Celebrating Innovation & Sustainability: The 2025 World Printers Forum Awards
The future of print isn’t about resisting change; it’s about embracing it. This principle was powerfully demonstrated at the 2025 World Printers Summit in Munich, where the World Printers Forum announced the winners of its prestigious Sustainability and Print Innovation Awards. These awards aren’t simply accolades; they represent a vital shift in the publishing industry – a move towards responsible practices, innovative engagement strategies, and a renewed understanding of print’s enduring value in a digital world.
The annual awards, presented during the summit, recognize excellence across three crucial pillars: reader engagement, the synergistic fusion of print and digital media, and groundbreaking advertising creativity. With professionals from across the globe converging to share insights and celebrate success, the event underscored the collaborative spirit driving the evolution of print. Gundula Ullah, Chief Sustainability Officer at Funke Mediengruppe and Chairwoman of the Jury, led the presentation, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of each winner.
This year’s winners showcase how publishers are not only surviving but thriving by adapting to modern challenges and leveraging the unique strengths of print. Let’s delve into the winning initiatives and the lessons they offer for the wider industry.
Recognizing Excellence: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Award Winners
The 2025 awards highlighted projects that went beyond simply maintaining the status quo. They demonstrated a commitment to impactful journalism, community building, and sustainable practices.
Next Gen Reader Engagement Award: Prothom Alo, Bangladesh – “Echoes of Defiance“
Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo received the Next Gen Reader Engagement Award for its powerful coverage of the July 2024 Revolution. The project, titled “Echoes of Defiance: Engaging a Generation Through Truth and Resilience,” wasn’t just about reporting the news; it was about amplifying the voices of young people during a period of political upheaval.
In an era where trust in media is often challenged, Prothom Alo reaffirmed the critical role of self-reliant journalism. By providing a platform for youth perspectives,the publication demonstrated a commitment to truth,resilience,and the principles of a free press. This initiative serves as a potent reminder that engaging the next generation requires authentic storytelling and a willingness to champion their concerns. The success of “Echoes of Defiance” lies in its ability to connect with a younger audience on their terms, fostering a sense of ownership and civic obligation.
Print Digital Fusion Award: A dual Triumph – New Straits Times (Malaysia) & dmg media (ireland)
This year saw a tie for the Print Digital Fusion award, recognizing two distinct yet equally extraordinary approaches to integrating print and digital experiences.
New Straits Times, Malaysia – “Heard the News?”
Malaysia’s New Straits Times impressed the jury with “Heard the News?”, an innovative educational initiative that seamlessly blends journalism with language learning. This project isn’t simply about delivering news; it’s about making news accessible. By creatively presenting current events in a format designed to enhance language skills, the New Straits Times is broadening its reach and fostering a more informed citizenry. The initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to audience development, recognizing the potential to attract new readers through value-added content.
dmg media, Ireland – “ExtraG”
Ireland’s ExtraG Gach Seachtain, a weekly bilingual print and digital supplement from dmg media Ireland and the Irish Daily Mail, was honored for its innovative response to new legislative requirements surrounding the Irish language. However, “ExtraG” is far more than just compliance. It’s a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and a commercially astute move to tap into a growing audience. By bringing the Irish language to life through engaging content, ExtraG is fostering a sense of cultural pride and creating a unique advertising proposition. This project exemplifies how publishers can leverage print to preserve and promote cultural heritage while concurrently driving business growth.
Print Advertising Creativity award: Prothom Alo, Bangladesh – “beyond the Capital“
Prothom Alo secured a second win with “Beyond the Capital,” a regional supplement specifically designed for communities frequently enough overlooked by mainstream media.This initiative tackles the challenge of equitable distribution and hyperlocal relevance head-on.
“beyond the capital” isn’t just about delivering news to underserved areas; it’s about empowering local businesses and fostering a stronger sense of community identity. By combining locally relevant editorial content with a compelling advertising proposition, the supplement creates a virtuous cycle of support for local economies.This project demonstrates the enduring power of print to connect with communities on a deeply