News

The team from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, made up of Akyaa Edna Amo-duah, Barthelomew Nyarko and Naa Adoley Maxine Allotey-Quist has achieved global acclaim after their groundbreaking packaging innovation, Alpha Biopac, was adjudged 2024 “Overall Gold Award Winner” at the annual WorldStar Students’ Packaging Design Competition organized by the World Packaging Organization (WPO). Alpha Biopac also won Gold in the Food Category, Silver in the Sustainability Category and Bronze in the Save Food Category.

Alpha Biopac represents a revolutionary advancement in packaging, designed for the effective storage and transportation of smoked fish within the supply chain. This sustainable solution not only preserves the quality and safety of the food but also offers environmental benefits because it is biodegradable.

The KNUST team’s remarkable achievement at the WPO WorldStar Students’ Competition, recognized for its significant contribution to sustainable packaging, underscores their commitment to impactful innovation. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team and their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world of packaging. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring researchers and innovators across the continent and beyond.

The KNUST team’s victory at the WPO Global Packaging Awards is a significant recognition of their innovative work and Ghana’s growing prominence in the field of sustainable packaging. Alpha Biopac has the potential to revolutionize the smoked fish industry in Ghana and beyond, by reducing food waste and protecting the environment.

The team’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.

The researchers from KNUST have worked closely with partners from the industry to develop Alpha Biopac, and their win at the WPO Global Packaging Awards is a tribute to their collective efforts. Alpha Biopac is a shining example of how sustainable packaging can be both effective and affordable. The product is made from hyacinth fiber that are readily available in Ghana, and can be composted after use. This makes Alpha Biopac a more sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials, such as plastic, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

The KNUST team’s win at the WPO Global Awards is a significant boost for Ghana’s sustainable packaging industry. The award will raise awareness of Alpha Biopac and encourage other companies to develop more sustainable packaging solutions. This could lead to a more sustainable food system in Ghana and beyond.

The KNUST team’s win at the WPO Global Awards is a great achievement for Ghana and Africa.

We are grateful to our torchbearers, the Institute of Packaging, Ghana and Royal Crown Packaging Limited for keeping the challenge up and running for 5 years straight. A big thank you to our sponsors Access Bank Ghana, Kasapreko Company Ltd., Brand Innovation, Fairtraide, EPAC, Premaxks Communication, Qualiplast Ltd, Ghana Agrofoods and D’Bloom Consult.