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. Details for the 2025 competition will be posted when available.

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 2025 competition will be posted when available.

Congratulations to the 2024 Winners

FIRST PLACE HONORS

Pringles® Side Opening Pouch

Student Team: Starr Gong and Logan Searles

School: University of Wisconsin – Stout

Professor: Xiaojing "Kate" Liu, Assistant Professor

Get ready to flip your snacking experience upside down with the all-new Pringles® packaging makeover! We've ditched the old-school cans for a hip, stand-up pouch with a flip stand feature that's as funky as it is functional. Say goodbye to squished chips and hello to freshness with our re-sealable pouch and nitrogen-filled cushioning. Plus, accessing your favorite stack has never been easier with our wide-open side design. It's like a party in a pouch! And guess what? It's all made possible without breaking a sweat on the production line. So, get your hands on the future of snacking and let the good times roll with Pringles®!

SECOND PLACE HONORS

Sizzle Sleeves

Student Team: Garrett Foster, Haaken Pedersen, and Clorinda Webb

School: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

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

Sizzle Sleeves revolutionize how we enjoy bacon by offering a unique packaging solution that addresses convenience and suitability. Each package contains five separate sleeves with three slices of pre-cooked bacon per sleeve. The innovative packaging design lets consumers easily microwave their bacon directly in the tray provided without mess, enhancing the user experience. Sizzle Sleeves stands out by reducing food and packaging waste, promoting portion management, and offering a more organized and uniform distribution method. Without requiring new printing technologies, the plastic used to create Sizzle Sleeves' packaging utilizes microwaveable, transparent, and vacuum-sealable polymers that keep the product fresh for longer. Designed to be mass-produced using existing flexible packaging technologies, Sizzle Sleeves introduce an efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious option for bacon lovers, setting a new standard in the packaging industry.