Best Use of Embellishment Award: LEONHARD KURZ and Pentawards enter the third round together

Fürth/Germany, February 17, 2026: LEONHARD KURZ and Pentawards will once again present the Best Use of Embellishment Award for outstanding finishing in packaging design in 2026. After two successful editions, the joint project is now entering its third round. The award is an integral part of the Pentawards competition and is aimed at brands, agencies, and designers from around the world.

Award for outstanding finishing in packaging design

For the third time, KURZ and Pentawards are presenting the Best Use of Embellishment Award for the targeted use of finishing and design in a holistic packaging concept. The partner award recognizes projects in which embellishment is used not only as a decorative element, but as a functional and conceptual component of a brand and design strategy. The Best Use of Embellishment Award is not a separate category of the Pentawards - the winners are selected from all submitted projects.

This award is of great significance to KURZ: All nominated projects impressively demonstrate how versatile, creative, and differentiated finishing or blind embossing can be incorporated into an overall packaging concept. The works nominated and awarded to date highlight how embellishment helps to precisely communicate product features and brand messages, and support a consistent brand image. A large number of entries are once again expected for this year's Pentawards. "For this special award, the jury will pay particular attention to the outstanding use of embellishments that are an integral part of the overall design. It is precisely this creativity and pursuit of quality that aims to redefine excellence in finishing and thus create an emotional connection that makes the design unforgettable," says Julia König, Head of Design Packaging and Print at KURZ.

Design and innovation in packaging finishing

As a global specialist in surface finishing and thin-film technology, KURZ stands for design expertise, technological innovation, and sustainable solutions in packaging finishing. The ‘Best Use of Embellishment Award’ reflects this claim by honoring design ideas that combine technical expertise with creative quality. Through its partnership with Pentawards, KURZ is also positioning itself as an active participant in the international discourse on packaging design and finishing.

This year there is a special reason to celebrate, as the Pentawards are celebrating their 20th anniversary. Pentawards was founded in 2007 with the aim of recognizing outstanding achievements in design, serving as a source of inspiration, and connecting the global packaging industry. Since then, the competition has developed into the world's most prestigious platform for packaging design. In just 19 years, the annual Pentawards competition has received over 36,000 submissions from more than 95 countries. The award-winning entries have made a name for themselves internationally and are having a lasting impact on the development of the packaging industry. The competition is complemented by international conferences, events, and a strong global network of brands, agencies, students, and packaging experts.

Every year, an international jury of over 50 high-caliber design and industry experts from around the world faces the challenging task of unanimously deciding which packaging designs are universally convincing and deserve to receive an award. "Reaching our 20th anniversary is a significant milestone for Pentawards and for the global packaging design community. This year we’re looking forward to celebrating how far the industry has come while continuing to challenge what great packaging design can be," says Adam Ryan, Head of Pentawards. He added: "With incredible jury line-up from the likes of LEGO, PepsiCo, Tom Ford Beauty and Microsoft, categories that push boundaries and special awards, such as the Best Use of Embellishment that celebrate true craft and creativity in the industry, it’s set to be our most exciting year yet."

Participation and award ceremony 2026

The Pentawards ceremony will take place in October, bringing together creatives, brands, and packaging industry players from around the world to celebrate the award-winning work. In 2026, the Best Use of Embellishment Award will once again be presented at this prestigious event. Projects can be submitted until March 27, 2026. Entries for the Pentawards competition – and thus also for the Best Use of Embellishment Award – can be submitted as part of the regular Pentawards registration process. Further information on the conditions of participation, categories, and submission deadlines can be found on the official Pentawards website.