The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) announced the winners of its 64th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. The winning entries were recognized during the FPA Welcome Dinner & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Ceremony held Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in conjunction with the 2020 FPA Annual Meeting (March 4-6) at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. This year, 73 packages were submitted in the competition, for a total of 206 entries (some packages were entered into multiple categories). Thirty packages were honored with 48 Achievement Awards in various categories.
The judges for this year’s competition included Min Degruson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Packaging, University of Wisconsin – Stout; Matt Reynolds, Editor, Packaging World; and Mike Richmond, Ph.D., Principal, PTIS, LLC.
Sustainability continues to be a focus, with several entries using bio-based and compostable materials. Richmond notes, “I’m excited about how the industry has really stepped up to the sustainability and circular economy challenges with enhanced barriers and recyclability, increasing the post-recycled content, and reusability.”
An increasing trend seen for this year’s competition is the number of entries that contain both matte and spot gloss aspects. “Packaging World has covered these awards for the past couple of years, and one thing that I’ve seen with more frequency, and now more than ever, is the matte background with a spot gloss to make something pop out whether it’s a message or branding that’s highlighted against a delicate background,” says Reynolds.
The transition of products previously packaged in rigid containers to flexible packaging was also seen as a growing trend. According to Degruson, “Several of the entries looked like rigid, traditional looking packages, but they were made of flexible packaging. That’s something that stands out to me because companies are addressing that consumers want to see the traditional rigid packaging or glass jar, but the packaging is made as a flexible packaging to reduce the material usage.”
Several of the entries also addressed consumer convenience, making it easier for the consumers to shop, transport, dispense from, and use flexible packaging.
2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS
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.
AeroFlexx
Awards: Highest Achievement Award
Gold Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold Award — Packaging Excellence
Gold Award — Shelf Impact
Gold Award — Sustainability
Gold Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: AeroFlexx, www.aeroflexx.com
Contact: Kathryn Rogers, VP of Marketing, kathryn@innventure.com
Description: AeroFlexx is a ‘new to the world’ package format that is revolutionizing the liquid packaging industry as the only flexible package providing features and benefits that are superior to that of a conventional bottle. It uses an air frame to integrate tailored rigidity into a flexible film, creating a package with no discreet closure; clean and controlled one handed dispensing functionality; a 360 degree palette for branding; a structure that is e-commerce compliant without additional protection, all with at least 50% less plastic than a bottle. The package is consumer
preferred, customer centric, more sustainable, and cost competitive with bottles and designed to disrupt the entire liquids packaging value chain.
**Please note that the recipient is aware of their Gold and Silver Awards, but notthe Highest Achievement Award. We request that you do not notify them of theirwinning status **
GOLD ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Listed alphabetically by package name.
4D Bags with Handle
Award: Gold Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: Uflex Limited, www.flexfilm.com
Contact: Ashwin Palwai, Sales Manager, ashwin.palwai@flexfilm.com
Description: Uflex developed a brick shaped, all panel registered bag/pouch with a handle and reclosable option that can either stand-up or lie down. It is similar to flexicartons and is an excellent rigid carton replacement product. The standability and shelf prominence of rigid packaging are now combined with the functionality of flexible packaging in this new ‘4D Pack.’ All six panels of the bag are printed and can be made of different substrates. The look of the bag creates excellent shelf appeal, helping it catch the immediate attention of the end user. For convenience, the bag can be carried from a top handle while its re-closable option allows product dispensing through the zipper. The bag adds a 4th dimension to the product making it a unique 4 sided flat flexible bag that offers the luster and barrier properties of the film and prominent carton like display.
FlexiTube for Bio Creative Labs – USA
Awards: Gold Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold Award — Packaging Excellence
Silver Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: Uflex Limited, www.flexfilm.com
Contact: Ashwin Palwai, Sales Manager, ashwin.palwai@flexfilm.com
Description: Uflex developed three variants of the Super Foods Natural Hair Care FlexiTubes for Bio Creative Labs — USA. The FlexiTubes provide 360 degree printing with a soft matte finish and an excellent reproduction of graphics. The gold metallic lines were provided with a holographic layer thus eliminating the use of a foil stamping process.
Hill’s All PE “Recyclable” Pet Treat Bags
Awards: Gold Award — Packaging Excellence
Silver Award — Sustainability
Silver Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC, www.plaspack.com
Contact: Kris Kurdziolek, Marketing Coordinator, kriskurdziolek@plaspack.com
Description: Overcoming all conventional limitations known from using only polyethylene (PE) films for highly engineered packages, these all PE laminated bags allowed the international brand-owner to launch into fully “recyclable” flexible packaging formats without any compromises in appearance or performance. Combined innovation in new materials, equipment, and processing methods features results with equal clarity, graphics, aesthetics, rigidity, puncture-resistance, machineability, barrier properties, grease-resistance, varied closure options, and easyopening with laser-scoring. In fully recognizing the current uncertainties of requirements around the recycled PE material for end-markets, the EVOH barrier film also incorporates the compatibilizing additive to neutralize any potential negatives to the recycling stream.
Insura™ Seal Verification
Award: Gold Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: Amcor Healthcare Packaging, www.amcor.com
Contact: Jennifer Hackinson, Marketing Communications Specialist, jennifer.hackinson@amcor.com
Description: According to the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health, suspected problems with a package’s seal accounted for approximately two-thirds of all 2017 packaging-related recalls. In 2018, according to the FDA’s recall database, over 16 million medical devices were recalled due to package seal failures. Suspected seal failures are managed cautiously since true failures almost always result in compromised product sterility. While package fabrication issues lead to some failures, inaccurate device placement and equipment wear can also cause failure. Currently, it is difficult to assess seal integrity once the package is filled and the final seal is made. Although destructive tests lead to statistical confidence in the integrity of the product, they are wasteful. Non-destructive techniques are either time consuming or, like machine vision methods, are unable to confidently find all types of failures. To overcome these deficiencies, a package closure indicator that functions with conventional packaging materials and equipment at typical filling speeds was developed that generates a color change when critical seal parameters, namely temperature, pressure (intimacy of contact), and time, are achieved. Color continuity indicates a lack of defects while color intensity correlates well with seal strength.
Paqui Tortilla Chips Pillow Pouch
Award: Gold Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: Printpack, www.printpack.com
Contact: Lisa Preston, Marketing Communications Manager, lpreston@printpack.com
Description: Amplify Snack Brands redesigned their Paqui tortilla chip packaging to create a striking brand block on the shelf. They chose a design with a large logo, a strong focal point, and simple food photography to create a memorable package that would make it easy for consumers to find and remember their brand. The enhanced graphic appearance of the packaging uses vibrant contrasting colors and interesting visual effects created through the printing process.
Predilecta Sacciali Jar Shaped Pouch
Awards: Gold Award — Shelf Impact
Silver Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Silver Award — Packaging Excellence
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles Brazil, www.amcor.com
Contact: Jennifer Hackinson, Marketing Communications Specialist, jennifer.hackinson@amcor.com
Description: The Sacciali brand jar shaped pouch combines the best of flexible packaging technology for lightweight and long shelf life with increased shelf impact using graphic design and a shape factor to enhance consumer interest at the point of sale. The “mason jar” shape nods to the traditional glass packaging common in the sauce category. However, flexible packaging offers the significant benefits of a 97% weight reduction over glass, leading to a wide range of sustainable benefits.
Premade STANDCAP Inverted Pouches
Awards: Gold Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold Award — Packaging Excellence
Silver Award — Sustainability
Manufacturer: Glenroy, Inc., www.glenroy.com
Contact: Jonny Grigg, Sr. Marketing Coordinator, jonnyg@glenroy.com
Description: Premade STANDCAP inverted pouches extend product freshness, stand out on the shelf, provide time-saving and utensil-free convenience for users, and make an eco-friendly impact by reducing fossil fuel usage, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to alternative package formats.
Skratch Labs Limited Edition EF Pro Cycling HP Mosaic Packaging
Awards: Gold Award — Printing
Gold Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: ePac — Flexible Packaging, www.epacflexibles.com
Contact: Jeff Jacobs, Director of Marketing, jjacobs@epacllc.com
Description: Skratch Labs developed a limited-edition package for their sports hydration drink mix to celebrate EF Education First Pro Cycling’s participation in the Tour de France. Inspired by the striking metallic pink and blue color-shifting design of the team’s jerseys, ePac and Skratch were able to create a truly unique stand-up pouch using ePac’s all digital printing platform and HP’s Mosaic variable print enhancement technology. Each pouch in the entire 10,000 unit print run is unique and features an exclusive color-shifting design.
Stacy’s Women’s History Month Packaging
Award: Gold Award — Printing
Manufacturer: Printpack, www.printpack.com
Contact: Lisa Preston, Marketing Communications Manager, lpreston@printpack.com
Description: This collection of limited edition packages tells the story of a female entrepreneur’s journey to success and is designed to inspire and support female entrepreneurs. The packaging’s purpose is to connect and align the brand, female entrepreneurs, and supporters of female-founded businesses. These were sold online through the United Way to help fund new and emerging businesses to celebrate Women’s History Month and as part of the Stacy’s Rise Project.
StreamOne® R Retortable Recycle-Ready Polyester
Awards: Gold Award — Sustainability
Gold Award — Technical Innovation
Silver Award — Packaging Excellence
Manufacturer: PAXXUS, Inc., www.paxxus.com
Contact: Dhuanne Dodrill, CEO, dhuanne.dodrill@paxxus.com
Description: StreamOne® R is a revolutionary, high-performance, all-polyester packaging solution designed for the #1 polyester recycle stream. It has been engineered specifically for applications requiring retort or autoclave sterilization. StreamOne® R maintains its ultra- high barrier and reliable hermetic seals even after processing at high temperatures, ensuring that product quality and shelf life are not compromised. The consistent high barrier that StreamOne® R provides allows products that previously required an aluminum foil barrier to move to an environmentally friendly package, supporting brand owners’ sustainability initiatives.
SILVER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Listed alphabetically by package name.
Amcor SmartTack™ Resealable Label with Premium Tamper Evidence
Award: Silver Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, www.amcor.com
Contact: Jennifer Hackinson, Marketing Communications Specialist, jennifer.hackinson@amcor.com
Description: The SmartTack™ resealable label with premium tamper evidence is a packaging solution that fully protects the perimeter of the label. This innovative design improves packaging security by clearly indicating to a consumer if the package was opened from an area other than the peel tab. This new and innovative solution protects the entire perimeter of the label, differentiating from prior offerings that only focused on the peel tab and corner tampers.
Bear Naked® Granola’s Entour™ Shield+ Front of Store Recycle Ready Package
Award: Silver Award — Sustainability
Manufacturer: Berry Global, www.berryglobal.com
Contact: Sarah Stieby, Marketing Manager, sarah.stieby@reynoldsbrands.com
Description: Bear Naked® Granola wanted a recyclable stand-up pouch that maintained the look, feel, and functionality of its current packaging and enlisted a team of industry leaders to develop a solution. Through extensive collaboration, Berry Global, Fresh-Lock®, Dow, and ColorMasters were able to deliver a recycle ready, resealable stand-up pouch approved by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) for its How2Recycle Store Drop-Off logo. This new pouch not only meets consumer expectations but has improved barrier requirements enhancing shelf life, and runs at faster machine speeds, and lower sealing temperature adding to its sustainable benefits.
Bear Naked® Premium Granola
Award: Silver Award — Printing
Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging, https://tctranscontinental.com/packaging
Contact: Diana Courtepatte, Marketing Manager, diana.courtepatte@tc.tc
Description: This gorgeous Bear Naked® Premium Granola packaging clearly conveys that the granola is a premium product that is USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free Certified, and Fair Trade Cocoa, and is an indulgent high- end snack, taking granola’s traditional place at the breakfast table and expanding it to be consumed for an indulgent snacking occasion. The contrast between the matte look with the patterned metallic design is a show stopper on the shelf, and the shaped product viewing windows showcase the premium product. Elegant and functional, the package also provides a barrier to maintain product freshness, is a convenient stand-up pouch, and has consumer convenience with a recloseable zipper and notch perforation for easy opening.
C-4 Extreme Explosive Pre Workout, 30 oz.
Award: Silver Award — Printing
Manufacturer: Phenix Label Company, www.phenixlabel.com
Contact: Todd Fatino, VP of Innovation, tfatino@phenixlabel.com
Description: This package enabled the customer to save costs by replacing the chrome container from Asia with a chrome shrink sleeve. The package includes multiple sensory embellishments including raised varnish, chrome enhancement, reticulation varnish, and solid and transparent ink.
Cargill Grab N’ Go Deli Meat Package
Awards: Silver Award — Packaging Excellence
Silver Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, www.amcor.com
Contact: Jennifer Hackinson, Marketing Communications Specialist, jennifer.hackinson@amcor.com
Description: The Cargill Grab N’ Go high barrier deli meat package utilizes a new proprietary, dual purpose, minimal depth forming, and non-forming film from Amcor with high oxygen barrier and strength properties. The film is very thin (<1.75 mil) and exhibits attributes of a non-barrier thin PE zipper bag commonly found at delis. The final modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) allows longer shelf life for deli meat than the low barrier PE film package found at a typical meat department deli.
Cracker Barrel Black Ribbon Natural Cheese Slices
Awards: Silver Award — Packaging Excellence
Silver Award — Technical Innovation
Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging, https://tctranscontinental.com/packaging
Contact: Diana Courtepatte, Marketing Manager, diana.courtepatte@tc.tc
Description: Today, brands and products face the challenge of standing out on the shelf and being able to catch consumers’ eyes. Cracker Barrel Black Ribbon Natural Cheese Slices graphics and new packaging material were carefully designed to breakthrough on the shelf and communicate clearly that it is a premium line. Consumer testing was done to confirm that the new graphics were easy to find on the shelf, convey premiumness, and was clear to consumers what brand and flavor variant they were buying. The combination of matte black, gloss black, opulent metallic gold and metallic color bands, and a packaging window that showcases the high-quality cheese are the key elements that help the package design stand out on the shelf.
Decowraps
Award: Silver Award — Sustainability
Manufacturer: PSI (Plastic Suppliers, Inc.), www.plasticsuppliers.com and Decowraps, www.decowraps.com
Contact: Cecelia Glackin-Hunt, Marketing Project Manager, glackin-hunt@plasticsuppliers.com
Description: Decowraps’ expertise is within the floral industry and floral sleeves are among the innovative packages for their market. In closely watching global trends to more sustainable products, and for a specific Whole Foods project, Decowraps created a compostable Non-GMO flower sleeve. Previously a BOPP film sleeve, the sleeve for Whole Foods has sugar cane as its material base in the EarthFirst® film. Important considerations for the package design included Origin of Life, specifically substituting a bio-based film for the previous fossil fuel based film, and the film to have Non-GMO status to reflect Whole Foods’ branding guidelines.
EcoVue® FlexPac®
Award: Silver Award — Packaging Excellence
Manufacturer: Glenroy, Inc., www.glenroy.com
Contact: Jonny Grigg, Sr. Marketing Coordinator, jonnyg@glenroy.com
Description: The innovative, flexible EcoVue® FlexPac® packaging for ultrasound gel features custom flexible packaging film with many benefits to the consumer and society overall. It is easy to hold and easy to use, but it is also lightweight and requires less energy to manufacture and transport.
Flex Asclepius™ PCR Based BOPET Films
Award: Silver Award — Sustainability
Manufacturer: Flex Films (USA) Inc., www.flexfilm.com
Contact: Steve Sargeant, Senior GM Technology, steve.sargeant@flexfilm.com
Description: Asclepius™ PCR based BOPET films are a complete family of low carbon footprint BOPET films meant to address today’s sustainability issues. These films are a drop-in for traditional BOPET films, meaning little, if any retooling, qualification, or other worries exist in implementing the transformation from virgin based plastic films to a better, sustainable solution for converters and CPGs. Virtually every category of Asclepius™ PCR based BOPET film is available in 90–100% PCR content for printing and laminating, barrier, label and liner, and virtually all other flexible packaging needs.
FLEXPET™ F-STF Ultra Soft Super Durable BOPET Film
Award: Silver Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: Flex Films (USA) Inc., www.flexfilm.com
Contact: Deepak Mehta, Manager, deepak.mehta@flexfilm.com
Description: F-STF is a soft touch/velvet feel matte BOPET film. The film is specially designed to laminate high-quality graphic media with a velvet feel similar to peach skin. The key features include excellent matte homogeneity/dispersion; excellent soft velvet feel; high haze (>90%); low gloss on the matte side; excellent contact clarity; good scratch resistance; enhanced graphics; and package differential with a luxury feel and look.
Full Moon Natural Pet Treat Pouch
Award: Silver Award — Technical innovation
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, www.amcor.com
Contact: Jennifer Hackinson, Marketing Communications Specialist, jennifer.hackinson@amcor.com
Description: Amcor created the first package to combine a matte finish, gloss print, and paper-like texture in the premium, differentiated Full Moon Natural pet treat pouch. The design elevates the user experience and aligns with the brand’s organic and premium positioning. This printing innovation helps the package deliver enhanced branding for authenticity, quality, and differentiation to consumers shopping the crowded shelf of pet snacks.
Hershey’s Stand-up Pouches
Award: Silver Award — Printing
Manufacturer: Printpack, www.printpack.com
Contact: Lisa Preston, Marketing Communications Manager, lpreston@printpack.com
Description: Hershey’s new package is a Doyen style stand-up pouch that is made on a vertical form fill seal bagger instead of a conventional horizontal form fill seal stand-up pouch machine. The sturdy 2-ply and 3-ply laminations enable the pouch to stand-up nicely for a superior impact on the shelf. Eye- catching graphics are created with 8–9 color rotogravure printing. The packages are easy-open with precise laser scoring allowing for a clean directional tear.
JUSTIN’S® Nut Butter Covered Nuts Pouch
Award: Silver Award — Sustainability
Manufacturer: ProAmpac, www.proampac.com
Contact: Kristy Paulin, Director, Commercial Communications, kristina.paulin@proampac.com
Description: JUSTIN’S® Nut Butter Covered Nuts Pouch is a pioneer in the application of Post- Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials for high barrier food packaging due to their FDA compliance for direct food contact. Each pouch contains 40% PCR sealants and its overall make includes 25% PCR. This pouch provides consumers with high moisture and oxygen barrier that uses PCR content to help provide end markets for recyclable materials. Its high opacity white flexographic inks, surface matte coating, and lamination processes work together to mask the appearance of high volumes of PCR, giving the pouch its “new material” look and feel.
Liqui-Box Waterspout
Award: Silver Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Manufacturer: Liqui-Box Corporation, www.liquibox.com
Contact: Ruby Cowie, Strategic Growth Manager, rcowie@liquibox.com
Description: The Liqui-Box Waterspout packaging innovation for bottom-load water coolers is a groundbreaking solution for the home and office delivery (HOD) market and allows for retail and e-commerce sales of bulk water. It includes the durable patent-pending PuraFilm technology, patented QCD Encore® spouts, and a distinctive and unique box design that allows for direct substitution of polycarbonate bottles. The Waterspout package provides ease and savings related to distribution and end users benefit from improved ergonomics, smooth changeovers due to exceptional performance of the patented QCD Encore® connection system, improved evacuation for less product waste, and recyclability of the BiB format.
Little Baker Coconut Dates, Chocolate
Award: Silver Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press LLC, www.eppdubai.com
Contact: Ajit Pillai, Senior Manager Quality and R&D, ajit.pillai@eppdubai.com
Description: With its eye catching, cool graphics, this Little Bakers Chocolate Coconut Dates stand-up pouch with zipper and euro punch stands out from the rest of the packages on the shelf. The matte film gives the pouch a rich and soft feel. The resealable zipper keeps the product fresh for a longer time without having to switch it to another container.
Mt. Olive Munchies Resealable Pouch
Award: Silver Award — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Manufacturer: Glenroy, Inc., www.glenroy.com
Contact: Jonny Grigg, Sr. Marketing Coordinator, jonnyg@glenroy.com
Description: The Mt. Olive Pickle Company launched the first snack pickles in shelfstable stand-up pouches. Manufactured by Glenroy, the custom pouch structure preserves flavor and keeps pickles fresh after opening thanks to the press-to-close zipper closure. The lightweight, durable pouch allows for increased portability and is ideal for e-commerce applications.
Nestlé Toll House Artisan Collection Premium Baking Chip – Extra Dark
Award: Silver Award — Printing
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation, www.ampkcorp.com
Contact: Cindy Ingebritson, Corporate Marketing Specialist, cingebritson@ampkcorp.com
Description: The package design and print elevates the overall presentation of this high-end product from first sight. The final product features photorealistic imagery offered by the specialized gravure printing process and its wide color gamut capabilities. The smooth pink and purple vignette of the flower design complements the dark black background and metallic gold creating a high contrast and high impact overall presentation. Coupling this printed artwork with consistent high-quality films creates a secure package with a high-end fit, finish, and appearance.
Pride Lands Premium Bloom Soil
Award: Silver Award — Shelf Impact
Manufacturer: ProAmpac, www.proampac.com
Contact: Kristy Paulin, Director, Commercial Communications, kristina.paulin@proampac.com
Description: The Pride Lands Premium Bloom Soil bag is a visually captivating product with its unique flexographic process that maintains its functionality and durability. Sustainable, bold ultraviolet (UV) energy-cured, high-gloss coated, and high-density UV inks are at the heart of what sets these bags apart to create vibrant graphics that popoff the shelf. An overcoat and UV light-cured ink system leaves the final product with a laminated look and helps to protect the integrity of the graphics long after the pointof-purchase.
The Ultimate Fish Stick™
Award: Silver Award — Printing
Manufacturer: PPC Flexible Packaging, www.ppcflex.com
Contact: Tatiana Perez, VP of Marketing, tatiana.perez@ppcflex.com
Description: The 300 line screen on Trident Seafoods’ The Ultimate Fish Stick™ bag outshines its rotogravure counterpart with sharper images, cleaner details, and better color. This bag was previously printed with rotogravure technology but using our 300 line screen flexographic printers, the result is a crisp, clean, beautiful product. (https://www.flexpack.org/press-room?category=FPA%20Press%20Releases#articles)
About the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA)
The Flexible Packaging Association is the voice of U.S. manufacturers of flexible packaging and their suppliers. The association’s mission is connecting, advancing, and leading the flexible packaging industry. Flexible packaging represents over $31 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and is the second largest, and one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products.
