• Innovative edible fruit packaging solutions, packaging systems that extend the life of products and sustainable technologies with reduced environmental impact were distinguished yesterday, May 12, at the 26th edition of Interpack, the most important international fair dedicated to the packaging and processing industry.
The awards event brought together the winners of the SAVE FOOD project competition and the SAVE FOOD Design Awards and Sustainability Design Awards, providing a concrete impetus for reducing food losses and waste along the entire value chain.
The winning project of the SAVE FOOD 2026 competition
The big winner of this year's project competition is Trueways Enterprises, with the project "Edible Primary Packaging Innovation Pilot", carried out in partnership with the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya. The initiative proposes the development of an edible primary packaging based on fruit (fruit leather), obtained from surplus or unmarketable fruit. The innovative solution aims to simultaneously reduce post-harvest losses and packaging waste, offering a viable alternative to conventional plastic.
The project effectively acts on several segments of the value chain: it minimizes post-harvest losses, eliminates packaging waste and creates new opportunities for small and medium-sized companies. The winner also benefits from financial support for the further development and practical implementation of the solution.
SAVE FOOD Design Awards
In the Design Awards category, which rewards complete solutions that contribute to reducing food waste – from materials and technologies to integrated concepts – the following were awarded:
- Grupolantero / LANINVER
- Greiner Packaging
- Innoscentia
Their solutions focus on superior protection of sensitive products, extending shelf life and reducing spoilage through innovative packaging concepts, thus contributing to reducing losses in the handling, transport and consumption stages.
Sustainability Design Awards – recognition for environmental impact
The Sustainability Design Awards were given to companies that develop products, machines, systems and services with a reduced carbon footprint and positive impact on the environment:
- ALFA MACHINE Kourtoglou
- IRPLAST
- AeroFlexx Packaging Company
The focus fell on material efficiency, recyclability and flexible packaging solutions that balance ecological requirements with functional and economic ones.
The award ceremony took place during SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, a session dedicated to dialogue between experts from business, science and practice, aimed at identifying current challenges and practical solutions for combating food loss.
About the SAVE FOOD initiative
Launched in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf and Interpack, the SAVE FOOD initiative works in partnership with prestigious organizations such as FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), UN Environment, World Packaging Organization (WPO) and UNIDO. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, the initiative promotes innovations in the packaging industry as a key tool in reducing food waste globally.
Through these awards, SAVE FOOD consolidates its role as an international platform that connects innovation, cooperation and concrete solutions for a more responsible consumption of resources.
More details about the initiative are available on the official website: www.save-food.de.
Article source: Press Release Interpack 2026, Photo: Credit: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann
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