The Sheet Plant Association (SPA) has launched an exciting competition for students at UK colleges, 6th forms, and universities – the ‘Think Inside The Box’ Challenge.
The Challenge invites students to showcase their creativity and imagination by rethinking the future of corrugated packaging. Entries can explore:
- A new engineering or structural design for packaging;
- A marketing campaign promoting packaging as sustainable;
- A creative concept showing packaging in a new or surprising role.
Submissions can take the form of a poster, sketch, or short video/slide deck, offering flexibility for students from a wide range of disciplines.
Winners will receive the opportunity to attend the SPA 113th Conference at Silverstone Circuit on Monday 2nd February 2026, where they will:
- Network directly with potential future employers from across the packaging industry;
- Gain real-world insight into one of the UK’s most innovative and sustainable sectors;
- Experience a major national business conference at an iconic venue.
Innovation Specialist Ben Edmonds — known in the industry as the ‘Cardboard Ninja’ and remembered for his standout keynote at SPA’s 106th Conference in Leeds — will judge the entries and present the prizes at Silverstone.
A member of staff from each winning college will also be invited to attend, providing a valuable opportunity for them to:
- Connect with SPA Member companies and industry leaders;
- Strengthen employer engagement links for their institution;
- Support students in exploring future career paths in packaging, design, and manufacturing.
SPA members and the wider packaging community are encouraged to get involved by reaching out to their local colleges and universities to promote the competition and inspire the next generation of packaging professionals. Members can email [email protected] to request a copy of the competition poster, instructions, and entry rules to share with educational institutions.
Entries must be submitted by Friday 28th November 2025, with finalists notified by Friday 12th December 2025.
The “Think Inside The Box” Challenge is part of the SPA’s Future Talent & Industry Outreach Programme, which promotes careers and skills development across the corrugated and fibre-based packaging sector.
