Best Packaging 2026: innovative projects decoding the present

This edition presents a picture of packaging that can interpret change, turning innovation, sustainability and design quality into concrete, industrially scalable solutions.

A widely attended edition, rich in design visions and projects able to address the profound transformations shaping the packaging supply chain. Best Packaging 2026, promoted by the Italian Packaging Institute, once again confirms its role as a privileged observatory on the evolution of packaging design, highlighting innovation, sustainability and quality across the entire product life cycle.

The 21 projects shortlisted for the final stage reflect a dynamic and increasingly conscious sector, responding to today’s most pressing challenges – from material simplification and environmental impact reduction to e‑commerce, food delivery and the demands of the high‑end market – through solutions that integrate function, form and user experience.

The award ceremony took place on 25 March in Milan at the Adi Design Museum. Hosted by Marco Maccarini, the event was attended by Alessandra Fazio, President of the Italian Packaging Institute, Adi vicepresident Antonella Andriani, and institutional partners Fiorella Perrucci (Conai) and Riccardo Cavanna (Ucima), who presented the Special Awards for Environment and Technology respectively.

The winners of the 2026 edition were also officially announced during the ceremony. In the “All Around Design” category, awards were given to Paper G Twist by Gerosa, Fres Cook by Goglio, Iso.Ice by Novacart and Testudo by Sada. Special recognitions were awarded to Tubopress Italia (Luxury Award) for the tube developed for Augustinus Bader, to Granterre and KP (Environment Award) for a tray‑to‑tray solution for sliced cured meats, and to Smilesys and Mustangpack (Technology Award) for a reclosable system applied to paper-based substrates.

In the pages that follow, readers will find a rich and varied overview of the finalists and, between the lines, clear confirmation that packaging continues to act as a powerful lever for industrial and cultural innovation in Italy. Enjoy the reading!