Submissions open for 2026 Colored by INX Can Design Contest

Submissions are now open for the seventh annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest, and any commercial metal packaging can design produced by an INX customer before 1 January 2026 is eligible for consideration.

Jeanie Morris, the INX marketing and promotions manager responsible for organising this event, says the contest represents a chance for those in the industry to showcase outstanding artistry and join a distinguished group of brand owners, designers and metal decorators who have been recognised in the past.

“Each year the Colored by INX Can Design Contest raises the bar for what is possible in beverage can design and decorating. It’s a great opportunity for our customers to showcase their best work, tell their story and demonstrate how thoughtful colour choices bring a brand to life,” she commented.

“Colour drives shelf appeal in packaging, and this contest celebrates the process and collaboration it takes to get there. A great can design reflects the brand, the designer, the decorator and the teamwork required to translate a vision. That blend of packaging creativity and technical execution is what makes this contest so compelling.”

The design team at Karbach Brewing Company in Houston won the top prize last year with their can design entry for Dunkels & Dragons, a German-style dark lager beer. It was also the slimmest margin of victory in the six year history of the contest. The entry won by just one point after the vote results from the five judges and social media were tabulated.

Morris confirmed the contest rules will remain the same. Each submitted design entry requires the use of at least one colour from the INX Color Catalog, which is recognised as the metal decoration industry’s only true colour standard. Used in conjunction with the INX Color Perfection program, it streamlines the aluminium can design to production process and help products reach the market in a shorter amount of time.

This year’s contest dates and times call for entries to be postmarked by 30 March. The judges will determine the five finalists and those design entries will be announced on 20 April. Each judge gets one vote, and public input via INX’s social media will also count as one vote. The social voting will take place from 20-22 April, and the winner will be announced on 29 April.

“We are excited to shine a light on the brands and decorators who are driving packaging forward,” summed up Morris. “It’s great to see the creativity and craftsmanship that defines this industry, and we are excited to celebrate the teams behind the development of these standout cans. We are always impressed by what our customers create, and we expect this year to be our best yet.”