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About the 2025 Student Design Challenge

Paper-based packaging is sustainable and recyclable. To increase its use, this year's Design Challenge asks students to design a new paperboard packaging line for an original pet care company, PPA Pets. 

One of your products must be a pet DNA testing system (or similar lab dependent item).

How to Enter

Submissions for 2025 are currently closed. Stay tuned for the 2026 Challenge!

Have a question? Email Gabby Barr at ppa@afandpa.org.

What is the PPA Student Design Challenge?

The PPA Student Design Challenge is an annual competition.  University students apply their talent and design skills to develop innovative, creative approaches to paper-based packaging in response to real-world customer needs and marketing scenarios. 

Why Enter

The PPA Student Design Challenge offers real-world experience for student designers and an opportunity to showcase their talents and innovative skills on a national platform


The top three winning teams can also earn cash prizes and bragging rights. Finalists can also participate in the Paperboard Packaging Council’s annual Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference where they can network with professionals from across the North American industry.

 

1st Place

1st Place

$10,500 to the team
$10,000 to the school

2nd Place

2nd Place

$8,300 to the team
$8,000 to the school

3rd Place

3rd Place

$6,650 to the team
$6,500 to the school

Get Inspired

Get inspired by past entries and winners

View the Gallery