Australasian companies have received global recognition at the WorldStar Packaging Awards, highlighting innovation across food, labelling and materials.
By Nerida Kelton FAIP, executive director AIP – vice president Sustainability & Save Food – WPO
The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has announced that seven Australian and New Zealand companies have received 11 WorldStar Packaging Awards.
The latest round of the WorldStar Packaging Awards attracted 481 entries from 36 countries, with 234 recognised at the event.
“With the tough global competition increasing every year, receiving a coveted WorldStar Packaging Award is getting harder,” said Nerida Kelton, executive director of the AIP.
“The AIP are extremely proud that seven ANZ PIDA Winners have been internationally recognised with 11 awards across six categories including Packaging Materials & Components, Food, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Other, Household, Labelling & Decoration.”
The Australasian winners were:
Food
- Australian Organic Food Co Mono Material Spout Pouch (Flavour Makers + Cheer Pack Asia Pacific).
- Amprima recycle-ready packaging for shredded cheese (Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific ANZ).
- Koor refillable system – Koor.
- Katermaster Regen Reusable Food Container (Bunzl Australia & New Zealand).
Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
- Opal Paper-based fresh produce punnet (Mountain Blue + Opal).
Labelling & Decoration
- Carman’s Gourmet Snack Mix – Zipform Packaging.
Household
- Koor refillable system.
Packaging Materials & Components
- Amprima recycle-ready packaging for shredded cheese (Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific ANZ).
- Australian Organic Food Co Mono Material Spout Pouch (Flavour Makers + Cheer Pack Asia Pacific).
- Advantage 9um Pallet Wrap (Bunzl Australia & New Zealand).
Other
- Reusable Ecommerce Tote (Woolworths Reuse Co +Viscount Reuse).
“As only winners from the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards are eligible to enter the WorldStar Packaging Awards, the continued global recognition of our packaging designs is a testament to the strict criteria and judging process of our regional awards program,” added Kelton.
“We look forward to celebrating the ANZ winners in person on the 8th of May 2026 at a gala awards ceremony which will be held inside of Interpack, Dusseldorf, Germany.”
Building the next generation
To continue innovative packaging growth, applications are now open for the annual Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) packaging scholarship program, run in partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
Three scholarships are available for the Australasian region, including the Diploma in Packaging Technology, Certificate in Packaging Technology and AIP President Award.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC qualification, internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry. The course prepares learners to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can lead to higher level study.
According to Kelton, Diploma in Packaging Technology students come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, but they all share a desire to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the packaging industry.
The ideal first qualification for those working in the packaging industry is the Certificate in Packaging Technology. It introduces the industry for those starting out in a career in packaging. This Level 3 PIABC course delivers foundational insight and understanding that adds value to both careers and businesses.
The AIP President Award has been designed to work in collaboration with the ABA program to support one additional person to undertake either a Certificate in Packaging Technology or a Diploma in Packaging Technology each year. The AIP President Award will also consider applications from AIP members across Asia to be eligible for a third scholarship, sponsored by the AIP.
The annual scholarship program is part of the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards, with applications closing on the 27th of February.
The PIDA Awards are the feeder program for Australia and New Zealand for the WorldStar Packaging Awards, with winners announced at the gala awards ceremony on the 28th of July at the Aviary Crown during FoodPro.