UoG Graphic Design students win Gold and Silver awards in national competition

Three University of Gloucestershire Graphic Design students have won Gold and Silver Awards in a prestigious national competition showcasing the brightest ideas and emerging talent to the global packaging industry.

The 2026 Starpack Students Competition, organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, challenges the next generation of designers to develop innovative and forward-thinking solutions to real-world industry briefs.

University of Gloucestershire student Louise Wise won Gold in the Book Cover Design category for her Black Cake Limited Edition book cover, which competition judges described as “beautifully designed”.

Helen Robinson was awarded Gold in the Second Life: Packaging with Purpose Beyond the Product category for her “visually striking” RESOUND concept, while Finley Parker received Silver in the E-Commerce Packaging for Drinks category for Tango Shots, with judges praising the artwork as “visually appealing and in line with the brand”.

A further 10 University of Gloucestershire Graphic Design students received Certificates of Commendation, with competition organisers highlighting the strong research and creativity demonstrated across all categories.

Paul Roberts, Teaching and Learning Lead for the University’s School of Arts, Culture and Environment, said: “Congratulations to Louise, Helen and Finley on their fantastic achievements, and to all of our students whose work was recognised in this year’s Starpack Students Competition.

“We’re extremely proud of the creativity, ambition and professionalism they have demonstrated. Competitions such as Starpack give our students the opportunity to respond to genuine industry briefs, develop their ideas within real-world constraints and present their work at a professional standard.

“That experience is excellent preparation for careers in graphic design, helping students build the creative thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that employers are looking for, as well as giving them valuable work to showcase in their portfolios.”

Main image: Packaging designed by University of Gloucestershire student Finlay Parker for his award-winning submission to the 2026 Starpack Students Competition