Organizer Information

Model Group is a packaging‑industry company (headquartered in Switzerland) that runs an global competition for packaging design. The Model Young Package has been active since 1996 and is described as “the largest packaging‑design competition of its kind in the world.”

Title & Description

Model Young Package 2026 — “Unpacking Taboo”
This edition invites designers to challenge taboos and societal stigmas through packaging design. Participants are asked to design paper‑based packaging prototypes (boxes, bags, etc.) that go beyond mere protection — packaging that sparks conversation, normalises sensitive topics, and helps bring often-stigmatised items (e.g. intimate care, sexual wellness, mental‑health products, or other “taboo” objects) into everyday life with dignity, respect, and social awareness.

The competition is framed as an opportunity for fresh design talent to collaborate with packaging professionals, and — for top proposals — possibly engage in a “Professional Challenge” brief with real clients.

Categories

  • Packaging Design (paper/fibre-based)
  • Industrial/Product Design
  • Graphic Design / Structural Design
  • Conceptual / Socially Engaged Design (addressing taboos, social issues, user experience)

Eligibility

  • Open to global participants. The Model Young Package is described as a global competition.
  • Two participation categories:
    • High School: secondary‑school or vocational‑school students aged 15–21, not enrolled in a university.
    • Unlimited: university students, adult learners, and professional designers (no age limit).
  • Individuals or teams (up to 5 people) can participate; if a team participates, only one needs to submit the prototype.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Monetary prizes — There is a total prize pool of €29,000.
    • In the Open Contest: for “Unlimited” category, 1st up to €4,000, 2nd €3,000, 3rd €2,000; for “High‑School” category, 1st €3,000, 2nd €2,000, 3rd €1,000.
    • Additional possible awards: Online Public Vote (bonus), Jury’s Chair Award, Innovation Centre Award (smaller prizes).
  • Professional Challenge — Winners of the initial round may be selected to work on a real‑client packaging brief (e.g. cosmetics industry), developing a production‑ready solution. This gives valuable experience and exposure within the industry.
  • Internship at Model Group — Top designers (from Professional Challenge) may receive internship offers, giving direct insight into one of Europe’s major packaging manufacturers.
  • Networking & Industry Exposure — Award ceremony brings together leading designers, industry managers, and brand representatives — a good chance for contacts and career development.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • Prepare a paper‑based packaging prototype (box, bag, tube, etc.), made from recyclable/fibre-based materials (e.g. corrugated cardboard, paperboard).
  • Submit a PDF file containing:
    1. The title of the work.
    2. Up to 5 photos of the prototype (digital photos or renders).
    3. A structural/construction blueprint (vector or technical drawing) for how the packaging works.
    4. A description in English explaining the concept, design rationale, and how it addresses the theme/taboo.
  • PDF file size not to exceed 10 MB.
  • Each participant (or each team) may submit only one prototype.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Registration / Submission window (Open Contest): January 2026 – March 2026.
  • Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

Location

Switzerland

Additional Details

  • The 2026 theme “Unpacking Taboo” encourages designers to think beyond conventional packaging — aiming to destigmatise everyday items related to intimate care, wellness, mental health, alternative therapy, and more. The competition encourages socially conscious, respectful, and inclusive design.
  • The competition positions itself as a stepping-stone for emerging designers — many past participants have gone on to successful design careers, working with major brands or becoming recognised designers.
  • The “Young” in Model Young Package refers not to age but to being “new to the field”: even older designers are eligible under the “Unlimited” category.

Website Link: https://www.modelgroup.com/ch/en/model-young-package.html

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