Competition schedule

Apr 23, 2025 – Opening of applications.

Aug 11, 2025 – Beginning of the study of registered packaging exhibits by an expert jury.

Aug 14, 2025 – Closing date for applications.

Aug 22, 2025 – Last day for delivery of sample packaging exhibit (outside the agreement).

Aug 26 - 28, 2025 – Evaluation by an expert jury. The jury evaluates packaging from the point of view of innovation, product protection, user requirements and environmental impact, as well as in terms of legislation and marketing.

Aug 28, 2025 – Informal After Party. For applicants, jury and friends of packaging. The winners of the competition will be informally announced at the After Party.

Sep 13, 2025 – Delivery of documents for the trophies of the awarded exhibits.

Oct 16, 2025 – Ceremony of awarding the winning exhibits and presentation of trophies and certificates

From the moment of registration until August 2025 – Promotion and presentation of the competition finalists.

See the OBAL ROKU winners

Discover the award-winning entries from the competition, selected for their exceptional level of design, innovative approach and overall quality of execution. Each of these packages represents the pinnacle of contemporary packaging design and makes a significant contribution to the development of the entire industry.

See awarded entries

Awards ceremony

Representatives of the companies whose exhibits won awards in the Obal roku 2025 competition will be presented with trophies and certificates at the Packaging Gala Evening in October 2025. During the gala evening, the winners of the gold, silver and bronze Jury Chairwoman's Award and other special awards will be announced.

Organization of the competition

Iva Werbynská: +420 730 173 101, iva.werbynska@syba.cz

Terms and Conditions

Categories

Entries are broken down by area of ​​use into categories:

Special awards

  • Award of the Minister of the Environment

The award given by the Minister of the Environment, Mr. Petr Hladik

  • Jury President's Prize

The Best Of The Best of three TOP packaging solutions; gold, silver and bronze versions.

  • Packaging Print Prize
Patronage:

Prize for exceptional quality / innovation in packaging printing.

  • Sustainability Award
Patronage:

The best packaging in terms of recyclability, sortability, reusability.

Evaluation criteria

In the OBAL ROKU competition, submitted packaging solutions are evaluated based on several key criteria that reflect various aspects of packaging design, innovation, and sustainability.

Updated evaluation criteria More about the competition

Each of these criteria plays a key role in evaluating the entries in the OBAL ROKU competition. The complexity of the evaluation lies in the varying weight of these criteria across different categories. Participants should take all aspects into account when designing their packaging in order to achieve the most comprehensive assessment possible. The goal is for packages that earn the OBAL ROKU title to be truly unique in the Czech-Slovak region and capable of succeeding internationally—ultimately having the potential to win the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Innovation

This criterion evaluates originality and creativity in packaging design, including the innovative use of materials and technologies. It assesses the uniqueness of the idea and its ability to stand out from market competition. Applicants may include not only innovative design elements, but—if justified—this criterion may also consider innovation in terms of material or energy savings, and similar aspects.

Functionality

This criterion assesses the practicality of the packaging, its ease of handling, and usability for the end user. Important aspects include ergonomics, safety, and user comfort when handling the package. Attention is also paid to the proper display of mandatory information and the emphasis on marketing functions. Evaluation includes whether the packaging fulfills the purpose it was designed for: protection, handling and transport, information, and marketing. This category also considers compliance with regulations, particularly if the packaging is subject to legislation (e.g., food contact, Packaging Act, etc.).

Technical Workmanship

This criterion includes the quality of the material, the construction of the packaging, and its functionality. It also evaluates the manufacturing design in accordance with available technologies. Assessed are the packaging’s stability, durability, and longevity, as well as the precision and quality of execution. If the emphasis is on materials, their properties must be substantiated by technical data sheets, test reports from certified laboratories, etc. The technical design and functionality of the exhibit should align with the description and specifications presented.

Design and Structural Form

This criterion evaluates the graphic and/or structural design of the packaging, its visual and aesthetic value in relation to the target group it is intended for, and with regard to the function of the packaging (see Functionality) and the type of packaging (retail, grouped, transport). The packaging’s ability to reflect brand identity and appeal to customers is important.

Logistics and Supply Chain Impact

The evaluation considers packaging properties that affect the supply chain and logistics processes and flows. Assessment should reflect the benefits from the perspective of the recipient of the packaging solution or innovation. Key logistics aspects include storage, transport, and handling.
Packaging properties and specifications: dimensions, shape, strength.
Resistance to damage from climatic and mechanical influences.
Dimensional compatibility with transportation vehicles, storage systems, and other logistics standards.
Suitability for transportation, handling, and storage: labeling, handling methods, stackability, and compliance with regulations governing international transport (e.g., hazardous goods). If test results are presented (e.g., drop tests, vibration tests), applicants must provide relevant certificates, technical data sheets, etc.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Sustainability is evaluated based on the eco-design of the packaging, i.e., efforts to prevent waste by reducing material resources, energy, and water usage, as well as the recyclability of the packaging (including consumer sorting and compatibility with sorting lines). Social responsibility is evaluated in packaging with a charitable or social outreach component.

Critical packaging functions

In striving for maximum sustainability, we must not forget the basic functions of packaging: product protection, easy handling, user comfort, transportation, and sales—as a marketing tool. Also important are technical feasibility and the required volume of information on the package. On the other side of the scale is minimizing the environmental impact of the packaging.

Apply to the competition

The name of the competition does not translate into English or other languages. When used in English texts, the award may be emphasised by a description, for example:

....our packaging is a winner of the Czech and Slovak packaging competition OBAL ROKU.

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