The competition attracted submissions from Graphic Design and Media students, with entries judged by leading figures from the UK’s drinks packaging industry.
Shona and Asha impressed judges with their bold beverage brand concept, Nova which stood out for its striking use of colour, strong visual identity and commercial appeal.
The competition was launched through a partnership between Edge Hill University and Can Makers UK, giving undergraduate students the opportunity to develop real world packaging and branding concepts while gaining insight from industry professionals.
As part of the programme students took part in a design masterclass, received expert feedback and refined their concepts before presenting it to the judges.
Jenna Gardner, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at Edge Hill University, said:
“Initiatives like this give students something a classroom brief alone can’t including contact with industry professionals and valuable insight about design in a commercial environment. That exposure pushes them to think harder about purposeful, effective design, and about how their choices will influence their target audience.
“What stood out across the entries was how much personality came through. Every group interpreted the brief differently, and you could see their own creative instincts and interests shaping the final concepts. It’s exactly the kind of initiative we want to see more of, giving students the confidence to put their ideas in front of industry and see how they hold up.”
The winning Nova concept impressed judges with its bold branding, vibrant colour palette and strong shelf presence. Featuring a black wine-glass silhouette alongside strawberry and blueberry illustrations on a pink background, the design combined visual impact with technical excellence. Judges also praised the artworks’ fit, typography, barcode placement and overall attention to detail.
Reflecting on the experience Shona said: ” I loved getting to learn about the process and technicalities that go into making a can and the creative freedom we had to design everything from the start.
“Winning the competition is something we’re incredibly proud of. The experience has strengthened our design skills, boosted our confidence and given us valuable insight into the industry”.
Asha added: “I enjoyed learning new skills on Adobe Illustrator and exploring new and unique ideas to help our final design.
“Winning has given me the confidence to challenge myself, explore new opportunities and take my ideas further. It shows the value of making the most of every opportunity available at university.”
John O’Maoileoin, Chairman of Can Makers UK, said: “Initiatives like this are a great way to introduce new talent to the possibilities of beverage can design. It’s been very rewarding to see students engage with the format so creatively, thinking commercially about how brands can use the cans 360-degree printable surface to tell their story, stand out on the shelf and connect with consumers.
“We look forward to developing the programme with Edge Hill University and other partners in the years ahead and nurturing the creative design potential of the next generation.”
Earlier this year, Edge Hill University partnered with Can Makers UK to launch an innovative undergraduate design programme.
The pilot programme has been embedded within teaching for Graphic Design and Media students and is expected to serve as a national model, with plans to make it available to other universities from 2027/28.
Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Media or BA (Hons) Graphic Design. at Edge Hill University.
October 29, 2026
