The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) 2024 Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge winners have been announced. This year’s first winner was a team of students from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, and the second-place winner was a team of students from the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly).
FPA’s annual Achievement Awards competition recognizes innovative flexible packaging from across its membership. The FPA believes it is important to encourage and recognize students who are working to become the next generation of packaging engineers and designers.
The first-place winner was a team of students from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Starr Gong and Logan Searles, for their Pringles Side Opening Pouch concept. The students were under the direction of Assistant Professor, Xiaojing “Kate” Liu. The concept called for a total redesign of the traditional Pringles package for a stand-up pouch with a flip stand feature. The re-sealable pouch and nitrogen-filled cushioning help to protect the chips from being crushed and retain product freshness. A wide-open side design provides consumer convenience for accessing the chips. This concept also won an award for “Best Video” which will be promoted through FPA’s social media channels.
Sizzle Sleeves, a packaging concept for pre-cooked single-serve bacon slices, was the second-place winner. Garrett Foster, Haaken Pedersen, and Clorinda Webb from the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) developed the concept under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor.
FPA’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) oversees the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge and judged this year’s competition. The ELC judges for the competition included:
• Kasie Fairbarn, Vice President of Sales, Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation, ELC Co-Chair
• Weston Harcourt, Strategic Account Manager, Sonoco Flexible Packaging, ELC Co-Chair
• Jonathan Quinn, Industry Advisor
For the 2024 competition, FPA received 49 concept outlines; 11 were selected to continue to the development phase.
