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Paperboard Packaging Alliance Releases 2022 Student Design Challenge Finalists

Teams from Fashion Institute of Technology and California Polytechnic State University Advance as Finalists 

WASHINGTON – The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) today announced the finalists of its 2022 Student Design Challenge, a competition where student teams compete to design innovative paperboard packaging prototypes. The goal of this year’s challenge is to identify a real product currently on the market that isn’t packaged in paperboard and design a new paper-based solution.

This challenge calls for teamwork and “outside-the-box” thinking to create solutions using sustainable, fiber-based packaging that can also be recycled.

Student design projects from the following schools were named as finalists:

  • California Polytechnic State University – Froot
  • Fashion Institute of Technology – Duracell
  • Fashion Institute of Technology – Tide

“The Student Design Challenge generates so much excitement in our industry,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President & CEO. “As students collaborate, they are also creating innovative packaging solutions to further our industry’s sustainability leadership,” she said. “This year’s challenge brought to light the power of fiber-based packaging, and how we can use it to find sustainable alternatives.”

“We are so fortunate to have this program which shows the creativity of future designers in the paperboard packaging industry,” said Paperboard Packaging Council President Ben Markens. "This is a fantastic opportunity to meet students and learn more about what inspires them and why they want to join our industry. On top of that, we're able to celebrate innovations and fresh ideas that will advance our sustainability story."

The Student Design Challenge is an annual competition for university students in leading packaging design programs to show off their talent, design skills and innovative approaches to meet real-world customer needs and marketing scenarios.

The 3 finalists are invited to attend the Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference from October 26-28, 2022 in Austin, Texas.

There, during a special reception, the final placements will be announced. Each team will have the opportunity to present their submissions and showcase their prototype to industry professionals.

For more information and a look at this years’ honorees, visit: paperboardpackaging.org

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper