The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has designated 6 September as World Packaging Day, establishing an annual international initiative to raise awareness of packaging’s contribution to modern society, trade and sustainability.
The inaugural observance is scheduled around 6 September 2026, marking the anniversary of the WPO’s foundation. Activities will be organised by WPO board members and stakeholders across the global packaging industry, supported by an international media and digital communications campaign.
Rather than staging a single central event, the WPO is encouraging packaging organisations, companies, educational institutions and other stakeholders to develop local programmes under a common identity and the hashtag #WorldPackagingDay. Proposed activities include conferences, educational programmes, factory visits, sustainability projects, innovation showcases, student events and public-awareness campaigns.
The initiative will focus on four themes: packaging’s contribution to health, safety, accessibility and quality of life; its role in protecting food and reducing waste; its support for manufacturing, logistics, exports, e-commerce and international trade; and the development of circularity, eco-design and material innovation.
“Packaging is present in every aspect of our daily lives, serving society across the globe by allowing efficient production chains and logistics, product preservation and functional usability,” said WPO president Luciana Pellegrino. She added that packaging helps reduce losses and waste while supporting safe and convenient access to goods.
WPO vice-president for marketing Soha Atallah said the inaugural programme would involve activities across the global packaging ecosystem.
The World Packaging Day concept was developed with support from WPO’s Italian member, Istituto Italiano Imballaggio, represented by communication manager Alessandra Alessi. Brazilian designer Giovanni Vannucchi and his team created the initiative’s logo.
The WPO currently has 88 members representing 66 countries.