AIPIA Brand Challenge 2026 winners drive innovation
Pictured left to right: Dr Russell Sion (CEO, Jenton Dimaco), Clive Stephens, Oleg Rutkowski, Romain Futsch, Aldous Hicks and Sam Murphy - Winners of the AIPIA Brand Challenge 2026. Amsterdam, 21 May 2026
The AIPIA Brand Challenge 2026 has revealed its winners, recognising three breakthrough smart packaging solutions that best addressed Cranswick’s ambitious “Perfect Pack” brief. The challenge took place during the AIPIA & AWA Smart Packaging World Congress in Amsterdam.
Challenge focused on Cranswick’s ‘Perfect Pack’ vision
Cranswick asked innovators to deliver packaging that can verify itself, protect itself, report its condition and connect digitally. The company sought solutions that enhance food safety, extend shelf life, improve traceability and support sustainability.
The brief demanded technologies that work at scale, integrate into real supply chains and meet regulatory expectations. Therefore, the judging panel prioritised innovation with practical impact.
Why the winners were chosen
Following live pitches on 21 May, Cranswick’s evaluation team selected three winners based on innovation, feasibility and real‑world value.
1st Place: Xordex Ventures
Xordex impressed judges with a smart sensing platform that monitors product condition in real time. The system supports freshness verification and early spoilage detection. It also integrates easily into existing lines, which strengthened its feasibility score.
2nd Place: Luchrome
Luchrome delivered a digital traceability solution using advanced marking technology. It enhances authenticity checks and combats counterfeiting. Moreover, its low‑energy process and recyclability benefits aligned strongly with Cranswick’s sustainability goals.
3rd Place: Lasso Loop Recycling
Lasso Loop presented a circular packaging model that improves material recovery and supports closed‑loop recycling. The judges valued its potential to reduce waste and strengthen compliance with future packaging regulations.
Together, the winners demonstrated scalable innovation that can support Cranswick’s long‑term transformation strategy.
AIPIA highlights the power of collaboration
AIPIA emphasised that the challenge once again showcased the strength of collaboration between brand owners and the smart packaging ecosystem. The congress continues to serve as a global platform for next‑generation packaging technologies.
Ricardo Márquez, speaking at the event, noted that these solutions show how industry partnerships accelerate progress across the supply chain.
