Emeris Student Earns International Recognition at Worldstar Global Packaging Awards

From high school art teacher to Communications Design student at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga, 25-year-old Joash Gounden is pursuing his dream and gaining international recognition along the way.

Gounden who, as a finalist in the national Student Gold Pack Awards, was automatically entered into the prestigious WorldStar Global Packaging Awards and was recently awarded a WorldStar Student Certificate of Recognition as a result of his entry.

The WorldStar Student Certificates of Recognition, which recognise excellence in packaging design, innovation and creative problem solving on the global stage, are awarded to entries that receive exceptionally high scores from WorldStar judges.

“This was the first time I entered a competition as a student. Being a finalist in the Student Gold Pack Awards and then receiving a WorldStar Student Certificate of Recognition was completely unexpected,” said Gounden.

“All the finalists for the national competition were flown to Johannesburg. I attended with one other Vega School student and my Communications Design lecturer, Mickey Burnett. It was such an amazing experience. When I was later contacted about the WorldStar Student Certificate of Recognition, I was genuinely shocked. I think the news is still sinking in. It’s so rewarding to know that all the hard work and late nights have paid off”.

Gounden’s journey to The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga was not a direct one. Due to financial circumstances, he was unable to pursue Communication Design studies immediately after matriculating. Instead, he completed two years of study towards an Education degree through the University of South Africa and worked as an art teacher at a high school in oThongathi, while remaining determined to follow his passion for design and art.

“My Dad is a policeman and my Mum has muscular dystrophy, so our household relied on one income,” Gounden explained. “In addition to them helping me with funds, I worked and saved while teaching, knowing that one day I wanted to pursue my passion. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for my parents’ help”.

In 2024, Gounden began his IIE Bachelor of Communication Design degree at The Vega School, a specialist school of Emeris.

He explained that all his design projects at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga are driven by purpose. His competition entry was inspired by an everyday favourite - instant noodles.

“I love instant noodles. They’re my guilty pleasure,” he laughed. “When I approach a project, I like to start by thinking about all the problems before the solutions. With noodle packaging, I asked questions like: is it difficult to open, are the instructions hard to read, and what happens to the packaging once it’s thrown away?”

Gounden considered how foil lined disposable packaging often does not enter proper recycling streams and can end up polluting the environment and the ocean. He also thought about the user experience.

“I like my instant noodles a bit soupy, which can get messy with splashing,” he said. “So, I asked myself: why not create packaging that’s simple and eye catching, solves these issues, and is most importantly biodegradable?”

As part of his research, Gounden explored countries where instant ramen noodles are a staple food and investigated biodegradable materials currently being used by companies.

“I learnt about seaweed and mycelium, which is a fungus. When infused into paper, these materials allow packaging to be recycled, and even if it ends up in the ocean or soil, it disintegrates within days without harming the environment,” he explained. “Once the packaging is opened, it unfolds into a placemat, which improves convenience while reducing waste”.

He also ensured the ink used on the packaging aligned with the sustainability ethos of the design.

“I used only two colours on natural, un-inked paper, with natural dyes that won’t affect the recycling process. I believe that the amount of thought businesses put into their product should be matched by the same level of care and consideration for their packaging”.

Gounden’s lecturer Mickey Burnett (Lecturer in Video, Photography and Communication Design at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) praised both his talent and mindset.

“Joash is undoubtedly one of the most talented students I’ve ever worked with,” said Burnett. “More than that, he has a real can do attitude when it comes to problem solving, along with a unique perspective on his design solutions - something that doesn’t come around often. I’m incredibly proud of him and can see an exciting future for him in design and branding”.

Burnett also highlighted the importance of students participating in industry recognised competitions.

“These competitions represent a significant step up in terms of industry recognition. They give students the opportunity to stand out from their peers through meaningful achievements in their creative portfolios, making them more employable and desirable to top creative teams locally and internationally”.