What is the OBAL ROKU competition?
OBAL ROKU is the only packaging competition in the Czech Republic and Slovakia certified by the global organization World Packaging Organisation (WPO). This means that by succeeding in the OBAL ROKU competition, you gain the opportunity to enter your packaging into the global WorldStar Packaging Awards.
OBAL ROKU annually recognizes innovation, functionality, design, and sustainability across various industry categories. The competition provides a platform for companies, designers, and manufacturers who wish to showcase their solutions, receive expert feedback, and increase their visibility in the market.
Who can submit packaging to the competition?
Any legal or natural person who is the author, manufacturer, client, or user of a packaging solution, or who brings it to market, may enter the competition.
Companies, designers, packaging manufacturers, brands, and students may apply – either individually or in collaboration. The condition is that the packaging must already be implemented or introduced to the market by the time the jury convenes.
When does the next year of the competition take place?
The OBAL ROKU competition takes place annually according to a set schedule. Applications are usually open in the spring, and jury evaluation takes place during the summer months. The official awards ceremony is held in the autumn.
Exact dates for the current edition can be found in the Schedule section or in the Competition Terms document.
How can I enter my packaging in the competition?
Registration is done online via an electronic form on the competition website. Simply fill in the required information about the packaging you are applying for, attach photo documentation, pay the registration fee and send a sample of the packaging for evaluation by a professional jury.
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation and further instructions. For evaluation by an expert jury, it is necessary to provide or lend a sample of the registered packaging.
The application form can be found in the Application section. Detailed instructions are available in the Competition Terms or in the Evaluation process.
The application deadline is Jul 31, 2026.
How much does it cost to participate in the competition?
The amount of the registration fee depends on the type of applicant (SYBA member, SČMVD), special offers for specific categories, or the number of submitted packaging entries.
Current rates are listed in the Registration Fee section of the Competition Terms or directly in the application form.
How is packaging evaluated?
Registered packaging is evaluated by an independent expert jury composed of professionals from the packaging industry, design, marketing, printing, and sustainability sectors.
The jury assesses innovation, functionality, technical execution, graphic design, sustainability, and the overall value of the solution for the relevant market or segment.
Each entrant also has the opportunity to personally present their packaging to the jury – either in person at the evaluation site or via an online presentation. This option is voluntary but can help better explain the context, purpose, and benefits of the packaging.
Each packaging entry is evaluated individually, and jury members vote anonymously. The results are announced at a ceremonial gala evening.
You can learn about the criteria used by the expert jury on the Evaluation Process page.
What are the benefits of winning the competition?
Winning the OBAL ROKU competition brings significant benefits in terms of marketing, prestige, and professional growth:
- Eligibility for nomination to the prestigious international WorldStar Packaging Award organized by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
- The right to use the OBAL ROKU trademark – including the official logo – in marketing materials, on packaging, and in business communication.
- Publication of the awarded packaging on the official competition website, where it serves as inspiration and a reference for the entire industry.
- Increased brand credibility and market visibility, both among customers and within the professional community.
- Expert feedback from a jury composed of professionals from the packaging industry.
The winning packaging is officially announced at a gala ceremony where the awards are presented.
What is the WorldStar Packaging Awards and how do I enter?
The WorldStar Packaging Awards is the most prestigious global packaging competition, organized by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). Each year, it honors the best packaging solutions from around the world – with a focus on innovation, functionality, sustainability, and global impact.
It is not possible to enter the competition directly as an individual or company – participation is only possible through a nomination from a national or regional competition accredited by the WPO.
OBAL ROKU is the only competition in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with this accreditation. This means that winning an award in OBAL ROKU automatically gives you the opportunity to be nominated for the WorldStar Packaging Awards.
Can we submit multiple packages or a series of packages?
Yes, it is possible to submit multiple individual packaging entries.
It is also possible to submit a series of packages or a product line that shares a common design or structural solution. Such a series or product line is considered a single competition entry.
Each submitted package or series must be listed as a separate item in the application and must meet the the conditions of the competition.
When submitting multiple entries, a volume discount may apply – see the REGISTRATION FEE section in the competition Terms and Conditions.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the OBAL ROKU competition organizing team. We’ll be happy to assist you with the application, rules, or technical requirements.
Email: iva.werbynska@syba.cz
Phone: +420 730 173 101
In which categories can I submit packaging?
Each packaging entry can be submitted in one category that best corresponds to its function and purpose.
The OBAL ROKU competition includes a wide range of categories, which you can find in the Categories section on the Year 2026 page.
Does the packaging have to be already on the market, or is a prototype enough?
Packaging can be submitted to the OBAL ROKU competition if it is already available on the market or will be launched before the jury session – meaning it must be fully prepared for practical use.
The solution must be realistically manufacturable and verified – not just a graphic design or visualization. The jury evaluates physical samples, so the packaging must be available in tangible form.
Can packaging created for a foreign client also be entered into the competition?
Yes, packaging created for a foreign client can be entered into the OBAL ROKU competition – provided it was developed, designed, or manufactured in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, possibly in cooperation with entities from these countries, or is intended for the Czech or Slovak market.
s it possible to enter a package that has already competed in the past?
Yes, packaging that has previously participated in the competition can be resubmitted – provided it has undergone a significant change or innovation that distinguishes it from the original solution.
This may include changes in structure, materials, design, functionality, or sustainability. The application should clearly describe this change and explain why resubmission is relevant.
Packaging that has already received an OBAL ROKU award in previous years cannot be resubmitted in the same form.
How should I prepare the packaging for the jury – what must be included in the delivered sample?
Each competition entry must be delivered in physical form – ideally in at least 3 samples, unless otherwise agreed with the organizer (e.g. for oversized or specific types of packaging). At least one of the samples should include the product, so the jury can assess the packaging’s functionality and interaction with its contents.
Samples should be as representative as possible.
The delivery should include:
- complete packaging samples (including all components that form the final solution),
- at least one sample with the product inside,
- a brief description of the packaging’s function and benefits, if these are not evident from the sample itself,
- documentation – such as a Declaration of Conformity or other relevant technical or material information,
- optionally, supporting images, videos, or specifications that help the jury better understand the innovation, structure, or sustainability aspects.
The goal is to enable the jury to evaluate the packaging in terms of functionality, design, sustainability, construction, and its benefits for users or logistics. Remember – a well-prepared sample greatly facilitates the evaluation process.
Will I get feedback from the jury?
Yes. During the presentation, you will receive direct feedback from the jury, and within two weeks after the evaluation, we will send you a report that will include, among other things, the number of points awarded.
When and where will the results be announced?
The results of the OBAL ROKU competition are unofficially announced at the After-party following the last day of packaging evaluation by the expert jury (Aug 27, 2026).
The official results will be announced at the OBAL ROKU Gala Evening, which traditionally takes place on October 2026 in Prague. Along with the announcement of results and the presentation of awards and diplomas, special awards will also be announced and presented at the Gala Evening.
The exact date and location are listed in the Schedule section, and applicants are informed by email.
How can I leverage the OBAL ROKU award in marketing?
Winning OBAL ROKU opens new opportunities
Receiving the OBAL ROKU award is more than just a trophy – it is a recognized mark of quality, innovation, and trust. A winning package becomes a business card of the brand and a powerful communication tool across the market. Companies can fully capitalize on their success – and we offer extensive support to help them do just that.
What does the OBAL ROKU award bring you?
✅ Prestige and credibility:
The OBAL ROKU logo on packaging, in catalogs, advertising, and on your website sets your product apart from the competition and strengthens the perception of quality among customers, partners, and investors.
✅ Media visibility:
You’ll receive a press release and media support from the organizer, exposure on the competition’s website and social media, and the opportunity to share your story with the professional community.
✅ Nomination for a global competition:
Winning packages advance to the prestigious international WorldStar Packaging Awards, where they have a chance to succeed on a global stage.
✅ Marketing potential:
The award can be used in various ways – for example, in limited edition packaging featuring the award logo, social media campaigns, or as part of corporate podcasts, webinars, or case studies.
✅ Sales support:
The award boosts trust in tenders, facilitates negotiations with distributors and suppliers, and serves as a strong argument when entering new markets.
✅ Inspiration and education:
The presentation of the award-winning packaging can be part of training sessions, workshops, and CSR activities – whether aimed at customers, employees, or industry professionals.
Examples of how the award can be used:
- A QR code on the packaging linking to a video telling the award story
- Unboxing videos with influencers and brand ambassadors
- Joint PR activities among winners within the Czech packaging industry
- Displaying the packaging in showrooms and trade fairs
- Use in grant and innovation applications as proof of high-quality design
- References for B2B tenders
- Incorporating the award in intranet and HR communications
An OBAL ROKU winner is not just packaging. It is a story of success, innovation, and a responsible approach to packaging.
Apply now and unlock the full potential of the competition.
Can we compete as a team or multiple authors?
Yes, it is possible to submit packaging created by a team or multiple authors in the OBAL ROKU competition. The applicant is usually the company registering the packaging for the competition. To properly acknowledge all members of the creative team, the application form includes fields to list the individuals or entities involved in the packaging’s development.
The evaluation focuses primarily on the overall result and creativity of the collaborative work, rather than on individual authors. Teamwork is standard and welcomed in the field of packaging design.
Is there an official logo for the competition that the winners can use?
Yes, the winners of the OBAL ROKU competition have access to the official winner’s logo, which they can use to promote their awarded works. The use of the logo is subject to compliance with established rules and graphic guidelines that ensure a consistent and professional presentation of the competition’s brand.
The logos are available in the Download section.