Author: https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/worldstar-2026-winners-announced-updated Publish Time: 2026-01-20 Origin: https://www.packagingnews.com.au/latest/worldstar-2026-winners-announced-updated
The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has announced the 234 winners of the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards 2026, selected from a total of 481 entries submitted by companies across 36 countries.
Japan led the field with 24 winning entries, followed by Austria with 21 awards. China and Germany each secured 18 wins, while Brazil received 17 awards. The Czech Republic and Slovakia also performed strongly, recording 12 winning projects each.
In Australia and New Zealand, seven companies were collectively recognised with 11 WorldStar Packaging Awards in the 2026 program.
WPO president Luciana Pellegrino said the record number of entries and winners highlights the growing significance of the WorldStar program in showcasing progress across the global packaging sector. She noted that this year’s awards reflect innovation driven by technology, sustainability, convenience and functionality—key themes shaping the future of the industry. Pellegrino added that many submissions addressed critical challenges such as food waste reduction, food safety and food preservation, reinforcing the role of packaging in delivering practical, high-impact solutions.
Nerida Kelton, executive director of the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), said competition for international recognition continues to intensify. She highlighted that achieving a WorldStar Packaging Award has become increasingly challenging due to rising global standards, and expressed pride that seven ANZ PIDA winners were honoured with 11 awards across six categories, including Packaging Materials & Components, Food, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Household, Labelling & Decoration and Other.
Kelton also emphasised that eligibility for the WorldStar Packaging Awards is limited to winners of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards. She said the continued global recognition of Australian and New Zealand packaging solutions demonstrates the strength of the region’s rigorous judging criteria and evaluation process.
