HBA’s eagerly anticipated International Package Design Award (IPDA) competition opens May 4, and runs through June 12. The awards are designed to showcase innovative packaging from designers and suppliers, as well as marketing companies. (Entries are acceptable from any of these sources.)

Winners in each category will be announced during HBA Global Expo, September 15-17, 2009, in the IPDA Showcase exhibit, sponsored by Beauty Packaging and Happi magazines, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City.

Packages submitted for entry must be in use, either currently on the market or in the process of being introduced into retail outlets (and available for purchase in September 2009).

New packages will be judged on the following criteria: originality, design concept, creative use of new materials, components and decorating processes, technical competency and effective brand messaging.

Entry categories include: Cosmetic-Mass; Cosmetic-Prestige; Fragrance-Mass; Fragrance-Prestige; Skin Care-Mass; Skin Care-Prestige; Personal Care-Mass; Personal Care-Prestige; and Eco-Friendly Packaging.

Past winners and finalists include Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, Coty, Avon, P&G, tarte cosmetics, Dead Sea Premier, Pure Fuji, Frederic Fekkai, Jurlique and many more.

Deadline: June 12. For more info and to submit: http://www.hba-ipda.com/