Now in its 18th year, the Pentawards 2024 competition received over 2,000 entries from more than 60 countries across continents. Out of all the entries, over 700 were shortlisted by the competition’s international jury and revealed earlier this year.

The 2024 Gala Ceremony was once again held at Magazine London, a state-of-the-art venue and one of the largest purpose-built hybrid spaces in London. With over 500 of the world’s most inspiring creatives in attendance, three catwalks, live music, and a custom winners’ supermarket, this year's Gala Ceremony was an unforgettable night.

The 2024 competition received over 2,000 entries from more than 60 countries across continents, with Spain, United Kingdom, China, USA, Japan, and Italy receiving the highest number of awards.

 

This year’s Special Awards, which recognise remarkable achievements in packaging design by individuals and agencies, were also handed out:

 

· NXT-GEN, Best Student Work   - XUN by Chuxun Yu, Zhuowen Lin and Rongjin Zheng from Guangdong Industry Polytechnic (China).

· People’s Choice - Bananostafido by Loukas Chondros.

· Educator of the Year (sponsored by Vital Hardware) - ELISAVA (Spain).

· Best Newcomer - Retbaa (Senegal) and Kids (Spain).

· Design Agency of the Year (Sponsored by Creative Crowd) - Design Bridge & Partners (UK).

 

The following are the jury's comments on the Diamond and Platinum Awards, the most relevant categories in the Pentawards, plus the Special Awards:

 

DIAMOND – BEST OF SHOW (sponsored by Derprosa)

OGT (ONE GOOD THING), This Way Up

One Good Thing (OGT) snack bars use innovative, eco-friendly packaging. The primary packaging consists of an edible beeswax-based coating that protects the bar while being completely edible, alongside a rice paper label printed with 100% natural, food-safe ink. For secondary packaging, corrugated cardboard is used in a postage format, made from 70% recycled materials. It's fully recyclable and compostable, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability by eliminating waste and reducing environmental impact.

 

 

Platinum Pentawards

 

· BEVERAGE (sponsored by Winter & Co)

Casa Obsidiana, Makers & Allies

Casa Obsidiana tequila is crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, where obsidian stones enrich the volcanic soil. The packaging reflects this heritage, with vessels sculpted from clay and adorned with obsidian relics. Minimalistic branding highlights the luxurious, artful silhouette of each bottle, while the luxury boxes, inspired by Mexican art museums, feature open gallery windows. Premium print techniques mimic a linen-like texture, evoking a sense of place and inviting consumers to experience the union of tradition and craftsmanship behind the tequila.

 

 

BODY, HEALTH & BEAUTY PLATINUM (sponsored by Paris Packaging Week)

AIZOME WASTECARE, Serviceplan Group

WASTECARE is the first skincare product made from industrial wastewater from textile dyeing. The packaging, crafted from layered recycled cardboard, is designed for shipping without additional materials. Inspired by biochemical formulas, its dot-and-line system illustrates Japanese characters, while plant-based ink prints data about sustainable dyeing. The editorial folder’s colour intensifies like AIZOME’s dyeing process, and the custom Ultra One typeface blends ultrasonic waves with traditional Mincho, symbolizing the fusion of science and tradition.

 

 

BRAND IDENTITY & CONNECTED PACKAGING PLATINUM

Pastiglie Leone: La Dolce Vita, Design Bridge and Partners

Capturing the wild imagination of Leone since 1857, the rebrand hints at simpler, happier times, masterfully uniting a complex portfolio steeped in heritage and nostalgia. With the same enticing character, Leone has become a global delight. An Italian sign writers craft brings the identity more stature and recognition. Each pack holds character and quirks inspired from a different style of street sign in Turin (home); iconically consistent yet full of variety across the portfolio.

 

 

FOOD PLATINUM

Hera nei Campi, Multiverse Studio

This rice packaging, designed for three varieties and two sizes, reflects the heritage of the Piana del Sele, near Paestum, known for its ancient Greek temples. The box, inspired by amphorae, invites interaction: pressing a point reveals a jar of rice. The label, resembling a 50cm parchment, tells the legend of Hera through illustrations and typography, combining product details with brand storytelling. The design connects the rice to its origin, blending tradition with a modern user experience.

 

 

HOME, LEISURE & OTHER MARKETS PLATINUM

Matisse's Journey DIY Ornament Kit, Mint Brand Design

This DIY ornament gift box for children draws inspiration from the picture book Journey's Matisse. Featuring elastic bands, the box transforms into a "magic travel trunk," echoing Matisse's journey. Its innovative design allows the box to be pulled open like a drawer or carried around, blending playful interaction with a unique visual experience, offering both creativity and fun.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS PLATINUM

unHIDE, Backbone Branding

The unHIDE Magnifying Glass packaging embraces simplicity and invites discovery. With a minimalist design featuring delicate natural elements, it encourages exploration even before opening. Once revealed, macro illustrations under the magnifying glass bring hidden details to life, reminding us to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature amidst the chaos of modern life.

 

 

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PLATINUM (sponsored by UPM Raflatac)

Wool Gusset Envelope, Woola

Wool Gusset Envelopes were designed to replace plastic bubble mailers, and they offer a sustainable way to ship products safely and deliver a message of sustainability with the parcel. Ecommerce retailers use Wool Gusset Envelopes to ship fragile products such as beauty, skincare, and health goods to their customers.

Wool Envelopes are made of a regenerative waste material, reusable and compostable. They have also launched a pilot circular program in Estonia to let people return the wool inlays to keep the valuable material in the loop.

 

 

NXT-GEN, BEST STUDENT WORK

XUN by Chuxun Yu, Zhuowen Lin and Rongjin Zheng from Guangdong Industry Polytechnic

The brand XUN is inspired by the blush after a glass of wine. The bottle features a playful Tang Dynasty lady whose cheeks blush when touched or heated, thanks to thermochromic paint, adding a fun, interactive ritual. The skeletonized packaging highlights the design and invites consumers to engage with the product.

 

 

Pentawards 2024 Special Award winners

In addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, every year, Pentawards awards special prizes for people who have made remarkable achievements. The special prizes awarded this year include Agency of the Year, Educator of the Year, Best Newcomer, the People's Choice and the NXT-GEN awards.

 

Design Agency of the Year (sponsored by Creative Crowd)

Design Bridge & Partners, United Kingdom

Design Bridge & Partners  wins the Design Agency of the Year after having 10 entries shortlisted, with 8 of them winning a trophy. The awarded designs include Pastiglie Leone: La Dolce Vita (Food Platinum), The Spirit of Heineken (Gold), Tanqueray No. TEN. Cocktail artistry, revealed. (Gold), Hei150ken (Gold) and Laphroaig (Silver).

 

 

Best Newcomer

Retbaa (Senegal) and Kids (Spain)

Senegal and Spain based design agencies Retbaa and Kids have won the Best Newcomer award after having all of their entries winning in their first year's competition. The winning design works are: Designed in Paris, from Africa to the world (Gold) and Sensory Odyssey from Africa to the world (Gold) by Retbaa and Raras by Kids (2 Golds).

 

                        

 

 

Educator of the Year (sponsored by Vital Hardware)

ELISAVA, Spain

This award celebrates the exceptional educators who inspire and support their students to achieve remarkable success in academic and creative endeavours. This year's winner is once again ELISAVA from Spain, with 8 shortlisted works and 4 winning a Pentawards trophy. The winning works are: PIKI (Silver), BAND-AID (Silver), INTIMINA (Bronze), PARALELO CERO (Bronze).

 

 

People's Choice Award

Bananostafido by Loukas Chondros

In addition to the opinions of professional experts, the organization listened to the voice of the public. Twelve designs were selected and put to a vote by the community. Bananostafido, by Loukas Chondros, won the hearts of the people.

 

 

KURZ Best Use of Embellishment Award

For the first time ever, Pentawards has partnered with KURZ to create a brand new Special Award celebrating excellence in embellishment. The awarded designs are YEW'S PATH by Estudio Pablo Guerrero (Gold), Symbiotic wine by BXL (Silver) and CASA MARRAZZO CANNED SERIES by Auge Design (Bronze).

 

 

Founded in 2007, Pentawards is the leading global platform and community for packaging design. With more than 30,000 entrants to the annual competition since its launch from over 90 countries, it has a strong community of global brands, design agencies, students, suppliers and manufacturers. As such, the Pentawards are committed to recognizing design excellence, providing a source of inspiration and connecting the global packaging community through the annual competition, international conferences, digital events and more.

 

https://pentawards.com