The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) has officially established 6 September as World Packaging Day, launching a global initiative to highlight the critical role of packaging in modern society.

Marking the anniversary of the WPO’s foundation, the inaugural event will take place around 6 September 2026. The objective is to raise public awareness regarding how packaging supports global supply chains feeding over eight billion people, while creating a platform for industry, academia, and institutions to collaborate on sustainable, circular solutions.

Luciana Pellegrino, WPO President, noted that packaging remains integral to daily life, enabling efficient logistics, reducing product waste, and ensuring safe access to essential goods across the globe.

Designed as a decentralised, collaborative campaign rather than a single event, the WPO is encouraging global stakeholders to run localised initiatives. These will include factory tours, sustainability projects, educational programs, and innovation showcases under the shared hashtag #worldpackagingday.

The initiative is structured around four key pillars:

• Packaging for Progress: Emphasizing contributions to health, safety, and accessibility.
• Packaging Against Food Waste: Demonstrating protection, extended shelf life, and safety.
• Packaging and Economic Growth: Highlighting support for manufacturing, logistics, and international trade.
• Packaging and Sustainability: Promoting eco-design, circular economy principles, and material innovation.

According to Soha Atallah, WPO Vice President for Marketing, the 2026 launch will be supported by an international media and digital communications strategy.

The concept was developed with support from the Italian Packaging Institute (Istituto Italiano Imballaggio), represented by Communication Manager Alessandra Alessi, with the official logo created by Brazilian designer Giovanni Vannucchi.