The Salmon Packaging Design Competition
Dezeen Competitions: The Salmon Packaging Design Competition tasks designers with creating innovative packaging using corrugated cardboard sourced from sustainable and renewable materials.
The competition aims to develop well-designed and aesthetically appealing salmon packaging that reflects US consumer preferences and aligns with consumer habits and expectations.
This competition is now closed
Organisers: MITdesignX, CMPC, Latitude 45 and CIC
Competition: The Salmon Packaging Design Competition
Judges: representatives from the sponsoring organisations
Registration deadline: 9 September 2025
Winner announcement: 9 December 2025
Prizes: the first prize is $2,500 and a trip to Chile, the second prize is $1,500, while the third prize is $1,000
Competition overview
Rising consumer demand for aesthetic and customisable packaging has transformed packaging design into a key competitive advantage, especially in the food industry, where brand perception and convenience strongly influence purchasing decisions.
With this in mind, the salmon industry has a unique opportunity to innovate by developing packaging that blends functionality, sustainability and visual impact.
As the world moves toward more sustainable food systems, farmed salmon, particularly from the pristine waters of southern Chile, stands out as one of the most efficient animal proteins, offering advantages in feed conversion, water use and carbon footprint.
This contest will tap into the talent of exceptional designers as we enhance the competitiveness of Chilean salmon products in the US market through packaging innovation that aligns with both environmental values and consumer expectations.
The Salmon Packaging Design Competition asks participants to create innovative packaging using corrugated cardboard sourced from sustainable and renewable materials.
The primary objective is to design visually appealing and functional salmon packaging that reflects US consumer preferences, integrates key technical considerations, and aligns with consumer habits and expectations in the US market.
Eligibility and judging criteria
Designers, design agencies, students and sustainable design enthusiasts are invited to take part, provided they demonstrate a strong understanding of the US market and cultural context.
Individuals and teams are both welcome to apply.
Packaging designs should be focused on Latitude 45‘s Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board, and successfully address the following criteria:
- Material – submitted designs must utilise corrugated cardboard with high print quality, emphasising environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. This is a core requirement of the competition
- Function – the box design must fulfil essential functions, including preserving product freshness, providing impact resistance, enabling efficient loading at salmon production sites and allowing easy consumer access to the salmon
- Additional considerations – these include stackability, flat-pack transport efficiency, and suitability for the retail environment, with particular attention to point-of-sale display appeal. Designs should also account for assembly logistics, whether at the salmon producer’s facilities or at CMPC Biopackaging in Chile
- Aesthetics – the design should blend creativity and visual appeal, integrating elements of contemporary style with traditional cultural references to make the packaging a standout feature that enhances the overall identity of the product
- Personalisation and interactivity – the box design should allow for customisation options, such as engraving, printed patterns, or personalised text
Designers are encouraged to explore interactive features that enhance the consumer experience, such as innovative opening mechanisms or secondary uses that extend the life of the packaging.
All design solutions should also be cost-efficient and suitable for scalable production.
How to enter
After registering for the competition, participants are expected to create a 1:1 physical prototype using corrugated cardboard.
The model will need to be photographed for the submission, and if a finalist, shown to the live jury online.
Those interested must register for the competition by 9 September, at which time more information will be provided.
Submission deadlines
Registration closes on 9 September. As part of the initiative, a series of design workshops take place on 17 September, 3 October, 15 October and 29 October
Entries are due on 17 November. On 8 December, finalists will pitch their designs, while on 9 December, winners will be announced.
About
MITdesignX is dedicated to design innovation, entrepreneurship and helps turn design-related ideas into action.
CMPC manufactures sustainable packaging solutions for carrying and transporting products.
Latitude 45 is a brand of smoked salmon sourced from Patagonia.
CIC connects entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, serving as a central hub for local innovation ecosystems.
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