The Alliance of Plastics Processors is now accepting applications for the International Plastics Design Competition, which will be held at NPE 2009 in Chicago in June. APP, a unit of show organizer the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc., bills the competition as its first to be open innovative products from any country in the world and for use in any end market.

Entrants have until April 1 to submit their nominations. Awards will be presented in these categories:

• Overall achievement, including best-of-competition, multi-component system, single part, judges' choice, and people's choice (as voted for by NPE attendees).
• End-use market, which may include awards in a range of sectors such as appliances, medical devices, or packaging.
• Sustainability, including three awards for products that lead to improvements in energy efficiency, waste reduction, pollution reduction, or water conservation.
• Emerging technology, being an award for a product incorporating a key developing technology such as bio-based materials, biodegradability, or nanotechnology.