The Green Leader Awards returned to FESPA for their second year following a successful inaugural programme in 2025, with PVC-free wide-format materials brand Kavalan recognising some of the industry’s most innovative and sustainability-driven print applications. Announced during a Champagne reception during day two (Wednesday 20th May) of FESPA Barcelona on Stand A135, Hall 3, Kavalan presented the awards, recognising creativity and innovation across six categories.
The 2026 Awards saw an expanded international judging panel of print industry and sustainability experts with returning judges Marcus Timson, Steve Lister, and Nick Widdowson joined by Lucy Swanston and Jack Gocher. Together, they recognised projects that show how eco-friendly materials can deliver both creativity and high-quality and durable results.
The winners of the 2026 awards are:
- The Powerhouse Award – Recognising a project that highlights the strength, durability, and weldability of Kavalan’s PVC-free materials, the Powerhouse Award was presented to 2601 in the UK for a project utilising Kavalan Gecko wall covering material supplied by CMYUK for Royal United Hospital Bath Children’s Department. This project turned a traditionally clinical environment into an immersive environment that reduced anxiety for the children whilst meeting strict performance requirements.
- The Wrap Star Award – For an outstanding, eye-catching building wrap project, this award was given to Groupe MediaGraphic in France for an impressive large-scale out-of-home photographic project that transformed public spaces for the La Gacilly Photo Festival. Created using Kavalan Sunlight Weldable 330 DG banner material, this project demonstrated that high-performance, durable applications can also deliver environmental advantages.
- The Green Spirit Award – Championing a project that integrates Kavalan materials while taking a broader sustainable approach, this award was given to Neon-Lichtdesign Rigotti AG in Switzerland. The project saw VIADUKT Zurich, a landmark urban destination, become a large-scale open-air gallery using Kavalan Spiderweb L!ner supplied by Frischknecht as the primary material for installations. Following the exhibition, the printed scaffolding materials were upcycled into handcrafted bags, giving the installation a meaningful second life and preventing waste.
- The Innovation Award – Celebrating a project that showcases exceptional creativity, impact, and the use of Kavalan materials, this award was given to Blue Rhine in the UAE.Created using Kavalan Sunlight 280GB and Kavalan Spiderweb, the 3DB Golf Day Project was a first-of-its-kind fully branded golf course environment that prioritised reuse, PVC-free materials, and closed-loop waste management.
- The Judge’s Choice Award – New for 2026, the judging panel also had the opportunity to recognise an entry that didn’t take the top spot in the four project categories but that particularly stood out to them as deserving of an award. This was awarded to Niggemeyer Pro Imaging in Germanyfor the ‘Re:Generation. Climate Change in a Green World Heritage Site – and What We Can Do’ exhibition, with Kavalan Butterfly and Kavalan Spiderweb supplied by com2C used to turn the Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Germany into a large-scale open-air educational experience.
- The Kavalan Champion Award – The only award chosen by Kavalan, this award honours a partner that champions Kavalan materials and sustainability in wide-format print. The award was presented to com2C, a manufacturer and supplier of digital printing media in Germany for their continued advocacy of PVC-free materials and commitment to advancing sustainable change across the print industry.
Nova Abbott, Head of Marketing, Kavalan says: “The Kavalan Green Leader Awards celebrate the creativity and impact of large-format print projects produced using PVC-free materials, proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality or performance. The awards also recognise the businesses helping lead the industry towards a more sustainable future and inspire others to do the same. Now in its second year, we’re proud to celebrate even more businesses from around the world. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and to everyone playing a part in driving positive change across the industry.”
Judges highlight sustainability and creativity
Commenting on the Green Spirit Award, Steve Lister says: “The project encapsulated true sustainable thinking from design, educated decision on materials, right through to creating an end of life solution for new bags by utilising the waste materials and engaging students into the design process, a well deserved winner.”
Reflecting on the Wrap Star Award, Jack Gocher adds: “This looks like an exceptional project delivered to a very high level. The images shown look fantastic and with the amount of people viewing close up, you have to assume the print quality is top class. The detail in the supporting documents backs up the sustainability credentials of the project, clearly showing that you don’t need to sacrifice quality and visual impact by choosing more sustainable materials and practices.”
On the Judge’s Choice Award, Marcus Timson comments: “It hits all the targets for creativity, sustainability, and unique application in outdoor and therefore challenging conditions. The project integrates into an outdoor environment while communicating the project’s purpose and importance to history and culture. It’s vibrant and dynamic while remaining educational and respectful of its purpose within a UNESCO World Heritage site.”
