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 space designed to reduce anxiety for the children whilst meeting strict performance requirements.

Using more than 250 square metres of large-format wall graphics, the space was reimagined with vibrant, nature-inspired scenes, turning functional hospital walls into storytelling canvases. Kavalan Gecko’s durability and scuff-resistant properties ensured the wall coverings could withstand the rigours of a busy hospital environment, while maintaining a high-quality finish over time. The seamless, one-piece application capability was particularly important as by eliminating joins, the installation reduced potential weak points and created a more durable, hygienic surface. 

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of -37.1 kg CO₂ eq.
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 5,359 litres (55%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 5 adults for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 5%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 17,500 packs of cigarettes

The Wrap Star Award

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 330GB banner material, this project demonstrated that high-performance, durable applications can also deliver environmental advantages.

Unlike traditional galleries, the festival uses urban and natural spaces as exhibition venues. This requires careful planning of structures, materials, layout, and installation methods to ensure the works are both visually compelling and technically secure in outdoor conditions. The lightweight PVC-free nature of Kavalan Sunlight Weldable material allowed efficient handling and installation while maintaining durability and vibrant image reproduction for large-format photography.

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 671.3 kg CO₂ eq.
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 14,933 litres (38%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 14 adults for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 52%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 1.8 million packs of cigarettes

The Green Spirit Award

Developed in collaboration with the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdk) and produced by Neon Lichtdesign Rigotti AG, the “Störbilder” project (meaning “Disturbing Images”) 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, the material was applied across scaffolding structures within the viaduct arches, transforming a temporary construction environment into a curated, immersive gallery space. 

Kavalan Spiderweb L!ner enabled high-quality print performance while maintaining the flexibility and strength required for large-scale installation across complex surfaces. Demonstrating circular design thinking, following the exhibition, the printed scaffolding materials were upcycled into handcrafted bags in collaboration with POWCH and ZHdk students, giving the installation a meaningful second life and preventing waste by transforming the printed graphics into functional, long-lasting products. 

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. 

With the event taking place across seven days, the 3DB Golf Day project was developed as a response to a clear and growing challenge within the events industry: how to deliver high-impact, fully branded environments without relying on traditional, waste-heavy production methods. The project embedded sustainability into every stage, from material sourcing, print production, installation and post-event waste handling. Kavalan materials were used across the entire event footprint down to every tee, and by pairing Kavalan materials with a dedicated waste processing partner, the project ensured that materials could be handled in a controlled, circular way after use. 

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 1300.1 kg CO₂ eq. 
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 22,279 litres (43%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 20 adults for one year 
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 58%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 2.6 million packs of cigarettes 

The Judge’s Choice Award

New for 2026, this award recognises an entry that didn’t take the top spot in the four project categories but that particularly stood out to the judging panel as deserving of an award. This was awarded to Niggemeyer Pro Imaging in Germany for the ‘Re:Generation. Climate Change in a Green World Heritage Site - and What We Can Do’ exhibition. The project, produced for the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG), saw 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.

With environmentally responsible materials a non-negotiable requirement for the client, Niggemeyer Pro Imaging selected Kavalan Butterfly and Kavalan Spiderweb PVC-free materials to produce and install approximately 30 exhibition stations throughout the park in the form of large-format banners, maps, and informational panels. The project was also designed with circularity in mind and after the exhibition’s six-month installation period, the materials were repurposed for use in SPSG’s educational programmes, extending their lifecycle and reducing waste. 

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 311.3 kg CO₂ eq. 
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 5,807 litres (48%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 5 adults for one year 
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 60%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 0.6 million packs of cigarettes 

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. com2C has been a long-standing supporter of sustainable material choices and has distributed Kavalan PVC-free large-format materials in Germany since 2022. 

The Powerhouse Award

This award was won by Embrace Building Wraps for a 2,400 m2 eye-catching building wrap project for IKEA’s Oxford Street store in London, UK. Kavalan Sunlight Weldable, supplied by CMYUK, was used to transform the busy central London construction site into a striking branded landmark, as well as for the 662m2 three-dimensional IKEA FRAKTA bag with 32m and 15m handles that formed the centrepiece of the installation.

Durability was absolutely critical for this project because the wrap needed to be able to withstand long-term exposure on the Grade II listed building during severe storm conditions for up to eight months. Kavalan Sunlight Weldable was selected for its superior performance under tension, its weldability, and its significantly lighter weight compared to PVC. 

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 1,410.2 kg of CO₂ eq. 
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 31,370 litres (38%), equivalent to enough clean drinking water for 29 adults for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 52%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 3.7 million packs of cigarettes

The Wrap Star Award

For an outstanding, eye-catching building project wrap, this award was given to Embrace Building Wraps for The Sandhurst Block Wrap. The wrap was designed as a high-impact, art-led transformation of a former army barracks into a vibrant symbol of future regeneration. The goal was to conceal ongoing construction, celebrate the local community, and create a ‘secret garden’ visual experience. 

The challenge was to create a bold, durable installation across uneven architecture while meeting strict environmental and aesthetic criteria. The building wrap was created using Kavalan Sunlight Weldable, supplied by CMYUK. The material’s sustainability credentials were crucial in securing the project and resonated with both the client and community values. Kavalan Sunlight Weldable’s lightweight, durable structure and excellent print fidelity ensured a flawless visual finish and simple installation, which lasted for longer than three years.

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 492 kg CO₂ eq.
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 10,954 litres (38%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 10 people for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 52%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 1.3 million packs of cigarettes

The Green Spirit Award

Celebrating a project that integrated Kavalan materials while taking a broader sustainable approach, Blue Rhine was recognised for its Go for the Green Dubai Hero Desert Classic Tournament project for Emirates Golf Club. The aim of the project was for the entire golfing event to be focused on sustainability through solar power, water usage, and recyclability. The sustainable hoarding and print displays created by Blue Rhine were the final piece of the puzzle.

Kavalan Sunlight 280GB was chosen due to its lightweight nature, as well as its lower water consumption during manufacture. Another important consideration was the ability to quantify its sustainability benefits using the Kavalan Eco Calculator. Using this PVC-free material across the event contributed to Emirates Golf Club’s commitment to a 360-degree closed loop approach for the tournament. 

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 19,363.3 kg CO2 eq.
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 331,817 litres (43%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 303 people for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 58%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 39.1 million packs of cigarettes

The Innovation Award

This award was given to Groupe MediaGraphic for Instant des Jeux, a three-month large-format photographic exhibition taking place throughout Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Produced for L’Art dans la Ville and working with the City of Paris and Samsung, Groupe MediaGraphic used 900m2 of Kavalan Gecko FR-AD and 680m2 of Sunlight Weldable as part of the project which featured 16 photographs by Raymond Depardon taken during the 1964 and 1976 Summer Games.

The photographs were presented on large-scale prints ranging from 200m2 to 1,000m2 in size, creating what is believed to be the largest ever open-air photography exhibition. With an estimated 1 million views across the exhibition each day, welding strength was a key consideration for safety reasons, but perfect welding finish and fabric tension were also required for aesthetic purposes. Weather and temperature resistance were also crucial as the exhibition was installed during the hot summer months in Paris.

• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 333.2 kg CO2 eq.
• Freshwater consumption reduced by 7,412 litres (38%), equivalent to providing clean drinking water for 7 people for one year
• Human carcinogenic toxicity reduced by 52%, equivalent to avoiding the impact of approximately 0.9 million packs of cigarettes

The Kavalan Champion Award

The only award chosen by Kavalan, this award honours a business that champions sustainability in wide-format print. The award was presented to CMYUK, the UK’s largest supplier of large-format digital printers, cutting equipment and materials, for their ongoing advocacy for PVC-free alternatives and passion for driving sustainable change within the print industry.