Latest packaging solutions awarded at the European Carton Excellence Award 2025

Sustainability: Claber Lancia Pro 8535

Public Award: Neuhaus Filled Figures EASTER

A sprinkle of magic

This packaging for the Claber Lancia Pro 8535 spray nozzle, developed by Lucaprint using Stora Enso cartonboard, replaces a mixed-material format with a fully cartonboard solution, eliminating plastic. The mono-material blister pack reduces volume by 50%, improving logistics and simplifying disposal. Integratedlocking systems are engineered directly into the cartonboard, securing the product without plastic inserts. Although each product requires a bespoke locking mechanism, the design maintains maximum product visibility. This compact structure creates a cohesive look across the product line, meeting both aesthetic and environmental goals by delivering a visually engaging, recyclable solution.

What did the judges have to say?

A smart and effective replacement for traditional packaging. This structural solution offers full product visibility without the need for plastic, delivering a strong transformation from what’s currently on the market. It cleverly retains the familiar presentation that consumers recognise, ensuring no disruption at the point of sale. The use of a well-executed die cut is clever, and the robust construction minimises material waste while maintaining integrity. A great example of sustainable innovation that doesn’t compromise on consumer experience or shelf impact.

The People’s Vote

The Easter House Box is a charming, house-shaped gift. Designed for both children and adults, its spring-themed packaging evokes warmth and celebration while offering a clever resealable closure. Crafted by DUCAJU using Holmen Board and Paper cartonboard, it replaces plastic trays with food-safe cartonboard and inks. The mix of matte board, glossy varnish and copper foil delivers a premium, tactile experience that highlights exceptional confectionery packaging craftsmanship.

Beauty & Cosmetics: Rituals Car Gift Set Sakura

Beverages: Hine Ball Cognac

Beauty on the go

Created by Van Genechten Packaging using Stora Enso cartonboard, this Rituals Car Gift Set packaging is a premium, sustainable solution for women on the move. The carton features a distinctive locking lid shaped like a car silhouette, creating a tactile unboxing experience. It ships flat for efficient logistics and is fully stackable for retail display. The pack can be repurposed into a stylish storage box by removing the inner insert. Made from fully recyclable cartonboard and free of virgin plastic, it is a monomaterial design. A secure internal locking system elim-inates the need for plastic seals, ensuring contents are pro-tected. Optimised to use up to 70% of its internal volume, the packaging reduces waste and improves transport efficiency.

Cheers to engaging packaging

This limited-edition gift pack for Thomas Hine & Co. reimagines premium spirits packaging with a sustainable, interactive design. Created by Smurfit Westrock entirely from Holmen Board and Paper cartonboard, the pack uses only two components: an outer carton and an inner fitment. The inner fitment rotates within a cutout window, allowing consumers to engage with the drinking glasses inside and reveal a 360-degree illustration. This interactive feature creates a memorable display experience. The format ships flat for efficient logistics, is fully recyclable, and reflects the brand’s commitment to low-impact materials. The design blends tradition with novelty through strong brand cues and a playful house-shaped viewing window

Frozen & Chilled Food: PAVÉ D’AFFINOIS Mini l’Original 4x30gr

General Packaging: Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn Vegetable Knife

Say cheese!

This packaging for PAVÉ D’AFFINOIS Mini l’Original, developed by Van Genechten Packaging using Stora Enso cartonboard, replacestraditional plastic nets with a cartonboard solution. The designis both compact and sturdy. The folding box structure securelyholds multiple cheese portions and features a user-friendly openand reclose mechanism for convenience. This design simplifiesstorage and enhances usability. Visually, the modern, minimal look increases shelf impact and provides clear space for brand communication. This streamlined carton solution provides robust product protection and strong environmental credentials, all while being production-efficient.

Sharp and stylish packaging

This knife packaging, created by COSACK GmbH & Co. KG Druck + Verpackung using Smurfit Westrock cartonboard, is a twopiece design that balances strength, simplicity, and sustainability. Crafted from KraftPak, an unbleached kraft paperboard, the natural brown finish appeals to eco-conscious consumers. The black print offers a striking contrast, creating a clean, minimal look. A clever cut-out on the front showcases the knife without a plastic window, reinforcing the eco-friendly focus. Lightweight yet durable, this design combines visual simplicity with practical product protection.

Pharma & Health Care: Phonak Hearing Aids

The sound of success

This hearing aid packaging, crafted by PAWI Packaging Deutschland using Holmen Board and Paper cartonboard for Sonova’s Phonak brand, combines sustainability, smart functionality and premium design. The minimalist design features angled lid surfaces and a signature green interior. The technically advanced lid is easy to open and reseal, providing security without extra labels, while an internal modular insert system adapts to various product formats. Quick to assemble and flat-packed for transport, this design reduces storage demands and lowers CO2 emissions. It can also be repurposed as a storage box, extending its value and use beyond its initial purpose.