FPA Announces 2019 Flexible Packaging Achievement Award Winners

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) 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.

This year, 54 packages were submitted in the competition, for a total of 140 entries (some packages were entered into multiple categories). Fourteen packages were honored with 26 Achievement Awards in various 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.

The Molson Coors – 12 Pack Cooler Bag from Bemis Company, Inc. received the Highest Achievement Award.

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 - The Highest Achievement Award is evaluated by the judges as possessing overall packaging excellence,significant attributes in all award categories, and contributing most to the advancement of the industry.

Molson Coors – 12 Pack Cooler Bag - Bemis Company, Inc

Molson Coors – 12 Pack Cooler Bag also received:

Gold Award: Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold Award: Printing & Shelf Impact
Silver Award: Packaging Excellence

Gold Achievement Awards

Gold - Sustainability, Gold - Packaging Excellence, Silver - Technical Innovation
Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders Pouch

Gold - Printing & Shelf Impact
Nutro Ultra Grain Free

Gold - Technical Innovation, Silver - Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging, Silver - Packaging Excellence
Willow Pump Leak-Proof Pouch

Silver Achievement Awards

Silver - Printing & Shelf Impact
AMSOIL Easy Pack

Silver - Technical Innovation
Bar-Asept

Silver - Printing & Shelf Impact
Before Brands SpoonfulOne Strawberry Puffs

Silver - Printing & Shelf Impact, Silver - Packaging Excellence
ConAgra Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks

Silver - Technical Innovation
JBS-Swift Printed Ovenable Meat Packaging (OvenRite)

Silver - Sustainability
Dole Crafted Smoothies

Silver - Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
FLEXMAX Packaging for Floor Care Products from Midlab

Silver - Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging, Silver - Technical Innovation, Silver - Packaging Excellence
Green Giant Veggie Spirals PrimaPak Package

Silver - Technical Innovation, Silver - Printing & Shelf Impact, Silver - Packaging Excellence
A Sensational Pouch

Silver - Sustainability
Sustainable Pouch with Easy-Lock (APLIX) Reclosable Feature

Source: Flexible Packaging Association.

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with packagePRINTING. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of packagePRINTING.