Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge

Paw Pantry Pre-Portioned Nature’s Blend Dry Kibble

• Student Team: Kanya Misra, Olivia Peterson, and Jennifer Takao
• School: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
• Professor: Ajay Kathuria, Ph.D., Professor

Paw Pantry delivers pre-portioned dog food meals in high-barrier metallized flexible packaging designed to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. Individually sealed pouches feature perforated tear openings for convenience, portion control, and portability while reducing food waste and mess. The concept demonstrates how advanced flexible packaging structures can enhance both product protection and consumer experience within the growing pet care market.

SECOND PLACE HONORS – TIE

BoilBag Pasta – Boil & Strain Bag

• • • • • • • Student Team: Raina Patel, Vania Robles, and Kimberly Santana
            • School: Cal Poly
            • Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor

The BoilBag Pasta package transforms traditional pasta packaging into an active cooking solution. The heat-resistant pouch allows consumers to boil, strain, and serve pasta directly from the package, eliminating the need for a separate colander. The design incorporates an integrated drainage zone, reinforced handling features, and a recyclable laminate structure engineered for thermal performance and durability. By reducing cleanup, water usage, and packaging weight, the concept demonstrates how flexible packaging can become an integral part of the product experience.

ChEASY All-in-One Mac n Cheese Pouch

• Student Team: Apollo Son and Brooklyn Still
• School: Cal Poly
• Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor

The ChEASY All-in-One Mac n Cheese Pouch is a dual-compartment, BPA-free flexible package that combines pasta and cheese ingredients within a single heat-safe structure. Designed for both convenience and manufacturability, the pouch streamlines meal preparation while reducing the need for secondary packaging and additional cooking tools.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Flavored Gravy Sample Pouches

• • • • • • • • • • • • Student Team: Ava Franco, Sophia Marlow, and Sophie Simmer
                      • School: University of Wisconsin–Stout
                      • Professor: Xiaojing “Kate” Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor

The Flavored Gravy Sample Pouches offer cat owners an easy, low-waste way to discover their pet’s favorite flavors. Many cats are picky eaters, leading to wasted food and money as owners experiment with full-sized products. Our innovative design separates flavor from dry food, providing five single-serve gravy pouches in a convenient, flexible, resealable Doy pack made from 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content material. Each tear notch pouch lets owners squeeze out just the right amount to test a flavor without committing to a large purchase. This sample pack reduces waste, saves money, and makes mealtime customization simple and stress-free.

Flexible Cotton Swab Package with Roll Over and Resealable Mechanism 

• Student Team: Tracy Liu and JT Wilcox
• School: Cal Poly
• Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor

This innovative stand-up gusset pouch offers a lightweight, resealable alternative to traditional rigid cotton swab packaging. Designed for convenience and sustainability, it reduces plastic use while maintaining product protection and shelf appeal. The integrated zipper closure ensures freshness and easy access, while high-quality printable film enhances branding opportunities. Compatible with existing form-fill-seal manufacturing systems, this package supports efficient, large-scale production without costly equipment changes. By combining functionality, material reduction, and consumer convenience, this flexible packaging solution represents a modern, sustainable evolution in personal care packaging.

Four Square Beef Package

• • • • • • • • • • • Student Team: Tucker Barth, Kara Ng, Devan Reynard, and Caden Sieger
                    • School: Cal Poly
                    • Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor

Four Square Beef is an innovative 1 lb. ground beef packaging solution featuring four individually accessible ¼ lb. portions in a thermoformed recyclable tray with peelable lidding film. Designed to reduce food waste, improve portion control, and minimize cross-contamination, it allows consumers to use only what they need while keeping the remaining portions sealed and protected. Each square can be easily removed from the tray without disturbing the others, and the flexible tray allows for convenient storage, folding, or stacking in refrigerators and freezers. The unique design also supports eye-catching graphics, clear instructions, and enhanced shelf appeal. By combining convenience, sustainability, and structural integrity, Four Square Beef modernizes fresh meat packaging to meet both consumer and environmental needs.

Best Video Award

DUOLOOP™ Dual-Chamber

• Student Team: Ethan Girtle, Katerina Harris, Alondra Lobos, and Leo Miller
• School: Cal Poly
• Professor: Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor
• Video Link

DUOLOOP™ Dual-Chamber replaces traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles with one flexible dual-chamber pouch. An internal divider prevents cross-contamination, while bottom dispensing caps allow controlled use. The package can be hung from shower components using its attached feature, reducing bathroom clutter. Made from PET/PE multilayer film, it uses less material than two rigid bottles while maintaining functionality. By combining two products into a single lightweight structure, DUOLOOP™ reduces material use and improves space efficiency. This design presents a practical alternative to conventional rigid shampoo and conditioner care packaging.