At the heart of this edition lies sustainability as a driver of transformation across the entire value chain.
Packaging Première Milan 2026 confirms its role as a leading reference point for the global packaging community, bringing together designers, brands and innovators from 19–21 May at Allianz MiCo, Milan, to explore the future of luxury packaging with sustainability at its core.
As highlighted by Lara Castagna, Head of Event at Packaging Première Milan, the annual event continues to anticipate key industry trends:
“Sustainability has evolved into a foundational principle - no longer an add-on - but embedded within industrial design and conceived for scalability. Materials are advancing along two complementary paths: the development of bio-based solutions, and the creation of high sensory-impact surfaces.”
Award-winning sustainable solutions leading the way
Among the standout initiatives, the Avant-Garde Award celebrates cutting-edge solutions in luxury packaging across design, sustainability and innovative materials. This year, for the Sustainability Category, the jury awarded “Vela” by Seaman Paper, a recycled paper solution designed for logistics, offering a scalable alternative to plastic bags. Other notable Sustainability projects include “Mater” by Piantami, a plantable label with seeds; “Kind/linen” by Icma, made from 100% recycled fibers without bleaching; “Mea” by Dafne Sechi, a refillable cork system; “Sustainable Shine” by CCL Label, reducing emissions while maintaining premium finishes; and G&Co’s emw0261, a plastic-free, carbon-neutral material.
Conferences and industry insights
Sustainability also takes center stage in the conference programme across the Trend Hall and Future Stage, featuring leading brands such as Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, Barilla, Bauli Group, Cantina Mezzacorona and more. On 20 May, the Future Stage will be entirely dedicated to sustainability topics, fostering dialogue between brands, experts and startups.
Meanwhile, the Trend Hall will host exclusive case studies and forward-looking insights, including “The New Balance of Luxury Packaging”, where Luca Amato, Head of Packaging Innovation and Quality at Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, together with the Istituto Italiano Imballaggio, will present environmental guidelines for luxury packaging supported by real case studies. The programme will also feature “Design That Reflects the Future: Light, Materials, Sustainability” with Massimiliano Ferrari (Barilla), exploring how material innovation is shaping the next generation of packaging, and “Inclusive Design: Designing for True Diversity” by internationally renowned designer Juan Campdera, offering a broader perspective on responsible and human-centred design. The full conference programme is available on the event’s website.
New for 2026, the Discovery Zone will spotlight emerging startups, advanced materials and breakthrough technologies, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Packaging Première Milan 2026 is more than an exhibition: it is where ideas, materials and visions converge to redefine the future of luxury packaging. From award-winning sustainable solutions to high-level conferences and emerging innovations, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insights into how the industry is evolving - and where it is heading next.
For brands, designers and packaging professionals, it is an unmissable platform to connect with key players, discover scalable sustainable solutions and be inspired by the projects that are setting new standards.
Register now for free with code 1071 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable luxury packaging.
