Easyfairs UK, the organisers of Packaging Innovations & Empack, is delighted to announce Swiss Pack as the winner of the esteemed Innovation Gallery award for their groundbreaking FORMIL refill spout pouch. Swiss Pack's innovative solution emerged victorious from a record-breaking 147 entries, reflecting the industry's accelerating shift towards sustainable packaging.
The top 10 packaging innovations, meticulously selected by a panel of experts led by Paul Jenkins, Founder of ThePackHub, were showcased at the Innovation Gallery during the landmark Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 event. Attendees played a crucial role in determining the winner, ultimately recognising Swiss Pack's forward-thinking contribution to sustainability.
In collaboration with Algramo, Swiss Pack Europe developed the refillable FORMIL spout pouch for Lidl, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional detergent packaging. Designed to minimise plastic waste, these pouches empower customers to conveniently refill their laundry detergent in-store, promoting sustainable shopping habits while offering cost savings through bulk purchasing incentives. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Lidl's commitment to environmental responsibility and the advancement of a circular economy.
"This year's Innovation Gallery selections highlight how packaging continues to evolve to address performance and sustainability challenges," said Paul Jenkins. "Swiss Pack Europe's achievement exemplifies a commitment to pioneering packaging solutions that support industry needs and environmental goals."
Swiss Pack's dedication to innovation and sustainability is evident in the extensive development process behind the FORMIL refill pouches. "Winning this award is a proud milestone for us," said Sales Manager Sucharita Sil. "We worked closely with Lidl to ensure that our design was not only functional but aligned with their sustainability objectives. A key challenge was optimising the pouch's shape for seamless compatibility with refill stations. Through rigorous testing and collaboration, we successfully developed a solution that integrates effortlessly into the refill system."
The project's success underscores the power of collaboration, with Lidl's sustainability vision and Algramo's expertise in refillable packaging playing essential roles in bringing this solution to the market. The thorough testing and refinement process ensured the pouch met the highest functionality and convenience standards, paving the way for widespread industry adoption.
"Being part of a project that pushes the boundaries of sustainable packaging is incredibly fulfilling," added Sil. "These pouches represent a step towards reducing single-use plastics and promoting refillable solutions - something we're passionate about at Swiss Pack. It's exciting to see brands embracing these changes, and we're proud to support them in making it happen."
Register your interest now to visit or exhibit at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 on 11 & 12 February. Be part of the conversation, vote for the next big packaging innovation, or showcase your groundbreaking solutions in the annual Innovation Gallery.