Organizer Information
The Pro Carton is a European association representing the cartonboard and folding carton industry. It works in close collaboration with stakeholders across the packaging value chain, including manufacturers, designers, and brands, to promote cartonboard as a renewable, recyclable, and sustainable packaging material. Through advocacy, research, and educational initiatives, Pro Carton supports innovation in packaging design and encourages environmentally responsible solutions. One of its flagship initiatives is the Pro Carton Young Designers Award, which aims to engage students across Europe in rethinking packaging through sustainability-driven design approaches.
Title & Description
Pro Carton Young Designers Award (PCYDA) 2026
The Pro Carton Young Designers Award 2026 is a leading European competition dedicated to fostering innovation in sustainable packaging design using cartonboard. The award invites design students to develop creative, functional, and environmentally responsible packaging concepts that demonstrate the versatility and recyclability of cartonboard as an alternative to less sustainable materials such as plastic.
The competition brief is intentionally open, allowing participants to explore a wide range of ideas—from food and beverage packaging to broader applications and conceptual sustainability solutions. Projects must focus on three-dimensional cartonboard structures, encouraging hands-on experimentation with material, form, and usability.
Participants will submit digital presentations of their concepts, with shortlisted candidates required to produce physical prototypes. The competition culminates in a public voting phase and an awards ceremony, offering visibility, professional exposure, and industry engagement.
Categories
- Creative Cartonboard Packaging | Food & Drink
- Creative Cartonboard Packaging | All Other (excluding Food & Drink)
- Sustainability (focused on replacing plastic and environmental impact)
- Public Award (selected through public voting from shortlisted entries)
Disciplines include:
- Product Design
- Packaging Design
- Industrial Design
- Sustainable Design
Eligibility
- Open to design students currently enrolled at a European institution
- Participants must not be working as professionals
- Open to individuals or groups (maximum 4 students per group)
- No age restriction specified, but applicants must be students at the time of submission
- Multiple submissions are allowed (each requires a separate entry)
Program Benefits & Awards
- 2-day professional training experience at a leading European cartonboard manufacturer and folding carton producer
- Hands-on industry exposure and technical insight into large-scale sustainable packaging production
- Trophy (per winning entry) and certificates for all team members
- Invitation to the Awards Gala (including the teachers of the winners)
- International recognition and media exposure across Pro Carton platforms
- Participation in exhibitions, promotional campaigns, and industry events
Additionally:
- 24 shortlisted designs will be featured in a public voting campaign
- The Public Award winner receives a trophy, certificate, and promotional visibility
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Online entry form (in English)
- Up to 5 high-quality images of the design (main image must be landscape)
- A project title (max. 40 characters)
- A design description (max. 150 words)
- A 3D cartonboard concept, meeting the following criteria:
- Must be three-dimensional and to scale
- Made primarily of cartonboard (minimum 200 g/m²)
- Must be folded and optionally glued
- Printing is optional but encouraged
- Original work only (no copied or previously submitted designs)
Shortlisted applicants must additionally submit:
- A physical prototype
- Supporting materials (presentations, diagrams, documentation)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 May 2025
- Shortlist Notification: 31 May 2026
- Physical Prototype Deadline: 2 June 2026
- Public Voting Period: After final judging (date not specified)
- Awards Gala: September 2026
Location
Rome, Italy
Additional Details
- Participants retain full copyright of their designs
- By entering, applicants grant Pro Carton rights to use submissions for promotional purposes
- Entries may be featured in exhibitions, publications, and media campaigns
- Judges evaluate based on creativity, functionality, sustainability, and presentation quality
- Professional-quality visuals and clear descriptions are critical for selection
- Any attempt to manipulate public voting will result in disqualification
- Decisions by the jury are final and binding