FPA 2019 Flexible Packaging Achievement Award Winners Announced
- Published: March 11, 2019
The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) recently announced the winners of its 63rd Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition.The winning entries were recognized during the FPA Welcome Dinner & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Ceremony held Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in conjunction with the 2019 FPA Annual Meeting (March 6-8) at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Fourteen packages were recognized with 26 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards within one or more categories including Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging; Packaging Excellence; Printing and Shelf Impact; Technical Innovation; and Sustainability Achievement. For this year’s competition, 54 packages were submitted, for a total of 140 entries (some packages were entered into multiple categories).
The judges for this year’s competition included Cory Francer, Senior Editor, packagePRINTING magazine; Robert Kimmel, Sc.D., Associate Professor and Director, Clemson University Center for Flexible Packaging, Clemson University; and David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director, Mintel Group Ltd.
Sustainability continues to be a focus, with a number of entries using bio-based and compostable materials. Kimmel notes, “We saw several examples of bio-based and compostable materials. But what we thought was most significant is several excellent examples of conversion of multilayer films, which have previously been diverse materials, into materials which will be recyclable in the existing recycle streams, particularly the polyethylene stream. We feel this is very important for the future of the industry.”
Multisensory elements incorporated into flexible packaging was a growing trend seen in this year’s competition. “The multisensory aspect of flexible packaging has really taken several steps forward between films that have a leathery feel to communicate that aspect of a product and soft touch materials that really entice a consumer to reach out and feel the product,” says Francer.
Industry collaboration on packaging was also seen as a growing trend. According to Luttenberger, “We saw collaboration this year not just between one or two suppliers, but among multiple suppliers — sometimes two, three, or four suppliers. But what impressed me even more was that we're seeing collaboration across continents, looking at technologies developed in one region and applying them to another, on a global scale. I think that's going to really take the industry forward as well.”
Several of the entries also highlighted the transition of products previously packaged in rigid containers to flexible packaging, and addressed consumer convenience, making it easier for the consumers to shop, transport, dispense from, and use flexible packaging.
Highest Achievement Award
Molson Coors — 12 Pack Cooler Bag
Highest Achievement Award
Gold — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold — Printing & Shelf Impact
Silver — Packaging Excellence
Manufacturer: Bemis Company, Inc.
Gold Award Winners
Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders Pouch
Gold — Sustainability
Gold — Packaging Excellence
Silver — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging
Nutro Ultra Grain Free
Gold — Printing & Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC
Willow® Pump Leak-Proof Pouch
Gold — Technical Innovation
Silver — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Silver — Packaging Excellence
Manufacturer: Vonco Products, LLC
Silver Award Winners
- AMSOIL® Easy Pack, AMSOIL INC.
- Bar-Asept, Liqui-Box Corporation
- Before Brands SpoonfulOne Strawberry Puffs, CL&D Graphics, Inc.
- ConAgra Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks, Bemis Company, Inc.
- Dole Crafted Smoothies, Emerald Packaging, Inc.
- FLEXMAX™ Packaging for Floor Care Products from Midlab®, Printpack
- Green Giant Veggie Spirals™ PrimaPak® Package, Sonoco Flexible Packaging
- JBS-Swift Printed Ovenable Meat Packaging (OvenRite®), Bemis Company, Inc.
- A Sensational Pouch, St. Johns Packaging Ltd.
- Sustainable Pouch with Easy-Lock (APLIX) Reclosable Feature, St. Johns Packaging Ltd.
For More Information
For more information on the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition and the winners of the 2019 competition, please visit the “Achievement Awards” section of the FPA website, www.flexpack.org.
