Our 2026 American Package Design Awards™ showcase features 150 winners winnowed from more than ten times the entry submissions. This annual competition celebrates the power of creative packaging to tell the story, advance the brand, amplify the experience, make the sale, reinforce the decision and — most importantly — forge a connection at the moment of truth. All at a moment of creative, technological, business, regulatory, and social disruption. At a time of uncertainty, this remarkably strong 63rd anniversary competition rises above the headwinds. Why? Because today, more than ever, effective packaging is a crucial differentiator for marketers and a transformative opportunity for designers.

NEENAH is a founding sponsor of this awards program and returns in 2026 as exclusive sponsor. For more than 100 years, Neenah has been the market leader in the creation and manufacturing of papers for premium writing, text, cover, digital, packaging and label applications. The Neenah signature portfolio includes market leading premium paper brands such as CLASSIC®, ENVIRONMENT®, and ROYAL SUNDANCE® Papers. Neenah Packaging provides unique and sustainable packaging papers, boards and labels as well as custom solutions for premium and luxury packaging. Neenah luxury and fine paper brands inspire businesses to visually engage their customers and create a lasting connection. The Idea Shop is a one-stop destination to find inspiration for your next project by seeing the endless possibilities of paper-based materials. Visit neenahpaper.com/packaging, neenahpaper.com/folding-board, and theideashop.com

Shown above: Pulp+Wire’s package and label design for Maine’s Bold Coast Vodka.