The summer months may be a little quieter, but packaging inspiration never stops at Pentawards. Dive into the 2026 shortlist

With the summer slowdown in full swing, we’re turning to this year’s shortlist for a little packaging inspiration.

Here are some of the shortlisted projects we’ve been loving.

HOME, LEISURE & OTHER MARKETS, Pet Food: Cat Treat: Meaty Egg Bites by Headache Design & VETRESKA

PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS, Home, leisure & other markets: Crochet starter kit packaging imitating an event admission ticket  by Nippon Tokan Package CO.,LTD.

FOOD, Fruit and vegetables: Unbeleafable by B&B studio

PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS, Beverages: Milhouse Coffee Pals by Brandsummit

BODY, HEALTH & BEAUTY, Health care: Jude by Derek&Eric

BEVERAGES, Cocktails: Ricard by Lonsdale

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, Body, health and beauty: fatty15 AFEX Packaging Design by Dept® studio

STUDENT CONCEPTS, Food: Karu by Kunstuniversität Linz

HOME, LEISURE & OTHER MARKETS, Electronic goods: IQOS x SELETTI by PMI Design Team

BEVERAGES, Soft drinks and juices: Gap Tooth Soda by Saint-Urbain

BODY, HEALTH & BEAUTY, Skincare: Yes Day by Bartlett Brands

BRAND IDENTITY & CONNECTED PACKAGING, Press & Influencer Gifting: Miu Miu Miutine Launch Mailer by Twelve

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, Brand identity & connected packaging: OMessage by Omdesign

FOOD, Spices, oils, sauces and spreads: Azienda Agricola Lordi by Nju:design

STUDENT CONCEPTS, Body, health and beauty: Zibbit by Manchester Metropolitan University - School of Art

BRAND IDENTITY & CONNECTED PACKAGING, Design Performance: Singing Pastures by Pulp+Wire

But will they take home a trophy on 16 October? Join us at the Gala to find out - you might even find some of these on display on the night for you to see in real life!