Student AmeriStar Award Competition

IoPP is dedicated to the growth of the packaging industry and encourages undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career as a packaging professional to submit their most innovative packages for judging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I enter?

• Participating in the Student AmeriStar Award competition is an excellent way to build a network of colleagues or mentors and get noticed by the biggest names in the packaging business!

What projects can I enter?

• You can enter any package design project you’ve produced that addresses a consumer problem or need.

Is there a cost to enter?

• Student AmeriStar entries are free for undergraduate or graduate students. IoPP membership is not required to submit an entry. 

What are the categories?

• Student AmeriStar submissions are judged within the categories available to the professional AmeriStar submissions, excluding Sustainability, Design Excellence and Save Food.

How will my entry be judged?

• Your Student AmeriStar entry will be judged on the following criteria:
  • Package Performance (Does your package provide a consumer benefit in how it delivers the product?)
  • Marketing (Does your package improves the products image and improve the market appeal of the product?)
  • Product Protection (Does the package deliver the product to consumers while adequately protecting the product from damage?)
  • Innovation (Does your package use a new package technology/design or creatively use existing technology to provide innovation?)
  • Environmental Impact (Does your package provide a solution that considers how it will impact the environment?)
  • Economics (Does this package provide a cost-effective solution to a consumer need?)

Can I win an award?

• New for 2023, student entries are eligible for two new awards: Best in Show and Excellence in Food Packaging. Winning entries receive $1,000, sponsored by IoPP Gold Partner Sabert.  
  • AmeriStar judges will evaluate all student entries and select one winner for Best in Show.
  • AmeriStar judges will evaluate all student entries in the Food Packaging category and select one winner for Excellence in Food Packaging. 

What are the submission requirements?

• Product description: You'll need to submit a video (preferred) or PowerPoint presentation (.pdf format), presenting your design and describing how it meets the judging criteria.
• Images: Up to four (4) high-resolution images of the package. We accept .jpeg or .png files.