Spain among the most innovative countries in packaging
Spanish packaging wins 10 awards at the prestigious WorldStar Awards 2026
The Spanish packaging industry once again shines on the international stage, securing 10 awards at the WorldStar Awards 2026, the leading global competition in the sector organised by the World Packaging Organization (WPO). This edition, marked by strong participation, received 481 entries from 36 countries and presented 234 awards recognising excellence, innovation and sustainability in packaging.
With ten trophies, Spain consolidates its position among the top ten countries with the most distinctions in this global competition, which features winning projects from national or continental contests recognised by the WPO. In Spain’s case, the gateway to the WorldStar Awards is through the Liderpack Awards, organised by Graphispack Association and the Hispack trade fair at Fira de Barcelona.
Spain ranks seventh
Japan leads the ranking with 24 awards, followed by Austria (21), Germany and China (18 each), Brazil (17), Czech Republic-Slovakia (12) —submitted jointly— and Australia-New Zealand (11). Spain climbs two places compared to the previous edition and now holds seventh position with 10 awards. Completing the top ten are Hungary (9), Lebanon and the USA (8 each), and South Korea and India (7 each).
Ignasi Cusí, Secretary General of Graphispack Association, highlighted: “These results confirm that the Spanish packaging industry not only innovates but also leads the transition towards more sustainable models. Each project combines functionality, aesthetics and environmental responsibility, placing our companies at the forefront internationally.”
Similarly, Xavier Pascual, Director of Hispack, congratulated the Spanish winning companies for “their ability to turn innovation into real solutions that add value to the market.” According to Pascual, “these awards demonstrate that the packaging sector is committed to sustainability and leads global trends in design and logistics efficiency, consolidating Spain’s image as an international benchmark.”
Spanish winners
The Spanish award-winning proposals cover categories such as food, fresh fruit and vegetables, alcoholic beverages, electronics, transport and e-commerce. Overall, the ten projects share a strong commitment to sustainability, functional innovation and distinctive design.
With four awards, DS Smith was Spain’s big winner thanks to sustainable solutions focused on product protection and logistics optimisation. The standout innovation is Box Pallet, which won twice in transport and e-commerce for redefining the pallet concept by combining high load capacity (up to 200 kg), a foldable design to save space and a 100% recyclable approach. Other winning solutions include a mono-material corrugated cardboard packaging for automotive parts, replacing plastics without compromising protection, and a reinforced foldable packaging for heavy industrial components, capable of withstanding up to 900 kg and reducing emissions thanks to its compact format.
In food, ReKeepEat by Grupo Lantero stands out: a mono-material PET tray and lid that simplifies recycling, promotes circular economy and reduces material use, aligning with global sustainability goals.
In alcoholic beverages, the two Spanish award-winning proposals were the sleeve for the Sourz bottle, made from rPET with 40% post-consumer recycled material by Ovelar S.A., featuring a pre-cut for easier recycling and reduced printed surface to minimise resources; and the Minoric Gin bottle, transformed by Small Creative Band S.L. into a Mediterranean icon with premium editions combining elegance, exclusive finishes and visual coherence.
In fresh fruit and vegetables, Smurfit Westrock was recognised for its Corner Flexible system, which improves protection during transport, adapts to size variations and reduces friction damage. It also optimises ventilation and ethylene removal, extending freshness and preventing food waste. The company also won in the transport category for Panelbuffer, a modular honeycomb-style protector that replaces EPS components. Lightweight, recyclable and reusable, it absorbs impacts and distributes pressure on delicate parts such as mirrors or panels.
Finally, in electronics, Capsa Packaging was awarded for E-protect Citri, a safe and sustainable packaging for the Citring juicer. Made entirely from cardboard, it includes two inserts that absorb impacts without adhesives, ensuring product protection while offering a minimalist and elegant design.
The WorldStar Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on 8 May in Düsseldorf (Germany), during the interpack trade fair. The event will reveal winners in special categories such as “Best Sustainable Packaging”, “Best Packaging to Prevent Food Waste”, “Best Marketing in Packaging” and the Jury President’s Award.
Barcelona, 13 January 2026
More information on the Spanish winning projects here
Photos available here
Maria Dolores Herranz
Tel. 93 233 25 41
mdherranz@firabarcelona.com