THE winners of the European Carton Excellence Award (ECEA) 2025 have been announced at a ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hosted by Pro Carton and the European Carton Makers Association, trophy winners spanned four special recognition awards, seven new end-user focused categories, and platinum and gold entries.
The Carton of the Year accolade went to carton converter Van Genechten Packaging and cartonboard manufacturer Metsä Board. Their entry, Lumene 24 Nordic Beauty Secrets Advent Calendar, reimagines the traditional advent wreath as a hexagonal tray with 24 spiral-arranged puzzle boxes of varying heights for Lumene cosmetic treats. The design features mono-material, FSC-certified construction made entirely from cartonboard, flat-pack delivery for reduced transport emissions, and Nordic-inspired graphics enhanced with translucent holographic foil and 3D embossing while maintaining full recyclability.
Receiving the Innovation Award, carton converter and cartonboard manufacturer Graphic Packaging International created the Leffe Beer Multipack featuring ‘groundbreaking’ two-piece technology to hold 20x330ml glass bottles. This packaging eliminates plastic-reinforced handles in favour of an alternative made from renewable wood-based fibre, with up to 30% recycled cartonboard. The design features an independently reinforced handle that is said to maintain durability while using ‘minimal’ material. The design also features a detachable barcode to assist the checkout experience for consumers.
Securing the Sustainability Award, Lucaprint S.p.A. and cartonboard manufacturer Stora Enso developed a fully cartonboard packaging solution for Claber’s Lancia Pro 8535 hose nozzle. Eliminating plastic and replacing the previous mixed-material format, this mono-material pack is said to reduce packaging volume by 50%. It features integrated locking systems engineered directly into the cartonboard. Designing bespoke locking mechanisms for each uniquely dimensioned product, while ensuring compatibility with automated production processes, was a challenge. However, the result is described as a ‘cohesive and recognisable’ design that is identifiable across the entire product range.
The wider public, along with colleagues from the packaging industry and academics, cast their votes to decide the Public Award winner for the most impressive ecological cartonboard concept. A total of 7,600 votes were received – a significant increase on last year’s 5,956. The winner was the Neuhaus Easter Filled Figures created by DUCAJU and carton manufactured by Holmen Paper and Board. Designed to appeal to both children and adults, the house-shaped packaging is designed to evoke a sense of ‘familiarity and celebration’, while the thumb tab and flap closure ensure the box can be opened and resealed without damage to the five Easter eggs inside.
The ECEA introduced new category awards this year recognising excellence across specific market sectors. The Confectionery Award went to carton converter MM Packaging Polska and cartonboard manufacturer Stora Enso for their Milka Advent Calendar design that combines ‘festive appeal with functional excellence’. Smurfit Westrock and Holmen Board and Paper won the Beverages Award with their Hine Ball Cognac packaging. Van Genechten Packaging secured two food category wins, partnering with RDM Group for the Ambient Food Award with the recycled material Cassegrain Pack 3×1/2 multi-pack that packages an upright three-can bundle. The converter also collaborated with Stora Enso to claim the Chilled & Frozen Food Award for the PAVÉ D’AFFINOIS Mini l’Original 4x30gr packaging, showcasing a switch to fibre-based packaging from the previous multi-material formats used to package mini cheese.
PAWI Packaging Deutschland GmbH and Holmen Board and Paper won the Pharma & Health Care Award with their Phonak Hearing Aids design, balancing product protection with user accessibility. The Beauty & Cosmetics Award recognised the Rituals Car Gift Set Sakura by Van Genechten Packaging and Stora Enso, which enhances the premium brand experience through ‘thoughtful presentation and a secure internal locking system to eliminate spills and seals’.
The General Packaging Award went to Cosack GmbH & Co. KG Druck + Verpackung and Smurfit WestRock for the Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn GmbH Vegetable Knife packaging.
Winfried Muehling, Pro Carton’s marketing and communications director, said, “I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists. All entries this year demonstrated that eco-friendly packaging isn’t a trade-off but a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability.
“From clever multipacks to beautifully crafted advent calendars, the fibre-based solutions we saw prove that protecting the planet and creating standout consumer experiences can go hand in hand. It’s also incredibly encouraging to see more brand owners embracing fibre-based packaging, not just as a sustainable choice but as a strategic one that drives design, function, and impact on shelf.”
