WINNER 2026
PACKAGING
The project “Tea Gift Set” by SHANG XIA from China is the convincing winner of the packaging category. The jury was particularly impressed by the complexity of the craftsmanship. Made from Gmund Cover Fine Linen, the set stands out for its high-quality finish and the skilful use of various finishing techniques, including delicate hot foil stamping. The design of the box is inspired by traditional Chinese furniture design and combines classic elements with a modern, stylish interpretation. The tone-on-tone color scheme emphasises the harmonious overall effect and lends the project a special elegance. From the first touch to the moment it is opened, the set becomes a holistic experience that reflects the significance of the tea ceremony. The jury awarded this harmony of design, material and function with the highest number of points.
And the Gmund Award goes to: SHANG XIA for the packaging project “Tea gift set”.
BUSINESS
The “Swatch Book 2026 – The Metamorphosis of Paris” by Imprimerie du Marais from France has won first place in the business category. The jury was particularly impressed by the exceptional execution and complex production of a print run of 2,500 copies. The innovative concept for holding individual cards, each of which is uniquely designed and removable, was met with great enthusiasm. The wide variety of printing techniques and papers used, as well as the creative design, were highlighted, as was the precise planning of the entire project. As a sales tool, the work is aimed at international brands and serves as a showcase for the quality and technical expertise of the printer. In terms of content, the project explores the cultural significance of Paris and combines this with a visual journey through various landmarks of the city.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Imprimerie du Marais for the project “Swatch Book 2026 – The Metamorphosis of Paris”.
Another first place in the business category went to the project “BUC-36® – Einfliegerhalle” by the agency grafikatelier Engelke & Neubauer from Germany. The project combines various Gmund papers, such as Gmund Bauhaus Dessau and Gmund Colors Metallic, with different production techniques to create a successful overall presentation. The print is particularly precise and of high quality. The jury praised the clear focus on the target audience. The aesthetic execution and high print quality impressed the jury. Design, concept and use of materials interlock precisely, making the project a coherent communication tool. Used as a functional tool, paper is employed specifically as a medium for conveying information.
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And the Gmund Award goes to: grafikatelier Engelke & Neubauer for the project “BUC-36® – Einfliegerhalle”.
MAILING
The mailing “With Compliments” by Sammartino Arti Grafiche from Italy is the winner in the mailing category. Produced using Gmund Colors Matt and Gmund Used, the project impresses with its particularly skillful use of materials and an exciting combination of paper and print. The elaborately lined envelope construction and the ingenious opening mechanism ensure a unique user experience. A particular eye-catcher is the hot foil placed beneath the perforation, which creates a surprising effect when opened. The creative unfolding in particular piques the viewer’s curiosity, not least because it makes you “look twice to see how it was done”.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Sammartino Arti Grafiche for the mailing “With Compliments”.
PRIVATE
The highest number of points was given to the “Moon Phase Calendar / Wall Calendar” by Bethge Treuleben GmbH from Germany in the private category. The exclusive 2026 Moon Phase Calendar combines artistic design, fine materials and traditional craftsmanship. It is printed on Gmund Moonlight using high-quality hand screen printing and held together by a sturdy hanging mechanism. The jury was particularly impressed by the visual experience. Each page features a unique colour gradient created using metallic pigments, which, in combination with the iridescent surface of Gmund Moonlight, creates a particularly elegant effect. The neon-coloured print on the cover adds a striking accent.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Bethge Treuleben GmbH for “Moon Phase Calendar / Wall Calendar”.
BOOK
The project “FURRER 70”, designed by the Austrian design collective Borovskaya-Brodskaya · Gugg · Mayr, is the winner in the book category. Through the use of six different Gmund Colors shades, a multi-layered work has been created that goes far beyond a traditional book. The elaborately designed slipcase combines two books into a single object. The jury praised the outstanding craftsmanship of the box, with its precise blind embossing on the cover. The well-thought-out composition inside, in which shapes and proportions are carefully coordinated, also received special attention. The combination of materials, design and bookbinding techniques makes this project an outstanding example in the book category.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Borovskaya-Brodskaya · Gugg · Mayr for “FURRER 70”.
ART
The winner of first place in the art category is the art project “TEKTON folded_unfolded” by the artist Lukasz Chrobok from Germany. The work uses Lakepaper Blocker, which was treated in several stages with varnish and ink, thereby becoming an active component of the painting process itself. The result is a unique three-dimensionality and complexity in the work. The surface texture, absorbency and stability of the paper create an intense visual impact, in which the material itself becomes a structured visual reality. The jury described the effect as particularly striking and was very impressed by the three-dimensional structure of the object.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Lukasz Chrobok for “TEKTON folded_unfolded”.
GREEN INNOVATION
The winner in the Green Innovation category is Fritz Kundner GmbH & Co. KG from Germany with its “Leading the Way” project. Commissioned by PRODUCTIONMATTERS and for the client Lufthansa Technik, KUNDNER developed a project whose materials and execution are entirely focused on sustainable packaging solutions. The project utilises Gmund Hanf and Gmund Bio Cycle, whilst deliberately avoiding the use of foils and coating in the finishing process. The jury particularly praised the consistent focus on eco-friendly materials and the high-quality, artisanal craftsmanship down to the last detail. The project also leaves a lasting impression in terms of its tactile qualities and conveys a tangible sense of quality. The focus on a well-thought-out concept, technical precision and a commitment to sustainability makes this entry an outstanding example of forward-thinking use of paper.
And the Gmund Award goes to: Fritz Kundner GmbH & Co. KG for “Leading the Way”.
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