Frequently Asked
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU ENTER.
Eligibility, pricing, judging, the new categories, and what winning means. If your question isn't here, our Concierge team is one click away.
Enter Now →Eligibility
Can I enter as a CPG brand — without an agency?
Yes. You do not need a design agency to enter. If your brand has packaging you are proud of — whether you worked with an agency, an independent designer, or built it in-house — you are eligible and welcome.
Enter under your brand name. Some of our most celebrated winners have been the brands themselves.
What entries are eligible?
Any consumer packaging project — commercially available or concept work — created, produced, or launched between January 1, 2026 and February 27, 2027. All submissions must be made online.
Can students enter?
Yes. Students enrolled in any design program may enter the Concept & Student track at significantly reduced entry fees.
The Concept jury is separate, and Concept winners receive full recognition equal to main competition winners.
Categories
Can I enter the same project into multiple categories?
Yes. The same project may be entered into multiple categories with a separate fee per category. This maximizes your recognition opportunities and is common practice for work with strong cross-category relevance.
What is the Emerging Brands category?
Category 12 is for new market entrants, indie brands, challenger brands, and early-stage portfolio launches. If you have built a consumer brand and your packaging is exceptional, enter here. It is also eligible for entry in the relevant product category above.
What are the five new categories for 2027?
Brand Worlds & Experiential Packaging (Category 08) · Functional Innovation & Accessibility (Category 09) · Retail, POS & Merchandising Systems (Category 15) · Connected Packaging & Digital Experience (Category 16) · Circular, Refill & Reuse Systems (5d within Sustainable Design).
What changed about Health, Beauty & Personal Care?
The group expanded from 4 to 7 subcategories. Skincare, Hair/Bath/Body, and Personal Hygiene/Oral Care each now have dedicated categories. Wellness/Supplements and OTC/Pharma are recognized separately.
What is the Designalytics Design Effectiveness Award?
The only packaging award in the world based on actual retail sales data. Free to enter. Recognizes the packaging redesign that demonstrably drove the greatest measurable impact on brand growth.
Still have a question?
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FAST ANSWERS.
Our Concierge team has helped agencies, brands, and independent designers shape thousands of entries. If something isn't clear, send a note — we'll come back the same day.
Talk to Concierge →Pricing & Tiers
What are the entry tiers?
Three tiers built around the real shape of the industry:
Is there a discount for entering multiple projects?
For teams entering 10 or more projects, our Concierge service offers custom volume packages with bulk pricing, account management, and strategic category guidance. Email andrew@thedieline.com to discuss a package built around your submissions.
Judging
How does judging work?
Every entry is reviewed by a global jury of packaging design experts, brand leaders, and creative directors. No judge may vote on their own work. Judging is by category.
Entries are scored on Creativity · Marketability · Innovation · Execution · On-Pack Branding.
Submission
What do I need to submit?
A completed online entry form with:
· Project name
· Company or agency name
· Formatted images (JPG or PNG, RGB, max 15MB per image — first image should be your best representation)
· Short project description
· Website address if available
· Contact details
Do I need to send physical samples?
No samples are required at time of entry.
If selected as a winner, you will be asked to submit samples for the DIELINE winner showcase.
Winners & Announcement
When are winners announced?
Winners are announced in Spring 2027 — online on DIELINE and at the awards event.
Didn't find it?
ASK A REAL HUMAN.
Our Concierge team — actual packaging-design people, not chatbots — will answer in the same business day. Whether you're not sure which category fits, or you want help shaping the submission, just ask.