Nine breakthrough technologies have been named finalists in the 2026 Technology Excellence Awards, presented by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The awards recognize some of the most innovative packaging and processing technologies making their PACK EXPO International debut.
Three finalists in each of three categories—Food/Beverage, General Packaging & Processing, and Sustainability—will compete for attendee votes during PACK EXPO International, Oct. 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“The Technology Excellence Awards give attendees an opportunity to discover some of the most innovative solutions being introduced at PACK EXPO International and recognize the technologies making a meaningful impact on packaging and processing operations,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “These finalists demonstrate the creativity and ingenuity suppliers are bringing to the industry, and we encourage attendees to see the technologies firsthand and cast their votes.”
2026 Technology Excellence Awards Finalists
Food/Beverage
CUBO with Click In Sealing Lid
Greiner Packaging Corporation
Booth W-46052
DX-Series Digital Printing Direct-to-Shape
Hinterkopf GmbH
Booth W-38056
TAKELAC™ WPB 341: Advanced Water-Based Barrier Coating Technology
Mitsui Chemicals America
Booth W-15107
See the Food/Beverage Finalists in Action
Watch the Food/Beverage finalist video for a closer look at the three technologies competing in this category and the innovations they bring to food and beverage packaging and processing.
General Packaging & Processing
Be-Fill
ZACMI - ZANICHELLI MECCANICA SPA
Booth S-3847
OneLock™ All-in-One Closure
Colorcon
Booth W-23070
PMG RFID FlagTag
PMG Labels
Booth LU-6622
Meet the General Packaging & Processing Finalists
Watch the category video to preview the technologies competing for this year’s award and learn how each solution is advancing packaging and processing capabilities.
Sustainability
DecoFusion™ 100% PCR Tube
Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions
Booth S-3500
ECO LITE Drums
CurTec USA, LLC
Booth W-25056
Intelligent Sustainable Fish Transport System with PetriTag®
Embalagem do Futuro®
Booth LL-9304
Explore the Sustainability Finalists
Watch the Sustainability finalist video to learn more about the three innovations competing in this category and their approaches to advancing more sustainable packaging and processing.
Attendees Choose the Winners
PACK EXPO International attendees have the final say in determining the winners. Voting opens Monday, Oct. 12, and continues through Tuesday, Oct. 20, at noon. Attendees can vote through the PACK EXPO International mobile app or online.
The winning technology in each category will be announced Tuesday afternoon during PACK EXPO International.
Attendees are encouraged to watch the finalist videos before the show, then visit the companies’ booths to experience the technologies firsthand before casting their votes.
The Technology Excellence Awards are part of the extensive innovation on display at PACK EXPO International 2026, taking place Oct. 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event brings together 2,600 exhibitors and professionals from more than 40 vertical industries to explore packaging and processing technologies, machinery in action, materials, education, and networking opportunities.
For more information about the Technology Excellence Awards, to watch the finalist videos, and to vote, visit packexpointernational.com/tea.
For more information and to register for PACK EXPO International 2026, visit packexpointernational.com.
