(Editor’s Note: PPAI’s annual Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards Co., honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and the outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship of Association members. The 2024 Pyramid Awards are accepting submissions through Friday, May 12.)

This Friday, May 12 is the last day to enter submissions for PPAI’s 2024 Pyramid Awards. Exceptional work, skill and ingenuity are honored by the industry’s most coveted recognition. PPAI members have until May 12 to submit their crowning jewels.

Arid Zone (PPAI 153187) won gold with an engaging activity kit for 3-year-old children. The distributor won a Gold Pyramid in the Client Programs: Consumer category by designing “Kinder Kits.” Arid Zone received rave reviews from its client, Victoria State Government Department of Education & Training in Australia, and recipient families. Funds have already been approved for the program to continue for the next two years.

Sales Director Max Fato says, “We thrive when working on product design projects from the ground up and this collaboration was no different. Seeing such positive results highlighted the relationships we enjoy with our local and international supply partners combined with our ethical and sustainable accreditations.”

The multi-use activity case was both sturdy and light enough for a child to carry. An expert panel reviewed the kit’s packaging and contents to ensure it was safe, age-appropriate, engaging and inclusive.

“Our team for the first time engaged with Ndevr Environmental, a climate change and human rights advisory firm focused on accelerating the economy’s transition to a sustainable, net zero future,” Fato says. “They undertook a comprehensive assessment of the Kinder Kit case, with the findings audited and certified by Climate Active. The process to undertake a carbon neutral certification is considered one of the most rigorous in the world and is an initiative we are immensely proud of.”

Encouraged to learn at home through play, about 60,000 kindergarten students received the kits. Inside, recipients found an animal magnet puzzle, a whiteboard panel, colored markers with washable ink and an eraser. Each item was meant to develop a child’s language skills, social skills, emotional expression and creativity.

Kinder Kits are colorful and crafty, making learning fun. Arid Zone’s success is one of many. Fato says, “Our showroom features many local awards on behalf of our clients in the past 35 years, but there’s nothing like being acknowledged by our international peers. We can proudly promote the win amongst our clients, suppliers and best of all our dedicated team.”

The 2024 Pyramid Award competition is accepting entries through May 12. To enter the competition, go to www.ppai.org/pyramid. If you need assistance, email awards@ppai.org.