Three Nominees for Pack Expo Technical Awards

At Pack Expo International 2026, three outstanding innovations received the highest honors in the Technology Excellence Awards. Selected by attendees, the award-winning technologies represent advancements in food and beverage packaging, general packaging and processing, and sustainability.

Pack Expo concluded its run later today at McCormick Place in Chicago.

This award recognizes innovative technologies making their debut at Pack Expo International, highlighting solutions that address industry challenges, enhance operational capabilities, and push the boundaries of what is possible in packaging and processing.

Following the finals among nine contestants across three categories, thousands of Pack Expo International attendees voted via online and mobile apps to select the winners, recognizing the innovations they believe will have the greatest impact on the industry.

Laura Thompson, Vice President of Trade Shows at PMMI, stated that Pack Expo International is where the industry discovers what’s next, and these award winners embody that spirit of innovation. “What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that the winners are selected by professionals who use these technologies every day. Their votes recognize solutions with the potential to drive real change in packaging and processing operations.”

2026 Technology Excellence Award Winner

In the food and beverage category, Mitsui Chemicals America won an award for its Takelac WPB 341 advanced water-based barrier coating, which was showcased at booth W-15107. The coating provides protection against oxygen and moisture while supporting recyclable mono-material structures, transparent canisters, and paper-based packaging, helping to extend shelf life and enable more sustainable formats.

In the general packaging and processing category, Colorcon’s OneLock integrated closure received top honors at booth W-23070. Designed specifically for pharmaceutical and nutritional product packaging, OneLock combines moisture protection, child resistance, senior-friendly access, and tamper evidence into a single closure. By eliminating the need for separate desiccant inserts and induction seals, it reduces component count, simplifies packaging operations, and minimizes potential failure points.

In the sustainability category, Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions won an award for its DecoFusion 100% PCR tube, which was showcased at booth S-3500. DecoFusion combines near-seamless, realistic decoration with a lightweight polyethylene tube design. The base tube can incorporate up to 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material while reducing packaging weight by up to 27%, helping brands advance sustainability without compromising on appearance, performance, or consumer experience.

Recognize Innovation

The Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the ingenuity of packaging and processing suppliers, allowing attendees to witness firsthand emerging technologies with the potential to transform manufacturing operations.

This year’s competition features nine finalists, showcasing advancements in packaging materials, equipment, digital technologies, and sustainable solutions. Attendees have the opportunity to explore these innovations, connect directly with the companies behind them, and vote for their favorite.

Thompson stated that the level of innovation showcased in this year’s competition reflects the rapid pace of development in our industry. Congratulations to our award winners and all nine finalists, who have proposed technologies that help manufacturers work smarter, operate more efficiently, and prepare for the future.

Award-winning technologies and thousands of additional solutions will be showcased at the 2026 International Packaging Expo. The event brings together 2,700 exhibitors from more than 40 vertical industries and tens of thousands of attendees to explore packaging and processing technologies, machinery operations, materials, education, and networking opportunities. Before the exhibition closes today, attendees can visit the booths of award-winning exhibitors to experience the acclaimed innovations firsthand.