University students have been recognised for their creativity and technical skill in metal packaging design at this year’s Starpack Students Awards organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). The top prize in the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) sponsored category was awarded to Ethan Smith from Nottingham Trent University for the ‘Core Republic’ chocolate fondue concept, earning a £600 cash prize.

The MPMA-sponsored 2026 brief challenged students to design a premium metal pack for confectionery, aimed at high-end retail environments such as speciality food stores, gift shops and airport duty-free outlets or heritage stores. Entrants were encouraged to explore the unique qualities of metal, including shaping, texture, embossing, innovative opening and closing mechanisms and high-quality decorative finishes, to create visually striking and functional designs.

MPMA winner

Ethan Smith, a first-year product design student, took the top prize with his ‘Core Republic’ confectionery tin, impressing judges with its innovative after-use as a chocolate fondue set. His winning concept was praised for its clever functional design, classic branding and ability for the pack to potentially be easily manufactured. 

Further praise was given for the use of the domed lid as the fondue set’s melting pot and also as an attractive night light. Described by the judges as ‘a well thought out design that superbly fits the luxury, high-end market brief with a very novel and functional after use’, the concept stood out for its creativity and versatility.

MPMA runner-up

A runner-up award, with a £200 cash prize, was presented to Srivatsan Ravi, another first-year product design student at Nottingham Trent University. The award recognised the ‘Mello’, a collectable confectionary tin originally made to hold marshmallow sweets.

The design demonstrated superb embossing to create a tactile surface alongside a classic look, transforming a simple product into a premium range with real shelf appeal. Judges praised this ‘classic simplicity’ of the design and its ability to combine standout aesthetics with its excellent stackable functionality – a key consideration for retailers. 

Recognising emerging talent

The MPMA brief works to highlight what can be achieved with metal packaging, encouraging students to consider not only creative design but also how brands and retailers can effectively present products to consumers. This year’s brief attracted a high number of exceptionally strong entries underlining the depth of talent. Alongside MPMA’s Winner and Runner-up awards, students entering the metals brief received eight Gold, four Silver and eight Bronze awards.

Jason Galley, director and chief executive of the MPMA, says: “Confectionery packaging has the scope to really demonstrate the best of innovation in metal packaging. Imaginative design, striking finishes, advanced print techniques and unique shaping all combine to create exciting concepts. Metal really is a dynamic canvas for creative expression.

“Ethan and Srivatsan have fully realised the MPMA design challenge. They demonstrated a clear understanding of both the visual impact and functionality of metal packaging together with an appreciation of how brands can create strong shelf appeal with this truly circular material in a competitive gifting environment.”

He continues: “The level of creativity from this year’s entries was once again inspiring as students took hold of our challenge to blend innovation and design packaging that remains valuable beyond its initial use. A huge thank you to every student who entered our category – the next generation of packaging design talent is in excellent hands.”

The awards ceremony took place on 2 July 2026 at The Barbican in London, where the winners were announced across the packaging categories and the gathered students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals. The event also featured a roundtable panel discussion led by MPMA’s Jason Galley exploring the theme of ‘Design for a circular economy’.

Supporting the future of design

Since its inception, the Starpack Students Awards has provided an important platform for emerging designers to engage with real-world briefs set by leading manufacturers and brands, building skills and experience that support future careers in the packaging industry. 

For over 20 years, MPMA has sponsored a dedicated brief for the awards scheme to celebrate and promote the versality, creativity and circularity of metal packaging. MPMA supports design education and offers universities and colleges a bespoke session on designing and manufacturing in metal. Institutions interested in this opportunity should contact MPMA.