Design students have just days left to enter the 2026 Starpack Students Competition, with submissions closing at midnight on 16 March.

The annual competition, organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IoM3), challenges students to tackle real-world packaging briefs set by industry, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their creativity and develop portfolio-ready design concepts.

For more than two decades, the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has sponsored a dedicated brief within the competition highlighting the creative potential of metal packaging. This year, students are tasked with designing a metal gifting pack for confectionery, aimed at premium retail environments such as speciality food stores, heritage shops or airport duty-free outlets.

Entrants are encouraged to explore the unique design possibilities of metal, from embossing and debossing to innovative opening mechanisms, textures and high-quality print finishes. The brief challenges students to create a visually striking pack that combines shelf appeal with practical functionality.

According to Jason Galley, director and chief executive of the MPMA, metal packaging offers students a powerful platform for creative exploration while also highlighting sustainability. Metal packaging has a recycling rate of more than 80%, and its ability to be recycled repeatedly makes it a key material in the circular economy.

The winner of the MPMA-sponsored brief will receive a £600 cash prize, alongside Gold, Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended awards. Beyond the prizes, the competition provides an opportunity for students to gain recognition from industry professionals and build a portfolio piece that could help launch their careers in packaging design.

First launched in 1964, the Starpack Students competition has long been recognised as a stepping stone for emerging designers, encouraging innovative solutions to packaging challenges set by leading brands and manufacturers.

With the 16 March deadline fast approaching, students interested in entering the metal packaging brief are encouraged to finalise their concepts and submit their designs before time runs out.