The search begins for print’s most innovative projects
By Joanna Cummings and Aultrin Vijay
Open to publishers, printers, advertisers, technology providers, logistics partners and other stakeholders across the media ecosystem, the Print and Sustainability Awards recognise projects that are helping shape the future of print.
Winners will be announced at our World Printers Summit in Rotterdam, where industry leaders will gather to discuss the future of print and distribution.
The 2026 competition focuses on five areas where innovation is driving change across the industry.
The Print-Digital Fusion Award recognises projects that combine the strengths of print and digital platforms, from QR-enabled experiences to augmented reality and cross-platform storytelling.
The Next Gen Reader Engagement Award focuses on initiatives designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z readers, through new formats, educational partnerships and fresh approaches to storytelling.
Sustainability remains a key priority for many organisations. The Sustainable Print Excellence Award highlights efforts to reduce environmental impact through materials, energy use, production processes and circular economy initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Supply Chain Innovator Award acknowledges improvements in the systems that support publishing and distribution, recognising projects that make operations more efficient, resilient and sustainable.
The Print Advertising Creativity Award celebrates innovative advertising approaches that demonstrate the continuing value of print as a marketing platform.
Sarah Lesting, Director of World Printers Forum and DistriPress, said, “The print ecosystem thrives when we work together, innovate, and share our successes. That’s exactly what the WAN-IFRA Print and Sustainability Awards are all about. This year, we have 5 amazing categories designed to welcome everyone in our community – from publishers and printers to distributors and service providers.”
“If you deal with the printed medium, your story matters to us, and we want to hear from you. Let’s celebrate print together! Winners will gain invaluable exposure, being showcased at our World Printers Summit in Rotterdam, featured in our annual Print and Distribution report, and immortalised as winning cases in our resource library. Enter today and let us shine a light on your impact,” Lesting added.
For more information, visit https://www.wan-ifra-printforward.org/printandsustainabilityawards
Jury Chairwoman Gundula Ullah on what makes an award-winning entry
We asked jury chair Gundula Ullah what the jury is looking for and why more organisations should be putting themselves forward.
WAN-IFRA: Why do awards like this matter to the industry right now?
Gundula Ullah: Our industry is in the middle of a fundamental transformation – operationally, economically, and in terms of its societal role. Awards like these matter because they make progress visible. They show that transformation is not an abstract concept, but something that is already happening – in newsrooms, printing plants, and distribution networks around the world. Print remains a highly relevant medium. The question is not whether it has a future, but how we shape that future to be both sustainable and resilient. Recognising and sharing success stories is critical. What may feel like a small operational improvement internally can be a breakthrough insight for someone else.
“The question is not whether it has a future, but how we shape that future to be both sustainable and resilient.”
What makes a strong entry?
A strong entry goes beyond a good idea, and demonstrates execution and impact. We are looking for initiatives that combine creativity with tangible results. That means clear KPIs, data-backed outcomes, and a transparent link between the initiative and its business or sustainability impact. Equally important is relevance: does the project address a real challenge in our industry? And can it serve as a blueprint for others? The most compelling submissions are those that connect innovation with measurable progress.
“These awards are not just about celebrating excellence. They are about building a shared knowledge base for the industry.”
Is there anything you’d particularly like to say to WAN-IFRA members who are considering entering?
Don’t underestimate the value of what you have already achieved. Many organisations hesitate because they believe their initiatives are “not big enough” or “not innovative enough.” In reality, some of the most impactful solutions are pragmatic, scalable improvements that deliver consistent results over time. If your project has created measurable impact – whether through efficiency gains, emission reductions, new business models, or audience growth – it is worth sharing. These awards are not just about celebrating excellence. They are about building a shared knowledge base for the industry. So my message is simple: if you have a story with substance, submit it.
What does the jury process look like this year?
The entry phase runs from 1 June to 31 July 2026, after which the jury will have approximately four weeks to evaluate submissions against the criteria set out in the official rules and regulations. Assessment will focus on three core dimensions: innovation, measurable impact, and scalability. We are not only looking at what has been done, but how effectively it creates value – whether in sustainability, operational excellence, or audience engagement. Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Forum Session in Rotterdam in October 2026.
Read more: Winners of the 2025 Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards announced at World Printers Summit
Recognising progress across the industry
The awards are open to organisations worldwide, regardless of WAN-IFRA membership. Entries are evaluated by an international panel of experts representing different parts of the media value chain, ensuring projects are assessed from multiple perspectives.
Beyond selecting winners, the awards also share examples of innovation to inspire organisations facing similar challenges.
Whether through new reader engagement strategies, sustainability initiatives or operational improvements, the entries collectively provide insight into how the industry is responding to change.
