SHOWCASING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge

The FPA Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge honors flexible packaging solutions developed by students. The Challenge for students is to develop a flexible package solution that addresses a packaging issue, such as consumer convenience or the protection of food.

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A Prestigious Competition

In its 22nd year, the FPA Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge has earned a reputation as one of the flexible packaging industry’s most respected student competitions. The program celebrates innovative, student-developed solutions that showcase the versatility and impact of flexible packaging across a wide range of products and markets.

The Challenge 

Students are invited to develop a flexible packaging solution that addresses a real-world packaging need—such as consumer or product protection, safety and security, health, sustainability, or convenience. Entries may

  • Advance the use of flexible packaging
  • Improve upon an existing flexible package
  • Convert a non-flexible package into a flexible format
  • Incorporate a distinctive printing, technical, or sustainability feature
  • Introduce a product not currently available in flexible packaging

From retail food to medical and pharmaceutical applications, the possibilities are virtually limitless. The only boundary is your imagination.

How To Compete

Students must first submit a concept outline before developing and submitting a prototype/bench sample. The outline will be reviewed, and selected concepts will advance to the prototype stage.

Advancing students will then submit:

  • A flexible packaging prototype/bench sample
  • A video proposal presenting and defending their concept

Students may collaborate with their schools throughout the design process. FPA members can serve as mentors to those advancing to the prototype development round.

Key Dates

  • Concept outline deadline: March 25, 2026
  • Advancement notifications: Around April 1, 2026
  • Prototype and video submission deadline: April 30, 2026
  • Winners announced: Around May 15, 2026

Awards & Recognition

Students may compete individually or as teams. Each first-place participant will receive at least $500, and each second-place participant will receive at least $250. An additional honorary award will be presented for “Best Video.” The winning student or team will also receive a sponsorship for a team representative to attend the FPA 2027 Annual Meeting.

The video component is critical—it should clearly defend your concept, expand upon your written submission, and persuasively “sell” your solution to both judges and potential consumers. Be sure to highlight:

  • Why your concept improves upon current packaging;
  • Its sustainability advantages;
  • Its production feasibility.

Winning entries receive significant industry exposure, including coverage in FlexPack VOICE®; featured in leading trade media such as Packaging World, Packaging Digest, PFFC, Packaging Strategies, and Packaging Impressions; exposure at PACK EXPO International; and promotion across FPA’s social media channels.

Complete rules, instructions, and evaluation criteria are detailed in this FPA Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge Call for Entries.

For questions or assistance, email ddiehlmann@flexpack.org.

We look forward to reviewing your submission and wish you the best of luck in The Challenge.

Congratulations to the 2025 Winners

FIRST PLACE HONORS & BEST VIDEO WINNER

EZ PB&J Pouch

Student Team: Travis Daly, Jacob Marrer, Olivia Morris, Austin Pralow, and Amanda Szymanoski

School: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Professor: Kyle Dunno, Department Chair and Associate Professor

The EZ PB&J Pouch is a single-use flexible package featuring separate compartments for peanut butter and jelly. Designed for school lunches, the pouch simplifies the sandwich-making process for busy parents. Instead of preparing sandwiches in the morning, parents could now send two slices of bread and a pouch in their child’s lunchbox.

The pouch’s bread-shaped silhouette is not only playful and kid-friendly but also functionally designed. The ergonomic tear notch allows children—or adults with dexterity challenges—to open the package easily, without the need for spreading utensils. The eye-catching, colorful graphics further enhance its shelf appeal.

The EZ PB&J Pouch also won the award for “Best Video,” which will be featured across FPA’s digital platforms to celebrate the team’s creativity and communication skills.

SECOND PLACE HONORS

Pancake Pack

Student Team: Matteo Mazziliano, Emma Powers, Henry Wright, and Kyle Zheng

School: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Associate Professor

The Pancake Pack is a smart, flexible packaging solution for pre-portioned pancake mix. Designed for simplicity and convenience, the package eliminates the need for measuring cups and mixing bowls—making it ideal for quick breakfasts at home or on the go. The team selected ionomer film, a material known for its strength, clarity, and barrier properties, to ensure freshness while minimizing environmental impact.

With its intuitive design and waste-reducing features, the Pancake Pack shows how packaging innovation can enhance everyday experiences and support sustainable practices.

HONORABLE MENTION

Bounce® Dryer Sheets Resealable Pouch

Student Team: Maddy Cook, Sam Rosa, and Cole Teeple

School: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Professor: Kyle Dunno, Department Chair and Associate Professor

The Bounce® Dryer Sheets Resealable Pouch is a flexible, resealable pouch to replace the traditional bulky box used for dryer sheets. Made with airtight polyethylene (PE) film, the pouch maintains the sheets’ fragrance and freshness while reducing space, weight, and packaging waste. A user-friendly adhesive closure system was inspired by existing everyday household brands, ensuring a clean, no-hassle experience. This modern alternative packaging concept blends convenience, functionality, and sustainability.

HONORABLE MENTION

GoGlow: Single Serving Skincare

Student Team: Devin Blish, Edison Chow, Paulina Goncharov, and Maya Harris

School: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Associate Professor

The GoGlow: Single Serving Skincare provides a full skincare routine in a single, portable flexible package. Each step of the regimen is neatly segmented, offering clarity and ease of use. Unlike typical single-use sachets that only provide samples, this solution delivers a complete experience—perfect for consumers seeking compact, mess-free self-care on the go.