2026 winners
Supreme Award
Sponsored by Whitmar Publications
Marco Boulangerie Cake Box by Adara Pakkaus
The judges said of the Supreme Winner: “Wow, wow, wow! We were blown away by the quality of this entry – a high quality and very well delivered print on a demanding substrate. We kept coming back to this as an example throughout the judging process of best-in-class execution.”
Labels – printed on paper substrates
Sponsored by Dantex Group
Encirc – 1000 Stories by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
L-R – Ralf Little, Charlotte Harper, sales manager, from Reflex Label + Keighley, Joanna Dudek, NPD Coordinator, from Encirc and Richard Dimmock, International sales manager at Dantex Group.
The judges said: “A complex, detailed design with tight tolerances and control, using a combination of ink laydown, embossing and foil blocking.”
Also nominated:
- Wheelstone – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 by Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
- Waitrose Kefalonian Fresh Sea Bass Fillets by Paranova Print and Packaging Spalding
Labels – printed on film substrates
Sponsored by tesa
Unilever Wonder Wash Coccolino Washing Gel by Reflex Label Plus Barwell
Darren Courtier, sales manager, at Reflex Label +, Heidi Potterill, packaging/artwork design specialist at Unilever Mand Joe Moore, account manager printing and packaging solutions UK at Tesa.
The judges said: “We couldn’t fault this job – punchy, really fine screening and great execution. Beautiful work.”
Also nominated:
- Wonderland by Bristol Labels
- Mars Hi Protein by Hamilton Schades
Flexible packaging (narrow/medium web) on film
Sponsored by Bar Graphic Machinery
Maharaja – Diamond Biscuit & Navadhanya Mixture by Flexure Print N Pack
Rohan Shah, managing partner at Flexure Print N Pack and Adam James, managing director at Bar Graphic Machinery.
The judges said: “Impressive print overall, great product stand out and print consistency, especially given the composite print web. Quality immediately stood out to the judges. We could not fault how clean overall the printing is. Congratulations and well done!”
Also nominated:
- M&S Breaded Buttermilk Chicken Tenders 750g by Clifton Packaging
- Birds Eye 30 Chicken Dippers by ProAmpac Grimsby
Flexible packaging (wide web) on film
Sponsored by Flint Group Packaging Solutions
Mars Dentastix by Interflex Group Sunderland
Jonathan Watson, production manager at Interflex Group Sunderland and Lewis Taylor, senior commercial director, UK, Ireland and Nordics at Flint Group Packaging Solutions.
The judges said: “Beautiful and consistent printing. The judges continue to be impressed by all elements of contrast, balance, density and sharpness from these designs.”
Also nominated:
- Taylors Festive Popcorn Toasted Marshmallow Flavour by Clifton Packaging
- Fox’s Chocolatey Double Choc Rounds by Saicaflex Buxton
Flexible packaging on paper
Sponsored by Cheshire Anilox Technology
PAVO SpeediBeet 15kg by East Riding Sacks
John Fisher, technical sales manager at Cheshire Anilox Technology and Darren Evans, technical print reprographics manager at East Riding Sacks.
The judges said: “The judges felt this entry demonstrated quality through its print and surface texture. The quality of the photographic reproduction was exceptional in the large scale, with great levels of control.”
Also nominated:
- Slimming World – Peanut Butter by DS Smith Belper
- Zoegas Västkust by Optipack AB
UV flexo on paper or board
Sponsored by Rotometrics
Asda Exceptional Rump Steak by Reflex Labels Newcastle
Claire Stringer-Phillips, head of marketing at Reflex Group and Thomas Eberhardt, regional sales director EMEA at Rotometrics.
The judges said: “Lovely execution and well held in the detailed areas. A beautiful label with great technical delivery.”
Also nominated:
- Pepe Saya by Label Power PTY
- Gourmet Sausage Company – Grass Fed Beef Burgers by Reflex APAC – ASIA Pacific – Melbourne
Corrugated post-print (A-D flute)
Sponsored by XSYS
Youngs Seafood Alaska Pollock Fillets in Batter by DS Smith Livingston
Paul O’Connor, print manager, Scott Burns, shift manager, Colin Thom, machine operator, all from DS Smith Livingston and Stan Russell, sales director Northern Europe at XSYS.
The judges said: “Fantastic results on corrugate. Attention to detail and care for highlights is superb. Has to be one of the best printed food products on corrugated flute we have seen. Congratulations!”
Also nominated:
- Diageo – Buchanan’s Pineapple 2026 World Cup by Saica Packaging Livingston
- Flora Lisa by Scatolificio TS
Corrugated post-print (E and F flute)
Sponsored by Anilox Laser Technology
Marco Boulangerie Cake Box by Adara Pakkaus
Mirva Koskinen, commercial director at Marvaco, Lari Seppälä, head of printing at Adara Pakkaus and Paul Morrell, business development manager at Anilox Laser Technology.
The judges said: “So much detail without a flaw in sight. The judges put this as their unanimous favourite in this category.”
Also nominated:
- La Molisana Palbox by Antonio Sada & Figli
- Diageo – Guinness Draft Stout by Saica Packaging Livingston
Best use of hybrid printing
Sponsored by Esko
Greysons by Label Tec Scotland
Paul Dunne, managing director at Label Tec Scotland and Adam Corbett, sales account manager at Esko.
The judges said: “Beautiful label, very well printed with additional embellishment. It really gives the label and brand excellent stand out. The use of the high relief varnish is fantastic. Congratulations!”
Also nominated:
- Pureety Gourmet Flavours – Hillbillies Amarillo Hot Honey Sauce by Midland Regional Printers
- Colonia – Agrado by Mirmar
Process colours only
Sponsored by hubergroup
Hula Hoops Original by Interflex Group Sunderland
Jonathan Watson, production manager, at Interflex Group Sunderland and Darren Hallett, director Europe, business development narrow web at hubergroup.
The judges said: “A true CMYK entry – the register was spot on across the web with vibrant results. Great work.”
Also nominated:
- Bristol Lager by Bristol Labels
- Cedar Valley – Costco USA Light and Crispy by PTI (Central Group)
Digitally printed labels and packaging
Sponsored by Xeikon
Full Power Pouch by Harkwell
Andrew Mansfield, managing director at Harkwell, Mike Summers, sales manager UK and Ireland Xeikon, and Gary Gill, QA compliance manager at Harkwell.
The judges said: “What a category to win, win, win! At least three very worthy winners but this one pipped them all with a truly beautiful piece. Design, development and execution at its absolute finest. Well done!”
Also nominated:
- Memento Mori – Beckstoffer by Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
- Lighthouse Celtic Warrior by Reflex Label Plus Barwell Digital
Best use of embellishments
Sponsored by Edale
Irn Bru 1901 by Amberley Labels Boston
James Andrew, Tenens Way site operations co-ordinator, Jason Parker, printer, both from Paranova Print and Packaging and Lachlan Buirds, managing director at Edale.
Also nominated:
- Rey Del Istmo by Label Tec Scotland
Promotional print
Sponsored by MPS
Fingerprint Quartz 2026 by Clifton Packaging
Shane D’Souza, CEO, Ashley Haines, print manager, Mya Kara, sales and marketing coordinator, all from Clifton Packaging and Nick Tyrer, sales director at MPS.
The judges said: “Stunning representation of what’s truly possible with next generation print and quality investments. This technology is not just coming – it is here and proving itself.”
Also nominated:
- Cogs and Promotion Layout by SaicaPack South West
- Line Screen vs Substrate Comparison by PTI (Central Group)
Environmentally sustainable company
Sponsored by Apex International
Desmedt Labels
Henri Köhler, general manager at Desmedt Labels and Phill Rogers, technical sales manager UK and Ireland at Apex International.
The judges said: “A clear winner with measurable decarbonisation embedded in operations and through the business’s culture from its start. Innovative, evolving and investing in planet-saving activities – all very well recognised by the judges.”
Also nominated:
- Midland Regional Printers
- Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
Innovation – printers and converters
Sponsored by gallus, a Heidelberg Group Company
BOPP Laminated Flexo Printed Woven Sack Revolution by Flexure Print N Pack
Rohan Shah, managing partner at Flexure Print N Pack and Ross Holloway, label specialist at Gallus, A Heidelberg Group Company.
The judges said: “This is a fantastic demonstration of evolving and applying technologies, and changing the approach, to deliver a high-quality print with lower cost, enabling greater opportunities.”
Also nominated:
- Unilever Persil Capsules Non-Bio Pack by DS Smith Livingston
- Sterling Vineyards – Reserve 2023 by Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
Innovation – suppliers
Sponsored by Nutshell Trade Services
CDI Quartz Ecosystem by Esko
Karsten Nygård, European sales general manager, Adam Corbett, sales account manager, both from Esko, and Lucy Swanston, managing director at Nutshell Creative Services.
The judges said: “Amazing entry. A detailed submission supported by solid testimonials, showing that this technology is a gamechanger.”
Also nominated:
- Thermoflex Edge 80 by XSYS
Future flexo star
Sponsored by BPIF Labels
Connor Lonsdale from Paranova Print and Packaging
L-R: Connor Lonsdale, senior estimator at Paranova Print and Packaging and Simon Mitchell, general manager at BPIF Labels.
The judges said: “The winner’s ability and dedication have seen them progress rapidly with clear and distinct measurable gained expertise. Alongside this, the judges loved their ‘above and beyond’ approach to continuous improvement for the industry and themselves. Well done, a truly deserved winner.”
Also nominated:
- Alex Clark from Edale
- Beth Raven from Paranova Print and Packaging
- Connor Phelps from James Hall
- Michael Barnes from James Hall
