With just one month remaining until entries close, the European Carton Excellence Award, the most prestigious award in cartonboard packaging, is inviting submissions for its 2026 edition.
Hosted by Pro Carton and the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA), the ECEA challenges partners from across the supply chain to promote their most innovative cartonboard packaging designs. Open to brand owners, converters, manufacturers, and designers from across Europe, the ECEA has consistently recognised some of the most advanced and sustainable cartonboard solutions over the last 30 years.
Demonstrating excellence, the ECEA recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements in packaging that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Entries must be submitted via the Pro Carton website by 15 May 2026. Winners will be announced at the official Awards Gala on 17 September 2026 in Rome, Italy, during the annual ECMA Congress.
To celebrate its 30th edition, the ECEA will feature the new category, the Art of Cartonboard Award, to allow industry members to showcase the full creative and technical capabilities of the packaging industry. Open to non-commercial designs from any stage of the supply chain, it showcases self-initiated concepts, demonstrator packs and inventive solutions that highlight creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and industry expertise.
Entries may be submitted across six core categories and the Art of Cartonboard Category:
- Beverages
- Ambient Food
- Confectionery
- Pharma/Health Care
- Cosmetics & Beauty
- General Packaging
When submitting their entries, participants of the six core categories can also choose whether they wish to be considered for the Sustainability Award and/or the Innovation Award. All nominated entries in the six core categories are automatically qualified for the prestigious ‘Carton of the Year’ Award and the Public Award.
Winners are selected by an independent, highly respected jury of packaging experts drawn from across the cartonboard value chain, including brand owners, retailers, designers, and industry specialists. Each entry is evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria, covering graphic and structural design, production excellence, cost-efficiency, environmental performance, innovation, sustainability, and consumer convenience.
Supported by leading industry partners, Heidelberg has been confirmed as the Main Award Sponsor, BOBST as the Trophy Sponsor.
The European Carton Excellence Award reflects the increasing role of sustainable packaging in today’s market. Findings from the 2025 Pro Carton Consumer Packaging Perceptions Survey reveal a clear shift in European consumer preferences, with 87% of respondents indicating they would choose cartonboard over plastic when offered the choice. This growing consumer preference underlines the vital role of cartonboard and reinforces the importance of celebrating outstanding achievement and innovation across the industry.
Winfried Muehling, Director of Marketing & Communications at Pro Carton, said: The European Carton Excellence Award continues to set the benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and design excellence in cartonboard packaging. Cartonboard is continuing to prove its unique value as a renewable and circular packaging solution, and the 2026 Awards will once again showcase the creativity and technical expertise of our industry. We encourage all partners across the value chain to submit their most forward-thinking designs.”
For more information and to enter the European Carton Excellence Award 2026, visit here: https://www.procarton.com/awards/european-carton-excellence-award/2026-3/enter/
Pro Carton also hosts the Pro Carton Young Designers Award (PCYDA) 2026 and the Pro Carton Student Video Award (PCSVA) 2026. The free-to-enter competitions offer valuable learning opportunities, encourage creative growth, and provide a platform for aspiring designers and filmmakers to showcase their talent and gain industry recognition.