The fourth annual Coloured by INX Can Design Contest begins today with entries now being accepted.

Open to all brand owners, design agencies, marketers and metal decorators who used the INX Color Catalog to produce a commercial can design before 31 December, 2022, this year’s competition features new judges, a new rule, and a change to the voting procedure.

It also offers an opportunity for the defending champion to make new history with a possible three-peat.

“Our contest has grown each year and the designs we receive get better every year. It’s really exciting having big brands like Coca-Cola and Molson Coors competing against smaller craft breweries on a level playing field,” said Jeanie Morris, digital marketing coordinator for INX International Ink Co.

“This contest is all about the creativity and we feel fortunate to celebrate our customers’ craftsmanship in this way.”

Great Lakes Brewing Company certainly knows how to celebrate. They won the title in 2021 and repeated last year with their TropiCoastal Tropical IPA beer can design.

They will likely participate again this year, and all entries must be postmarked by 31 May to be eligible.

Applicants will be required to send their submission form, electronic design, and actual printed cans.

The rule change for this year’s contest is two INX colours must be used in the final can design. Only one colour from the INX Color Catalog was necessary in the past.

Regarded as the only true colour standard for metal decorating, the catalogue contains over 600 removable colour metal swatches and helps reduce lead times in getting labels to market quicker.

The independent panel of judges responsible for reviewing all the entries and determining the five design finalists has been shortened from six to five. The reinstatement of public voting via INX’s Facebook page and other social media outlets will count as one vote, said Morris.

“The excitement we received previously on Facebook allowed everyone to get involved in the contest. When we decided to have six judges do the voting last year, we really missed all the social engagement,” she indicated.

“Instead of having the voting exclusive to Facebook, we will use a survey link across all social media channels.”

This year’s panel of judges includes two holdovers and three newcomers. Sarah Jacks, INX International’s colour perfection manager, and Scott Drucker, managing partner of Chicago- based marketing agency, The Drucker Group, are the returnees.

The three representatives from the brand design, colour and printing communities include: Alex Fordham, owner of The Metal Packager magazine in London; Janet Johanson, founder & CEO of BevSource, an integrated provider of beverage development, sourcing and production solutions in St. Paul, Minn.; and Marshall Thompson, the co-founder of Canworks, a digital aluminium can printing company based in Austin, Texas.

The judges will determine the five finalists based on originality, overall design aesthetics, best use of the colour palette and the project statement explaining how the INX Colour Catalog was key to the design.

Their selections will be announced on 12 June; judge and Facebook voting will be held 14-16 June.

The winner will be announced on 22 June via the INX website and social media platforms.

Complete contest information is available regarding contest dates and times, to submit a design entry, and view the official INX contest rules.