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Group photo of the WorldStar Awards 2026 winners on stage holding trophies in Düsseldorf.

A big moment for the international packaging industry: Winners of the WorldStar Awards 2026 celebrate on stage at interpack in Düsseldorf – honored for innovation, sustainability, and outstanding ideas from around the world.
Image: WPO

A night full of excellence – and seriously good vibes

Reading Time: 2 Minutes / Published: 20.05.2026

When the global packaging community comes together, it truly shines: at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, the World Packaging Organisation’s (WPO) WorldStar Awards Ceremony turned into an evening full of goosebump moments. Around 400 guests from nearly 50 countries gathered – bringing exactly the mix that defines the spirit of the industry: energy, ideas, and a strong sense of future ambition.

The numbers speak for themselves: 481 entries, 234 awarded solutions, and around 100 winners from more than 40 nations on stage. Packaging has long become a global playing field, and the diversity of approaches proves one thing: the best ideas can come from anywhere – and make an impact everywhere.

What do the award-winning solutions stand for?

The awarded projects, solutions, and ideas stand not only for smart technology, but for real impact. The common thread throughout the evening: packaging as a game changer for global challenges. Less food waste, improved recyclability, and new material concepts – this wasn’t about visions, but about solutions that actually work.
Gala guests in front of international flags at the WorldStar Awards 2026.

Showing your colors is part of the experience! A moment that brings the global connectivity of the packaging community to life.
Image: WPO

One strong example: PAPACKS with its “Fiber Box”, awarded in the “Packaging that Saves Food” category – a clear statement against food waste. Companies like Mondi, with multiple awards, alongside players such as TRICOR/EVOPACK and Rondo, also demonstrated the industry’s remarkable innovative strength and momentum.
Photo of WPO President Luciana Pellegrino on stage during the awards ceremony.

WPO President Luciana Pellegrino opened the evening.
Image: WPO

WorldStar is more than just an award. It’s about mindset, ambition – and how far packaging can be reimagined. WPO President Luciana Pellegrino put it in a nutshell: “Moments like this strengthen our industry and inspire all of us to go beyond and to push packaging boundaries And: “ Through initiatives such as WorldStar, WPO continues to connect the global packaging community, promote innovation, encourage knowledge-sharing, and recognize solutions that are shaping the future of packaging worldwide..”

Soha Atallah, WorldStar Coordinator and WPO Vice President Marketing, also made clear what really matters: “WorldStar is a global celebration of innovation and of the strategic role packaging plays in our daily lives. This year’s edition once again demonstrated that WorldStar is powered by passion: the passion of our winners, our partners, our judges, and our global packaging community.”

Who is shaping the future of the industry?

Not only established players were in the spotlight – the next generation also took center stage: the WorldStar Student Awards clearly demonstrated the wealth of fresh ideas and innovation coming up. At the same time, the Lifetime Achievement Award honored Pierre Pienaar, a figure who has shaped the industry for decades and helped define what it is today.
Guests clinking glasses at a table during the WorldStar Awards gala in Düsseldorf.

Cheers to a special evening: Guests of the WorldStar Awards enjoy the gala atmosphere.
Image: WPO

And what remains after such an evening? Above all, a sense of being part of something bigger. It wasn’t just about awards, but about exchange, inspiration, and a shared взгляд toward the future.

By the way: the submission phase for the WorldStar Awards 2027 already starts on July 20.

WorldStar Awards

For more information about the organisation and the winners, visit the website.

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