The entry deadline is October 23, 2025.

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) proudly celebrates the 70th anniversary of its prestigious Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition in 2026. Since 1956, this annual competition has recognized the packaging innovations and technological advancements that have transformed our industry. Over the decades, the competition has become one of the most respected honors in the field, thanks to the exceptional quality of entries, a rigorous and objective judging process, and broad FPA and media coverage of the winning submissions.

With a focus on breakthrough technologies, advanced processes, cutting-edge printing techniques, and sustainability, the competition continues to set the standard for excellence in flexible packaging.

The 2026 Call for Entries offers a comprehensive overview of the competition, including eligibility requirements, entry fees, rules, and detailed submission instructions. Entries are evaluated across six core criteria: expanding the use of flexible packaging, technical innovation, printing, shelf impact, packaging excellence, and sustainability. These attributes are what distinguish flexible packaging as a dynamic and forward-thinking packaging solution.

Join us in celebrating 70 years of innovation, progress, and achievement in flexible packaging!

Key dates for the 2026 competition include:

• Deadline for entries: Thursday, October 23, 2025
• Competition Judging: November 2025
• Announcement of winners: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

If you’ve created an innovative packaging solution that’s currently available for purchase in retail or institutional outlets, we encourage you to enter the 2026 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition. We’re excited to see your entry and wish you the best of luck in the competition!

Entry Fee

For FPA members, the first package entry is $250. Additional packages may be entered for $150 per package entry. Non-members are permitted only one package entry, and the entry fee is $1,000.

Entry Submission

For FPA members, there is no limit to the number of package entries you may submit. Non-members are permitted only one package entry.

The package may be entered in more than one category at no additional cost. Please note that a “family” of packages counts as one entry.

If you are entering more than one package, please submit separate entry forms for each package.

You MUST submit at least six [6] filled and four [4] unfilled samples. If your entry weighs over 20 lbs., please send two [2] filled samples and eight [8] unfilled samples.

FPA MUST receive filled package samples. If we receive only rollstock or film samples, your entry will be disqualified from the competition.

Please do not send highly perishable items such as salads, meat products, flowers, etc. Use "mock" fillings for packaging containing these items.

All submitted packages become the property of FPA. If you win, we may request additional filled samples for publicity purposes. We will notify you should this become necessary. Samples will not be returned.

Entry Tip: If your entry replaces another packaging form or dramatically upgrades a previous package, send a sample of the previous package as well. Please be sure to clearly label which is the new and old packaging.

Mail your package entries to be delivered no later than October 23, 2025. Late entries will NOT be accepted. All entries must be sent to the following address:

Flexible Packaging Association
185 Admiral Cochrane Drive
Suite 105
Annapolis, MD 21401
Attn: Dani Diehlmann/Achievement Awards