The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), advocate for the U.S. flexible packaging industry, has announced the winners of the 2026 Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge. This year’s first- and second-place honors were awarded to student teams from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), with three additional packaging concepts receiving Honorable Mention recognition.
As part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of packaging professionals, FPA has sponsored the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge since 2004. The competition complements FPA’s annual Achievement Awards program by encouraging students to apply packaging science, engineering, and design principles to innovative real-world flexible packaging solutions.
First Place Winner: The first-place award was presented to Cal Poly students Kanya Misra, Olivia Peterson, and Jennifer Takao for their Paw Pantry Pre-Portioned Nature’s Blend Dry Kibble concept. The team was advised by Ajay Kathuria, Ph.D., Professor.
Second Place Winners: Two Cal Poly teams tied for second place.
One winning entry, BoilBag Pasta – Boil & Strain Bag, was developed by Raina Patel, Vania Robles, and Kimberly Santana under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor.
The second second-place award went to Apollo Son and Brooklyn Still, also under the direction of Shin, for their ChEASY All-in-One Mac n Cheese Pouch.
Honorable Mention Recipients: Three packaging concepts received Honorable Mention recognition for their outstanding concepts.
Flavored Gravy Sample Pouches, developed by Ava Franco, Sophia Marlow, and Sophie Simmer from the University of Wisconsin–Stout under the direction of Xiaojing “Kate” Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor.
Flexible Cotton Swab Package with Roll Over and Resealable Mechanism, developed by Tracy Liu and JT Wilcox from Cal Poly under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D.
Four Square Beef Package, developed by Tucker Barth, Kara Ng, Devan Reynard, and Caden Sieger from Cal Poly, also under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D.
Best Video Award: The Best Video Award was presented to Cal Poly students Ethan Girtle, Katerina Harris, Alondra Lobos, and Leo Miller for their DUOLOOP™ Dual-Chamber concept.
The 2026 competition attracted 49 concept outlines from students representing some of the nation’s leading packaging design programs. Following an initial review, 23 concepts advanced to the development phase, where students refined their ideas into comprehensive packaging solutions. Through the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge, FPA continues to support innovation, creativity, and professional development among future leaders in the packaging industry.
