The 2018 competition 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.

FPA’s annual Achievement Awards 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 2018 competition, FPA received 28 concept outlines from some of the top packaging design programs across the United States. From the concept outlines submitted, 11 were selected to continue to the development phase.

The first place winners were a team of students from Iowa State University. Two students from University of Wisconsin – Stout tied for second place.

Student Team: Emily Hurban and Autumn Rudlong, Iowa State University Wine-O is an innovative design of a classic product appealing to consumers of all ages. Typically, gelatin shots are made in a rigid polystyrene cup with a lid, but Wine-O is a flexible squeeze pouch designed to increase the ease of gelatin shot consumption with easy transportation. Instead of the bulky cups and lids, we now have a product that can be easily transferred to existing flexible package machinery for fast fill and mass production.

Student: Ryan Knudtson, University of Wisconsin — Stout For decades, breakfast cereal packaging has been inadequately designed, so the Standup Plastic Cereal “Box” would be the game changer for cereal packaging. This innovative design has the same benefits as traditional packaging, but uses less material and weighs less. This design also features an easy-open top that can be resealed to protect the product. The design still provides the same benefits as the traditional model as it can be stacked, provides a large billboard for graphics, and is easy to dispose.

Student: Benjamin Huber, University of Wisconsin – Stout Tree Hut Coffee has revolutionized the way ground coffee is stored and dispensed for drip coffee needs. The pouch is thin and attractive, allowing it to be easily tucked away or set out on the counter. The Tree Hut pouch also contains an in-pouch measuring system that allows users to measure the perfect amount of coffee into their included filters for a fresh and precise pot of coffee every time.

For More Information

For more information on the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge or the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition, please visit www.flexpack.org or contact FPA at 410-694-0800.