The annual Finat Label Competition enters its 46th edition and, according to the organiser, remains consistently popular among label printers worldwide. For label producers, it is an opportunity to promote and highlight the advantages and applications of self-adhesive labels as a marketing, promotional or identification tool, and at the same time a chance to obtain global recognition from the international label industry for their achievements. The competition covers self-adhesive labels and narrow web flexible packaging with a width of up to 570 mm, focusing on print quality, innovation and technical performance of the printing and converting solutions used. The organiser emphasises that Finat awards are widely regarded in the community as one of the most important distinctions for label printers and narrow web packaging converters.
Scope and significance of the competition
Finat describes its awards as an endorsement of quality, innovation and technical excellence that can help attract new business, build recognition in key end-use sectors and strengthen employee pride and motivation. The competition highlights the capabilities of self-adhesive labels and narrow web flexible packaging, while encouraging printers to push technical and creative boundaries.
The communication stresses that the competition aims to recognise the craft, innovation and versatility that drive the label industry forward. Entries are evaluated in terms of print quality, level of detail, reproduction of graphics, selection of materials and fitness for the final product's marketing or identification function.
Benefits of participation and exposure for winners
The organiser indicates that participation in the competition provides measurable exposure for award-winning companies. Winning entries are widely presented in international label trade media, on the Finat website and in the association's publications, with additional opportunities for coverage in local and business press. Selected winning works will be showcased at the European Label Forum, which will take place from 27 to 29 May in Seville.
Finat also reports that some winners may be nominated to represent the association in the L9 World Label Awards 2026. This international competition will be judged prior to the LOUPE event (previously known as Labelexpo) Americas scheduled for September. As a result, awarded entries gain an opportunity for additional global visibility in the label and packaging sector.
Entry rules and jury expectations
Small, medium-sized and multinational enterprises operating in label printing are invited to participate in the competition. Finat encourages companies to submit their most innovative concepts and designs with high graphic quality. The organiser notes that entries should represent the best projects executed in the given period, both in technical and functional terms.
The communication provides details on expectations for submitted works. The organiser underlines that the judging panel is particularly demanding when assessing print and finishing quality of labels. According to Finat, the jury is a more exacting reviewer than typical quality control departments in printing companies. Although the jury approaches the task with a positive attitude and a willingness to reward each label, in practice it actively looks for potential errors and imperfections.
Finat calls on potential participants to prepare their entries very carefully. It highlights the need to select works with the highest quality of execution and to thoroughly read the rules, as well as to correctly supply all required information, label samples and, where applicable, end-use products. The organiser points out that full compliance with the rules is a prerequisite for an entry to be admitted for evaluation and properly presented within the competition framework.
Deadlines and access to information
Entries for the Finat Label Competition 2026 are accepted until 12 February 2026. The organiser allows for a possible extension of the submission deadline up to 20 February. The information materials do not specify additional formal requirements beyond the need to become familiar with the rules and to correctly prepare documentation and samples.
Complete details of the participation rules, registration forms and results of previous editions of the competition are available on the Finat website at: https://www.finat.com/events/finat-competitions. The organiser encourages companies to review past results, which may serve as a source of inspiration when preparing new designs for self-adhesive labels and narrow web flexible packaging.
