This year, the 2016 Pentawards held in Shanghai, saw the awards receive 1,843 entries from five continents and 54 countries.
As well as the Diamond Pentaward and the five Platinum Pentawards that were handed out, the international jury also awarded 47 Gold Pentawards among the 55 categories competing this year. Silver and Bronze Pentawards were also presented. In total, 34 countries were represented among the winners.
Earlier this year, Euromonitor International announced that the cosmetics and beauty packaging sector in China is expected to see 5% growth in the next five years.
As the nation will also increase its market share by 39% by 2020, it was an ideal location to host the 10th edition of the awards.
Pentaward Designer of the Year
The 2016 Pentaward Designer of the Year award was presented to Greg Tsaknakis, founder and creative director of Mousegraphics, an agency which specialises in packaging design.
Awarded every year by the Pentawards founders, Jean Jacques & Brigitte Evrard, the prize represents leading creativity and innovation in packaging design.
Tsaknakis first created Greek-based Mousegraphics in 1984 and has since developed creations that have now reached the Asia-Pacific marketplace, where innovative packaging designs are increasingly high on the agenda for consumers.
Known for his simplicity, precision and creativity, Greg Tsaknakis and Mousetrap effectively combine consumer demands with skilful and creative packaging.
The agency has developed eye-catching designs for various cosmetics and beauty providers including oil perfumes and spa cosmetics for Aromatologic, as well as Beatific’s new skin care range.
Agency of the Year
The agency of the year prize, which was given by 2016 Pentawards Jury's President Gérard Caron, was awarded to Spanish- agency Supperstudio.
Founded by Paco Adin and Lourdes Marillas in 2003, Supperstudio is an independent branding agency that has a creative design profile and places ambition and innovation at the forefront of its designs.
As the Asia-Pacific region advances its packaging innovations, Supperstudio highlights the necessity of ongoing creation in this consumer-led marketplace.
Special Career Pentaward
Jean Jacques and Brigitte Evrard, the Pentawards founders, awarded Gérard Caron for his dedication to packaging design and his impact on the industry throughout his career.
Gérard Caron is the co-founder of Carré Noir, the first French design and marketing agency and has also contributed to the development of French design marketing in Japan and around the world.
Industry developments
This year, the global packaging leader, DS Smith, ventured into the Chinese market to connect the country’s suppliers with international packaging giants. Operating from Shanghai, DS Smith is looking to optimise its performance to deliver high-quality packaging to the Chinese and APAC markets.
As cosmetics consumers seek innovative and creative packaging designs, brands in APAC and the global cosmetics industry will look to incorporate cutting-edge features such as smart packaging and 3D designs and eco-friendly designs that reduce waste to evolve their product lines and grow their brand awareness.