Pro Carton has named the first sponsors for its 2026 Pro Carton Young Designers Award, marking continued industry investment in the next generation of packaging talent.
RDM Group and Lucaprint S.p.A have been confirmed as sponsors of the PCYDA 2026 Training Days, with the award ceremony set to take place in Rome in September. As part of their support, the companies will jointly host the award winners on a three-day educational visit to their production facilities in Italy.
The programme offers emerging designers direct exposure to cartonboard manufacturing and converting processes, bridging the gap between design education and industrial practice.
The sponsorship reflects growing recognition within the packaging sector of the value in connecting design students with manufacturing expertise early in their careers, helping to ensure thinking is both creative and commercially viable.
Following the success of the 2025 initiative – which saw Pro Carton Young Designers Award (PCYDA) winners take an exclusive, educational trip hosted by Van Genechten Packaging and FOLBB Group – the award continues to gain momentum and expects over 1,000 students from across Europe to participate in the upcoming edition.
RDM Group brings insight into recycled cartonboard manufacturing
Located in the Belluno province, Italy, the RDM Group’s Santa Giustina mill specialises in the production of recycled cartonboard (WLC - White Lined Chipboard). It’s here that the students will learn about using recovered fibre to support a circular economy model for packaging. RDM Group will showcase to the winning students how sustainable material sourcing and world-class manufacturing processes contribute to a greener planet.
Michele Bianchi, CEO of RDM Group: "Supporting young designers is a vital step towards shaping a sustainable future. By bridging education and industry, we encourage fresh ideas and innovation that will define tomorrow’s packaging solutions. We are excited to open our doors and share the RDM Group’s commitment to the circular economy with the PCYDA 2026 winners."
Lucaprint S.p.A tour to share converting knowledge
Located in Pianezze, Vicenza province, Italy, Lucaprint S.p.A. has been operating in the carton-converting sector for over 70 years, specialising in fully recyclable consumer packaging made from environmentally sustainable materials. During their visit, students will gain hands-on insight into innovative packaging solutions across sectors, including food, industrial, wine & spirits, pharmaceutical, and healthcare & beauty.
Alberto Luca, President of Lucaprint S.p.A said: "Investing in emerging designers and nurturing fresh creative perspectives is essential to bringing true innovation to the market. Empowering the next generation and encouraging imaginative thinking is how we help our industry grow and evolve."
2026 award opportunities
Entries for the Pro Carton Young Designers Award 2026 will officially open in January 2026 and will run through to May 2026.
The prestigious Pro Carton and European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) Awards Gala will be held in Rome, on 17 September 2026, part of the annual ECMA Congress programme running from 16 – 18 September, where the young winners will be celebrated amongst the industry elite.
Pro Carton’s commitment to talent extends across its whole group of awards. The wider sponsoring programme for the European Carton Excellence Award (ECEA) and the Pro Carton Student Video Award (PCSVA) will be revealed in the coming months.
Winfried Muehling, Director of Marketing and Communications at Pro Carton, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from leading companies like RDM Group and Lucaprint S.p.A. Their commitment to hosting the winners’ trip transforms the PCYDA from a competition into a genuine career launchpad for Europe’s most promising talent. We're looking forward to another year of exceptional creativity from students, supported by industry partners who recognise the importance of investing in the future-generation.”
More details on the Pro Carton Young Designers Award 2026 ahead of its launch, can be found here: https://www.procarton.com/awards/pro-carton-young-designers-award/