WAN-IFRA Print and Sustainability Awards

WAN-IFRA Print and Sustainability Awards 2026

Elevate Your Impact

In an era of rapid transformation, the WAN-IFRA Print & Sustainability Awards celebrate the visionaries who are redefining the boundaries of the printed word. These awards are not just a competition; they are a global benchmark for excellence, designed to shine a spotlight on the projects that are driving our industry into a more resilient, creative, and sustainable future.

Who can enter?

We believe that innovation has no borders and no barriers. These awards are open to the entire media ecosystem. Whether you are a publisher, a printer, a logistics partner, a tech provider, or an advertiser, if you have been involved in a project that fits the remit of our five categories, we want to hear from you.

There are no limitations: Participation is open to all companies worldwide – you do not need to be a WAN-IFRA member to enter.

Why take part?

Beyond the trophy, entering these awards offers unparalleled international recognition and prestige. It is an opportunity to benchmark your work against the world’s best, boosting your organization’s reputation and validating your team’s hard work on a global stage.

How will this be judged?

To ensure the highest standards of integrity and industry relevance, entries are evaluated by an expert panel of jurors representing every corner of the media ecosystem.

The jury is headed by Gundula Ullah (Chairwoman of the Jury). As the Head of Sustainability at Funke Media, Gundula is a leading voice in the transition toward greener media. She is deeply passionate about promoting success stories in print and is looking forward to sharing the most impactful entries with her fellow jury members to identify the projects truly shaping our industry’s future.

The Winner’s Platform

Winning a Print & Sustainability Award provides a legacy that extends far beyond the ceremony. Our winners receive a comprehensive package of visibility and networking:

The Main Stage in Rotterdam: Winners will be honored during the Print Forward Session in Rotterdam. This high-profile event is attended by over 300 print and distribution specialists at the collaborative World Printers Summit & DistriPress Congress.
The VIP Experience: As a guest of honor, you will be invited to the VIP area of our exclusive World Printers Forum social event on Monday, 5th October. Held at the Rotterdam Zoo, you will have a “front and foremost” view of the stunning shark tank – the perfect backdrop for celebrating your achievement with industry leaders.
Annual Industry Coverage: Your winning project will be featured in our prestigious annual Print & Distribution Report, published in December and distributed to global decision-makers.
The Knowledge Hub & Social Reach: Post-event, we will conduct in-depth interviews with winners to be featured on the WAN-IFRA Knowledge Hub. We will also produce and showcase “soundbites” of these recordings across our social media channels, ensuring your innovation reaches a massive digital audience.

Don’t let your best work go unnoticed. Join us and let your success story inspire the global media industry.

Participation is confidential. WAN-IFRA will only publish the names of award winners.

Which categories can you enter?

1. Print-Digital Fusion Award
Honouring projects that blend print with digital tools like AR, QR, apps or cross-platform storytelling.
Ideal for publishers, editorial teams and tech partners.

2. Next Gen Reader Engagement Award
Celebrates print products that successfully reach Gen Z and younger audiences through bold formats, storytelling and educational partnerships.
Open to publishers, editors and content creators focused on youth.

3. Sustainable Print Excellence Award
Recognises outstanding environmental efforts in print production—from materials to energy use and circular systems.
For publishers, printers, suppliers and eco-driven collaborations.

4. Supply Chain Innovator Award
Showcases innovation in the publishing supply chain—making it smarter, cleaner and more efficient.
Targeted at logistics partners, suppliers and tech-enabled publishers.

5. Print Advertising Creativity Award
Rewards standout print ad campaigns that engage, surprise and deliver results using unique formats or technologies.
For publishers, printers and advertisers driving creative impact.

Price for processing each entry is 150 Euros

Entry Round: 1 June – 31 July 2026
Jury Evaluation: 3 August – 28 August 2026
Awards Ceremony: 5 October 2026 at the World Printers Summit in Rotterdam

More information and registration here.

Winners of the past Print and Sustainability Awards

Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards Winners 2025.

Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards Winners 2024.

Print Innovation Awards Winners 2021.

Print Innovation Awards Winners 2020.

Print Innovation Awards Winners 2019.

Print Innovation Awards Winners 2018.

Photo gallery of the Berlin Publishing Night and the video of the evening event.

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