Student Design Challenge Sparks Fresh Ideas for Flexible Packaging
The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) and its Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) are well underway with the 2026 Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge.
In its 22nd year, the program remains one of the industry’s most respected student competitions, showcasing innovative ideas from FPA member colleges and universities nationwide. It also introduces the next generation of talent to the opportunities within flexible packaging.
The challenge invites students to develop creative packaging concepts that address real-world needs, such as product protection, health, sustainability, convenience, or consumer safety and security.
Entries should aim to advance the use of flexible packaging by improving an existing package, converting a rigid format to a flexible one, incorporating a unique printing or technical feature, or introducing flexible packaging to a product category where it is not currently used.
The creative opportunities are endless.
Entries are evaluated by ELC members who bring diverse industry experience to the judging process. In addition, students are encouraged to collaborate with mentors from the ELC, who provide valuable guidance and industry perspective as students develop their concepts. This mentorship component helps bridge the gap between conceptual and real-world application while strengthening connections between students and industry professionals.
The program directly supports the mission of the ELC’s Education and Recruitment Committee to build a sustainable future for the flexible packaging industry by attracting and developing future leaders through recruitment and education and by providing meaningful resources that increase awareness of critical industry topics.
“I think this challenge is the perfect way to harness the minds of students and highlight flexible packaging,” says Reiss McKinney, sales and marketing representative at ISOFlex Packaging and a member of the ELC’s Education and Recruitment Committee. “It’s exciting to think about new designs that solve problems or add convenience. And who doesn’t love a little competition? This challenge embodies what ELC is all about—young professionals pushing the advancement within the industry.”
Each first-place participant will receive at least $500, and each second-place participant will receive at least $250.
The 2026 challenge also has a new prize: The first-place team will receive one ELC-sponsored registration to attend the FPA 2027 Annual Meeting. This opportunity allows winning students to showcase their concept and connect directly with FPA members from across the industry.
The call for entries opened in February, and winning designs will be announced in mid-May.
For students, the challenge offers experience solving real packaging challenges, connections to industry professionals, and opportunities to showcase their ideas on a national stage.
For the industry, the program provides a valuable way to engage emerging talent, encourage fresh thinking, and strengthen the pipeline of future leaders who will continue to push the boundaries of flexible packaging.
FPA member companies and university partners are encouraged to share this opportunity with students and faculty to help expand participation and continue the program’s long-standing impact.
Patrick Clark is vice president of research and development and procurement at Bryce Corporation. Clark is also vice-chair of the ELC’s Education and Recruitment Committee.
