The 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards finalists have been announced, with this year’s shortlist spotlighting the innovations, materials and talent shaping the future of packaging across Australia and New Zealand – and setting the stage for a competitive run into the global WorldStar awards.
Run by the Australasian Institute of Packaging, the awards recognise excellence across design, materials, technology and people, while also acting as the exclusive feeder program into the World Packaging Organisation WorldStar Packaging Awards.
From fibre-based formats and mono-material structures to reuse systems and advanced labelling, the 2026 finalists point to a sector continuing to balance performance, cost and sustainability under increasing pressure.
Food Packaging Design
This category recognises innovative packaging solutions for food products across fresh, frozen and processed formats, with a focus on functionality, protection and manufacturability.
This year’s finalists reflect a strong push towards fibre-based alternatives and convenience-led formats, alongside solutions designed to improve product protection and user experience.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Auto Punnet for Tomatoes – Detpak
- Honey Squeeze Pack – Caps & Closures
- Everest Ice Cream Cup – BioPak
- Heinz Taste Tap Dispenser – Kraft Heinz Australia
- RePlay – Bonson Packaging
- Primo Sliced Meats Peel & Reseal Pack – Primo Foods
- Mango Multipack – Opal ANZ & Perfection Fresh
- Arctic Shield EPS Replacement – Opal ANZ
Beverage Packaging Design
This category highlights innovation in packaging for liquid and dry beverage formats, including performance, material efficiency and shelf impact.
The shift away from plastic-heavy formats continues to come through strongly, with paper-based wraps, lightweighting and label innovation all evident in this year’s line-up.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Asahi Beverages 6x330ml Bottle Basket to OTC Wrap – Graphic Packaging International
- 600ml Spring Water – Woolworths
- Asahi Carlton Dry 6x330ml Bottle Shrink Replacement Wrap – Graphic Packaging International & Asahi Beverages
- capR – Interpack
- Remedy Sodaly – MCC Label Australia (Asia Pacific)
Health, Beauty & Wellness Packaging Design
This category recognises packaging for personal care, cosmetics and healthcare products, where aesthetics, functionality and compliance must align.
Finalists point to a continued shift towards mono-material formats and recycled content, alongside premium design considerations that support brand positioning.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Coles Antibacterial Handwash 250ml – TrendPac
- Elucent Age defying Bright + Balanced range – Ego Pharmaceuticals
- Esmi Cleanser Butter Balm – Esmi
- Rio Amazonas Face Wash – Bluestar Group New Zealand
- Libra Range Outer Packaging with 50% PCR LDPE – ProAmpac New Zealand
- Mono material HDPE tube & cap range – Impact International
Domestic & Household Packaging Design
This category covers packaging across household goods, lifestyle products and general consumer items, with an emphasis on usability, durability and design.
The 2026 finalists highlight the growing role of reusable and circular formats, particularly in e-commerce and logistics applications.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Libra Range Outer Packaging with 50% PCR LDPE – ProAmpac New Zealand
- Tahwalhi Towable Bodyboard – Rebel Sports Australia
- Click & Grow Garden Care System – Yates Group
- Smart Circular Satchel – Australia Post, iQRenew, RollsPack & Signet
Labelling & Decoration Design
This category recognises innovation in how information, branding and functionality are applied to packaging through labels and decoration techniques.
This year’s entries demonstrate how labelling is evolving beyond aesthetics to deliver material reduction, enhanced communication and premium shelf presence.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Material Free Decoration – Costa Group, Result Group & The Packaging Hippie
- EL TORO Tequila Blanco Vok Beverages, Bickfords Australia – MCC Label Australia (Asia Pacific)
- Elucent Age defying Bright + Balanced range – Ego Pharmaceuticals
- Zeus St Greek Take Away Packaging – BioPak
- RePlay – Bonson Packaging
Outside of the Box Design
This category captures packaging innovations that don’t fit traditional classifications, often focusing on systems, logistics or new material applications.
The finalists reflect a growing focus on system-level thinking, including recycling infrastructure, traceability and transport packaging.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Scaling Traceability – Result Group & Australian Table Grapes Association
- Libra Range Outer Packaging with 50% PCR LDPE – ProAmpac New Zealand
- Nally Folding MegaBin – Viscount
- Smart Circular Satchel – Australia Post, iQRenew, RollsPack & Signet
- ReCree8 PCR Pallet Wrap Range – thinkpac
- Milk Bottle Recycling System – Popit Recycling, Martogg & Procal Dairies
Marketing Design
This category recognises packaging as a marketing tool, where design, storytelling and functionality combine to influence purchasing decisions.
Finalists show how brands are using packaging to create stronger emotional connections, with campaigns and structural design working hand-in-hand.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Where the Fruit becomes the Campaign – Costa Group, Result Group & The Packaging Hippie
- G’day Honey Anti Dust Spray Propolis Kakadu & Plum – Pure Australia
- JC’s Quality Foods snack nut range – CTL Packaging
- The Tasty Turkey Bangin’ Burgers – We Are Sprout & Ingham’s Australia
- RePlay – Bonson Packaging
Save Food Packaging Design
This category focuses on packaging solutions designed to minimise food waste through improved protection, preservation and shelf life.
Entries this year highlight the importance of packaging in extending product life and reducing waste across the supply chain.
Finalists: (pictured clockwise from left)
- Birds Eye Frozen Single Vegetables 825g Range – Simplot
- Heinz Taste Tap Dispenser – Kraft Heinz Australia
- Paper Food Tub and Lid System – Pinnacle Packaging
- Austlon SG Self Sealing Shrink Bag – IPE Pack and Technology
Sustainable Packaging Design
This category recognises packaging that delivers measurable sustainability outcomes across materials, sourcing, energy and recovery.
As expected, this is one of the most competitive categories, with a mix of recycled content, mono-material formats and reusable systems dominating the shortlist.
Finalists: (pictured left to right, by row)
- 600ml Spring Water – Woolworths
- Honey Squeeze Pack – Caps & Closures
- Coles Antibacterial Handwash 250ml – TrendPac
- When the Product Becomes the Package – Costa Group, Result Group & The Packaging Hippie
- Cryovac recycled content retail meat trays – Sealed Air Australia
- Mono material HDPE tube and cap range – Impact International
- Hot Fill Bag-in-Box (BIB) Pouch – Mondelez International & CTL Packaging
- Milk Bottle Recycling System – Popit Recycling, Martogg & Procal Dairies
- ReCree8 PCR Pallet Wrap Range – thinkpac
- RePlay – Bonson Packaging
- SCA Engine Lubricants – Supercheap Auto
- Smart Circular Satchel – Australia Post, iQRenew, RollsPack & Signet
- Cocktail Truss Tomatoes – Costa Group, Opal & Woolworths
- Nally Folding MegaBin – Viscount
Young Packaging Professional of the Year
This award recognises emerging talent under 35 who are building careers in the packaging industry.
The finalists reflect a diverse mix of technical, commercial and entrepreneurial pathways.
Finalists:
- Pooja Ganesh Nayak – Coles (top left)
- Storm Menzies – Storm Beauty (top right)
- Kelsey Smith – Birunji (bottom right)
- Curtis Wakeley – Bluestar Group New Zealand (bottom left)
Industry Packaging Professional of the Year
This category recognises individuals with long-term contribution and leadership in the packaging industry.
The 2026 finalists represent both industry and academic excellence.
Finalists:
- David Kilpatrick – Zipform Packaging (left)
- Prof. Gil Garnier – Monash University (right)
Packaging Technologist of the Year
This award highlights technical excellence across packaging engineering, development and design.
Finalists demonstrate strong technical capability and real-world application across FMCG and industrial sectors.
Finalists:
- Christopher Cester – Flavour Makers (left)
- Marian O’Leary – Fonterra Australia (centre)
- Nicole McQuinlan – EMBALL’ISO ANZ (right)
ABA Scholarship Program
This program supports the next generation of packaging professionals through formal education pathways.
The finalists reflect strong industry commitment to upskilling and career development.
Finalists: (pictured left to right, top and bottom row)
- Andrew Rennie – Oji Fibre Solutions NZ
- Marta de Sousa Felix – Lactalis Australia
- Nancy Jackson – Nancy J Design
- Fatemeh Arefian – Caspak Products NZ
- Mary Clare (Macey) Mapanao – Suntory Oceania
- Maisha Maliha – Yates Group
- Ola Wicik – Opal Fibre Packaging Australia
AIP President Scholarship
This scholarship extends opportunity to international AIP members, recognising global talent in packaging.
Finalists:
- Wilsen Kannan – Vinda Malaysia (left)
- Dheeraj Kumar – Lagata Group (right)
Winners will be announced at the PIDA gala awards ceremony on 28 July, held alongside FoodPro at Crown Melbourne.
