Graphic Packaging International Celebrates Triple Success at the 2026 PPC Awards

October 2, 2026

Graphic Packaging International Celebrates Triple Success at the 2026 PPC Awards

Three innovative paperboard packaging solutions recognized at the Paperboard Packaging Council’s annual ceremony

Global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, Graphic Packaging International, is celebrating a trio of wins at the Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) 2026 awards, with honors spanning packaging design, innovation and craftsmanship.

The Keurig Coffee Collective carton received the Judges Award, the Heineken UEFA Champions League Fan Pack earned a Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation, and the Tesco Finest Sandwich Kit secured an Excellence Award for Achievement in Innovation. Together, the awards demonstrate how creative structural design, premium presentation and practical performance can elevate paperboard packaging across diverse consumer categories.

Louis Hengen, VP, Global Government Affairs & Public Policy, accepting the Judges Award for the Keurig Coffee Collective carton.

“Winning three PPC Awards is a fantastic recognition of the creativity, technical expertise and close collaboration behind these solutions. Each pack takes a different challenge and answers it with thoughtful paperboard design — creating memorable consumer experiences while delivering the circularity, functionality and convenience our customers need.” — Carlos Carrillo, VP Global Innovation

Three award-winning packaging solutions

Judges Award: Keurig Coffee Collective

Keurig Dr Pepper’s Keurig Coffee Collective turns a familiar coffee format into something that feels more curated and gift-like. A two-piece lid-and-base design creates a clean reveal, with the pods arranged neatly inside for a more intentional presentation. Gold foil, spot gloss, and subtle graphics add visual interest without competing with the structure, giving the carton a polished look that stands apart from typical coffee packaging. 

The real success is how naturally the package comes together. Traditional folding carton construction is largely hidden from view, allowing the box to open and present more like a rigid set. The design — that also won an AmeriStar award — brings order, surprise, and a sense of occasion to an everyday product, showing how smart construction and well-judged finishing can reshape expectations for the category. 

Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation: Heineken UEFA Champions League Fan Pack

The Heineken UEFA Champions League Fan Pack turns a promotional beer multipack into a premium, collectible fan experience. Its distinctive octagonal paperboard structure, inspired by the geometry of a football, showcases eight Heineken bottles alongside a front-facing commemorative glass while delivering strong shelf standout and event-led brand impact. Designed for both visual appeal and real-world performance, the pack combines robust protection, secure glass retention, and scalable fulfilment — a winning example of packaging creativity executed with precision.

Excellence Award for Achievement in Innovation: Tesco Finest Sandwich Kit

The Tesco Finest Sandwich Kit created for U.K. grocery giant Tesco transforms a premium chilled food product into a customizable, build-your-own sandwich experience, giving shoppers greater freshness, flexibility and choice. Created by Graphic Packaging for food producer Walkers Deli & Sausage Co, the single-piece paperboard pack features a distinctive landscape format and an integrated sachet pocket that keeps ingredients organized while enhancing shelf appeal. Its award-winning design combines premium branding, practical functionality and recyclable FSC-certified paperboard to deliver a standout solution for Tesco’s chilled aisle.

The three accolades reinforce Graphic Packaging’s commitment to its Better by Design framework for developing distinctive paperboard packaging that is more circular, more functional and more convenient than traditional alternatives.

About the PPC Awards

The Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition is the premier competition for converters of paperboard packaging. Judged by a diverse panel of packaging experts, the competition reflects evolving trends in carton design and showcases the industry’s commitment to innovation and advancement.

The competition celebrates excellence in beauty, innovation, sustainability and craftsmanship, highlighting the strengths of paper-based packaging within the supply chain. Each entry is evaluated on innovation, craftsmanship and impact, ensuring that the most transformative designs receive top honors.

Companies of all sizes, from global publicly traded organizations to small independent box shops, are encouraged to participate. All entries are judged equally, with converter names and printed logos kept anonymous to support a fair and unbiased selection process.