Next generation packaging talent takes the stage at the 2026 Pro Carton Young Designers Award

The packaging designers of tomorrow were celebrated in Rome, as the winners of the 2026 Pro Carton Young Designers Award (PCYDA) were revealed at the Awards Gala at Villa Miani.

More than 1000 projects were submitted by students from over 70 universities across 21 countries, making it a record-breaking year for the competition. The winning concepts ranged from food packaging, sustainable concepts and wellbeing solutions.

The PCYDA gives students the opportunity to turn creative ideas into practical packaging concepts and gain valuable insight into the industry.  Each year, the competition offers students the chance to gain invaluable real world experience, explore career opportunities and win memorable prizes.

The winners were selected by an international panel of packaging and design professionals representing the entire cartonboard value chain.

The Creative Cartonboard Packaging – Food & Drink award went to Turkish student Alanur Türkoğlu from Istanbul Medipol University for Grain.

Developed with guidance lecturer Aslıhan Yılmaz, Grain reimagines spice packaging through a recyclable cartonboard system designed for controlled dispensing. Its hexagonal shape maximises shelf and countertop space, while a grain inspired gradient helps users identify each spice. A rotating inner dosage mechanism controls the amount dispensed, and the refillable container allows the pack to be reused.

In the Creative Cartonboard Packaging – All Other category, German students Wiebke Wendorff, Sophia Reinecke, Pina Schmitz and Lara Thole took home the award with Net’s Play.

With the help of their lecturer Steffen Schulz, Net’s Play transforms its packaging into a portable table tennis set. An integrated fold out net allows almost any table to become a playing surface, while the pack folds back into a carrying bag for transport and reuse. The concept uses cartonboard in place of conventional plastic and is intended to encourage spontaneous, social play. 

Polish student Piotr Szewczyk from Politechnika Bydgoska University won The Sustainability Award for Fluoria.

Mentored by lecturer Anita Szymankiewicz, the toothpaste pack uses a compact linear structure to reduce empty space and material consumption with tightening packaging regulations coming into force. Its angled construction allows more units to be transported and stored efficiently, while the single sided print reduced production requirements. integrated euro slot and stable inclined base also give retailers greater flexibility when displaying the products. 

Throughout the summer, the public, colleagues from the packaging industry, and academics had their say in selecting the winner of the Public Award from the judges shortlist of the most impressive cartonboard concepts. More than 10,000 people had their say in this year’s PCYDA Public Vote, with over 10,100 votes cast, a 62% increase from 2025 figures.

The Public Vote Award was presented to Italian students Giada Gasparet and Luca Adami from ISIA Roma Design for Struky Struky – share with everyone. Supported by their lecturer, Marco Pietrosante, the concept reimagines packaging for Strucchi, a traditional regional sweet. Two separately sealed trays hold the classic and gluten free varieties, allowing more people to share the dessert from a single pack.

The final award was a special recognition for the entry that most captured the judges' attention. The 2026 Judges’ Award was presented to German students Lara Sommer, Lilli Maas, Lucia Kremkus and Johanna Ostrejz from FH Münster, Münster School of Design for Panic Paul.

Developed under the guidance of Professor Steffen Schulz, Panic Paul is a compact support kit containing tools designed to help users manage moments of anxiety and panic. Its side opening provides quick access to breathing prompts, grounding tools and sensory elements, while space is included for personal comfort items. Clear instructions and optional QR code audio guidance take users through simple self-regulation techniques. 

Winfried Muehling, head of marketing and communications at Pro Carton, said: ‘The 2026 Pro Carton Young Designers Award has once again highlighted an impressive group of designers. The winning concepts demonstrate how cartonboard can be used to solve practical challenges, improve the user experience and create more sustainable alternatives, while still leaving room for creativity and originality. We are delighted to give these young designers a platform to showcase their talent and look forward to seeing where their ideas take them next.’

All PCYDA winners will take part in practical training days, organised by sponsors RDM Group and Lucaprint, giving them the opportunity to gain first hand experience of cartonboard production and manufacturing.

For the full list of 2026 winners and finalists, visit the Pro Carton website here.