Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge winners announced

FPA’s annual competition recognizes innovative flexible packaging from across its membership. The industry also believes it is important to encourage and recognize students who are working to become the next generation of packaging designers. 

For the 2020 competition, FPA received 40 concept outlines from some of the top packaging design programs across the United States. From the concept outlines submitted, 15 were selected to continue to the development phase. The entries demonstrated a high level of creativity, as well as a strong understanding of the mechanical properties of flexible packaging materials and manufacturing processes. While every entry was designed for a different product, they each found an ingenious way to apply flexible packaging to satisfy the growing consumer demand for convenient, easy-to-use packaging.

‘I am continually impressed by the growth and abilities of the student efforts toward the FPA Awards. They are providing new and commercially viable packaging solutions to their entries,’ said competition judge, Mike Richmond, principal at PTIS.

The judge’s panel for the competition also included Min Degruson, assistant professor at University of Wisconsin – Stout, and Matt Reynolds, editor of Packaging World.

The first place was awarded to a group of students: Pierson Berry, Ian Jennings, Linnea Landgren, and Suzannie Marshall from California Polytechnic State University for their Open Sesame – Premium Dipping Sauce packaging. 

‘We realized that regular soy sauce packets just weren’t cutting it. We created Open Sesame to transform on-the-go sushi into a better experience. Our packets were designed with our customers in mind, which is why they have a unique shape that no other brand does. This cutting-edge design allows for ease of opening, dispensing, and enjoyment with the ergonomic pouch that opens into a bowl — no more mess. Never again will you have to use the lid as a mixing bowl,’ commented winning students. 

The second place is shared between Jai Araujo for TouchUp Pounch and Rosalyn Yasui for Doughnut’cha Know Juice. Both students are from San José State University.

Follow our Instagram account to see all winning projects featured online.