The Gmund Award brings together cultures from around the world

The jury, comprising external and internal industry experts, selected the winners across seven categories. From a total of 343 entries, approximately 180 were nominated. Selected finalists made it through to the final and were presented on stage. Florian Kohler then announced the winners for each category:

Winner of the Packaging category

The “Tea Gift Set” project by SHANG XIA from China is the winner in the Packaging category. The box design 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 particular elegance. Crafted from Gmund Cover Linen 805, the set impresses with its high-quality execution and the skilful use of various finishing techniques, including fine hot foil stamping and closure mechanisms. From the first touch to the moment it is opened, the set becomes a holistic experience that reflects the significance of the tea ceremony. A project using Gmund paper that highlights the significance of China as a design market through culture, creativity and empathy.

The jury awarded this interplay of design, material and function the highest score.

And the Gmund Award goes to: SHANG XIA for the packaging project “Tea Gift Set”.

Winner of the Business category

In the Business category, the “Swatch Book 2026 – The Metamorphosis of Paris” by Imprimerie du Marais from France proved a standout. This project combines French charm with Bavarian craftsmanship. Twenty-five different design creations are brought together in a single book. An exceptional realisation and complex production process for a print run of 2,500 copies. The innovative concept for holding the individual cards, each of which is uniquely designed and removable, was met with great enthusiasm. The comprehensive design of the entire project incorporates printing techniques such as hot foil stamping, screen printing, blind embossing, micro-perforation and much more. As a sales tool, the publication is aimed at international brands and serves as a testament to the quality and technical expertise.

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”.

Winner of the Business category

The project “BUC-36® – Einfliegerhalle” by the German agency grafikatelier Engelke & Neubauer also took first place in the Business category. A listed tower is being transformed into new living space. The modern design is presented to a particularly high standard in two catalogues and a handcrafted case. Three-dimensional foils lend visual depth and invite the viewer to look inside the property. The project combines various Gmund papers, such as Gmund Bauhaus Dessau, Gmund Colors Metallic and Gmund Colors Matt, with finishing techniques such as hot foil stamping and blind embossing to create a successful overall presentation. Design, concept and choice of materials interlock precisely, making the project a coherent communication tool with a clear focus on the target audience. Used as a functional and three-dimensional tool, paper is employed specifically as a medium for conveying information.

And the Gmund Award goes to: grafikatelier Engelke & Neubauer for the project “BUC-36® – Aircraft Hangar”.

Winner of the Mailing category

The jury awarded the highest score in the Mailing category to “With Compliments” by Sammartino Arti Grafiche from Italy. A greeting card that piques the viewer’s curiosity through its creative “unfolding” mechanism, not least because it makes you “look twice to see how it was done”. Produced using Gmund Colors Matt and Gmund Used, the project impressed with its particularly skilful use of materials and an exciting combination of paper and print. Techniques such as two-color hot foil stamping, embossing and debossing were employed. The elaborately lined envelope construction and the ingenious opening mechanism ensure a special user experience. A real eye-catcher is the hot foil placed beneath the perforation, which creates a surprising effect when opened.

And the Gmund Award goes to: Sammartino Arti Grafiche for the “With Compliments” mailing.

Winner of the Private category

The jury selected the “Moon Phase Calendar / Wall Calendar” by Bethge Treuleben GmbH from Germany as the winner of the Private category. The exclusive 2026 Moon Phase Calendar combines artistic design, fine materials and traditional craftsmanship. 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 color gradient of metallic pigments, which, in combination with the iridescent surface of Gmund Moonlight, creates a particularly elegant effect. The neon-colored print on the cover adds a striking accent.

And the Gmund Award goes to: Bethge Treuleben GmbH for “Moon Phase Calendar / Wall Calendar”.

Winner of the Book category

The ‘FURRER 70’ project, designed by the Austrian design collective Borovskaya-Brodskaya · Gugg · Mayr, was named the winner in the Book category. This entry is like a library in a single piece. The intricately designed slipcase combines two books into a single object. What makes the case special is the use of precise blind embossing and the absence of color, allowing the reader to feel what lies ahead. The use of six different Gmund Colors creates a multi-layered work that goes far beyond a classic book. The jury took particular note of the well-thought-out composition inside, where shapes and proportions are carefully coordinated. 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”.

Winner in the Art category

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”.

Winner of the Green Innovation category

The Green Innovation category recognises innovative concepts that address the question: “How can we use paper products sustainably?”

This year’s Gmund Award in the Green Innovation category goes to Fritz Kundner GmbH & Co. KG from Germany for “Leading the Way”. Lufthansa Technik strives to help shape the future of aviation through innovation and responsible action. This packaging was designed for a groundbreaking, non-electric ground marking system called “GuideU”. For the client PRODUCTIONMATTERS and the customer Lufthansa Technik, KUNDNER developed a project whose materials and execution are entirely dedicated to sustainable packaging solutions. Gmund Hemp and Gmund Bio Cycle were used, with a conscious decision to avoid films and varnishes in the finishing process. The jury particularly commended the consistent focus on eco-friendly materials and the high-quality, artisanal craftsmanship down to the last detail. (Offset printing, blind embossing, die-cutting)

The packaging features a sample of the aircraft carpet with a GuideU strip attached, offering potential customers a realistic, tactile experience of the product. 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”.