Revealed: Pro Carton Student Video Award 2025 Winners

Securing Top Honors

Recycled Romance by Marlene Staak, Leyla Coburger and Josephine Gosta Gerke

Institute: SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
Lecturer: Gilbert Beronneau
Country: Germany

The team’s video tells a modern love story in a uniquely visual way, where two characters communicate exclusively through cardboard signs. Through simple gestures, handwritten messages and thoughtful interactions, a romance unfolds without a single spoken word. The idea was inspired by a desire to show that cartonboard can do far more than protect products – it can connect people, carry ideas and tell meaningful stories. By placing cartonboard at the heart of the narrative, the team highlighted its qualities as a sustainable, reusable and environmentally friendly material. The video celebrates creativity, demonstrating
how everyday materials can be transformed into a powerful medium for expression. Through this work, the team emphasised that cartonboard is not only functional but also a bridge for human connection, storytelling and innovation, combining sustainability with imagination.

Highly Commended

Boyfriend Material by Raphael Wischniewski, Charlotte Anastasia Kabitsyna, Patrick Põldar and John Ojajun

Institute: SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
Lecturer: Gilbert Beronneau
Country: Germany

Boyfriend Material charms and entertains with a heartwarming story about making meaningful choices. It shows that effort, empathy and care are far more attractive than convenience and arrogance, whether in relationships or packaging materials. The film explores challenges around unsustainable packaging while highlighting cartonboard’s versatility and importance as a sustainable solution. The main character faces an
emotional dilemma, choosing between two high school personalities for her prom date. Both are charming, but only one shares her commitment to the environment and sustainable packaging. She ultimately chooses the person who truly cares – for her and the planet. Through humor and storytelling, the film shows that responsible, thoughtful choices can make a real difference.

Public Award

Fold’n’Hold by Ece Naz Tas, Zeynep Cantürk and Serra Kağıtcı

Institute: Middle East Technical University
Lecturer: Damla Tönük
Country: Turkey

Fold’n’Hold celebrates what cartonboard can truly be. More than just packaging, it’s a material that folds with purpose, holds with strength and communicates with simplicity. Every crease is a choice, every fold serves a
function. With almost no waste, cartonboard transforms into structure, movement and elegance. The team’s film shows that beauty isn’t always bold, sometimes it’s flat-packed, lightweight and quietly brilliant. Fold’n’Hold demonstrates cartonboard at its very best: adaptable, responsible and designed to make life easier. Each fold tells a story, proving that sustainable design can be functional, elegant and inspiring all at once.

Commended

I Made You Flowers by Jennifer Posa, Miruna Udrea, Eric Pacurar Lena Jaksic

Institute: SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
Lecturer: Gilbert Beronneau
Country: Germany

The I Made You Flowers story follows an older couple’s wedding anniversary tradition. When the husband can no longer buy flowers, he creates them from cartonboard and household tools. Through visual storytelling,
it shows how small, heartfelt gestures can last, showing real love, care and the importance of simple, meaningful gifts.

Commended

Cardboard Never Dies by Julián Cilento, Marc Albertí, Esmeralda Rodríguez, Mireia Pey and Camila Garcia

Institute: Salesians Sarrià
Lecturer: Julio Saenz de Tejada
Country: Spain

A piece of cardboard packaging is thrown away but picked up and recycled by the the main character. It becomes pulp, then reels and finally a pair of cardboard sneakers. The same hands explore beaches, mountains and cities. After use, the sneakers are recycled, showing that cardboard can be reused again and again.