Evaluation process

Receipt and registration of applications

1. Deadline for applications

   1. Date: Aug 14, 2025 by 23:59
   2. After the deadline, the organizing team will check that each application contains all the mandatory elements (completed form, photos/frames with packaging samples, technical data sheets, declarations of conformity if applicable, etc.).
   3. A unique identification number (ID) is assigned to each application and a folder is created in the online system.

2. Preliminary formalities check

   1. Date: Aug 9 - 10, 2025
   2. The Competition Coordinator will check that each application contains:
      
      • Product description (name, manufacturer, material, etc.)
      • Photographic documentation (at least 3 images: general view, details of construction)
      • Technical data sheets (dimensions, weight, materials)
      • Declaration of conformity (if required by law)
      • Any other additional documents (ecological passport, certification, etc.)
   3. If anything is missing, the coordinator will contact the applicant by e-mail and ask them to complete it.
   4. Once completed, the files are updated and closed for the next step.

PREPARATION OF JURORS AND PRELIMINARY FAMILIARISATION

1. Election by the jury

   1. The jury is composed of at least 10-12 packaging experts.
   2. Each juror is assigned a user role and access rights to the online application files.

2. Distribution of applications for electronic viewing

   1. Date: Aug 11, 2025
   2. Each juror will receive a link to the platform where all application files are stored.
   3. The juror will download all documentation (photographs, technical sheets, declarations, etc.) for individual study.
   4. Recommended scope: spend at least 2 hours to get to know the exhibits in detail.

3. Internal online jury consultation call

   1. Date:  Aug 12, 2025, duration 3 hours
   2. Participants: all jurors (Zoom/Teams online platform) + moderator.
   3. Call agenda:
      • Familiarisation with the number and typology of exhibits entered.
        • Brief overview of the categories (e.g. food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, environmental packaging, etc.)
        • Number of entries in each category
      • Discussion of possible uncertainties or missing documents
        
        • Each judge will report which entries are missing something (e.g. document, photo from a different angle, declaration of conformity).
        • The moderator will draw up a list of additional requirements and forward it to the applicants.
      • Presentation and explanation of the evaluation criteria
        
        • The jury will go through each criterion in detail (see Chapter 6).
        • Any ambiguities in interpretation are clarified, and specific questions are added for the jurors' attention.
      • Distribution of exhibits in the call-up programme
        
        • The exact schedule of presentations, time blocks and, if applicable, the division into thematic days or categories are established.

4. Additional documentation from applicants

   1. After the online call, the moderator will send out a list of documents for applicants to complete (e.g. Declaration of Conformity, detailed technical drawing, authorized samples) within 2 working days (by Aug 12, 2025).
   2. Applicants have 5 working days (until Aug 12, 2025) to provide missing documents.
   3. Once they are delivered, the organizing team will place them in the appropriate folder, always with the date of receipt and information to the judges about the completion.

EVALUATION DAYS (PRESENTATION OF EXHIBITS)

1. General principle

   1. Date of evaluation days: Aug 26 - 28, 2025.
   2. Venue: presentation centre + online streaming platform for remote participation.
   3. Presentations take place every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with breaks for lunch and refreshments.
   4. Each registrant is allocated a 4-minute block to present their exhibit. The presentation is followed by approximately 3-5 minutes of questions from the judges and inspection of the physical sample (must be available in person).
   5. At the end of this block, the applicant leaves the room (or ends the online connection), the judges discuss internally, complete the judging "mini-record" and proceed to anonymous voting in the software.

2. Detail of the individual presentations

   1. Arrival and sample preparation
      
      1. The registrant will arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time on site (or join online 5 minutes before) to ensure the sample is ready for presentation.
      2. A technician is available on site.
      3. For online presentations, we provide the connection.
   2. Presentation time frame (4 minutes)
      
      1. 0:00-0:30 (30 seconds) - Brief introduction of yourself, your company/brand and the basic context of the packaging solution.
      2. 0:30-2:30 (2 minutes) - Description of key packaging features:
         • Materials used and their benefits (recyclable, bio-plastics, composites)
         • Functional aspects (protection of contents, ease of handling, shelf life)
         • Marketing functions (shelf attention, space for branding)
      3. 2:30-3:30 (1 minute) - Innovation and sustainability:
         • Innovative design or material features (e.g. patented solutions, material/energy savings)
         • Ecological impact (weight/volume optimization, recyclability, energy consumption in production)
      4. 3:30-4:00 (30 seconds) - Summary of key benefits of packaging:
         • What type of product it is intended for and what is its expected benefit in practice (protection, logistics, marketing).
         • Possible pilot projects, market references, regulatory compliance.
   3. Q&A and sample evaluation
      
      1. After the presentation, the jury has 3-5 minutes for questions (technical, logistical, legislative).
      2. Physical inspection of the sample: print quality, strength, resistance to damage (mechanical and climatic).
   4. Internal jury discussion
      
      1. The applicant leaves the room (or ends the online connection).
      2. The moderator checks that there are no other persons among the jurors.
      3. The jurors discuss any findings, comments and compare the exhibit currently being evaluated with others.
      4. The outcome of the discussion is an informed recommendation on what to focus on during the anonymous voting.

VOTING PROCESS

1. Preparation of the voting software

   1. Each juror will receive a wireless remote control with five buttons marked 1-5.
   2. The software application automatically retrieves the ID of the currently judged exhibit and "unlocks" the voting buttons for it.
   3. Voting is anonymous: the system records only the number of votes (1-5) without information about who voted how.
   4. After the voting closes, the system calculates the average score for the exhibit (without revealing the distribution of individual votes).

2. Scoring rules (1 - 5)

   1. 5 points - excellent packaging that excels in all aspects evaluated (innovation, functionality, technical workmanship, design, logistics, sustainability), without significant compromises.
   2. 4 points - very good packaging that meets most of the criteria at a high level, with minor reserves in some aspect (e.g. minor innovation in material).
   3. 3 points - good packaging, meeting the basic requirements but not excelling anywhere; weaknesses are evident in some areas (e.g. less durability or less sophisticated design).
   4. 2 points - below average packaging, shows major shortcomings (e.g. higher production costs without clear benefits, logistical complications, limited recyclability).
   5. 1 point - non-compliant packaging that does not meet key requirements (e.g. hazardous material, non-ergonomic design, unacceptable construction).

3. Jury voting

   1. The moderator will start the voting mode in the system for the exhibit.
   2. The jurors have a maximum of 60 seconds to press the appropriate button (1-5).
   3. After the time has elapsed, the results will be closed.

4. Announcement of results

   1. The results (winner of the OBAL ROKU, gold/silver/bronze medals, honorable mentions) will be announced online and at the official ceremony.

TIMETABLE IN THE OVERVIEW

UPDATED EVALUATION CRITERIA

Below are all the criteria that the jury will use during the evaluation. Each criterion describes its content and what the judges should focus on.

1. Innovation rate

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Originality and creativity in packaging design
      2. Innovative use of materials and technology
      3. Uniqueness of idea and ability to differentiate from competitors in the marketplace
      4. Innovation in terms of savings (material, energy, water, etc.), which can be part of the applicant's justification
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. Has a material or technological solution been used that is not yet common (e.g. new blend of recycled fibres, biodegradable polymer layers)?
      2. Is the design idea of the solution (e.g. folding, closing, shaping) so innovative that it can inspire others in the packaging industry?
      3. Is there a proven energy or material benefit (e.g. 15% reduction in carton consumption, reduction of CO₂ emissions in production)?
      4. Is the idea truly unique or is it a variation of an existing trend (e.g. just a different graphic design vs. truly innovative elements)?

2. Functionality

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Practical usability of the packaging (protection of contents, ergonomics, storage, handling)
      2. Handling safety (sharp edges, strength, non-toxic materials)
      3. User comfort (ease of opening/closing, handling in different conditions)
      4. Correct display of mandatory information (e.g. manufacturer's details, composition, expiry date, recycling symbols)
      5. Marketing functions (sufficient space for brand communication and attractive visuals)
      6. Compliance with relevant legislation (e.g. food contact, Packaging Act, safety standards)
   2. What the judges focus on:
      
      1. Does the packaging fulfil its main function - protecting the product from damage (mechanical, moisture, chemical)?
      2. How easy is the handling-insertion and removal of the product, carrying capacity, user comfort (ergonomics of grips)?
      3. Is all mandatory information (legislation, warnings, instructions for correct sorting) clearly and correctly printed on the packaging?
      4. Are the graphics positioned and designed to support the marketing objectives (legibility, attractiveness)?
      5. Does the packaging meet the requirements of the legislation - e.g. material suitable for food contact, labelling for transport of dangerous goods, etc.?

3. Technical design

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Quality of material (properties listed in the technical data sheet and any laboratory tests)
      2. Design and method of manufacture in accordance with available technologies (manufacturing process, seam joints, gluing, printing methods)
      3. Stability, resistance and durability of the packaging (compressive strength, moisture resistance, mechanical tests)
      4. Precision and quality of workmanship (straight edges, uniform printing, absence of defects)
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. Is the material suitable for the declared use (e.g. correct type of cardboard for transporting heavy goods, durable plastic for liquids)?
      2. Have certified tests (drop tests, vibration tests, pressure tests) been used - and if so, are they supported by appropriate certificates?
      3. Does the design of the description of the technical parameters (i.e. material composition, thickness of the plastic layer) correspond to the actual quality?
      4. How accurately is the design assembled - are the edges straight, joints free of gaps, print legible, no smudging?

4. Design and structural form

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Graphic and/or structural design of the packaging (visual and aesthetic value) in relation to the target group and type of packaging (sales, group, transport)
      2. Consistency of the visual identity of the packaging with the brand identity (colours, typography, logo, communication style)
      3. Level of aesthetics - how eye-catching the packaging is to the end customer
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. Do the graphics and colour scheme reflect the character of the brand and target audience (e.g. luxury vs. budget product)?
      2. Are the design details (e.g. non-standard shapes, carved details, perforations) designed to be visually and functionally interesting?
      3. Does the design consider ergonomics and practical aspects (e.g. handles, easy to understand opening)?
      4. Is the aesthetics of the packaging consistent with the chosen category (e.g. elegant design for luxury cosmetics, simplicity for organic food)?

5. Logistic properties (storage and transport systems)

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Effect of package shape, dimensions and strength on logistics processes (storage, transport, handling)
      2. Resistance to climatic and mechanical influences (humidity, shocks, drop tests)
      3. Dimensional compatibility with transport means, storage systems (pallet unification, racking systems)
      4. Suitability for safe and efficient transport (marking, handling, stackability)
      5. Compliance with international transport regulations (e.g. packaging for dangerous goods, wooden packaging according to ISPM 15)
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. How does the packaging behave during rough handling (drop from 2 m, shaking in the truck)?
      2. Can the packaging be easily stacked on pallets or in racks? What are all its dimensions in the context of normal logistics standards?
      3. Are tests (drop, vibration, pressure) and certificates from accredited laboratories listed and documented during testing?
      4. Is the packaging labelled in such a way as to be clearly legible (loading, unloading, sorting)? Does it comply with the necessary labels for forwarding?

6. Sustainability and social responsibility

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Ecodesign of packaging: striving for prevention (reduction of material resources, energy and water consumption) and recyclability
      2. Possibility of sorting the packaging by the end consumer and in the sorting lines (clear labelling, easy separation of layers)
      3. Use of recycled materials or materials with a lower environmental footprint (e.g. cardboard with a high recycled content)
      4. Social responsibility of packaging (e.g. support for local communities)
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. Are the sortable parts of the packaging clearly marked (recycling symbols, consumer instructions)?
      2. Has a material been used that is at least partially recycled or easily recycled (e.g. mono-material construction)?
      3. Is there evidence of an eco-design that is attractive to the manufacturer and the end-user (e.g. lower weight, lower CO₂ emissions during production)?

7. Critical packaging functions (balancing key aspects)

   1. What is assessed:
      1. Basic and essential functions: product protection, ease of handling, transportation, sales (marketing) tool
      2. Technical feasibility of production (link between innovation/ecological features and realistic production possibilities)
      3. Amount and accuracy of information to be provided on the packaging (instructions, legislative data, warnings)
      4. Relationship between minimising environmental impact and maintaining key properties (e.g. not to save on strength just to reduce weight)
   2. What the judges focus on:
      1. Does the packaging perform all critical functions without compromising its protective or handling ability?
      2. Is the innovation or environmental impact balanced with the need to include all mandatory and relevant information (e.g. manufacturer-required warnings, manufacturing dates, recycling symbols)?
      3. Are there compromises in basic functionality (e.g. too thin walls leading to lower durability) due to sustainability efforts?
      4. Are the technological requirements of the innovation realistically achievable through mass production (including affordability)?

COMMUNICATION AND DISCLOSURE

1. Informing jurors

   1. The jury members will receive a list of the awarded exhibits by email within two weeks after the evaluation.

2. Notification of applicants

   1. Applicants will receive the following by email within two weeks after the evaluation:
      1. Result (earned rating/not earned rating) and average score, information on maximum and minimum points awarded.

3. Publication on the website

   1. The complete evaluation process (jury composition, timeline, methodology, criteria overview) will be transparently displayed in the "Year 2025" section.
   2. After the evaluation by the expert jury, it will be published:
      1. The list of nominees for the special categories and the winners (including photos of the award-winning packaging).

GUARANTEES OF IMPARTIALITY AND TRANSPARENCY

1. Anonymity of voting

   1. The voting software does not allow the identification of individual voting jurors.
   2. The organiser and jurors only see the average score at the close of the voting round, not the distribution of individual votes.

2. Juror Code of Conduct

   1. Each juror signs a "Declaration of Independence" (commitment to conflict-free voting, etc.) before the evaluation begins.
   2. In the event of a conflict of interest or violation of the rules, the juror is obliged to immediately report this to the organiser.

3. Records and archiving

   1. All voting results and detailed juror notes are stored electronically for a minimum of 5 years for additional checking.
   2. Original documents from the entrants (photographs, technical sheets, declarations) are archived in the same way.

AWARDS AND FINAL EVALUATION

1. Honourable mentions

   1. The judges may award honorable mentions in the "Sympathy Award" category.
   2. Honorable mentions reflect the subjective choice of the jury, with no set point threshold.

2. Award ceremony

   1. Date and place: Oct 16, 2025, PRAGUE