her innovative, sustainable packaging design, developed during her year in industry at Saica Pack Wigan.
Emma, a Mechanical Engineering student, took home the Sponsor Award – the top prize for Brief G – at the prestigious Starpack Student Awards 2025, organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3). Her winning project, Bolder Designs, impressed judges with its focus on environmental responsibility, branding, and user experience.
The brief challenged students to create e-commerce packaging for a fictional fashion brand selling formal or occasion wear across Europe and the USA. Entrants were tasked with balancing sustainability, protection, and a joyful unboxing experience, all while considering tightening environmental legislation.
Emma’s packaging stood out for being completely glueless (except for re-seal tape), lightweight, and practical, while maintaining a premium feel. Her fictional brand, Bolder Designs, aims to inspire confidence in first-time buyers of formal wear.
Judges said Emma offered “a well-executed design that considers both branding and sustainability in an impressive way,” adding: “The packaging balances practicality and presentation, creating a sleek and well-organised solution. Great story behind the brand too, with lots of detail on the target customers, material choice, and size of packaging.”
Reflecting on her award, Emma said: “I’m extremely proud of this achievement and being able to showcase my creativity on a larger scale. I'm so glad my hard work paid off and that I have been able to share this success with Saica Pack Wigan and the University.
“My placement has been one of the best decisions I have made because I have grown in so many aspects, and I'd encourage anyone to give it a go, even if you may be scared. I have met such incredible people and worked on real-life projects with industry experts, which has greatly influenced my ability to win this competition. I hope to continue working in the packaging industry.”
Emma's winning design thoroughly impressed the judges. (Credit: Emma Baldwin-Quirk)
Dr Carl Gilkeson, her placement tutor in the School of Mechanical Engineering, said: “I could see her passion and dedication to the role. She made a great impression with her employer, who trusted her with increasing levels of responsibility. The designs she has produced are fantastic, demonstrating vision and creativity. The award she has received is testament to this, and we’re delighted for her."
Emma secured her placement through the EPS Exclusive Managed Vacancy Scheme, run by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Employability Team. The scheme connects students with leading employers across industry sectors, consulting on the roles before managing all marketing, advertising, and collation of student applications for its partner companies.
Su Maynard, Senior Employability and Placements Manager, said: “Saica Pack has been a consistent placement provider on our EPS Exclusive Managed Vacancy Scheme, which sees companies partner with our team to recruit students for year in industry placements as well as graduate roles.
“We hope to make the process of hiring excellent talent, like Emma, as easy as possible for companies, while also making the recruitment process positive for our talented students.”
Samuel Tromans, who managed Emma at Saica Pack, added: “Students coming from the University of Leeds all have a strong academic background and practical skills. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the workplace. We would refer to as ‘thinking outside the box’. They have come into our business both highly motivated and eager to impress, and their enthusiasm can positively impact your team's morale and productivity.”
Established in 1964, the Starpack Student Awards are one of the UK's leading packaging design competitions for students, celebrating creative, technical, and environmentally responsible design, and is organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3).
Further information
