The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) announced the winners of the 2026 Student Design Challenge. The Student Design Challenge is a yearly competition that tests students’ skills in designing creative, innovative paper-based packaging by applying them to a real-world application. PPA is a joint initiative of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC).
The 2026 Design Challenge tasked students with developing an influencer PR box for a new luxury confectionery brand. Submissions had to contain and protect the retail product while elevating the user experience through an engaging, memorable unboxing moment. Student design projects from the following schools were named as winners:
- 1st Place: Dāt–California Polytechnic State University
- 2nd Place: Pacha Cacao–Rochester Institute of Technology
- 3rd Place: Tempus–California Polytechnic State University
“It is inspiring to see the creativity and innovation demonstrated by this year’s winning teams and all Challenge participants,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO. “The Student Design Challenge encourages emerging designers to explore how sustainable materials and packaging design can advance circularity while addressing real-world packaging needs. As part of the Paperboard Packaging Alliance, we are proud to support the next generation of talent and their contributions to the future of paperboard packaging.”
“Some of the people who will shape the future of fiber-based packaging are sitting in classrooms today,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “The Student Design Challenge gives students from a range of disciplines an opportunity to see firsthand what paperboard can deliver: creativity, performance and a compelling sustainability story. Just as important, it creates a bridge between the classroom and our industry. Bringing these students to our Fall Meeting gives them the opportunity to present their ideas, meet converters and potential future employers, and inspire our community. That connection goes both ways: we want students to see the breadth of opportunity in paperboard packaging, and we want our industry to see the talent, ideas, and perspectives of the next generation.”