Spearhead Global’s Global PBE (Physical Brand Enhancement™) Awards Program is expanding its reach as a premier platform for industry-academic collaboration, driving forward innovation in packaging, branding, and consumer experience. Building on its success, the program has now expanded to a biannual initiative in partnership with Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Torino, Italy, with virtual participation from IED Kunsthal Bilbao, Spain.
A key highlight of this year’s program is Campari Group’s continued collaboration, following its highly successful participation as a judge in last year’s competition. This year, Campari Group is taking on an even more active role by not only returning as a judge but also providing a dedicated challenge brief, allowing students to work directly with a real-world industry challenge shaped by one of the world’s leading spirits brands. Their deeper involvement reflects the growing influence and industry relevance of the Global PBE™ Awards Program.
A Growing Platform for Innovation
The Global PBE™ Awards Program fosters meaningful engagement between:
University students, who gain hands-on experience working on real industry challenges, guided by mentorship from global experts.
- Leading companies, such as Campari Group, benefit from fresh, innovative ideas while actively influencing the next generation of creative talent.
- Industry professionals, who serve as judges and advisors, help shape the competition while gaining insights into emerging trends and solutions.
- Academic institutions, like IED, integrate the program into their curriculum, ensuring students work on relevant, high-impact projects.
With Spearhead Global continuing to organize, run, and financially support the program, each competition is designed to push creative boundaries and deliver real-world solutions for participating brands.
Expanding Beyond Europe: Future Growth in the U.S. and India
While this year’s expanded collaboration with Campari Group and IED in Italy marks an exciting milestone, Spearhead Global is also taking the Global PBE™ Awards Program to new regions.
Spearhead Global is in planning stages with a selected U.S.- based university for a potential Fall 2025 launch, bringing this highly successful competition to North America for the first time. The competition brief and participants remain open for selection, providing a valuable opportunity for new brands and industry professionals to engage in shaping the program’s future.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Global PBE™ Awards Program is also planning to expand into India, further strengthening its global presence and providing new opportunities for students and industry leaders in this dynamic market.
With these expansions, additional announcements will follow regarding the recruitment of expert industry judges, as well as opportunities for brands and professionals to contribute competition briefs.
Get Involved in the Global PBE™ Awards Program
As the Global PBE™ Awards Program grows across multiple regions, we invite companies, universities, and industry professionals to become part of this exciting initiative. If you are interested in joining as a judge, content provider, or participant, please contact Giovanna Pinna, CEO of Spearhead Italy at giovanna@spearheadglobal.com for more details.
About Spearhead Global
Spearhead Global is a leader in sustainable, high-end packaging solutions, specializing in innovation-driven design, materials, and branding experiences. Through its deep commitment to R&D and next-generation materials, Spearhead Global partners with global brands to create industry-defining, sustainable solutions.
About Campari Group
Campari Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. With a portfolio of over 50 world-renowned brands, including Campari, Aperol, and Wild Turkey, the Group has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world.
About Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
IED Istituto Europeo di Design is the largest International Higher Education Network dedicated to Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, and Communication with campuses across Italy, Spain, and Brazil. Through cutting-edge educational programs and direct industry collaboration, IED prepares students for careers at the forefront of creativity and innovation.
Media Contact Leah Keggi, Marketing Manager, LeahK@spearheadglobal.com