Beginning in 2011, the inaugural competition challenged professionals and emerging designers to come up with creative concepts for chairs using Formica laminates. In 2013 the challenge was issued to recreate the humble Formica laminate table as part of the 100 year celebrations of the Formica brand.

In 2015, Laminex New Zealand looks to further spark New Zealand's design creativity with Luminate, a challenge to re-imagine how to interpret lighting hardware, fixtures and applications for the New Zealand and global stage using Formica laminate.

There are two entry categories — Professional Architects and Designers, and Emerging Architects and Designers who are studying or within four years of graduation. The judging panel consists of design industry icons Renee Hytry Derrington of Formica North America, Ron Sang and David Trubridge. The winning designs will by fully fabricated by Laminex New Zealand and displayed at an official awards ceremony in November 2015. Winners and runners up will also receive a generous cash prize and will be recognised in Laminex New Zealand publications.