Quality Awards

This set of awards recognise excellence in packaging design, production, and innovation and are open to anyone involved in packaging production, specification, or design.

You can view the general criteria for all quality awards categories below, as well as the category specific criteria by clicking the 'view criteria' button on each award.

Products will only be considered from 1 May 2024 to 1 May 2025

Please note that by entering any of the Quality Award Categories, you will be required to submit sample(s) of your product for Judging. Full Delivery Instructions and Guidance can be found on your confirmation email upon completing your entry.

Entries are now closed, but register your details here to be the first to receive the latest news and updates about the UK Packaging Awards 2026.


To enter an award, you must complete the online entry form which will involve submitting a 500-word summary. Details of what to include in your summary can be found in the category description for each award. You will be required to provide details of who has been involved in creating the pack, including names of material suppliers, manufacturers, designers and clients.

To be considered, the design and/or manufacturing must have been carried out in the UK. In addition, judges require strong evidence of any environmental statements or claims made in regards to the packaging project. Entries must demonstrate that packs have the relevant accreditations. Data must be provided to support any claim of carbon reduction, recyclability and/or compostability.

All entries must adhere to the Competition Markets Authorities’ Green Claims Code.

You may enter a single pack into a maximum of two categories. Unless stated otherwise, you will be asked to submit two samples of the entire filled pack per category.

If you are entering perishable items, please inform our event team who will advise on arrangements.

For all categories, unless otherwise stated, judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Useability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Best International Pack

This award recognises packaging that has successfully launched or been rebranded across multiple international markets.

To be eligible, the pack must be available in the UK and at least one other country. The wider the international reach, the stronger the entry.

From maintaining brand consistency to adapting for different markets and regulations, this category celebrates packaging that delivers impact on a global scale.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best International Pack

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of design and execution across international markets
  • Consistency of brand identity globally
  • Adaptation to different markets, regulations or consumer needs
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Contribution of packaging to commercial success
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact and recyclability
  • Overall brand impact, including across digital and social channels

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of availability in the UK and international markets
  • Any relevant data supporting commercial success or market performance

Best New Concept Award

This award recognises the most innovative new packaging concepts, materials or prototypes with the potential to transform the industry.


From breakthrough structures and formats to new materials and technologies, this category celebrates ideas that solve real packaging challenges and push boundaries beyond what currently exists.


Entries may include early-stage concepts, prototypes or recently developed solutions not yet widely commercialised.
£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best New Concept Award

Entries should include a prototype, sample or visual representation, supported by a case study outlining the concept and its potential. Confidential or commercially sensitive information will be treated appropriately.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of the concept and originality of the idea
  • Clear problem-solving and relevance to industry challenges
  • Innovation in materials, structure or technology
  • Feasibility and potential for scalability
  • Potential commercial or industry impact
  • Contribution to sustainability or circular economy goals
  • Clarity of vision and development pathway

Entries should outline:

  • How the concept improves on existing packaging solutions
  • The potential for scalability and real-world application

Best Packaging of a New Product

This award recognises packaging that has played a key role in the successful launch of a new product or brand in the UK.


From creating shelf impact and driving consumer appeal to supporting functionality and performance, this category celebrates packaging that delivers from day one.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Best Packaging of a New Product

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study including a summary from the brand owner outlining the brief and how the packaging has contributed to commercial success.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear response to the packaging brief
  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of the packaging’s contribution to commercial success
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims

Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Branding Project of the Year

This award recognises outstanding packaging design that brings a brand to life.


From new product launches to brand refreshes, this category celebrates projects where graphic design and visual identity play a central role in creating impact, communicating brand values and connecting with consumers.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Branding Project of the Year

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief, creative approach and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of brand identity and creative concept
  • Quality and originality of graphic design
  • Clarity of communication and brand storytelling
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Alignment with the brand’s values and positioning
  • Response to the packaging brief
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of the project’s impact on brand perception or commercial performance
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Cartonboard Pack of the Year

This award recognises innovation and excellence in cartonboard packaging.

From structural creativity and high-quality print to sustainability and performance, this category celebrates packs that demonstrate the versatility and impact of cartonboard across a wide range of applications.
£ 198.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Cartonboard Pack of the Year

Entries must be made predominantly from cartonboard, although caps, windows and other components may incorporate other materials.

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief and how the packaging meets it.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear response to the packaging brief
  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims

Consumer Convenience Packaging Award

This award recognises packaging that delivers outstanding convenience for the consumer.


From easy opening and resealability to portability, storage and disposal, this category celebrates packs designed with the end user in mind — making products simpler, quicker and more enjoyable to use.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Consumer Convenience Packaging Award

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief and how the packaging enhances the consumer experience.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Clear response to the packaging brief
  • Ease of opening, resealing and overall usability
  • Convenience in storage, handling and disposal
  • Shapes and structures
  • Innovation in design or functionality
  • Product protection
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the consumer and brand
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • Evidence of improved consumer experience or usability
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Corrugated: Online Retail and Consumer Goods

This category is open to all corrugated packs that perform a role in the retail space to deliver primary packs to shoppers, including retail ready packs and point of sale units.

This category is now closed

Corrugated: Online Retail and Consumer Goods

This category must be made predominantly from corrugated material, but caps, windows and other components can be made from other materials.

A sample of one full pack, one flat pack (if applicable) and one that is fully constructed but empty is also required.

In addition, judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Useability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also take into account the following:

  • What data do you have to back up claims of recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint?
  • Does the pack have the accreditations and certifications to make its sustainable case?

Corrugated product of the year

This category is open to all corrugated packs that perform a role in the retail space to deliver primary packs to shoppers, including retail-ready packs and point-of-sale units.


Entries must be made predominantly from corrugated material, although caps, windows and other components may incorporate other materials.


Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Corrugated product of the year

Judges will be looking for:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims

Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Flexible Plastic Pack of the Year

This category will reward excellence in production and innovation in flexible plastic packs such as pouches, sachets, sacks and bags.
This category is now closed

Flexible Plastic Pack of the Year

This pack should primarily be made predominantly from flexible plastic materials, but caps, windows and other components can be made from other materials.

In addition, judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality 
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out 
  • Useability and openability
  • Product protection 
  • Supply chain efficiency 
  • Innovation and originality 
  • Environmental impact 
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also take into account the following:

  • What data do you have to back up claims of recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint?
  • Does the pack have the accreditations and certifications to make its sustainable case?

Glass Pack of the Year: Other drinks, food and other glass products

These categories are open to all frosted, clear or coloured glass packaging including jars, bottles and vials.

This category is now closed

Glass Pack of the Year: Other drinks, food and other glass products

Judges will be looking for both innovation and production excellence and will consider each pack based on how well the pack meets the brief and fits its target market.

Entries should be made primarily from glass, but caps, windows and other components can be made from other materials.

In addition, judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration 
  • Shelf stand-out 
  • Useability and openability
  • Product protection 
  • Supply chain efficiency 
  • Innovation and originality 
  • Environmental impact 
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also take into account the following:

  • What data do you have to back up claims of recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint?
  • Does the pack have the accreditations and certifications to make its sustainable case?

Glass pack of the Year

Glass remains the benchmark for premium, sustainable packaging — and this category celebrates the brands and teams pushing it further.

Entries should be made primarily from glass, although closures, caps and other components may incorporate alternative materials.
£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Glass pack of the Year

Judges are looking for entries that combine innovation with production excellence and deliver real impact in the market.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Innovation of the Year

This award recognises packaging that has introduced something new and unexpected to the market, delivering real benefits to brands, consumers or the wider supply chain.


Entries must be commercially launched and available in the market.


From breakthrough structures and materials to new formats or functionality, this category celebrates packaging that pushes boundaries and sets new standards for the industry.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Innovation of the Year

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief, development process and impact.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength and originality of the innovation
  • Clear problem-solving and added value to the brand
  • Innovation in structure, materials or functionality
  • Evidence of successful execution and delivery
  • Contribution to sustainability and recyclability
  • Usability and performance in real-world use
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Overall impact on the market or category

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of how the innovation improves on existing packaging solutions
  • Evidence of commercial success or market impact
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Label of the Year

This award recognises excellence in printed labels across all packaging formats.


Open to self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, wet-glue labels, leaflet labels and in-mould labels, this category celebrates labels that combine outstanding design, print quality and functionality to enhance the overall pack.

This category is now closed

Label of the Year

Entries should include the final label as displayed on pack, alongside a sample of the pack where possible, and a case study outlining the brief, materials and print processes used.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Quality and impact of graphic design
  • Excellence in print and production
  • Effective use of materials and finishes
  • Shelf stand-out and visual appeal
  • Functionality and usability of the label
  • Innovation in label design or application
  • Contribution of the label to the overall pack and brand
  • Environmental impact and material choices

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • How the label meets the original brief
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications supporting sustainability credentials

Limited Edition Packaging of the Year

This award recognises outstanding limited-edition packaging that captures attention, drives engagement and delivers impact for brands.


From seasonal campaigns and collaborations to special releases and one-off designs, this category celebrates packaging that uses creativity and innovation to influence purchasing decisions and elevate the brand.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Limited Edition Packaging of the Year

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief, creative approach and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of creative concept and originality
  • Quality of graphic design and execution
  • Shelf stand-out and consumer appeal
  • Alignment with the brand and campaign objectives
  • Innovation in design, structure or format
  • Contribution to promotional or commercial success
  • Usability and functionality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of the pack’s impact on sales, engagement or brand awareness
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Luxury Pack of the Year

Luxury products demand exceptional packaging — this award recognises packs that deliver premium design, craftsmanship and brand impact.

From high-end materials and finishes to refined structural design and sustainability considerations, this category celebrates packaging that elevates the product and enhances the consumer experience.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Luxury Pack of the Year

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack, alongside a case study outlining the brief, design approach and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Overall premium look and feel
  • Quality of materials, finishes and craftsmanship
  • Strength of graphic and structural design
  • Shelf stand-out and brand presence
  • Alignment with brand positioning and values
  • Balance between luxury appeal and sustainability
  • Innovation in materials, design or execution
  • Added value to the product and brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of the pack’s contribution to brand perception or commercial success
  • Evidence of recyclability or responsible material use

Relevant accreditations or certifications supporting sustainability credentials

Metal Pack of the Year: Decorative & General Line

This category rewards excellence in innovation and production for packs made of aluminium, steel or all market except food and drinks. Closures and lids made of metal, are eligible for entries even if the body of the pack is not made of metal.
This category is now closed

Metal Pack of the Year: Decorative & General Line

This sub-category is only open to decorative & general line products – which includes almost all non-food and non-drinks packaging.

This category is only open to packs produced by members of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers’ Association.

All products submitted must have been manufactured in an MPE (Metal Packaging Europe) member country which covers Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK and must be made predominantly from metal material.

In addition, judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out Useability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also take into account the following:

  • What data do you have to back up claims of recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint?
  • Does the pack have the accreditations and certifications to make its sustainable case?

Metal Pack of the Year

Metal packaging sets the benchmark for strength, protection and recyclability. This category recognises outstanding metal packs that combine innovation, design and manufacturing excellence.

This category is open exclusively to members of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA). Entries must be manufactured in a Metal Packaging Europe (MPE) member country (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands or the UK) and made predominantly from metal.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Metal Pack of the Year

Judges are looking for packs that offer a best-in-class solution to the brief, combining creativity, technical execution and commercial success.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims

Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Circular Economy Packaging of the Year

The future of packaging is circular — this award recognises packs designed to reduce waste and keep materials in use for longer.


From refill and reuse models to fully recyclable or closed-loop solutions, this category celebrates packaging that combines smart design with real environmental impact.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Circular Economy Packaging of the Year

Entries should include a full pack, a flat pack (if applicable) and a fully constructed empty pack.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence to support recyclability, reuse, refill or reduced carbon claims

Relevant accreditations or certifications supporting sustainability credentials

Reusable Pack of the Year

This award will recognise the latest innovations in reusable packaging – an area that has come under increased scrutiny and rising importance as a result of the single-use debate. All packaging projects entered to this category must be reused for the purpose it was originally designed for. Entries that simply repurpose the pack for another use will not be considered.
This category is now closed

Reusable Pack of the Year

Judges will be looking for the pack that offers the optimal solution to its brief and will consider a range of relevant aspects including:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Useability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand

Plastic Pack of the Year (flexible/rigid)

Plastic continues to play a vital role in modern packaging, but the future belongs to solutions that balance performance with responsibility. This category celebrates the very best in plastic packaging design, innovation and sustainability across both flexible and rigid formats.


Flexible entries should be predominantly made from flexible plastic materials (e.g. films, pouches), though elements such as caps or windows may incorporate other materials.


Rigid entries may include blow moulded, thermoformed or injection moulded packs using materials such as PP, PET, LDPE, HDPE or bioplastics.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Plastic Pack of the Year (flexible/rigid)

Judges are looking for packaging that demonstrates progress in recyclability and sustainability, without compromising on performance or commercial success.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Shapes and structures
  • Print and production quality
  • Graphics and decoration
  • Shelf stand-out
  • Usability and openability
  • Product protection
  • Supply chain efficiency
  • Innovation and originality
  • Environmental impact
  • Added value to the brand
  • Entries must also demonstrate:
  • Evidence to support recyclability, compostability and/or reduced carbon footprint claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications to support sustainability credentials

Supply Chain Solution of the Year

This award recognises packaging solutions that deliver outstanding performance across the supply chain.

From transit packaging and returnable systems to crates, pallets and industrial formats, this category celebrates solutions that enable products to move safely, efficiently and cost-effectively from production to destination.

£ 199.00
Early Bird Price £ 179.00 +(VAT@20%)
Available until

Supply Chain Solution of the Year

Entries should include a full pack or system sample (where applicable), alongside a case study outlining the brief, solution and results.

Judges will be looking for:

  • Strength of structural design and performance
  • Product protection and durability in transit
  • Efficiency in storage, handling and transportation
  • Cost-effectiveness and material optimisation
  • Innovation in design, materials or system approach
  • Contribution to supply chain efficiency and performance
  • Environmental impact and material efficiency
  • Added value to the overall supply chain

Entries must also demonstrate:

  • Evidence of performance improvements, cost savings or operational benefits
  • Evidence to support recyclability, reuse or reduced carbon impact claims
  • Relevant accreditations or certifications supporting sustainability credentials