Deliveroo and Pho have teamed up with Sheffield Hallam University for the third iteration of Deliveroo’s Sustainable Packaging Challenge. This follows a prior collaboration with the university and GAIL’s in last year’s contest, as well as the announcement of the challenge set to kick off in 2024.
The initiative invites students enrolled in the Higher Degree Apprenticeship Packaging Professional program to reimagine two significant packaging items for Pho: a bag designed for its fresh herbs and chillies, and a container that separates rice from curry during delivery. The students will strive to ensure that their designs maintain food at the appropriate temperature, while also prioritizing sustainability throughout the creative process.
Over the span of nearly five months, participants will develop prototypes that align with these goals, receiving mentorship from professionals at Deliveroo and Pho. A final exhibition will showcase the designs, and the selected winner will earn a £1,500 cash prize, along with the chance to see their concept brought to life in collaboration with Pho.
Pho’s unique partnership with Deliveroo has shown steady growth over the last ten years. Since joining the delivery platform in 2014 with only 25 locations, the popular Vietnamese restaurant has expanded to over 50 establishments across the country. This competition serves as an exciting chance for students to engage with a respected national brand.
The challenge encapsulates Deliveroo’s dedication to bolstering local enterprises and communities, fostering experimentation and innovation aligned with its sustainability objectives. This collaboration, which merges the enthusiasm and creativity of students with the experience of a long-standing partner, aims to develop practical and innovative reusable packaging solutions.
Eleanor Garnier, Senior Policy Advisor at Deliveroo, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “Deliveroo is thrilled to launch our third Sustainable Packaging Challenge in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and Pho. Our goal is to demonstrate that sustainable packaging can be both innovative and cost-effective for the delivery sector. By bridging business and academia, we aim to accelerate the introduction of creative sustainable solutions into the market. We eagerly anticipate the students’ ideas!”
Libby Andrews, Marketing Director at Pho, added, “This presents a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with a group of passionate and talented students who will tackle our packaging challenges with fresh perspectives. We are excited to see their creations!”
Azucena Gómez, Course Leader at Sheffield Hallam University, remarked, “We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with Deliveroo and collaborate with Pho on this new challenge. This initiative encourages apprentices to think outside the box, explore innovative solutions, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. By merging industry know-how with emerging talent, we nurture an environment that promotes creativity, experimentation, and shared learning, driving innovation and growth for all involved.”
