Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, announces that nine of its innovative packaging solutions have received WorldStar Packaging Awards 2026. Organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), the awards celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design, technology and sustainability across the globe.
Mondi’s award-winning products reflect the Group’s continued focus on developing packaging solutions that replace less sustainable materials, support recyclability and deliver strong performance for customers. The recognised innovations address diverse end-use needs, from food and eCommerce to transit and electronics, while contributing to a more circular economy.
Andrew King, CEO Mondi Group, said: “We are very proud that nine of our solutions have been recognised with WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2026. These awards highlight our teams’ ability to combine innovation, performance and sustainability, and to translate ambitious goals into practical packaging solutions. They reflect our strong customer partnerships and our continued commitment to developing recyclable alternatives at scale.”
The WorldStar Packaging Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the global packaging industry, recognising innovations that address key challenges such as material efficiency, recyclability and product protection. Mondi’s success in 2026 further underlines its role as a trusted partner for sustainable packaging solutions worldwide.
Mondi is also delighted to see its customer Werner & Mertz recognised with a WorldStar Award in the Household category for the Frosch fabric softener stand-up pouch. Developed through close, long-term collaboration, Mondi and Werner & Mertz combined their packaging, material and application expertise to co-develop the 100% recyclable pouch, which now incorporates post-consumer recycled plastic from household collection - underscoring their shared commitment to circular, sustainable packaging.
The WorldStar Packaging Awards 2026 Ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 8 May, bringing together packaging leaders from around the world to celebrate innovation and excellence.
Mondi’s WorldStar Packaging Awards 2026 winners:
- Protective Mailer – eCommerce
- FreshFood BOX – Food
- Ad/Vantage Smooth Brown Semi Extensible – Packaging Materials and Components
- re/cycle HiProtex Paper – Health and Personal Care
- re/cycle ProtectorBAG PocketForm – Transit
- re/cycle CompressWrap – Household
- re/cycle VacuumPack – Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- 3in1 Separator – Electronics
-
Koala Display – Point of Sale
Further details on the award-winning packaging innovations:
Protective Mailer
Mondi’s Protective Mailer is an innovative, paper-based padded mailer that delivers outstanding product protection while completely eliminating plastic, offering eCommerce businesses a fully recyclable alternative to traditional bubble mailers. Crafted from lightweight, high-strength papers with a flexible, open-flute design, it safeguards a wide range of products in transit and supports sustainable packaging goals without compromising performance.
FreshFood BOX
The FreshFood Box is a robust, thick-walled cardboard box designed for grocery delivery, helping keep fresh produce cooler for longer. Its multi-layer construction with integrated inserts reduces temperature transfer, securing products during transport and offering a practical replacement for EPS (expanded polystyrene) boxes commonly used in chilled food delivery. Made entirely from paper-based materials, the FreshFood Box supports retailers looking to move away from EPS without changing how chilled groceries are packed or delivered.
Ad/Vantage Smooth Brown Semi Extensible
Ad/Vantage Smooth Brown Semi Extensible is an innovative kraft paper that combines high strength, extensibility, puncture resistance, and a smooth, coating-friendly surface. It ensures reliable protection, efficient converting, excellent printability, and is recyclable in existing EU paper recycling streams. Designed for both industrial and consumer packaging, the kraft paper is suitable for form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging used for sharp-edged or heavy items such as e.g. toys and dry food, spare parts and building materials.
re/cycle HiProtex Paper
re/cycle HiProtex Paper is a paper-based, high-barrier packaging solution designed to replace traditional aluminum and PVDC composites, offering over 80% paper content and recyclability in paper or lightweight packaging streams. It delivers excellent protection against oxygen, water vapor, and light, making it ideal for food, personal care, and pet products, while supporting brands in meeting sustainability goals without compromising performance.
re/cycle ProtectorBAG PocketForm
re/cycle ProtectorBAG PocketForm can replace traditional plastic film for transporting and storing items like bicycle accessories, electronic components, and car parts. Made entirely from recyclable paper, it eliminates plastic waste and supports circularity, making it a sustainable choice for businesses and end-users. Customers benefit from flexible, customisable compartments, reduced disposal costs, and a premium unpacking experience that enhances both protection and brand visibility.
re/cycle CompressWrap
re/cycle CompressWrap is Mondi’s paper-based packaging solution for compressed mattresses, combining compress wrapping with a secondary outer wrap. Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5 supports durability and reliable vacuum sealing during compression, while the outer wrapper made from FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce provides strong sealing to secure the rolled mattress during transport. The solution offers tool-free opening for improved safety and convenience and integrates easily into existing packaging lines without additional machinery.
re/cycle VacuumPack
re/cycle VacuumPack is a mono-material vacuum packaging solution for coffee that delivers the same protection, tightness and functionality as conventional multi-material structures. Based on polypropylene and free from aluminium and polyamide, it provides strong oxygen and water vapour barriers while supporting easy opening and resealing for consumers. The pack is fully compatible with existing vacuum packaging lines, allowing manufacturers to switch materials without technical changes.
3 in 1 Separator
The 3 in 1 Separator is a versatile corrugated packaging solution designed to securely separate and protect multiple electronic components within a single pack. Replacing traditional EPS (expanded polystyrene), it uses recyclable corrugated board while maintaining reliable protection throughout transport and handling. Its space-efficient design simplifies packing processes and reduces the need for additional packaging elements. This helps streamline operations without compromising product safety.
Koala Display
The Koala Display is a striking point-of-sale solution that combines strong visual impact with practical functionality. Easy to assemble and adaptable to different retail environments, it enhances brand visibility while using a material-efficient corrugated design suited to high-traffic retail spaces.
