International Paper Champions Student Innovation at Spanish National Packaging Awards
International Paper (IP) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable innovation and youth development by participating in the XVI National Packaging Design and Sustainability Awards, held on June 12, 2025 in Paterna, Spain. As a member of the Packaging Innovation Cluster, IP was among the companies to challenge university students with real-life packaging design needs. Our challenge was to reimagine sustainable corrugated cardboard alternatives to polystyrene boxes used in the fishing industry.
Seventeen student teams submitted inventive and technically robust proposals, which were evaluated by a jury of industry experts. Criteria included conceptual quality, innovation, sustainability, degree of technical development. Ausiàs Fuster, our Regional Innovation Leader in Spain, served on the jury and presented the awards during the ceremony held at Kinépolis Cinemas in Paterna.
The winning proposal from the University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR) introduced a sustainable cardboard packaging alternative to traditional porex boxes for fish and seafood. Designed for improved safety, ergonomics, and logistics, it features a drainage system and allows up to 500 unfolded units per pallet. Made from a single die with Sellocoat coating and no adhesives, it simplifies production and reduces costs. Runner-up proposals from the University of Valladolid and Mondragon Unibertsitatea were also recognized.
This initiative bridges academia and industry, offering students to face real-world challenges. Finalist projects automatically qualify for the prestigious Líderpack Awards in the “Young Design” category and may advance to the global WorldStar Student Awards.
Since its inception in 2009, the National Packaging Awards – organized by the Packaging Innovation Cluster – have become a cornerstone for fostering talent and innovation in the sector. Over 2,000 students have participated, addressing real packaging needs posed by more than 30 leading companies in the sector.
