The SPA Committee is delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new competition for local colleges, sixth forms, and universities, the “Think Inside The Box” Challenge.
We are inviting students to showcase their creativity and imagination by rethinking the future of corrugated packaging. Entries could 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.
The Prize:
Students could win the opportunity to attend SPA 113th Conference at Silverstone Circuit on Monday 2nd February 2026 where they will be able to:
- Network with potential future employers
- Gain real-world insight into one of the UK’s most innovative and sustainable industries
- Experience a major national business conference at an iconic venue
Ben Edmonds, the “cardboard Ninja”, who gave the Innovation Keynote presentation at SPA 106th Conference in Leeds, will judge and present the prizes at Conference.
A member of staff from each college will be invited to accompany their students and attend Conference offering them the chance to:
- Connect with SPA Member industry leaders and employers
- Build employer engagement links for their college or university
- Support students in exploring exciting future career paths in packaging and manufacturing
Since announcing the Challenge and extending the deadline to Friday 28th November to allow for the half term break, several colleges, sixth forms, and universities have confirmed participation, including Kimberley Sixth Form College, Sharnbrook Academy, Sharnbrook Academy Sixth Form, the University of Northampton, Wigan & Leigh College, The Bedford College Group, and Northampton College.
