When you enter your work into the Pentawards competition, your work is not only considered in its main category - it’s also automatically eligible for our Special Awards

In addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, every year, Pentawards awards special prizes for people who have made remarkable achievements. 

As we look back at last year’s Special Award winners, we celebrate the studios, educators, and rising talents who set new benchmarks in packaging. Feeling inspired? This year, it could be your name on the list.

Design Agency of the Year (sponsored by Taghleef Industries): Established, United States

Established has been named 2025 Design Agency of the Year, after having seven entries shortlisted and winning six trophies, including the most coveted Diamond – Best of Show. Their awarded designs include Tilt (Diamond and Gold) and Hatice Schmidt (2 Gold, 2 Silver).

Best Newcomer:  Simple Packaging Studio, Spain

The Best Newcomer Award celebrates a first-time entrant that makes an impressive impact on the competition.

Simple Packaging Studio won the 2025 title in their debut year, with six shortlisted entries and a Platinum Award. Their winning works are Pueblo (Food Platinum), Office Supplier (Silver), LUNÁTICO (Silver), MAKER'S MARK – NO LABEL (Bronze), and WHITECAP BITTERS (Bronze).

Educator of the Year: University of the Arts London, UK

This award celebrates the exceptional educators who inspire and support their students to achieve remarkable success in academic and creative endeavours. The 2025 winner is University of the Arts London (UK), with 5 shortlisted works and 3 winning a Pentawards trophy. The winning works are: Gud Gum (Gold), Mitini (Silver) and Lemon-AID (Bronze).

People's Choice Award: BOTITO by Tridimage, Argentina

In addition to professional expert opinions, we listen to the voice of the public. As part of the 2025 competition, we gave you a chance to vote for a winning entry, the People's Choice Award. 12 designs were selected and put to the vote to our community, with BOTITO by Tridimage winning people's hearts.

Designed for circular systems, BOTITO’s packaging encourages kids to rethink waste and supports environmental education. A sustainable toy that turns plastic waste into educational eco-guardians. Its packaging, inspired by a waste bin, uses 100% recycled paper pulp, making it fully recyclable and compostable.

NXT-GEN, Best Student Work: Calentón Hot Sauce by The Logo Lassie (Glasgow Clyde College, UK)

The NXT-GEN Award recognises the best student project of the year, chosen by our International Jury. This year’s winner: Morgan Hastie (aka The Logo Lassie) from Glasgow Clyde College.

This project created bold, vibrant packaging for a family-owned hot sauce brand, celebrating its Mexican heritage while appealing to Gen Z. Inspired by Mexican textiles, ceramics, and pyramid geometry, the design uses bold typography, dynamic colours, and a contemporary layout. The result is a fiery, distinctive identity that mirrors the sauces’ intense flavours, conveys craftsmanship, and builds a strong cultural connection with a fresh, modern twist.

KURZ Best Use of Embellishment Award

Alongside our Special Awards, last year we also had a sponsored recognition, created in collaboration with our partner KURZ. This Partner Award highlights outstanding achievement in embellishment. The awarded designs are Extra-Thick Easter Egg Packaging by Hotel Chocolat (Gold), Sentinella by Numeroquattro (Silver), and Zense by Graphic Brands (Bronze).

Ready to join them?  By entering Pentawards, you’re not just competing in your category - you’re putting your work forward for industry-wide recognition. Submit your work , take your shot at the Special Awards, and this time next year, we could be celebrating you.