Cheers to the 82nd Annual
Paperboard Packaging Competition Winners!
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Celebrating its 82nd year, the competition brought out the very best in creativity and craftsmanship. Each entry was truly outstanding, and we thank everyone who submitted. These masterful folding cartons and rigid boxes showcase our industry's commitment to growth and innovation. Congratulations to all!
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Package of the Year
RRD Lemont
Quip Rev Toothbrush
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RRD Lemont’s packaging for the Quip Rev Toothbrush reimagines what sustainable healthcare design can look like. Built from sleek and durable C1S paperboard and a molded pulp tray, this clever system ditches plastic for a modern, all-paperboard solution. Rounded corners and embossed wave textures mirror the product’s clean, high-tech feel, while the integrated structure slashes material use and cost without sacrificing beauty or strength. It’s smart, tactile, and totally unforgettable — a package that proves sustainability can be stylish.
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Folding Carton of the Year
JohnsByrne
Goose Island Bardstown Bourbon County
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JohnsByrne turns craft spirits into a showpiece with its folding carton for Goose Island’s Bardstown Bourbon County. This dramatic shadowbox design frames the bottle in mid-air, creating the illusion of a floating treasure within layers of precision die-cuts. Deep green hues, gleaming gold foil, and a soft-touch finish come together in a symphony of heritage and modern luxury. Equal parts art and engineering, this carton isn’t just packaging, it’s an experience that invites consumers to savor every detail before the first sip.
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Sustainability of the Year Award
Smurfit Westrock
Bio-Techne Retainer Kit
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Smurfit Westrock proves sustainability and science can go hand in hand with Bio-Techne’s redesigned retainer kit. By swapping plastic trays for recyclable Printkote® paperboard, the team cut an estimated 70,000 pounds of plastic a year while streamlining production. A single die-cut insert now fits multiple vial types, simplifying cold-chain fulfillment without missing a beat on performance or protection. Clean graphics, QR integration, and a durable design make this kit a win for both the planet and precision.
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Rigid Box of the Year
TPC Printing & Packaging
Bacardi MTV Video Awards
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TPC Printing & Packaging turned up the volume for Bacardi’s limited-edition MTV Video Awards box — a striking blend of attitude, artistry, and innovation. Forgoing magnets and foam for pure paperboard ingenuity, this jet-black collector’s piece secures itself with a custom tuck-flap system and shines with cold-foil metallic effects. The iconic bat takes center stage, paired with an interactive QR code that links to Bacardi’s “Sound of Rum” playlist. Every fold, cut, and finish hits the perfect note of luxury and sustainability.
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Innovation of the Year Award
Oliver, Inc.
Ugly Duck Paperboard Wine Bottle
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Oliver Inc. helps Magnotta Winery rewrite the rules of wine packaging with the world’s first paperboard bottle, and it’s anything but ordinary. Crafted from recycled paperboard wrapped around a lightweight pouch, the Ugly Duck bottle is bold, sustainable, and totally conversation-worthy. It’s six times lighter than glass, fully recyclable, and built for creative storytelling with a 360-degree printable surface. Smart, striking, and proudly unconventional, Ugly Duck proves innovation can fly high when sustainability leads the way.
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Judges’ Award
JohnByrne
Kiehl's 2024 Advent Calendar
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JohnsByrne’s Kiehl’s 2024 Advent Calendar brings the magic of discovery to life with layers of color, texture, and surprise. A deep-blue rigid shell opens to reveal a pop of pink inside and 24 perfectly placed pillow packs, each waiting to be uncovered. Fluorescent inks, tactile finishes, and precision die-cuts create an interactive experience that’s pure joy from start to finish. Elegant, sustainable, and brimming with holiday spirit, it turns every unboxing into a celebration.
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Judges’ Award
Oliver, Inc.
Trish McEvoy Eyeshadow Replacement Envelope
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Oliver Inc. gives small packaging a big glow-up with Trish McEvoy’s eyeshadow replacement envelope. Switching from plastic to FSC-certified paperboard, this minimalist black-and-white beauty reduces plastic use by 96% while elevating the brand’s luxe aesthetic. A crystal-clear PET window shows off the product inside, while precision folds and adhesives keep everything secure and sleek. The result: a lightweight, elegant envelope that’s equal parts functional, fashionable, and forward-thinking.
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Richard DePaul Award for Creative Design & Converting
Graphic Packaging International
Mathys AG Medical Hip and Knee Implant Packaging
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Graphic Packaging International’s design for Mathys AG takes medical packaging to new heights with paperboard innovation that replaces foam inserts entirely. The clever honeycomb interior flexes to cradle implants of all sizes, while a clean, three-part structure opens effortlessly for use in surgical settings. Durable, recyclable, and beautifully engineered, this solution simplifies logistics, reduces waste, and keeps sustainability at the core. Proof that even in the operating room, great packaging design can make a lasting impact.
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View and download files such as high-resolution photos, press releases, and more here.
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Find more detailed information about the 2025 Carton Competition winners here.
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Be PPC Proud! Display the PPC Proud Member logo on your website. Working together, we elevate the industry for the benefit of each member company and a promising future.
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