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The PROPAK Austria Pro Carton Young Designers Award 2025 was presented for the first time this year as part of the Austrian “Packaging Dialogue.” The winners were Alexander Grube for “Capaging” and Jovan Berges for “diPaScale.”
The jubilation was loud at the Austrian “Packaging Dialogue”: For the winners and finalists, this is not only their first major award, but also the first step toward a career in design, as the industry is always interested in new, promising ideas and their designers, and some of today’s successful designers won this award at a young age.
All designs were exhibited during the event and were studied in detail by numerous experts.
Paul Leitner, spokesperson for the folding carton industry at PROPAK Austria, spoke about the importance of the award for the industry: “Young designers from Austria are always at the forefront of the international award: Of 950 submissions, 100 came from Austria, and quite a few reach the finals! We at Mayr-Melnhof are currently building a new innovation team and are delighted that the spotlight is being placed on these young talents, because we need them! We invite the award winners to visit us so they can see for themselves in practice.”
Together with Horst Bittermann, Director General of Pro Carton, he presented the certificates and trophies on behalf of PROPAK Austria and Pro Carton. The teachers were on stage with the students and celebrated their success afterwards.
One submission, two awards: Anyone interested in participating should submit their designs for the international Pro Carton Young Designers Award by May 2026. The exact date will be announced soon, and all details will be available HERE soon . Start working right away!
Winners and finalists in detail
Winner Creative Cartonboard Packaging All Others
“Capaging”
Horst Bittermann (Pro Carton), Susanne Lippitsch (SL-Design), Alexander Grube, Paul Leitner (PROPAK Austria Folding Box Industry)
Designer | Alexander Grube
Institute | FH Joanneum
Teacher | Susanne Lippitsch
A unique packaging solution that unfolds into a functional cap. The transformation requires only a few simple steps and is easy to perform. The design requires almost no adhesive (except for the seal) and is held together by two eyelets. The large brim ensures good sun protection. The potential uses for promotional items and events are diverse.
Winner Cartonboard Packaging Food & Drink
“diPaScale – a pasta box with a scale”
Horst Bittermann (Pro Carton), Jovan Berges, Mike Scherr (DieGrafische), Paul Leitner (PROPAK Austria Faltschachtelindustrie)
Designer | Jovan Berges
Institute | Federal Institute for Graphic Arts
Teacher | Mike Scherr
This product solves the recurring problem of cooking either too much or too little pasta. The diPaScale, styled after a 1970s kitchen scale, has measuring lines inside for easy pasta portioning! An average 125g of uncooked pasta fits perfectly into the lower lid.
Finalists:
“ShrinkPack”
Designer | Laura Fuchs
Institute | Federal Institute for Graphic Arts
Teachers | Gudrun Schwienbacher, Goran Golik
This project presents an innovative packaging solution for Jokolade that physically shrinks when the chocolate is consumed. Each chocolate segment corresponds to a removable part of the wrapper, allowing consumers to remove the wrapper piece by piece. A resealable lid keeps the remaining chocolate fresh. Combining sustainability, interactivity, and portion control, the design not only reduces waste but also creates convenient chocolate enjoyment in an appealing way.
“Table Set Plant”
Designer | Elias Haidl
Institute | Federal Institute for Graphic Arts
Teachers | Mike Scherr, Werner Gregori
This interactive napkin holder adds a modern twist to a classic table accessory. It holds up to 30 napkins and dispenses a new one each time, making it both practical and entertaining. With each napkin removed, a small table plant slowly comes to life, creating a communal experience that adds charm to any meal. The design combines aesthetics with functionality, transforming a simple act into something special.
“LaceMate – Pocket-Sized Independence”
Designer | Sarah Dvorak
Institute | Federal Institute for Graphic Arts
Teachers | Gerlinde Gruber-Avramidis, Christian Hradil
LaceMate is a compact, pocket-sized tool that helps people tie their shoelaces with just one hand. Shaped like a standard credit card, it fits perfectly in any wallet or pocket. The simple slot mechanism holds a shoelace under tension, allowing you to form loops and tie the knot without using your other hand. With its simple, lightweight design and intuitive operation, LaceMate transforms an everyday challenge into a liberating moment.
“Pistado: Waste-compartment packaging”
Designer | Leonie Bösch
Institute | Federal Institute for Graphic Arts
Teachers | Goran Golik, Mike Scherr
This packaging offers a practical and clean snacking experience. After opening the box, the lid folds back to create a container for the empty pistachio shells. When the box is closed, the shells slide into a hidden compartment beneath the uneaten nuts. This clever system ensures organization; the design, made of environmentally friendly cardboard, combines sustainability with everyday practicality and is ideal for social events, travel, or use at home.
For further information:
Suzanne E. McEwen
