SHOWCASING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY

Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge

The student, or team of students, who develops the first place winning entry will receive $1,000 and the second place winning entry will receive $500.

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.

Details for the 2022 Design Challenge will be posted when details are available.


Congratulations to the 2021 Winners

FIRST PLACE HONORS

Baby Shampoo and a Cup

Student Team: Caylee Boone, Abbey Dahlseng, Liam Gallagher, and Anna Kent

School: University of Wisconsin – Stout

Professor: Gary Borges, Lecturer

The baby shampoo with a cup alters the way that gussets are seen since they serve a purpose for the product. The flexible material is more sustainable than current shampoo bottles since it would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions during production and transportation, and it is in-store recyclable. This product greatly increases consumer convenience and would reduce clutter in the bathtub area of households.

SECOND PLACE HONORS

Band-Assist Bandages

Student Team: Connor Erwin, Corey Klatt, and Ben Lindgren

School: University of Wisconsin – Stout

Professor: Gary Borges, Lecturer

We realized that regular paperboard cartons for bandages were not convenient. We created Band-Assist to improve upon the paperboard design for our consumers. This pouch was designed for easy storage, easy use, and easy traveling. Our pristine design was made with consumers in mind, this pouch can be stored in any small space and even your pocket! Never worry about tearing another old paperboard box, keep everything contained!

HONORABLE MENTION

Flexible Travel Shampoo & Conditioner

Student Team: Connor Erwin, Corey Klatt, and Ben Lindgren

School: University of Wisconsin – Stout

Professor: Gary Borges, Lecturer

Have you ever been on a trip but have forgotten either your shampoo or conditioner bottle at home? Well, now you don’t have to worry about forgetting one of the bottles at home – you can get them both in a flexible, easy-to-use package. The flexible travel shampoo and conditioner is great for on-the-go by having both shampoo and conditioner in one package and can be easily separated if needed. The package also stands up for easy product pouring when needed.

HONORABLE MENTION

Peelable and Resealable Popcorn Gusseted Pouch

Student Team: Caylee Boone, Abbey Dahlseng, Liam Gallagher, and Anna Kent

School: University of Wisconsin – Stout

Professor: Gary Borges, Lecturer

The Peelable and Resealable Popcorn Gusseted Pouch drastically improves existing premade popcorn pouches. The flexible package is both innovative and enhanced. The peelable resealable tab allows for easy access and efficient closing. The technical achievement of the package’s stand-up rectangular structure allows the package to be shipped more efficiently and accessed easier from a consumer’s perspective. The package would require new machinery to be filled and sealed.

HONORABLE MENTION

Running Water — The Water for Runners

Student: Jai Araujo

School: San José State University

Professor: Xiaojing (Kate) Liu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Running Water is a new way to stay hydrated when you go for a run or hike. This innovative pouch has a sports spout on one end and a hole on the other end that can be attached creating a loop that can be grabbed and easily carried. Alternatively, Running Water can be used across the torso or around the waist by attaching the spout of one pouch to another pouch’s hole, forming a long ring.