The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has announced the winners of the WorldStar Global Packaging Awards 2025, noting a record figure of 260 winners this year.
Overall, 550 entries were nominated across 40 countries. Japan is named as the country with the highest number of winners with a total of 23.
It is closely followed by Austria and Germany, which are tied at 22 winners each. India comes next with 19 winners, then Australia and New Zealand with 18, and Turkey with 17.
This year’s winners include the ALPLA CleanCharger, which features an airless, reusable pump dispenser; a keeper doubling as an outer container; and a minimalistic, 100% rPET cartridge. As a whole, the solution targets a ‘clean, quick and uncomplicated’ refill process with various environmental benefits.
SEE’s CRYOVAC FlexPrep portion dispensing pouches have also been awarded – namely for helping McDonald’s Australia reduce packaging and food waste related to condiments and sauces, as well as minimize contamination risks.
Smurfit Westrock is named as a winner for its corrugated cardboard tray, designed for Tropica’s aquarium plants. They feature side gluing and four locking mechanisms for easy assembly, top and bottom cutouts for filling and stacking, and claim to save 12.4 tons of plastic annually.
NotFromHere has also been recognized for its minimalist chess set packaging. Made from black and white rigid cardboard, it features two triangular trays that open diagonally to hold each team’s chess pieces.
A complete list of winners is available to view on the WorldStar website.
Scheduled to take place on the final day of IPACK-IMA in Milan (27th – 30th May 2025), the WorldStar Awards Ceremony will involve the announcement of the Special Categories winners. This includes the President’s Award, Sustainability Award, Marketing Award, and the Packaging that Saves Food Award.
“The incredible number of entries and winners in this 2025 edition reflects the credibility of this global award, the high level of the competition, and the exceptional quality of the packaging solutions submitted from around the world,” says Luciana Pellegrino, president of WPO. “The participating packaging also showcases the profound evolution of the global packaging industry, driven by innovation, creativity, technology, marketing, digital transformation, and sustainability.
“It is evident that our industry has embraced current challenges and is prepared to grow continuously and sustainably, meeting the expectations of the modern, connected consumers.”
“This year has been truly remarkable, not only for the record-breaking participation but also for the outstanding quality of entries,” adds Soha Atallah, WPO’s vice president for Marketing and WorldStar coordinator. “The competition was fierce, reflecting the global advancements in packaging and their commitment to sustainability.
“I also want to emphasize that WorldStar represents the best of the best, as only winners of recognized national or regional competitions are eligible. This adds a layer of rigor to the selection process, making the achievement even more meaningful.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judges for their dedication and expertise in evaluating these exceptional entries.”
With last year’s award ceremony taking place during ProPak Asia in Thailand, WorldStar 2024 also saw the majority of winners come from Japan with 28 successful nominees. Germany (21), Australia and New Zealand (16), USA (12), and a tie between Brazil and Austria (11) followed suit.
Among the most notable winners were Ukrainian companies RPE Aventin LLC, Intpack, and VPC Vesna, with their respective biodegradable pouch, chocolate and sweets box, and aroma diffuser and candle packaging designs receiving awards amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
Meanwhile, the winners of the Sustainability Awards 2024 were announced during an awards dinner at last year’s Sustainable Packaging Summit. Among its winners were Gemini Corporation’s GemCorp Recycling initiative, Henkel’s circular PET film sourced from household waste, and Brook + Whittle’s recyclable, light-blocking shrink sleeve.
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