Flexible Packaging Showcase
FPA unveils the winners in the 2015 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards
Each year, The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), in conjunction with its annual meeting, recognizes the best of the best in flexible packaging. This year, the winners of its 59th Flexible Packaging Annual Awards competition were announced at the 2015 FPA Annual Meeting at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples FL.
An independent panel of packaging experts judged sixty-five retail and institutional package entries featuring innovation that integrated technical advancements in materials, graphics, shelf appeal, structure, and sustainability to produce outstanding flexible packaging solutions. Eighteen packages were recognized with 22 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards within one or more categories including Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Appeal, Technical Innovation, and Sustainability Achievement.
This year’s entries found new uses for flexible packaging included innovations in closures, and creative uses of multilayer films. Many pouches solved specific problems with innovative technology to extend shelf life and improve customer convenience. Beautiful packages were created through enhanced structures, graphics, and high quality printing processes for enhanced shelf appeal.
Highest Achievement Awards
Highest Achievement Award — Retail
Cryovac Darfresh On Tray
Manufacturer: Sealed Air Corporation — Cryovac, www.sealedair.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Simpsonville, SC
Designer/Design Firm: Sealed Air Corporation
Key Suppliers: All performed/manufactured in house by Sealed Air
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: The Sealed Air/Cryovac Darfresh On Tray is an innovative vacuum skin packaging system that allows for optimization of operational efficiency, extended shelf life, consumer convenience, and food security improvement. e leak proof clear tray and lid provides a 360° view of the product contained within, enabling consumers to see the quality of the product they are purchasing. This package offers benefits to the processor via film reduction of up to 40 percent with no material scrap, unequaled merchandising opportunities to the retailer using vertical display capability, and provides a freezer ready protective package that offers easy to open convenience to the consumer.
Highest Achievement Award — Institutional
Intervoid Sterile Coveris
Manufacturer: Coveris, www.coveris.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Hartlepool, United Kingdom
Designer/Design Firm: Coveris
Key Suppliers: Coveris Flexibles Winsford, Granton Medical, Swann — Morton
Competition Category: Technical Innovation
Package Description: Intervoid Sterile represents a major breakthrough in flexible packaging for medical, food, and other specimen sampling through its integrated protection, labeling, tracking, and storage system. This unique package enables the delivery of a single, lightweight flexible sampling solution with obvious cost, environmental, safety, and supply-chain advantages. Eliminating the risk of cross contamination and enhancing traceability and function, Intervoid products are both food contact approved and UN3373 marked for product assurance and security against cross contamination. The sterile bags combine track & trace identification, patented tamper evident closure and tape, which says “stop” if tampered with or not sealed correctly. The joining of these highly technical conversion methods, delivers a composite, easy-to-use sampling solution for enhanced safety, security, function and environmental impact not available in any other format.
Gold Award Winners
Gold — Technical Innovation
Amcor’s Dessiflex
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, www.amcor.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Asheville, NC
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: Amcor’s Dessiflex is a breakthrough in flexible packaging. It is extremely effective at both removing moisture within a package and retarding moisture penetration through seal edges of the package. Dessiflex even removes retained moisture from packages exposed to high humidity sterilization. It reduces the environmental footprint approximately 20 percent compared to a pouch with a desiccant sachet. Dessiflex is a simpler and better desiccant package effective in challenging applications. Package contents stay clean and dry.
Gold — Printing and Shelf Impact
Dole Fruit & Veggie Blends
Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc., www.empack.com
End-User/Customer: Dole Frozen
Plant: Union City, CA
Designer/Design Firm: Emerald Packaging, Dole Frozen
Key Suppliers: Hewlett Packard, Ashland Inc., and OEC Graphics
Competition Category: Printing and Shelf Impact
Package Description: The Dole Fruit & Veggie Blend is a series of three pouches newly launched in late 2014. The packages were printed with the HP Indigo wide web digital print technology. The series of three unique graphics were printed in line with zero print waste between each unique package. The PET/PE laminated stand up pouch with a zipper closure was laser scored for easy consumer access.
Gold — Packaging Excellence & Gold — Technical Innovation
Exponent 2
Manufacturer: Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc., www.rollprint.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Addison, IL
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: Exponent 2 combines ultra-high barrier ClearFoil with a chemically inert sealant. The high-performance sealant, a coextruded non-crystalline polyester, is designed to replace Barex for chemically-sensitive applications. Exponent 2 is ideal for applications requiring exceptional barrier and clarity. With oxygen and moisture barriers available down to 0.0008 cc/100in2-24hrs, and 0.0008 g/100in2-24hrs respectively, the all-polyester Exponent 2 can be used for the most sensitive applications providing cost savings and recycling opportunities when compared to traditional foil structures.
Gold — Sustainability & Gold — Technical Innovation
Freshness Plus
Manufacturer: Sealed Air Corporation — Cryovac, www.sealedair.com
End-User/Customer: Franz Bakery
Plant: Simpsonville, SC
Designer/Design Firm: Sealed Air Corporation
Key Suppliers: Sealed Air Corporation. All components are produced in house.
Competition Category: Technical Innovation
Package Description: The Sealed Air Food Care Freshness Plus Modified Atmosphere Package uses an inactive barrier film that aggressively helps prevent oxygen migration into artisan bread, keeping it fresher longer, extending shelf life for more than 40 days, and reducing product shrink by up to 50 percent. These benefits equate to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue generation for both the processor and retailer.
Gold — Printing and Shelf Impact
Ghirardelli 5.50 oz. Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Cashew
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation, www.ampkcorp.com
End-User/Customer: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
Plant: Columbus, WI
Designer/Design Firm: Metro Imaging West
Key Suppliers: Comexi — Acom Press, Henkel Adhesive, Flint/INX — Inks & Lacquer
Competition Category: Printing and Shelf Impact
Package Description: An in-line laminated 2-ply reverse printed matte film, registered gloss lacquer, easy tear and reseal features, all in a stand-up pouch results in a unique shelf appeal for this premium product. The rotogravure printing process provides the registration control necessary for application of the registered gloss lacquer to the exterior of the package after lamination. The soft vignettes and matte film help to give the package a high-end appearance along with durability and shelf life.
Gold — Packaging Excellence & Silver — Sustainability
McCormick Skillet Sauce Mix Pourable Pouch
Manufacturer: Bemis Company, Inc., www.bemis.com
End-User/Customer: McCormick & Company, Inc.
Plant: Oshkosh, WI
Designer/Design Firm: McCormick & Company, Inc.
Key Suppliers: Bemis Company, Inc.
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: With its die-cut spout and tear-off “cap,” the new McCormick Skillet Sauce package has the look and functionality of a bottle, but the efficiency and sustainability of a pouch. e cap tears easily and cleanly for a controlled, directional pour that’s proven to please consumers. The unique shape, standup format and vibrant graphics immediately set the product apart from McCormick’s popular dried spices to strengthen the company’s entry into the liquid sauce category.
Gold — Technical Innovation
Medi-CRREO with Child-Guard Closure
Manufacturer: Pactech Packaging LLC / Reynolds Presto Products www.pactechpackaging.com / www.sliderite.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Rochester, NY
Designer/Design Firm: Pactech Packaging
Key Suppliers: Reynolds Presto Products / www.sliderite.com
Competition Categories: Sustainability and Technical Innovation
Package Description: This is the world’s first child-resistant flexible pouch using the Child-Guard Closure. The Medi-CRREO manufactured by Pactech Packaging, complemented with the Child-Guard Closure developed by Reynolds Presto Products has passed the testing requirements of Title 16 CFR 1700 of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. With the hermeticity of the slider and the barrier attributes of the film laminate, end-users can be assured that their product will last on the shelf for an extended period of time. is new flexible packaging solution opens market opportunities traditionally supplied by rigid packaging.
Gold — Printing and Shelf Impact
Muscat Dates
Manufacturer: Paharpur 3P, www.pilpack.com
End-User/Customer: Lion Dates Impex Pvt Ltd.
Plant: Ghaziabad, UP, India
Designer/Design Firm: Lion Dates Impex Pvt Ltd.
Key Suppliers: SRF Polyester — PET, Sakata Inks — Ink, Bostik — Adhesive, Dow Chemical — PE granule
Competition Category: Printing and Shelf Impact
Package Description: The registered matte coating enhances aesthetics and ultimately, brand value. Packaging with premium looks and paper like finish. The best part of the pouch is the brilliance in printing. This smoothness is achieved by a special matte surface coating. Graphics, color combination of gloss and matte effct have given a “live” look of dates on the pack.
Gold — Printing and Shelf Impact
P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Style Beef
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation, www.ampkcorp.com
End-User/Customer: ConAgra Foods
Plant: Story City, IA
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Schawk, W&H
Competition Category: Printing and Shelf Impact
Package Description: Mouthwatering graphics provide for a realistic visual of the high end product waiting inside. American Packaging achieved the life-like reproduction by utilizing its High Definition flexographic printing expertise to provide a sharper image with intense colors and cleaner text. The consumer can almost taste how good the meals will be by viewing the package on the local grocer’s freezer shelf.
Gold — Packaging Excellence
Rust-Oleum SpraySmart Marking Paint Pouch
Manufacturer: Printpack, www.printpack.com
End-User/Customer: Rust-Oleum Corporation
Plant: Hazelwood, MO
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: Rust-Oleum’s marking spray paint was packaged in rigid aerosol canisters. These did not evacuate fully, and also created a high volume of hazardous waste. SpraySmart Pouches mix and evacuate more effectively, providing more paint coverage for the same package weight, and the used pouches take up much less space and do not require disposal as hazardous waste. Also, the transparent areas within the graphics allow users to easily see how much paint remains in the pouch.
Silver Award Winners
Silver — Sustainability
Amcor’s SachetLite
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, www.amcor.com
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Madison, WI
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Category: Sustainability
Package Description: Amcor’s SachetLite is an environmentally friendly alternative to standard high-barrier sachet packaging. It provides the moisture and oxygen barrier required for sensitive products, the chemical resistance needed for aggressive products, and the robust package appearance desired for a premium brand image. SachetLite’s environmental footprint is a reduction of at least 25 percent on most measures and almost 54 percent on water consumption. SachetLite is part of Flexible Packaging’s evolution into product offerings with reduced environmental impact.
Silver — Technical Innovation
FlexAsept
Manufacturer: Liqui-Box, www.liquibox.com
End-User/Customer: Ingomar Packing CO
Plant: Sacramento, CA
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Categories: Sustainability and Technical Innovation
Package Description: The patented FlexFX polyolefin contact and outer layers produces this exceptionally rugged package which reduces sticking and wrinkling of the package during the sterilization and filling process. The FlexAsept package has resulted in a bag with superior flexibility, improved thermal resistance and superior Oxygen Transmission Rate performance. This package delivers significant savings by reducing dunnage, extra handling, and product spoilage as a result of flex cracking.
Silver — Sustainability & Silver — Printing and Shelf Impact
Gourmet Express Complete Meals
Manufacturer: Berry Plastics Corporation, www.berryplastics.com
End-User/Customer: Gourmet Express
Plant: Milwaukee, WI
Designer/Design Firm: Dan Collins, Berry Plastics Corporation
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: The Gourmet Express Complete Meal pouch is a quad seal pouch configuration designed for display and shelf appeal. This product was previously sourced overseas, using rotogravure printing, solvent based adhesive technology and a different pouch format. The new product incorporates several features that accentuate the package. The designs were converted from rotogravure to flexographic printing, the structure was changed to eliminate excessive (>12 percent) breakage during filling and the pouch configuration was changed for improved shelf appeal and utilizes less material overall.
Silver — Technical Innovation
Kar’s Nuts — Second Nature Wholesome Medley PrimaPak Package
Manufacturer: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., www.clearlam.com
End-User/Customer: Kar’s Nuts
Plant: Elk Grove Village, IL
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Film Supplier and Co-Packing: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., Reseal Label Supplier: Spear Systems, LLC
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: The Second Nature Wholesome Medley PrimaPak Package is a flexible, stackable, and reclosable “pop-up box” produced from custom rollstock on vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machinery. Designed as a replacement for rigid cans, bottles, trays, jars, trays, and select flexible packaging, the PrimaPak package is lightweight, stackable, and merchandises on six sides. As a result, the PrimaPak technology improves package cube by up to 30 percent or more, maximizes manufacturing efficiencies, and improves warehousing space and transportation demands.
Silver — Packaging Excellence
Organic Girl Three Heart Romaine Stand-Up Pouch with Velcro Closure
Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc., www.empack.com
End-User/Customer: Organic Girl LLC
Plant: Union City, CA
Designer/Design Firm: Jennie Freeman, Organic Girl LLC
Key Suppliers: Flex America (PET), Commex Corp. (Antifog Coextruded Sealant), Windmoeller & Hoelscher (10 Color MiraFlex), TechFlex Packaging (Pouch Manufacturer), Velcro USA (Closure), CAI Inc. (Ink), INX International Ink Co. (Matte Varnish)
Competition Categories: Packaging Excellence, Printing and Shelf Impact, Sustainability, and Technical Innovation
Package Description: This two-layer stand-up pouch with a handle to make it easier for consumer to grab off the shelf. It features a Velcro closure to make the package easier to close compared to a string zipper, and features a registered matte finish which adds to the gloss of the package, helping it stand out in the graphic saturated produce section of any grocery store. This package stands up as opposed to the previous clamshell, catching the consumer’s eye, which leads to a significant gain in market share and higher “romaine” sales at the grocer. Antifog prevents moisture build-up on the inside of the bag allowing consumers to see the produce.
Silver — Sustainability
Potato Starch Film for Potato Bags
Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc., www.empack.com
End-User/Customer: Emerald Packaging, Inc.
Plant: Union City, CA
Designer/Design Firm: Michael Ricon, Emerald Packaging, Inc.
Key Suppliers: Emerald Packaging, Inc. (Film Formulation, Printing, Converting), BiologiQ LLC (Potato Starch Resin), CAI Inc. (Inks), Commex Corp. (Extrusion)
Competition Category: Sustainability
Package Description: This product represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable films. is 5 lb. bag is partly made from a renewable resource: potatoes. The 25 percent potato resin, 75 percent polyethylene mixture developed by Emerald Packaging and Biologiq of Idaho Falls, ID, produces a film that is actually stronger than a 100 percent polyethylene based film typically used for potato bags, thereby allowing for downgauging of up to 10 percent. This film has many other possible uses including as a white sealant and other packaging that does not require absolute clarity.
