This year’s edition which kicked off on June 20, will see one of the four competing universities - University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ashesi University and Academic City University College, vying for honours.

Competing students were tasked to research into various topics and birth innovative packaging ideas and designs for possible selection and entry into the 2022 WPO WorldStar Student Competition.

The WPO WorldStar Student Competition is a major platform where students around the world showcase their talents by producing innovative packaging solutions, and provides a great opportunity for Ghana to be fully represented, according to organisers.

The research areas for this year's RCPL challenge are:

? The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers an opportunity for Ghanaian products to be sold across the continent, but poor packaging can be a barrier. Present a proposal on how to improve local packaging and design a primary package (plastic) and secondary packaging (corrugated box) for selected Kasapreko products to achieve export competitiveness on the African market.

? Post-consumer plastic packaging waste is a major issue in Ghana. Present a proposal on how to create value from plastic waste and design a consumer or distribution package using post-consumer waste or recycled plastic material.

? Ghana loses huge quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables due to lack of or inadequate packaging. Present a proposal to minimize post-harvest loss of fresh fruit and vegetables using effective packaging systems and design one such packaging to reduce this loss.

? Paper waste can be harnessed for recycling to create value. Present a proposal for effective collection of all types of waste paper for recycling and provide a design of paper-based packaging from waste.

According to the organisers, participating students benefit from practical exposure within the manufacturing space and also receive internship opportunities, souvenirs, certificates, and direct access to Management of IOPG, RCPL, Kasapreko and Qualiplast.

The programme is facilitated by the Institute of Packaging, Ghana (IOPG), partnered by Qualiplast Ghana Limited and Kasapreko Company Limited, with sponsors of the 2022 challenge including Access Bank Ghana, Rockz Waakye and Brand Innovation.

The annual challenge started with a focus on research and innovation ideas within RCPL, aimed at identifying and addressing operational challenges and bottlenecks in the manufacture of corrugated boxes as well as exposing tertiary students to RCPL manufacturing processes whilst creating interest in the field of packaging among university students.