The German Packaging Institute (dvi) has opened submissions for the German Packaging Award 2026, with companies, institutions and individuals invited to submit innovations by 23 May 2026, as the sector prepares for regulatory and market shifts linked to the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The award, one of Europe’s longest-running packaging competitions, is open across all materials and sectors and will be judged by an independent jury of experts. Winners will be announced on 30 July 2026 and recognised at an industry ceremony later in the year.
Dr Natalie Brandenburg, Managing Director of the German Packaging Institute, directly linked this year’s award cycle to upcoming regulatory pressure. “The launch of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) in August 2026 will create specific pressure points for our industry that will act as drivers and accelerators for innovations and new solutions,” she said. “However, the importance and scope of innovation work goes far beyond merely fulfilling political requirements. Innovations make all the difference.”
She added that innovation is critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for competitive positioning, stating that new solutions can create “competitive advantage, create talking points and even unique selling points over the competition,” while contributing to broader economic and environmental progress.
The German Packaging Award, established in 1963, is positioned as both a recognition platform and a commercial tool for participating companies. Brandenburg emphasised its role in market visibility: “It brings the achievements and the people behind them onto the big stage. It attracts attention and reputation, motivates, rewards and provides convincing arguments as well as a visible seal of approval for sales and marketing.”
Entries can be submitted across ten categories, covering areas including design, functionality, sustainability, logistics, new materials, digitalisation and packaging machinery. Participants are allowed to submit solutions in multiple categories, while a dedicated “Young Talent” category targets students and trainees.
According to the dvi, the judging process involves a two-day in-person evaluation by a jury comprising experts from industry, academia and media. Assessments are based on predefined, category-specific criteria outlined by the institute.
In addition to standard awards, the jury may assign Gold Awards to particularly pioneering solutions. The awards ceremony will take place in autumn, supported by partners including IGEPA group and FACHPACK.
With the PPWR set to reshape packaging requirements across the EU from August 2026, the 2026 edition of the German Packaging Award is expected to reflect increased industry focus on recyclability, material innovation and system-level efficiency.
