The German Packaging Institute (dvi) has unveiled the 37 winners of the 2025 German Packaging Award, honouring outstanding innovations that span all packaging materials and sectors. The awards, selected from more than 200 submissions across 15 countries and three continents, will culminate in a high-profile ceremony at FACHPACK in Nuremberg on 23 September, where the recipients of three prestigious Gold Awards will also be announced.
The winners include companies from Germany, Iran, Austria, Switzerland and the United States, with further entries submitted from China, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic and Turkey.
“The evidence is clear: with over 200 innovations, the companies in our sector are proving once and for all how, despite all the challenges and circumstances, great development work can be done for the benefit of people, companies and the environment,” said Dr Natalie Brandenburg, Managing Director of dvi. She described the awards as “a real and exciting showcase of achievement.”
Sustainability Leads the Field
This year’s winners reflect the packaging industry’s evolving priorities, with a strong emphasis on sustainable solutions and circular economy principles. Of the 37 awarded entries, 14 fall under sustainability categories, while other accolades span functionality, design, cost-effectiveness, and product presentation.
“In so many areas, we see forward-looking solutions and new standards: closed-loop systems; reusability and refillability; development of innovative sources and applications for recyclate; new bio-based materials; optimal unboxing and intuitive user experiences; mono-material composites and barrier functions,” Brandenburg added.
Diverse Innovations Across Sectors
The winning entries include a wide array of solutions for B2B and B2C markets. These range from product, shipping, transport and outer packaging to strapping, displays, bubble wrap, labels, in-mould labels and machines. Applications address needs in industries including food and FMCG, construction, chemicals, and even renewable energy sectors such as solar panels and heat pumps.
The dvi highlighted contributions from the Young Talent category, with two awards for promising solutions by emerging innovators, as well as advancements in packaging machinery and software.
Awards Ceremony at FACHPACK
The official award ceremony will take place at FACHPACK, where trophies and certificates will be presented to the winners. Attendance is free but requires registration via the dvi’s websites (verpackungspreis.de and packagingaward.de).
“To top this all off, we will also be announcing the three recipients of our exclusive Gold Awards. We look forward to interesting discussions and new contacts over a celebratory drink to round off the event,” Brandenburg said.
