Sheffield Hallam University's Design Futures team bagged two UK Packaging Awards including Innovation Of The Year after using cutting-edge material FibreForm on the giftbags for Yorkshire-based company Kiroco Jewellery.

FibreForm, developed by Swedish paper producer BillerudKorsnas, is a formable, sustainable, tactile and attractive new paper which is ideal for creative packaging.

The agency turned theory into practice when Kiroco Jewellery approached them looking for an innovative gift-bag solution for a new range of products. The team designed and produced initial handbag-style prototypes in FibreForm which are now in mass production.

Judges at the awards also handed the team a highly-commended award for best carton-board pack.

Design Futures creative director John Kirkby said: 'To win Innovation of The Year shows that we are mixing it with the big boys when it comes to using cutting-edge techniques to provide economical and environmental packaging solutions.

'Working with a new material is always very exciting. It allows designers to push boundaries and create truly innovative new designs. The exceptional strength of FibreForm means it can be formed to replace some plastics with paper, a far more sustainable product.

'Our main focus is innovation so to be recognised for it by the industry in this way is a particular thrill. We have lots of exciting projects currently in the studio and look forward to finding a nomination for next year's awards in the very near future.'

Design Futures has also developed a new production and prototyping method to help manufacture new FibreForm designs at its Sheffield Hallam base and is working with a range of companies to produce new packaging formats.