Rethinking the World of Packaging: The WorldStar Awards 2025

The WorldStar Awards are more than just a prize – they serve as a driving force for the packaging industry, bringing together groundbreaking innovations and sustainable solutions. In an exclusive interview with WPO jury members Oliver Berndt and Ernst Krottendorfer, we gained fascinating insights into current trends, selection criteria, and the inspiration behind the winning solutions. A behind-the-scenes look.

Oliver Berndt: The WorldStar Awards are characterised by their cross-sector and cross-material approach to recognising outstanding solutions. As a result, the range is broad. However, it is clear that sustainability remains a key focus in the entries. This includes clever design solutions that combine functionality and sustainability in remarkable ways.

Ernst Krottendorfer: I agree that sustainability continues to be the dominant global trend. This has been the case for several years now, but the number of entries addressing sustainability issues is increasing year after year. Additionally, topics such as food preservation, convenience, and natural packaging designs with high consumer appeal continue to play a major role.

Ernst Krottendorfer: I don't want to single out any specific project. What particularly impressed me this year were reusable solutions and plastic solutions with a high share of recyclate. These already meet future regulatory requirements. I would also like to highlight that this year saw a significant number of entries and winners from emerging markets.

Oliver Berndt: There were many great solutions that excited me. If I had to highlight four, I would mention the German mono-material folding box for thermostats with an integrated template and a really beautiful brand design, the material-saving, innovative refillable packaging with a shaving mechanism as a dispenser solution for ointments and cosmetics from South Korea, the ultra-light mineral water bottle in terms of design and aesthetics from Turkey, and the fascinating and sustainable two-part refill system for soap from Australia.

Oliver Berndt: Packaging is always developed with a specific purpose. It must solve particular challenges and meet defined parameters to satisfy market requirements. But long-term market success can only be ensured through a balance of innovation and relevance. Modern packaging reflects technological possibilities, customer expectations, and marketing strategies. Like this, a packaging competition like the WorldStar Awards serves as a record of the times.

Ernst Krottendorfer: Market relevance is evident in the fact that many of the winners include well-known brands presenting new, innovative packaging solutions here. This shows that the WorldStar Awards hold significant prestige within the marketing community, and both major players in the packaging industry and consumer goods markets strive to win a WorldStar Award.

Oliver Berndt: In my view, the awards primarily serve as recognition, appreciation, and validation of outstanding achievements. They also motivate current and future winners to continue exploring innovative approaches and highlight their accomplishments to increase visibility among customers.

Ernst Krottendorfer: Many companies invest significant effort and ambition in winning, both at the national competition level, which serves as a foundation for the WorldStar, and at the WorldStar Awards themselves. The WorldStar remains the most prestigious packaging award globally, allowing companies to showcase their innovation and design capabilities.