The Pentawards were launched in 2007. Created by designers Jean Jacques Evrard and Brigitte Evrard-Lauwereins, this prestigious event aims to promote the art of packaging design on the international stage. The Pentawards recognise and celebrate excellence in packaging design worldwide. Conceptual packaging, still at the “idea” stage, is eligible. In other words, not yet realised. Projects are submitted by designers, design agencies, brands, communications agencies, packaging manufacturers and design students. The projects are then grouped into categories, so that they can be analysed objectively among similar projects.

The Pentawards, a competition dedicated to packaging design

The Pentawards are reputed to be the world’s leading packaging design competition. Each year, a 12-strong jury takes part. They include designers, packaging managers and marketing directors from well-known companies and international brands. The jury will judge packaging projects from all over the world, grouped into categories. There are five major categories, which are themselves divided into several categories (55 sub-categories in all): beverages, food, body care products, all other markets, luxury markets.

Each project is studied alongside other comparable projects. Creativity, relevance and innovation are the key criteria. The winners will be awarded the bronze, silver, gold, platinum or diamond Pentawards: the ultimate accolade for candidates from all over the world. It’s a real international recognition of innovation and expertise.
This event is a real opportunity for participants to showcase their skills and creativity. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase their creations and bring them to life.
The Pentawards are also a genuine platform for exchange. Packaging professionals and students can meet up, exchange ideas and build a real network. A springboard for the creations of tomorrow.

An international competition

For 2018, the prestigious Guggenheim Museum in New York will host the Pentawards gala ceremony on 6 September. The international dimension of the event means that it takes place in a different city each year. Monaco, Paris, Barcelona, Tokyo and London, to name but a few, have hosted previous editions of the Pentawards.
The event helps to raise the profile of design-led, intelligent packaging.

The 2017 edition was held in Barcelona last September. Nearly 300 designers and brands came together to welcome more than 2,000 visitors. This represents a 10% increase in attendance compared to 2016.
This year’s event saw the famous designer Philippe Starck’s perfume packaging honoured with the Diamond Best of the Show award. Japan was also honoured, with Ryuta Ishikawa’s creation winning the Platinum Boisson prize for its Kirinzan bottle.

The next Pentawards will be held in New York on 6 September. Entries will be accepted from 5 February to 23 March. All entries are welcome!

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