The goal of the initiative is to boost the competitiveness of Chilean salmon products in the U.S. market, employing packaging innovation that aligns with environmental values and consumer expectations in the country, the contest sponsors announced on the website for the competition.
The challenge is open for designers, design agencies, students, and sustainable design enthusiasts to employ corrugated cardboard, sourced from sustainable and renewable materials, in crafting new and innovative packaging for the “Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board by Latitude 45.” The premium, ready-to-serve product combines hot- and cold-smoked salmon, exported to the U.S. from Chile by salmon-farming firm Multi X.
“Rising consumer demand for aesthetic and customizable packaging has transformed packaging design into a key competitive advantage, especially in the food industry, where brand perception and convenience strongly influence purchasing decisions,” the contest organizers said.
All challenge participants will be invited to participate in four 90-minute online workshops taught by faculty within MIT's designX innovation and entrepreneurship program. These workshops aim to strengthen designers’ methodologies for research, design development, innovation, and deployment.
Prizes include a USD 2,500 (EUR 2,150) award and a trip to Chile for first-place contestants, USD 1,500 (EUR 1,290) for second place, and USD 1,000 (EUR 860) for third place.
“We want to open a conversation about purposeful design: how to better connect with American consumers through proposals that not only care for the product but also for the environment,” CMPC said in a LinkedIn post announcing the competition. “Transforming the way Chilean salmon reaches consumers also requires a deep understanding of their habits, preferences, and new purchasing habits.”
Registration will be open until 9 September, and the workshops will take place from September through October. Entries will be due 17 November, with the finalist pitches taking place on 8 December and the winners announced on 9 December.
CMPC is one of the world's leading pulp and paper industry groups. With operations in eight Latin American countries, the company sells locally but also exports forestry products, pulp, paper, tissue, and paper products to more than 50 countries.
Other partners in the initiative include MIT-founded entrepreneur community Cambridge Innovation Center, Multi X, government export promotion agency ProChile, and salmon technological institute Intesal.