Paperboard innovation takes Gold in Beverage Packaging Design at the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards 

The gold-winning pack, developed by Graphic Packaging in collaboration with Asahi Beverages, replaces traditional plastic shrink film with a curbside-recyclable paperboard wrap, helping reduce single-use plastic while maintaining the performance, protection and consumer convenience required for high-speed beverage packing. The solution demonstrates how smart structural design can support sustainability goals while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and enhancing shelf impact.

Smart Design Replaces Shrink Film

The wrap is engineered to hold six glass bottles securely with a glue-free tab-and-slot construction, creating a tight, stable pack that protects the bottles throughout the supply chain. Rigid paperboard walls help absorb impacts during transport and handling, while the exposed bottle necks reinforce product quality and brand recognition. Full-color 360-degree print on the wrap gives the pack strong shelf presence, turning secondary packaging into an effective brand communication platform. 

Designed to run on Graphic Packaging’s Marksman™ X5 integrated machinery solution, the new format supports high-speed production at scale, running at more than 250 packs per minute. This compatibility was a key part of the design challenge: creating a more circular pack that could integrate smoothly into existing operations while delivering the same reliable output performance as the previous shrink film format. 

A Measurable Step Away From Plastic

By switching to paperboard, the pack supports Asahi Beverages’ commitment to reducing environmental impact across its packaging portfolio. The recyclable paperboard structure is made from renewable raw materials and is designed for recovery through existing paper and board recycling streams.  

The transition is expected to remove more than 250 metric tons of plastic, providing a significant environmental improvement while retaining the handling, stacking and protection benefits required for retail and distribution. 

Built for Convenience, From Shelf to Home

Consumer usability was also central to the redesign. Integrated finger holes make the pack easier to carry, while the easy-access openings support a more intuitive user experience. The compact format gives shoppers a convenient option between a four-pack and a full case, balancing practicality, visibility and manageable weight. 

“This award is a fantastic recognition of what can be achieved when packaging design, customer collaboration, and sustainability ambition come together. Working with Asahi Beverages, we were able to create a solution that reduces plastic, performs at commercial scale, and delivers a better experience for consumers and retailers alike.”

Peter Allison, director of marketing, innovation & sustainability at Graphic Packaging Australia and New Zealand

Recognition for Packaging Innovation

The Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards, coordinated by the Australasian Institute of Packaging, recognize companies and individuals making a significant contribution to packaging innovation across Australia and New Zealand.

As a Gold award winner, the Carlton Dry 6 x 330 ml Bottle Shrink Replacement Wrap is now eligible for entry into the 2027 WorldStar Packaging Awards.