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# Announcing the finalists of Packaging Europe’s Sustainability Awards 2026!
- URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/announcing-the-finalists-of-packaging-europes-sustainability-awards-2026/
- Published: 2026-06-01T11:49:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-30T06:00:04.000Z
- Author: Packaging Europe staff writers
- Tags: Print and Labelling, Flexibles, Automation & Software, Amcor, Technology, Mondi, Business, Food, Rigid Packaging, Transit, Sealed Air, UPM Raflatac, Retail performance, bioplastics, Sustainability Awards, Huhtamaki, Collaboration, Headline News, Innovia Films, Lidl, Mondelēz, Renewables, Smart Packaging, reuse, Regulation & Compliance, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:54

![1080x810](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/3/5/19535_1080x810_339776.png)

**The** [**Sustainability Awards**](https://packagingeurope.com/sustainability-awards/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **2026 are under way! Ten years on from the launch of the world’s most prestigious sustainable packaging competition, our** [**expanded jury**](https://packagingeurope.com/sustainability-awards/judges/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **of 63 international experts has announced this year’s finalists in a new-and-improved range of categories.**

A total of 352 applicants entered the competition this year – just seven entries shy of the highest number on record – but only 48 have been shortlisted for the chance to take home a coveted crystal trophy.

To mark a decade since the Sustainability Awards first launched in 2016, the submission categories have been revised to more accurately reflect the progress and values of the modern packaging industry. New additions to the lineup include Reuse, Digital Transformation and Circular Plastics, right alongside the classic Renewables, Climate, and Driving the Circular Economy categories.

“We have reduced the number of categories for general submissions to ten,” explains Tim Sykes, brand director at [Packaging Europe](https://packagingeurope.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), “which makes it even harder than before to be shortlisted for a prize in the world’s most competitive packaging sustainability competition, especially as entries continue to grow.

“However, the changes were mainly designed to better curate the snapshot of what’s happening in innovation, replacing some more abstract categories that focused on impact with new ones that specified important areas of innovation.

“We have also introduced two categories for startups which already have seed funding, as these are an increasingly important dynamo introducing new technology and materials to the market, as well as introducing the Research & Development category for early-stage innovation.”

The geographical range of entrants becomes more diverse every year, and this cohort is no exception. With [Zafree Papers](https://zafreepaper.com/home?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) making history last year as the first Overall Winner from Africa, the jury is pleased to announce two more finalists from South Africa in 2026\. Joining them are innovations from China, Indonesia, Singapore, Argentina and Australia, as well as Europe and North America.

Among the notable themes in this year’s finalists are artificial intelligence, used in this case to identify, sort, and recycle substrates; and improvements in food packaging, from biopolymer coatings to reusable transit packs. Other developments include industry coalitions, high-barrier technologies, and biobased materials and inks.

Once again, the winners will be announced at the [Sustainable Packaging Summit](https://www.packagingsummit.earth/2025/register?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), taking place at the [Jaarbeurs](https://www.jaarbeurs.nl/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) in Utrecht on 10th – 12th November. [Click here](https://www.packagingsummit.earth/event/d66d241d-085d-41f3-90e8-ac135fa07043/ticket-pricing?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) to purchase a ticket to the event; admission to the Sustainability Awards ceremony and networking party is included in the price.

With no further ado, here are this year’s contenders for the “Nobel Prize” of sustainable packaging innovations, the Sustainability Awards.

---

### **Commercialized Products**

![PE_Circular_Plastics_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/0/6/19506_pe_circular_plastics_finalist_706328.png)

#### **Circular Plastics**

- [**CYPET Technologies**](https://cypet.eu/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – 1000-litre PET water tank
- [**Prevented Ocean Plastic**](https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Food-safe rPP
- [**Plastipak**](https://www.plastipak.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– O2Blox nylon-free PET oxygen barrier technology
- [**Evonik Operations**](https://www.evonik.com/en/products/ca/pr%5F52057340.html?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– TEGO Res 1100 co-binder for solvent-borne packaging inks

![PE_Climate_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/0/7/19507_pe_climate_finalist_846845.png)

#### **Climate**

- [**Constantia Flexibles**](https://www.cflex.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – ComforLid with low carbon aluminium
- [**Bockatech**](https://www.bockatech.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Vestacy**](https://www.vestacy.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– EcoCore cap for Air Wick air freshener refill
- [**Sealed Air**](https://www.sealedair.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**’s** [**CRYOVAC**](https://www.sealedair.com/uk/products/food-packaging/form-fill-seal-films/flexprep-dispensing-pouch?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– FlexPrep portion dispensing system
- [**Interpac**](https://www.interpac.uk/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Interpac 1250 cold corrugator
- [**H.B. Fuller**](https://www.hbfuller.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Swifttak PM 4400 enabling cold corrugation production

![PE_Digital_Transformation_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/0/8/19508_pe_digital_transformation_finalist_983981.png)

#### **Digital Transformation**

- [**QuantiPackAI**](https://quantipack.ai/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – Data-driven packaging optimization platform
- [**EcoSource**](https://www.eco-source.co.uk/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– EcoSourcePackaging Intelligence decision support platform
- [**Specright**](https://www.specright.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Lorax**](https://www.loraxcompliance.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Integrated platform for sustainability reporting at scale
- [**CLUBZERØ**](https://clubzero.co/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– National deposit return system for digital DRS
- [**Resycure**](https://resycure.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– QI suite for controlling and optimizing PCR

![PE_Driving_Circular_Economy_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/0/9/19509_pe_driving_circular_economy_finalist_617565.png)

#### **Driving the Circular Economy**

- [**Innovia Films**](https://www.innoviafilms.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – Food-safe rPP
- [**SealGlobal.Co**](https://sealglobal.co/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– KandyKote Chappies gum wrapper for [Mondelēz](https://www.mondelezinternational.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)
- [**Xampla**](https://xampla.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Huhtamaki**](https://www.huhtamaki.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Plastic-free Morro coating for folded cartonboard
- [**Novamont**](https://www.novamont.com/eng/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**CCM (Cooperativa Cartai Modenesi)**](https://www.ccmpackaging.it/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Ovenable paperboard ready-meal tray with Mater-Bi coating
- [**STEINERT**](https://steinertglobal.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – STEINERT AI enabling food-grade tray recycling at [Cirrec](https://www.cirrec.nl/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

![PE_Renewables_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/0/19510_pe_renewables_finalist_429063.png)

#### **Renewables**

- [**Mondi**](https://www.mondigroup.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Ad/Vantage smooth brown semi extensible kraft paper
- [**PAPACKS**](https://www.papacks.com/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – Fiber Box moulded fibre transport packaging for chilled seafood
- [**Heliograf**](https://heliograf.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)and[**Vert Design**](https://www.vertdesign.com.au/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Holy Carp home-compostable soy sauce fish
- [**Mpact Corrugated**](https://www.mpactcorrugated.co.za/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Paper-based pallet column locks
- [**UPM**](https://www.upm.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – UPM Circular Renewable Black bio-based, NIR-detectable black pigment

![PE_Reuse_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/1/19511_pe_reuse_finalist_858242.png)

#### **Reuse**

- [**Xipa**](https://xipa.com.ar/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Double Circular reusable 1kg ice cream container
- [**Sykell**](file:///C:/Users/tmjsy/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/28BF6A3T/Sykell)– EINFACH MEHRWEG Prefill
- [**Bockatech**](https://www.bockatech.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and partners** – Pioneering reuse schemes using EcoCore cups
- [**KIUD**](https://kiud.io/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Telia**](https://www.teliacompany.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Reusable packaging for telecom logistics
- [**Sulapac**](https://www.sulapac.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)and[**Hesburger**](https://www.hesburger.fi/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Sulapac Solid 2.0 biobased, dishwasher-proof material for reusables

### **Categories for start-ups with seed funding** 

![PE_New_Materials_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/2/19512_pe_new_materials_finalist_375443.png)

#### **Start-Up – New Materials**

- [**Living Ink Technologies**](https://www.livingink.co/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)and[**100+ Accelerator** ](https://www.100accelerator.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Biobased black pigments and inks
- [**Nfinite Nanotechnology**](https://nfinitepaper.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)and[**Amcor**](http://amcor.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– High-barrier paper for flexible packaging
- [**Z1RO Europe**](https://z1ro.eu/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Moulded fibre made from fallen leaves and bamboo
- [**Thermapet Technologies**](https://thermapet.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– PET with –40°C to 220°C heat-stability range
- [**Kelpi**](https://www.kelpi.net/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – Seaweed-based recyclable and biodegradable high-barrier coating

![PE_New_Systems_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/3/19513_pe_new_systems_finalist_849201.png)

#### **Start-Up – New Systems**

- [**Antfarm**](https://theantfarm.io/about?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– AI-powered autonomous waste sorting system
- [**COtooClean**](https://cotooclean.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)and[**Coveris**](https://www.coveris.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Decontamination technology for flexibles
- [**Vioneo**](https://vioneo.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Fossil-free PP and PP at scale
- [**KWiiD**](https://www.kwiid.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Swift and strong reusable boxes

![PE_Thinking_Big_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/4/19514_pe_thinking_big_finalist_296373.png)

#### **Thinking Big category – for broad initiatives**

- [**Colgate-Palmolive**](https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Erthos**](https://www.planeterthos.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– AI-enabled sustainable packaging with biomaterials
- [**Polytag**](https://polytag.io/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Ecotrace industry-wide packaging traceability infrastructure
- [**VANGEST**](https://vangest.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**NERLEI CCI**](https://www.nerlei.pt/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**INOVA+**](https://inova.business/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Embalagem do Futuro (Packaging of the Future) project
- [**AIM - European Brands Association**](https://aim.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and partners** – HolyGrail 2.0 value-chain consortium proving viability of digital watermarking technology
- [**Pack4Food**](https://pack4food.be/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**FlandersFOOD**](https://www.flandersfood.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**VIL**](https://vil.be/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**ReUSElab**](https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/reuse-lab/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Colruyt**](https://www.colruyt.be/nl?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Albert Heijn**](https://www.ah.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Carrefour**](https://www.carrefour.be/nl?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Delhaize**](https://www.delhaize.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Lidl**](https://www.lidl.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Aldi**](https://www.aldi.be/nl/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Rotion**](https://rotion.eu/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**deSter**](https://dester.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**MIVAS**](https://mivas.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)**,** [**Made**](https://www.made.be/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Fost Plus**](https://www.fostplus.be/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– REPASYS reusable packaging system

![PE_R&D_Finalist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/61/60/61607b5b-1c0b-4249-a886-4bc4c284c107/content/images/d2wrwj382xgrci-cloudfront-net/Pictures/2000xany/5/1/5/19515_pe_rd_finalist_837801.png)

#### **Research & Development category – for early stage innovation**

- [**Greiner Packaging**](https://www.greiner-gpi.com/en?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– CUBO logistics-optimized square cup
- [**Embalagem do Futuro**](https://embalagemdofuturo.pt/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **and** [**Polytechnic University of Leiria**](https://www.ipleiria.pt/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Biopolymer coating for food-contact corrugated cardboard
- [**Serioplast**](http://www.serioplast.com/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– Net zero waste through reusable structural skeleton architecture
- [**Teagasc**](https://teagasc.ie/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)– PMA MAP shelf-life extension system for fresh produce
- [**Siegwerk Druckfarben**](https://www.siegwerk.com/de/home.html?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) – UniLEAF acrylic-free flexo ink extender

---

**For a full list of this year’s finalists,** [**click here**](https://packagingeurope.com/sustainability-awards/2026-finalists?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **to view the shortlist.**