The large market for industrial cans, known as general line cans in the trade, are used for many different products and come in many different sizes, but tend to be round or oblong in shape. They are already sometimes, but not often enough, used for other uses.
Functionality will be a key consideration, and as always visual appeal is very important to purchasers.
Metals are permanent materials, they can be recycled an infinite number of times without loss of quality, making metal packaging a key contributor to the circular economy.
The Brief
Take any industrial type can, that you may see in a DIY, automotive store or builders’ merchant and adapt it for another use. You can choose from any shape or type of can, redesign, repurpose and rebrand it not for its intended use – i.e. a gift range of spa products in a paint can, snacks in a paint can, gin in an oil can, vodka in a cone top can etc.
Students must focus on the pack rather than the contents. It can be any shape or size from existing cans on the market, samples are shown on Pinterest. Your pack should use the exceptional properties of metal, and what stunning designs and finishes can be achieved with metal; be eye-catching, functional and have real shelf appeal.
Model pictures or rendering of the final design should be included with development boards.
- Have you chosen the right basic can for your product?
- High-quality branding, decoration and graphics - creative branding to enhance shelf impact and consumer appeal and add value to the brand.
- Textures, print finishes, and features, consider using the metal of the tin to highlight your graphics, design and brand.
- Finishes and features such as embossing, debossing, micro-embossing and perforations.
- Consider the right opening and closing options to suit your product; think about inclusivity and the opening experience.
- A unique after-use feature is a great consideration in building your design and is highly valued in the judging process.
These types of packs are usually made of tinplate. Entrants do not need to specify the thickness of the metal. Materials other than metal should not be used in the main pack design.
Entry Guidelines
Entries must include uploads of the developments boards
- No model required.
- VIsualise the texture/inclusion on how you believe it should look/feel.
The 4 A3 development boards uploaded as a single PDF document should include the following:
- Research board.
- Design exploration board.
- Net of recommended design solution.
The photographic evidence should be uploaded as a single PDF document and should:
- Showcase the front, back and sides of the model.
- Be shot against a white background and in focus. These images will be used in the Starpack Students Competition book and potentially for additional promotion.
- A maximum of 4 images should be uploaded.
- For students who are unable to supply a final model, 3D renderings and drawings are accepted.
- The project names submitted at the time of entry will be printed as typed, if there are any errors and certificates/trophies need replacing, then the entrant will be liable for these costs.
- If you are not able to attend the ceremony in person or the ceremony becomes virtual, certificates and trophies will be sent by post to the entrants to the mailing address listed in the entry in July 2027.
- Please make sure you have access to the mailing address past term times. If you are unsure, please enter your home address.
- IOM3 is unable to issue replacements for certificates/trophies sent to wrong addresses.
- The entry fee is £20 per entry.
- You will be invoiced for the entry payment once you have submitted your entry. If you have indicated that your college/university is paying for your entry, please ignore the invoice directed at you as another invoice will be sent directly to your college/university.
- The invoice will be received by Thursday 1 April 2027 at the very latest and the deadline for payment is Tuesday 4 May 2027. If your invoice is not paid, your entry may not be shortlisted for judging.
About the Entry
Judging criteria
- Meeting the brief with creativity and design excellence.
- Visual appeal, feasability, functionality and practicality.
- Understanding of the strengths and constraints of manufacturing in metal.
- Quality of development boards and thought process from concept to final design.
Judges
Administration Manager, MPMA
Debbie Clements
Designer-Product, Packaging & Graphic | CK Design
Corrina Korrubel
Trivium Packaging
Ashley MacLeod
Technical & Regulatory Affairs Manager | MPMA
Bernard Slack
Administration Manager, MPMA
Debbie Clements
Debbie has worked in the metal packaging industry for over 40 years gaining a wealth of knowledge of the sector. She manages administration, accounts, enquiries and communications for the MPMA (Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association).
Designer-Product, Packaging & Graphic | CK Design
Corrina Korrubel
A seasoned design professional with over 40 years of experience in the packaging design industry. Her career spans a wide range of sectors, during which she has developed innovative, impactful packaging solutions that balance creativity with commercial effectiveness. Corrina has also shared her expertise through lecturing in Graphic Design, contributing to the development of emerging talent in the field. Her deep understanding of branding, visual storytelling, and production processes makes her a respected voice in the world of packaging design.
- LinkedIn:
- corrinakorrubel
Trivium Packaging
Ashley MacLeod
Ashley Macleod is the Plant Manager for Trivium Packaging at the Sutton-in-Ashfield site producing steel aerosol and food cans; he is passionate about metal packaging’s impact to a circular economy. In 2025 Ashley, became the chair of the MPMA’s Communications and Public Affairs Committee.
Technical & Regulatory Affairs Manager | MPMA
Bernard Slack
Bernard is an experienced industrial chemist specializing in performance coatings for metal packaging, with more than 30 years in the coatings industry. He has spent most of his career with AkzoNobel and its predecessor ICI Packaging Coatings, contributing to major product developments for food and beverage can coatings and supporting key industry initiatives.
Bernard joined the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) in 2024 as Technical and Regulatory Affairs Manager, where he supports the UK metal packaging industry on technical and regulatory matters affecting the sector.
Prize
Winner: £600.00 cash prize
Runner-up awards will be presented at the judges' discretion.
IOM3 presents trophies to Gold, Silver and Bronze and certificates to Highly Commended entries.
About the MPMA
The Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association is the lead voice of the UK metal packaging industry. The Association supports and represents members’ interests on industry matters related to operational, regulatory and environmental issues.
In addition, the work of the Association promotes the benefits of metal packaging and the sustainable attributes of steel and aluminium through education programmes, industry awards and relevant communication channels.
For guidance and helpful videos, visit Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association
For inspiration, click here
