CA Polytechnic State University Wins 2020 FPA Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge

March 25, 2020 Off By Sebastian Reisig

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) announces the winners of the FPA 2020 Student Flexible Design Challenge. This year’s first place winners were a team of students from California Polytechnic State University, and two students from San José State University tied for second place.
 
FPA’s annual Achievement Awards competition recognizes innovative flexible packaging from across its membership. The industry also believes it is important to encourage and recognize students who are working to become the next generation of packaging designers. “I am continually impressed by the growth and abilities of the student efforts toward the FPA Awards efforts! They are providing new and commercially viable packaging solutions to their entries,” says competition judge Mike Richmond, Ph.D., principal-PTIS, LLC.
 
For the 2020 competition, FPA received 40 concept outlines from some of the top packaging design programs across the United States. From the concept outlines submitted, 15 were selected to continue to the development phase. 
 
FIRST PLACE HONORS: Open Sesame – Premium Dipping Sauce Pouches (see above)
Student Team: Pierson Berry, Ian Jennings, Linnea Landgren, and Suzannie Marshall
California Polytechnic State University 
We realized that regular soy-sauce packets just weren’t cutting it. We created Open Sesame to transform on-the-go sushi into a better experience. Our packets were designed with our customers in mind, which is why they have a unique shape that no other brand does. This cutting-edge design allows for ease of opening, dispensing, and enjoyment with the ergonomic pouch that opens into a bowl — no more messes. Never again will you have to use the lid as a mixing bowl.

SECOND PLACE HONORS:

TouchUp Pouch – 2-in-1 Paint and Applicator Standup Pouch
Jai Araujo at San José State University 

Doughnut’cha Know Juice Dispensing Pouch
Rosalyn Yasui at San José State University

The 2020 competition entries demonstrated a high level of creativity, as well as a strong understanding of the mechanical properties of flexible packaging materials and manufacturing processes. While every entry was designed for a different product, they each found an ingenious way to apply flexible packaging to satisfy the growing consumer demand for convenient, easy-to-use packaging.
 
The judges for the competition included Min Degruson, Ph.D., asst. professor-Packaging, University of Wisconsin-Stout; Matt Reynolds, editor, Packaging World; and Mike Richmond, Ph.D., principal,-PTIS, LLC.