Record participation in the 10th edition of Vidrala’s Master Glass Design Contest

• Out of more than 140 submitted projects, the first prize of the 2025 edition was awarded to Pablo Ugarte, a student at the University of Deusto, for his proposal NEWTON. 

• The accessits were awarded to AMPELOS, by María Arroyo (University of Deusto); GARABATO, by Diego Martín (University of Navarra); and SKIRLA, by Sharvin Javier Romero (Complutense University of Madrid). 

• The jury, made up of professionals from the industrial and design sectors, recognised aspects such as innovation, functionality, technical feasibility and sustainability in the proposals. 

 

Vidrala, a leading company in glass packaging manufacturing, celebrates ten years of supporting emerging talent in industrial and graphic design with a new edition of the Master Glass Design Contest. Now firmly established as a benchmark platform in academic design, this year’s contest set a new participation record with over 140 projects submitted.

Students from universities and design schools across Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom responded with enthusiasm, contributing ideas that reimagine traditional packaging, explore new consumption habits, and prioritise sustainability. In the final phase, ten finalist projects were presented to a multidisciplinary jury, which particularly valued coherence between form and message, conceptual originality, and design feasibility.

Jury Panel

• Manuel Baño, PhD in Fine Arts and Master's in Product Development.

• Asier Etxeberria, Product Development Director at Vidrala Group.

• Angélica Barco, President of EIDE and Director of Angélica Barco Studio.

• Marcelo Leslabay, PhD in Design and Professor at the University of Deusto.

• Beth Holmes, Graphic Designer and Brand Executive at Encirc.

Comments on the Awarded Projects

NEWTON – First Prize (Author: Pablo Ugarte, University of Deusto)

Designed for the consumption of cider, Newton presents a fresh take on a traditional drink. The jury highlighted its contemporary, functional, and visually appealing design, as well as its individual format — a rarity in this category. The innovative opening system reinterprets the cider-pouring ritual while maintaining a connection to tradition.

The design establishes a clear link with the product through consistent visual communication referencing apples, reflected in both the naming and graphic identity. The use of sustainable materials for the cap and label was particularly valued, including the idea of producing handmade paper from apple waste for labelling at home.

AMPELOS – Accessit (Author: María Arroyo, University of Deusto)

Designed for grape juice, this project stands out for its formal elegance and evocative capacity. The jury appreciated how the design brings new dignity to a drink often overshadowed by wine, aligning with alcohol-free consumption trends. Inspired by the shape of an amphora, the design evokes Mediterranean cultural references and shows coherence across all elements, from naming to graphics. A concept that restores symbolic value to grape juice while remaining commercially attractive.

GARABATO – Accessit (Author: Diego Martín, University of Navarra)

This cherry jam jar from Valle del Jerte was recognised for its poetic and conceptual depth. Inspired by a deformed spoon, it reflects on war and the transformation of conflict into peace. The jury highlighted the balance between form and meaning, and the use of traditional elements within a contemporary proposal. The author's personal story added authenticity to a project presented with great aesthetic sensitivity.

SKIRLA – Accessit (Author: Sharvin Javier Romero, Complutense University of Madrid)

A design for hot sauce packaging that stands out for its strong visual and graphic impact. Inspired by a fragmented grenade, it breaks away from the sector's typical geometric codes. The labelling is well-resolved, and the technical execution is high-quality, making the design ready for commercialisation. The jury appreciated its expressive diversity and strong shelf impact.

Vidrala wishes to express its sincere thanks to all participants in the 10th edition of the Master Glass Design Contest: it has been truly inspiring to see 140 creative minds come together to imagine the future of the glass industry.