2027 award categories
THE GLOBAL BENCHMARK FOR PACKAGING EXCELLENCE
The 2027 PAC Global Awards celebrate design, innovations and achievements advancing the packaging industry.
Seven award categories and thirty subcategories ensure every achievement has a place to be recognized.
Explore the categories and discover where your innovation belongs.
Entry Deadline: October 30, 2026
New this year:
- Expanded categories to recognize emerging trends and industry innovation.
- New judging panels with specialized expertise across every award stream.
- Increased opportunities for entrants to gain international recognition.
*New additions highlighted in red.
BRAND MARKETING
9 subcategories
Outstanding retail packaging that combines brand impact, structural design, functionality, sustainability and accessibility to differentiate products, engage consumers, communicate benefits, enhance usability and deliver measurable marketplace success.
New Brand
Outstanding NEW packaging for new brands, products or product lines, sold through retail channels.
1. Food
- Breakfast Cereals & Oatmeal
- Pasta, Rice & Grains
- Crackers, Cookies & Biscuits
- Chips, Popcorn & Salty Snacks
- Candy, Chocolate & Confectionery
- Baking Mixes & Ingredients
- Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods
- Sauces, Condiments & Spreads
- Coffee, Tea & Hot Beverages
- Frozen Foods & Prepared Meals
2. Beverage
- Soft Drinks & Carbonated Beverages
- Bottled Water & Enhanced Water
- Juice & Juice Drinks
- Coffee & Ready-to-Drink Coffee
- Tea & Ready-to-Drink Tea
- Energy & Sports Drinks
- Dairy & Plant-Based Beverages
- Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
- Functional & Wellness Beverages
3. Non-Food
- Household Cleaning Products
- Laundry Care
- Paper Products & Tissues
- Pet Care Products
- Home Fragrance & Air Care
- Batteries & Electrical Accessories
- Office & School Supplies
- Automotive Care Products
- Hardware & DIY Products
- Household Storage & Organization Products
Brand Extension
Outstanding packaging for new food products, line extensions, flavour extensions, package formats, or market expansions introduced under an existing brand.
4. Food
- Breakfast Cereals & Oatmeal
- Pasta, Rice & Grains
- Crackers, Cookies & Biscuits
- Chips, Popcorn & Salty Snacks
- Candy, Chocolate & Confectionery
- Baking Mixes & Ingredients
- Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods
- Sauces, Condiments & Spreads
- Coffee, Tea & Hot Beverages
- Frozen Foods & Prepared Meals
5. Beverage
- Soft Drinks & Carbonated Beverages
- Bottled Water & Enhanced Water
- Juice & Juice Drinks
- Coffee & Ready-to-Drink Coffee
- Tea & Ready-to-Drink Tea
- Energy & Sports Drinks
- Dairy & Plant-Based Beverages
- Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
- Functional & Wellness Beverages
6. Non-Food
- Household Cleaning Products
- Laundry Care
- Paper Products & Tissues
- Pet Care Products
- Home Fragrance & Air Care
- Batteries & Electrical Accessories
- Office & School Supplies
- Automotive Care Products
- Hardware & DIY Products
- Household Storage & Organization Products
Revitalized Brand
Outstanding packaging redesigns that revitalize an existing brand, product, or product line sold through retail channels (redesigns, refreshes, portfolio updates, or repositioned products).
7. Food
- Breakfast Cereals & Oatmeal
- Pasta, Rice & Grains
- Crackers, Cookies & Biscuits
- Chips, Popcorn & Salty Snacks
- Candy, Chocolate & Confectionery
- Baking Mixes & Ingredients
- Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods
- Sauces, Condiments & Spreads
- Coffee, Tea & Hot Beverages
- Frozen Foods & Prepared Meals
8. Beverage
- Soft Drinks & Carbonated Beverages
- Bottled Water & Enhanced Water
- Juice & Juice Drinks
- Coffee & Ready-to-Drink Coffee
- Tea & Ready-to-Drink Tea
- Energy & Sports Drinks
- Dairy & Plant-Based Beverages
- Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
- Functional & Wellness Beverages
9. Non-Food
- Household Cleaning Products
- Laundry Care
- Paper Products & Tissues
- Pet Care Products
- Home Fragrance & Air Care
- Batteries & Electrical Accessories
- Office & School Supplies
- Automotive Care Products
- Hardware & DIY Products
- Household Storage & Organization Products
STORE BRAND
(New Brand, Brand Extension, Revitalized Brand)
3 subcategories
Outstanding packaging for private label, store brand, or retailer-exclusive food, beverage or non-food products sold through retail channels.
1. Food
- Breakfast Cereals & Oatmeal
- Pasta, Rice & Grains
- Crackers, Cookies & Biscuits
- Chips, Popcorn & Salty Snacks
- Candy, Chocolate & Confectionery
- Baking Mixes & Ingredients
- Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods
- Sauces, Condiments & Spreads
- Coffee, Tea & Hot Beverages
- Frozen Foods & Prepared Meals
2. Beverage
- Soft Drinks & Carbonated Beverages
- Bottled Water & Enhanced Water
- Juice & Juice Drinks
- Coffee & Ready-to-Drink Coffee
- Tea & Ready-to-Drink Tea
- Energy & Sports Drinks
- Dairy & Plant-Based Beverages
- Beer, Cider & Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages
- Functional & Wellness Beverages
3. Non-Food
- Household Cleaning Products
- Laundry Care
- Paper Products & Tissues
- Pet Care Products
- Home Fragrance & Air Care
- Batteries & Electrical Accessories
- Office & School Supplies
- Automotive Care Products
- Hardware & DIY Products
- Household Storage & Organization Products
SPECIALTY
6 subcategories
Outstanding packaging for specialized product categories where brand expression, consumer expectations and product requirements demand exceptional design, functionality and performance while advancing sustainability, accessibility, engagement and marketplace impact.
1. Beauty
Outstanding packaging for beauty and personal care products sold through retail channels.
- Skin Care
- Hair Care
- Cosmetics & Colour Cosmetics
- Fragrances
- Bath & Body Care
- Oral Care
- Men’s Grooming
- Feminine Care
- Baby Care & Personal Care
- Sun Care & Self-Tanning
2. Digital Shelf
Packaging designed specifically for products purchased online and delivered directly to consumers.
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Shipping Packaging
- E-Commerce Retail Packaging
- Subscription Boxes
- Premium Unboxing Experiences
- Product Launch & Welcome Kits
- Protective Transit Packaging
- Sustainable E-Commerce Packaging
- Connected & Interactive Packaging Experiences
- Customized & Personalized Shipping Packaging
- Return-Ready & Reusable Packaging
3. Experiential Launch
Packaging created specifically for the launch of a new product, brand, campaign, collaboration, or special event where the packaging itself is designed to create a memorable first impression.
- Influencer & Creator Kits
- Media & Press Kits
- B2B Sales & Retailer Presentation Kits
- New Product Launch Packages
- Brand Launch & Rebrand Kits
- Limited Edition & Collaboration Launches
- Event, Trade Show & VIP Experience Packages
- Premium Welcome & Onboarding Kits
- Investor & Corporate Announcement Packages
- Subscription & Founder’s Edition Launch Boxes
4. Fresh
Outstanding packaging for fresh food products sold through retail channels.
- Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Vegetables
- Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Salads & Salad Kits
- Fresh Cut & Prepared Produce
- Fresh Meat & Poultry
- Fresh Seafood
- Deli Meats & Prepared Foods
- Fresh Bakery Products
- Fresh Dairy & Refrigerated Foods
5. Health & Wellness
Outstanding packaging for health and wellness products sold through retail channels.
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Dietary Supplements
- Protein Powders & Nutrition Products
- Sports Nutrition
- Functional Foods
- Functional Beverages
- Natural & Organic Health Products
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
- Medical Devices & Health Aids
- Healthy Lifestyle & Wellness Products
6. Wine & Spirits
Outstanding packaging for wine and spirits, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages sold through retail channels.
- Beer
- Cider
- Wine
- Sparkling Wine & Champagne
- Spirits
- Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails
- Hard Seltzers
- Non-Alcoholic Beer, Wine & Spirits
- Cocktail Mixers
LIMITED EDITION
3 subcategories
Distinctive packaging created for promotional, seasonal, collectible, sports or entertainment moments, using compelling design and storytelling to create excitement, strengthen brand connection, drive engagement and deliver memorable consumer experiences.
1. Promotional & Collectible
Packaging designed to support a promotional campaign, limited release, special edition, contest, sweepstakes, or collector-focused program.
- Limited-production runs
- Numbered editions (e.g., “Only 500 Produced”)
- Collector series and collectible packaging
- Sweepstakes and contest packaging
- Lottery and instant-win promotions
- QR code and digital engagement campaigns
- Cause marketing and fundraising editions
- Brand collaboration and co-branded releases
- Product launch and commemorative editions
- Influencer and creator collaborations
- Loyalty and rewards program packaging
- Regional or market-specific limited editions
2. Seasonal & Occasional
Packaging created to celebrate or capitalize on a specific season, holiday, cultural event, annual occasion, or milestone that is available for a limited time.
- Christmas and holiday packaging
- Valentine’s Day promotions
- Easter-themed packaging
- Halloween editions
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day programs
- Back-to-school campaigns
- Summer, winter, spring, or fall seasonal packaging
- National and cultural holiday programs
- Anniversary and commemorative editions
- Event-specific packaging tied to annual celebrations
3. Sports & Entertainment
Packaging developed in association with sports teams, athletes, sporting events, entertainment properties, gaming franchises, movies, television programs, music artists, concerts, festivals, esports, or other fan-focused experiences.
- Professional sports team packaging
- Olympic, World Cup, or championship event packaging
- Athlete endorsements and signature editions
- Movie and television tie-ins
- Streaming series promotions
- Video game launch packaging
- Music artist collaborations
- Concert and festival editions
- Esports and gaming tournament packaging
- Fan engagement and loyalty program packaging
PAC IOU — INCLUSIVE & UNIVERSAL DESIGN
2 subcategories
Packaging designed around people, removing barriers and improving access, understanding and usability across diverse abilities and experiences while demonstrating thoughtful, inclusive design that delivers meaningful consumer benefits.
1. Inclusive Design
Who the package is designed by and for and represents (people, diversity, belonging, equity). Innovative packaging designed to create a greater sense of belonging, representation, dignity, and inclusion through thoughtful design, communication, functionality, and consumer engagement.
- Inclusive Graphics & Photography
- Inclusive Language & Communication
- Multilingual Packaging
- Culturally Inclusive Packaging
- Gender-Inclusive Packaging
- Neurodiverse Consumer Design
- Packaging for Diverse Communities
- Connected & Digital Inclusion
- Inclusive Retail & E-Commerce Packaging
- Community & Social Impact Packaging
2. Universal Design (Accessible)
How the package is used (usability, interaction, Universal Design). Innovative packaging that applies the principles of Universal Design to create packaging that is intuitive, safe, and easy to use for the broadest possible range of people.
- Easy-Open Packaging
- Accessible Closures & Dispensing Systems
- Tactile & Multi-Sensory Packaging
- Accessible Labels & Instructions
- Universal Package Structures
- Senior-Friendly Packaging
- Connected Accessibility Solutions
- Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Packaging
- Inclusive Retail & E-Commerce Packaging
- Assistive Packaging Features
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
4 subcategories
Packaging innovations that advance performance through materials, structures, technologies, manufacturing or functionality, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, protection, usability, accessibility, sustainability and performance across the packaging value chain.
1. Connected
Packaging that connects physical and digital experiences through innovative technologies, customization or personalization, enhancing consumer engagement, accessibility, information, brand interaction and measurable value throughout the product experience.
- QR Code Enabled Packaging
- NFC & RFID Connected Packaging
- Digital Product Passports
- Product Authentication & Anti-Counterfeiting
- Consumer Engagement & Brand Experiences
- Smart Packaging & IoT Applications
- Variable Data & Personalized Packaging
- Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences
- Supply Chain Traceability & Transparency
2. Labels
Innovative label solutions that enhance the performance, functionality, communication, sustainability, accessibility, security, or consumer engagement of packaged products.
- Pressure-Sensitive Labels
- Shrink Sleeve & Stretch Sleeve Labels
- Wrap-Around & Cut-and-Stack Labels
- In-Mould Labels (IML)
- Smart & Connected Labels
- Security & Authentication Labels
- Variable Data & Digital Print Labels
- Sustainable & Linerless Labels
- Multi-Layer, Booklet & Resealable Labels
- Functional & Specialty Labels
3. Shelf-Aisle Display
Innovative packaging specifically designed to serve as both a shipping container and an in-store retail display, these solutions streamline the transition from distribution to merchandising while enhancing operational efficiency, product presentation, and the consumer shopping experience.
- Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP)
- Retail-Ready Packaging (RRP)
- Countertop Display Units
- Corrugated Shelf Trays
- Club Store Display Packaging
- Pallet & Half-Pallet Displays
- Floor & Aisle Display Units
- Clip Strips & Hanging Displays
- Promotional & Seasonal Display Packaging
- Multi-Pack Retail Display Packaging
4. Technical
Outstanding technical innovation demonstrating how technical excellence enhances product performance, shelf impact, functionality, manufacturability, sustainability, accessibility, and the overall consumer experience.
- Structural Package Design
- Printing & Print Quality
- Decorative & Specialty Printing
- Embellishments & Finishing Techniques
- Innovative Materials & Substrates
- Closures, Dispensing & Functional Features
- Material Reduction & Lightweighting
- Sustainable Technical Innovations
- Manufacturing & Converting Innovations
- Accessibility & Inclusive Design Features
SUSTAINABLE
3 subcategories
Packaging solutions that measurably advance circularity through source reduction, design for recycling or reuse systems, demonstrating credible environmental improvements while maintaining product protection, functionality, accessibility and marketplace performance.
1. Recycling Excellence
Packaging innovations that improve the real-world recyclability, collection, sorting, recovery, or use of packaging materials.
- Mono-Material Packaging
- Recyclable Flexible Packaging
- Fibre-Based Packaging
- Easily Separable Components
- Label & Adhesive Innovations
- Recyclable Closures
- Recyclable Barrier Technologies
- Packaging Recovery Innovations
- Circular Packaging Systems
2. Renewable Materials
Packaging innovations that replace fossil-based materials with renewable, responsibly sourced feedstocks while maintaining or improving product performance, functionality, and commercial viability.
- Biobased Plastics
- Renewable Fibre Packaging
- Compostable Packaging
- Plant-Based Materials
- Agricultural Fibre Packaging
- Renewable Barrier Materials
- Renewable Flexible Packaging
- Renewable Rigid Packaging
- Certified Bio-Based Materials
- Alternative Feedstock Innovations
3. Source Reduction
Packaging innovations that reduce environmental impacts through the elimination or reduction of materials while maintaining or improving product protection, functionality, performance, and commercial viability.
- Lightweight Packaging
- Right-Sized Packaging
- Mono-Material Packaging
- Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content
- Refillable Packaging
- Reusable Packaging Systems
- Concentrated Products
- Component Elimination
- Low-Carbon Packaging Solutions