The NJ Packaging Executives Club (NJPEC) is now accepting applications for the Package of the Year and entries will be accepted until Sept.12, 2011. Applications and guidelines for Package of the Year submissions can be downloaded from the NJPEC website.

Award categories include Health and Beauty; Food and Beverage; Fragrance; Color Cosmetics; Label Graphics – Silkscreen/Deco; Household/Industrial; Pharmaceutical; Personal Care; and Promotional. Eligible products include those launched between September 1, 2010, and September 1, 2011.

Packages are judge on several criteria, including design; shelf impact; uniqueness; cost effectiveness; and graphic presentation. All entries will be reviewed by the NJPEC awards committee and judges. Gold, silver, bronze, and honorable mention awards are planned for each category. Special packaging awards may be given at the Judges’ discretion in the following categories: Sustainable Packaging, Best Use of Stock Packaging, Marketing Impact, Technical Merit, Packaging Innovation, and Visual Impact.

All NJPEC Members are entitled to one free submission. Completed application forms must be sent by mail to Peter Gould, 84 Martha Place, Oakland, NJ 07436. Electronic submissions will not be counted. The Awards dinner will be held at the Madison Hotel, Morristown, NJ, at 6PM on November 17, 2011. For more information, go to www.njpec.com.