Labels & Labeling, the editorial partner of Loupe Global (formerly Labelexpo) has announced the winners of this year’s Labels & Labeling Global Awards.
Held on the opening day of Loupe Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on 15 September, the awards brought together industry leaders and visionaries to recognize standout achievements across five categories: Innovation, Sustainability – both converter and supplier categories, Converter of the Year, and Future Leader.
The Innovation award went to AVT for its Helios Varnish Inspection Module, a technology that enables converters to inspect clear varnish during high-speed production. This award recognizes a specific, groundbreaking innovation that is new, novel, functional, and impactful to the wider label and package printing industries.
In the Sustainability award category, both converter and supplier nominees were considered for products or processes that reduce environmental impact or advance a circular economy.
The Sustainability Converter award was presented to Brook + Whittle for its GreenLabel BlockOut recyclable light-blocking shrink sleeve, which blocks up to 99 percent of light while keeping containers clear and recyclable.
The Sustainability Supplier award went to Siegwerk for its high-barrier mono-layer polypropylene pouch developed with Enplanter.
Kentucky-based converter Steinhauser won the Converter of the Year award, while the Future Leader award was presented to Rachel Jackson, vice president of operations at Columbine Label in Centennial, Colorado.
The judging panel included Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of Loupe Global; Mark Glendenning, owner and CEO of Inland and chair of TLMI; Dana Kilárska, CEO of Purgina and president of FINAT; Shawn Oetjen, director of operational excellence at Meyers and FTA executive board member; and Chelsea McDougall, editor of Labels & Labeling.
Chelsea McDougall said, “The selection process for this year’s Labels & Labeling Global Awards was especially challenging. We received a high volume of entries that set an exceptionally high bar for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the label and package printing value chain. The winners represent the best of the best in their field, and the recognitions are well deserved.”
Andy Thomas-Emans said it was a pleasure to chair the judging panel. As well as representing TLMI, FINAT and FTA, Mark, Dana and Shawn all brought to bear their extensive real-world experience as label and package print converters, which is invaluable in choosing winning technologies which move the industry forward in the real world.
“The breadth of entries, from breakthrough inspection technologies to recyclable materials and standout converter performance shows an industry innovating at pace and scale highlighting a deep commitment to excellence. Many congratulations to all winners and finalists.”
