2026 Winners

30% Food Contact Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Resin for 5 lbs. and 10 lbs. Potato Bags

This innovative packaging material is an unsupported coextruded film containing 30% post-consumer recycled resin—a first in potato packaging. Developed in direct response to Walmart’s Project Gigaton initiative, which aims to reduce or avoid 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the global value chain by 2030, the film demonstrates a major step forward. The challenge was to maintain clarity, seal integrity, and impact resistance while incorporating recycled content. Through advanced resin engineering, the result is a durable, high-performance, and environmentally responsible packaging solution.

Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc.

End-User/Customer: Idaho Package and Wada Farms

Plant: Union City, CA, US

Designer/Design Firm: Wada Farms and Emerald Packaging, Inc.

Key Suppliers: Commex Corporation: extruder; and Natura PCR, LLC: PCR resin

ByHeart Anywhere Pack

ByHeart’s Anywhere Pack from Glenroy introduces flexible packaging into an emerging market: infant formula. The flexible packaging combination of both a stickpack and a stand-up pouch stands out on a shelf dominated by rigid canisters. The pre-measured, easy-open stickpacks offer convenience to busy parents and provide ByHeart with a unique packaging solution in a challenging market. The Anywhere Pack exemplifies packaging excellence by merging innovative design, advanced printing, and technical ingenuity while advancing flexible packaging on store shelves.

Manufacturer: Glenroy, Inc.

End-User/Customer: ByHeart

Plant: Menomonee Falls, WI, US

Cabot® Creamery Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 8 oz.

The Cabot® Creamery Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 8 ounces, features sustainable packaging through the incorporation of post-consumer resin (PCR) content. The 30% PCR and barrier sealant deliver the same high moisture barrier and seal strength required for dairy packaging while supporting a circular plastics economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with 100% virgin films.

Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging

End-User/Customer: Cabot® Creamery

Plant: Menasha, WI, US

Clear Conscience Pet SuperGravy® Pouches

To meet the client’s mission to “bring purity, clarity, and joy to every bowl,” SunDance created a luxury-feel pouch using Soft Touch® laminate and spot UV to make particular elements shine. The semi-transparent gusset discreetly displays the product, reinforcing the brand’s touchstone of “purpose, not pretense” and emphasizing its CleanLabel™ ingredients. The spot UV highlights the product name, company awards, and important use instructions. The zipper allows customers to reseal the product, ensuring every serving is as fresh as the first. SunDance’s manufacturing flexibility enabled the client to print multiple designs and SKUs.

Manufacturer: SunDance

End-User/Customer: Clear Conscience Pet

Plant: Orlando, FL, US

Key Suppliers: Derprosa™ DL Soft Touch® Prestige: 1.5- mil laminate; North American Press Products: spot UV blanket; and StockPKG Films: clear PET 3 mil

Clusters Peanut Crunch Stand-up Pouch

This premium stand-up pouch has a reclosable zipper and is constructed using a two-ply laminate of machine direction-oriented polyethylene (PE) and white opaque PE. The structure offers excellent stiffness, durability, and shape retention for an upright display. The pouch features reverse and surface printing and is protected with a full matte coating for a refined, soft touch finish.

Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.

End-User/Customer: Cibo Vita Inc.

Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE

Deterra® Drug Disposal Pouch

Deterra® is an innovative, eco-forward medication disposal pouch and pod system designed to safely neutralize and dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs—helping prevent misuse and accidental access. Engineered with over 50% bio-based polymer derived from renewable sugarcane ethanol feedstock, the pouch presented a complex challenge: developing a structure that is durable, 100% leak-proof, chemical resistant, and that offers barrier protection while maintaining environmental integrity. Through advanced material science and precision lamination, Deterra® achieves high performance with a reduced carbon footprint—supporting healthcare and corporate sustainability goals and redefining what’s possible in responsible flexible packaging.

Manufacturer: Accredo Packaging Inc.

End-User/Customer: Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc.

Plant: Sugar Land, TX, US

Designer/Design Firm: David Bertelsman, Accredo Packaging Inc.

Key Suppliers: Accredo Packaging Inc.; Flint Group: inks; Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation (W&H): extrusion and flexo press; and Zip-Pak: zipper

Earth Sense® Pro Recycled Content Stretch Hand Film

Earth Sense® Pro hand film is a more sustainable solution for manually wrapping pallets to secure and protect goods during transportation and storage. Made with 30% post-consumer recycled and 5% post-industrial recycled content, it reduces reliance on virgin plastic. Its down-gaugeable design minimizes material use, and its lightweight, folded-edge rolls are operator-friendly and damage-resistant—further reducing film waste. The film helps divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans, conserves resources, and requires less energy to produce, lowering its carbon footprint while supporting a circular economy through reuse and recycling.

Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles

Plant: Tulsa, OK, US

Fazenda Blend Coffee Bag

The Fazenda Coffee Blend red bag delivers both elegance and performance. This 12-ounce laminated flat-bottom pouch features a precision one-way valve to preserve freshness and aroma, while its machine direction-oriented polyethylene (PE) and white PE structure ensures strength, barrier protection, and recyclability. The three-color print with sandpaper varnish adds a refined, tactile finish and striking matte-gloss contrast for powerful shelf appeal. Designed for premium coffee presentation, its flat-bottom format offers excellent stability, functionality, and visual sophistication that reflect the blend’s superior quality.

Manufacturer: Polymerall Flexible Packaging

End-User/Customer: Fazenda Coffee Roasters

Plant: TEPANCO DE LOPEZ, PUEBLA, MX

Designer/Design Firm: Fazenda Coffee Roasters

Goldfish® Halloween Cheddar Flavor with Glow-in-the-Dark Ink

For its Halloween-themed fun-size packages of Goldfish® crackers, Pepperidge Farm® incorporated glow-in-the-dark ink. The signature Goldfish® logo, along with two trick-or-treating ghosts, was enhanced with this special ink treatment. By merging Halloween-themed appeal with engaging functionality, the package creates a memorable experience that delights children and adults alike. It elevates an ordinary snack into an interactive moment and strengthens brand connection through playful innovation.

Manufacturer: Printpack

End-User/Customer: The Campbell’s Company

Plant: Grand Prairie, TX, US

Designer/Design Firm: Sterling Design – NYC

Key Suppliers: Printpack; SGK Pre-press; and Sterling Design – NYC

HERSHEY’S KISSES® (Pokémon® Collaboration)

This limited edition program wraps classic HERSHEY’S KISSES® in approximately 9 micron aluminum foil printed with 151 designs—one for every original Kanto region Pokémon—while retaining the brand’s standard. The artwork is on the underside of the candy, creating a delightful reveal as consumers unwrap each piece, and many cone panels feature a red and white Poké Ball motif, so unwrapping feels like “opening” a Poké Ball. Hershey extended the collectible idea with a collector’s case that holds all 151 designs and a Hersheyland online tracker that lets fans log which foils they’ve “caught.” The program was available for a limited time in 10.1 ounce Share and 34.1 ounce Party bags while supplies lasted.

Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging

End-User/Customer: The Hershey Company

Plant: Catoosa, OK, US

Key Suppliers: TC Transcontinental Packaging

KIND® Recyclable High Barrier Paper Bar Wrap

The KIND® Recyclable High Barrier Paper Bar Wrap is the first paper bar wrap sold in the U.S. that delivers both performance and sustainability. Developed by Printpack in partnership with KIND®, the structure provides the barrier required to protect nut-based bars while offering consumers a more sustainable disposal option. In addition to the required barrier protection for food safety and quality, the wrapper can be accepted in curbside recycling streams, advancing both packaging functionality and environmental responsibility.

Manufacturer: Printpack

End-User/Customer: KIND®/Mars Inc.

Plant: Rhinelander, WI, US

PepsiCo® Frito-Lay LAY’S® Fest Packaging

Bryce Corporation collaborated with PepsiCo® on the LAY’S® Fest packaging. It was crafted to maximize shelf impact by using bold, thematic artwork and vibrant color schemes that bring a fresh twist to the traditional Lay’s design. Each flavor features a unique visual identity, which adds personality and storytelling to the packaging. The bold colors and dynamic illustrations capture the eye and spark immediate curiosity, bringing fresh energy to the Lay’s portfolio and attention in the snack aisle.

Manufacturer: Bryce Corporation

End-User/Customer: PepsiCo® Frito-Lay

Plant: Searcy, AR, US

Key Suppliers: Cyber Graphics: plates; and Sun Chemical Corporation: inks

ProActive PCR® Paper Touch Pouch PLANTERS® Nut Duos

The PLANTERS® brand partnered with ProAmpac to transition its nut portfolio from a multi-layer conventional stand-up pouch to a package with a tactile paper-touch finish that incorporates up to 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. By combining ProAmpac’s ProActive PCR® films with Signature Surfaces® Paper Touch technology, this pouch delivers high oxygen and moisture barriers to protect product freshness and enhance sustainability. Consumers experience the look and feel of natural paper without sacrificing performance, and brands benefit from shelf appeal that emphasizes quality and environmental responsibility. The result is a premium pouch that balances durability, sustainability, and engaging sensory design.

Manufacturer: ProAmpac

End-User/Customer: PLANTERS®, a Hormel Foods brand

Plant: Terrebonne, QC, Canada, CA

Designer/Design Firm: ProAmpac Design & Sample Lab in collaboration with Hormel Foods packaging engineering

Key Suppliers: ProAmpac

Regenie’s® Pita Brittle

Regenie’s® Pita Brittle packaging features bright, inviting colors and eye-catching metallic embellishments that make the brand name shine. Designed for convenience, the resealable zipper on the package of unique, hand-cut pita brittle offers consumers effortless snacking at home or on the go. This packaging, produced by GOpak, perfectly complements the product—bold yet simple, modern yet timeless.

Manufacturer: GOpak

End-User/Customer: Regenie’s® All Natural Snacks

Plant: Delafield, WI, US

Skippy® Peanut Butter Inverted Squeeze Pack

The Skippy® Inverted Squeeze Pack revolutionizes peanut butter packaging with innovation, convenience, and eye-catching shelf appeal. Its bold blue-and-red color palette, accented with vibrant yellow, ensures instant recognition while reinforcing Skippy’s iconic branding. The inverted pouch design is both striking and practical, offering mess-free, easy dispensing that fits on-the-go lifestyles. Crafted with a flex-crack-resistant barrier film, it delivers extended shelf life and durability. The compact, ergonomic format stands out among traditional jars, combining functionality and aesthetic appeal. This breakthrough packaging sets a new standard in flexibility, convenience, and sustainability.

Manufacturer: TOPPAN Packaging Americas

End-User/Customer: Hormel Foods, LLC

Plant: Franklin, OH, US

Key Suppliers: TOPPAN Packaging Americas; Randy Koteles, Account Development Manager (TOPPAN Packaging Americas); and Joe Gagne, Associate Director of Product Development - Global Flexibles (TOPPAN Packaging Americas)

Tuscany Candle® Simply Fall Shrink Sleeve

This shrink sleeve features unique design elements that depart from traditional shrink sleeve methods. The white-backed graphics are applied in specific areas and left void in others to allow the candlelight to show through. Cold foil enhances the brand name. A combination of reticulation varnish and raised varnish is used to bring texture to the candle.

Manufacturer: Phenix

End-User/Customer: Empire Candle Co.

Plant: Olathe, KS, US

Designer/Design Firm: Empire Candle Co.

Key Suppliers: ACTEGA: coatings; KURZ: cold foil; Multi- Plastics: 45-micron PET shrink material; and Siegwerk: inks

Zabeel Pets Beef with Veggies & Eggs Stand-up Pouch

The pet food is presented in a stand-up pouch featuring a convenient zipper and a “D” handle, combining practicality with consumer-friendly design.

Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.

End-User/Customer: Zabeel Pets

Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE