DESIGNathon: Packaging Edition

Develop reusable consumer packaging

Shape the future of sustainable packaging

Calling all innovators! Bright minds are meeting up to disrupt the status quo in the packaging industry and tackle big challenges related to sustainability at DESIGNathon. And YOU can join the action…

Henkel has a proven record of pioneering for sustainability and creating resource-efficient innovations for packaging. Now, our first-ever DESIGNathon is bringing together university students from across Europe to shape the future of consumer packaging by exploring next-generation thinking – in collaboration with thought-leaders from industry and academia.

The details

DESIGNathon takes place at the Inspiration Center Düsseldorf (ICD) on January 7-8, 2025. In small groups, students will develop creative ideas for optimized packaging designs or services that promote and facilitate reuse. And they’ll then pitch their concept to a jury of experts who will select a winning team to receive a cash prize! All participants will also have the opportunity to engage in a Masterclass session with leading figures from the sustainable packaging movement, offering valuable networking prospects.

Apply now!

Get excited

In addition to designing the future of packaging, DESIGNathon offers you an opportunity to grow your professional network, learn about industry pilot projects and gain valuable recognition for your CV! Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by Henkel. The winning teams will be awarded the following prizes:

1st place: €10,000
2nd place: €2,000
3rd place: €1,000

Get involved!

Want to be part of the DESIGNathon? Submit one bold idea for reusable consumer packaging via this website. Concepts should be actionable, scalable and capable of making a real-world impact within the next five years. And all solutions must be consistent with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR), which aim to significantly reduce packaging waste in the coming years.

Ready to go?

Fill out the form and you're on your way! If you have any additional attachments (Video, JPEG, PPT, or PDF), you'll get easy-to-follow instructions after submission. Keep an eye on the confirmation email for all the steps, including tips on using WeTransfer, Google Drive, or similar platforms for larger files. Let's make this process seamless!

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First Name

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Last Name

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University/Institution

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Area of Study/Research

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Idea description (150-300 words)

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What challenge does your idea solve when it comes to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and package reuse? (150-300 words)

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How is your idea scalable and/or what are the possible business opportunities? (150-300 words)

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