Labels & Labeling, the editorial partner of LOUPE Global, formerly Labelexpo, has announced that entries are open for its Global Awards, celebrating the very best in innovation and excellence across the label and packaging industry.
The prestigious ceremony is set to take place on the opening day of LOUPE Americas 2026, formerly Labelexpo Americas, in Chicago, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on 15 September. Starting at 4pm at the Spotlight Stage, the awards will bring together industry leaders and visionaries to recognize outstanding achievements across four key categories including:The Innovation Award awarded to companies that have developed a specific innovation, either as a supplier or converter. Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Novel: A new and unique approach or technology.
- Functional: The innovation should work well and solve a problem.
- Impactful: The innovation should have a positive impact on the industry or consumers.
The Sustainability Award which honors a sustainable product or process developed by a supplier, converter, or end-user in the label industry, recognizing:
- Reduction of environmental impact: Innovations in materials, technologies, or processes that minimize environmental impact.
- Optimization for recycling: Solutions that enhance recyclability, incorporate compostable or post-consumer recycled content, and promote a circular economy.
- Measurement and reporting: Systems that measure and report sustainability impacts to stakeholders, including employees, customers, consumers, or regulators.
The Converter of the Year Award recognizes a label printing/converting company that demonstrates leadership excellence in one or more of the following criteria:
- Operational excellence: Implementation of advanced technologies to improve productivity and accuracy.
- Business growth: Demonstrated growth in revenue, market share, or production capacity or expansion into new markets or industries.
- Industry impact: Contribution to the advancement of the label industry through thought leadership or collaboration. Recognition as a trusted and influential player in the label converting sector.
- Technology and equipment investment: Adoption of state-of-the-art printing and converting equipment and/or integration of automation and digital workflows to improve efficiency.
- Partnerships: Participation in industry events, forums, or associations to drive innovation and growth.
The Future Leader Award recognizes the ‘young and young at heart’. This award celebrates the outstanding early-career professionals who are shaping the future of the label and packaging industry through innovation, leadership and meaningful contribution. Entrants must be in the early stages of their career (typically under 40 or with fewer than 10 to 15 years of industry experience), who demonstrates excellence in one or more of the following criteria:
- Shows initiative in taking on challenges and driving positive change within their organization or industry.
- Has made measurable contributions to their organization, industry, or community.
- Contributes fresh ideas and innovative solutions to address industry challenges.
- Actively seeks opportunities to learn, improve, and expand their skill set.
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director of LOUPE Americas, said: “LOUPE Americas 2026, formerly Labelexpo Americas is proud to support the second Labels & Labeling Global Awards. The awards celebrate the companies and individuals who are not only adapting to change but setting the benchmark for excellence across the global label and packaging community.”
The judging panel includes Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director of LOUPE Global, Chelsea McDougall, Editor of Labels & Labeling, Dana Kilarska, CEO, Purgina and Vice President of FINAT, Mark Glendenning, CEO in Inland and TLMI chairman, and Shawn Oetjen, Director of Operational Excellence at Meyers and FTA executive board.
Commenting on the awards, Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director, LOUPE Global said: “Our industry is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by innovation, sustainability and diversification. I look forward to judging this year’s entries alongside Chelsea McDougall, Dana Kilarska, Mark Glendenning and Shawn Oetjen, seeing more new ideas, talent and innovation driving label and package printing forward.” "I am looking forward to another year of the Labels & Labeling Global Awards,” said Chelsea McDougall, Editor of Labels & Labeling. “We’re calling on innovators across the label and packaging industry to step forward to be recognized. The L&L Global Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the ideas, technologies and people shaping the future of our sector on a global stage."
Entries close on 2 June 2026. To enter, visit the LOUPE Americas 2026 website.