Earlier this year, the New York Product Design Awards wrapped up its first competitive season for 2023 and the winners have been announced.

Out of the many hopeful entrants, local man Matt Berry-Smith of Coolcardie Coolers won the Silver award for his environmentally friendly, corrugated cardboard drink cooler.

From over 850 entries submitted, the competition determined winners by examining the submitted works in relation to how they improved people’s daily lives.

“Winning a New York Product Design Award for our sustainable drink coolers made from corrugated cardboard is a remarkable accomplishment,” says Matt from his home in Wamboin NSW. “This recognition not only celebrates our dedication to innovative design but also highlights the significant advantages our cooler brings to both our customers and the environment.”

“The competition is eager to congratulate each winner for their success and would like to commend them for their works, which truly shine a positive light on the future of design,” Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of the International Awards Associate (IAA), remarked.

“Their approach in design which takes into consideration ease of use and measurable benefits is certainly something worth taking after.”

The New York Product Design Awards was also graced by entries from distinguished companies such as CASETiFY, Alexander Shorokhoff Uhrenmanufaktur, Untitled Motorcycles, Jan Flook Lighting Pty, DOWELLDESIGN, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., Sieger Design, Coyne PR, Kongju University, HP Inc., and Le Portier.

“As always, the NY Product Design Awards is proud to be a platform to showcase and honor excellent designers’ works, such as Matt Berry-Smith / Coolcardie Coolers Pty Ltd,” Thomas said. “As the level of competition continues to increase year after year, we are excited to see more great works come in over time.”

Retired from his advertising and graphic design business, Matt, who has an Industrial Design degree, has always had time for good ideas.

This idea started with a cooler being punched out of its original beer carton. That was over 10 years ago, and now, after many concepts and market feedback, it has developed into a stand-alone cooler that will rival the popular oil-based, unsustainable neoprene coolers in thermal qualities and detailed print finishes.

Another point of difference when compared to the standard neoprene stubby holder is not only its lack of a significant carbon footprint, but that the Coolcardie caters for all the popular sizes in the market, from 280ml up to 750ml containers.

But does the Coolcardie actually keep your bevvies cool?

“It sure does!” Matt says. “Our testing showed that in the shade the neoprene and Coolcardie models were very similar, but in direct sunlight the Coolcardie was a clear winner in the cooling stakes.

“In fact, because the cooler’s sleeve is taller, it keeps them colder than most other coolers.”

Don’t be fooled by its apparently simple design either. The Coolcardie has been through several iterations over the past decade, all of which has resulted in the invention’s design and assembly process having strong IP nationally and internationally.

The innovative Coolcardiecomes flat packed and is assembled without the need for adhesives. The easy-to-follow QR code assembly instructions mean that unlike its neoprene competitors, it can be ‘unassembled’ for storage and reuse, avoiding that notoriously messy pile of stubby holders which ultimately make their way to landfill. Another win for the planet.

“The time is right now for the Coolcardie as more and more people are rejecting single use plastics and unsustainable materials,” Matt says.

So, if you’re tired of oil based stubby holders and are looking for something that is affordable, versatile, and environmentally friendly, do what the New York Design Awards did. Head to www.coolcardie.com and pick a winner in the uniquely customisable Coolcardie to make your next special event even more memorable.