The winners of the 2025 Student Design Challenge were announced by the Paperboard Packaging Alliance, an initiative by the American Forest & Paper Association and the Paperboard Packaging Council. The competition invites university students from sustainable packaging and graphic design programs to create recyclable packaging solutions for real-world needs. This year, students were tasked with designing sustainable packaging for pet care products, including a DNA testing system or lab-dependent item.
The Rochester Institute of Technology claimed first place with their “Protection Prevention & Awareness for Pets” project. California Polytechnic State University secured both second and third places with “PAWSH” and “Teef Story,” respectively. Heidi Brock, President and CEO of AF&PA, praised the creativity and forward-thinking nature of the submissions, highlighting the fresh ideas students bring to the paperboard packaging industry.
Ben Markens, PPC President, expressed excitement over the students’ innovative work, which demonstrates the potential of sustainable packaging. The winners were honored at the 2025 Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference in Vancouver, Canada, attended by over 230 industry professionals. The event also revealed the theme for next year’s challenge, focusing on designing an influencer PR box for a luxury confectionery brand, emphasizing an engaging unboxing experience.
Honorable mentions were given to several other universities, and the People’s Choice Award went to California Polytechnic State University’s “PAWSH” project.
