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. Excited for next year? Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 competition!

A Prestigious Competition

The Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge has become a prestigious competition within the flexible packaging industry honoring flexible packaging solutions developed by students. Flexible packaging is used to package a wide variety of items. From retail food to medical and pharmaceutical products, the packaging possibilities are endless. The only limit is imagination!

The Challenge 

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. The package should:

  • Advance the use of flexible packaging;
  • Make an improvement over an existing flexible package;
  • Convert a non-flexible package into a flexible package; or
  • Package a product that is not currently available in flexible packaging.

How To Compete

Students are asked to submit a concept outline which will be evaluated and when approved, students may begin the development of the package prototype/bench sample. Students may work on the design in conjunction with their packaging schools. FPA members may be available as mentors to students advancing to the flexible packaging prototype/bench sample development round.

Already inspired? Stay tuned—details for the 2026 competition are on the way!

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.