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2026 Student Design Challenge Submission Form

Submit your application for the 2026 Student Design Challenge by June 5, 2026. 

Challenge Recap

Paper packaging is sustainable and recyclable. To increase its use, this year's Design Challenge asks students to design an influencer PR box for an original luxury confectionery brand that holds the retail product inside. 

The package must not only contain and protect the retail product but also elevate user experience by creating an engaging and memorable unboxing moment that reflects the brand’s premium positioning.

Download the 2026 Student Design Challenge Criteria

Ready for a challenge? Submit your intent form today! 

How to Apply

Please review the 2026 Student Design Challenge Criteria and submit all necessary elements using the form below.

Your entry should include:

  • Prototypes (40 points) 

  • Structural Development and Exploration (30 points) 

  • Design Brief (20 points) 

  • Final Video of Design (10 points) 

In addition, you must submit signed copies of the Certificate of Originality, Image Release Form, and the Graduate Advisor Form, if applicable. All team members are required to sign the Certificate of Originality. The Image Release Form should be completed and signed by one designated team member. The Graduate Advisor Form only needs to be submitted if it is relevant to your team.

These forms may be downloaded from the links below:

Submissions are due June 5, 2026. Your physical prototype should be mailed to:

Paperboard Packaging Alliance
ATTN: Gabby Barr
601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 1000 N
Washington, D.C. 20005

For any questions, contact Gabby Barr at ppa@afandpa.org.

Submit Your Entry

Student Contact Information

School Address
First Name Last Name Degree Program Email Address Weight
First Name Last Name Degree Program Email Address Weight

Advisor Contact Information

Faculty Advisor First Name Faculty Advisor Last Name Department Phone Email Weight
Grad Student Advisor First Name Grad Student Advisor Last Name Department Phone Email Weight
Please submit the signed Graduate Advisor Guidelines form. This form should be signed by your faculty advisor. Download the form.
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx, .

Entry Submission

Please submit the following required documentation (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .ppt and .pptx accepted). Please ensure your documentation includes both a marketing plan and design elements that are part of your presentation. Your prototype and dielines will be mailed in.

  • Student Design Brief  
    • A design brief is a document that defines the core details of your upcoming design project, including its goals, scope, and strategy. It needs to define what you, as a designer, need to do, and within what constraints. In many ways, it works like a roadmap or a blueprint, informing design decisions and guiding the overall workflow of your project, from conception to completion.  Successful briefs include: 
    • Relevant Client Detail.  Capture the key points about what the company does, what is their mission, how do their brands go to market.  Include competitor details if relevant.  
    • Project Goals & Objectives.  Outline the overarching purpose of your project, as well as the methods you plan to use to achieve that purpose.  
    • Target Audience.  Describe the customer/buyer, including their demographics such as age, gender, economic status, and media consumption.  Also include any known pain points they may have.  
    • Budget.  This can be high level, but you should demonstrate the understanding of how this impacts the whole of the project.  
    • Does not exceed 5 pages (PPT Format Preferred)  
  • Structural Development and Exploration
    • Plain, unglued carton blanks 
    • Detailed production die drawings 
    • Design concept and execution (Sketches, various iteration and representative prototypes leading to final execution)  
    • Standard 10-point drop testing should be conducted (no equipment needed).  
    • May also include graphic development
Maximum 5 files.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx.
Please include up to five images of your project (png or jpeg accepted). These will be used on our website and social media to showcase your designs. Note: You must receive the brand's permission if using an existing brand. 
Maximum 5 files.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.
Please submit the required signed photo release form. A team representative must sign the form. If it is not signed, we will ask you to submit it again. Download the form.
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.

Certificate of Originality

Please submit the required signed certification of originality (.pdf, .doc, .docx accepted). This form must be signed by all team members. If it is not, we will ask you to submit it again. Download the form.
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.
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