Hotpack bags ‘WorldStar Packaging Award 2026' for Subway UAE's innovative sandwich pouch

Dubbed the “Oscars of Packaging”, Hotpack has been recognised as the only company from the GCC to receive the prestigious award this year.

Dubai, UAE – May 19, 2026: Hotpack, a UAE-headquartered global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has been awarded the prestigious ‘WorldStar Packaging Award 2026’ in the food packaging category, strengthening its position as one of the region’s most innovative and sustainability-driven food packaging brands, shaping the future of responsible manufacturing.

Presented at the Interpack Exhibition 2026, one of the world’s leading packaging exhibitions in Düsseldorf, Germany, Hotpack received the award in May 2026 for its innovative sandwich pouch solution developed for Subway, one of the largest fast-food restaurant chains in the world. The recognition also marks Hotpack’s third consecutive ‘World Star Packaging Award’ win, reinforcing the company’s consistent track record in packaging and printing innovation and global excellence.

Sharing his thoughts on the recognition, Mr. Anvar PB, Group Chief Technology Officer and Executive Director at Hotpack, commented, “Receiving the ‘WorldStar Packaging Award’ which is widely regarded as the “Oscars of Packaging”, is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Hotpack. This recognition feels especially meaningful because we are the only company from the GCC to receive it this year, marking our third consecutive win. It reflects the passion and constant drive that runs through every part of Hotpack. I see this award as something we all own together, and I dedicate it to every member of the Hotpack family whose hard work made this possible.”

“The award-winning sandwich pouch for Subway was developed to overcome common printing challenges seen with corrugated boards, especially defects that affect print quality and gloss. By using advanced flexographic printing, specialised screening methods, and precise process control, we created a solution that delivers consistent print quality, stronger shelf appeal, and improved production efficiency”, he added.

Speaking about the company’s sustainability commitments, Mr. Anvar remarked, “At Hotpack, innovation and sustainability are not two separate goals, they move together in everything we do. Every packaging solution we develop is designed to balance quality and efficiency with a lighter environmental footprint. A big part of our focus is on practical changes that add up, reducing material wastage, cutting down rework, and making production more efficient on the ground.”

“When we reduce print defects, we are not just improving output, we are saving materials, lowering ink usage, and bringing down energy consumption. It’s these everyday improvements across our processes that quietly drive more responsible and sustainable manufacturing”, he added.

Alongside this recognition, Hotpack continues to advance its sustainability agenda through measurable progress and product-led innovation, with 97 per cent of its portfolio of over 4,500 products is now recyclable or environmentally friendly, reflecting its ongoing shift towards more sustainability in manufacturing practices. This commitment is further reinforced through innovations such as H-PET (Hotpack-modified polyethylene terephthalate), a lightweight, fully recyclable material designed to reduce packaging weight and lower carbon impact. Together, these efforts underline Hotpack’s focus on building practical, scalable solutions that align innovation with long-term environmental responsibility.