Recently, the Flexible Packaging Association announced the
winning entries of the 52nd annual FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards.
This year, 75 flexible packaging entries and 99 competition category entries
were received for the 2008 competition. Twenty-six flexible packaging entries
were honored with a total of 29 Achievement Awards. The awards were presented
during the Welcome & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Dinner, which
was held in conjunction with the 2008 FPA Annual Meeting.
The winning entries of the 2008 FPA Flexible Packaging
Achievement Awards competition incorporate innovative achievements in
materials, structure and design, and new product applications. Features such as
these are advancing the uses of flexible packaging within the retail,
institutional and industrial markets, while providing amazing flexible
packaging solutions for end-users and consumers.
New and unique flexible packaging applications are seen in
several winning entries including the Wetbone™ Water to Go! pouch, a
multi-use water pouch product for pets, and the Sugart iTea Wand, which
introduces consumers to a new method for brewing hot tea.
The technological improvements introduced in the Freshtables
with Estersteam® Vent package and the Pliant SteamQuick™ Packaging
provides safer venting systems for microwaveable, cook-in-bags. The outstanding
barrier features of the microwaveable Royco Sauce Pouch protect the contents
during the heating process, while the secure-grip, no-heat handle protects
consumers.
Advanced flexible packaging material combinations in the
Cades Cove Rib Pouch provide a tough, puncture and leak resistant, cook-in
pouch, while the woven poly SuperTube bags are tear proof and “a significant
improvement over traditional film and paper bags.” Easy open and repeat closure
systems are integrated into the Cryovac® Grip and Tear™ Bag, the
Daniele® Delizia Presidents Prosciutto and the Plumrose Supreme Center Cut
Bacon Reseal It packages.
Winning entries such as the Goody’s Child Resistant Tear
Stick Pack give parents a child-resistant, but easy-to-tear open flexible
packaging solution for children’s medicine, and the Duet Pouch “enhances
functionality” for healthcare providers through its new peelable chevron
header. Major advancements in flexible lidding technology are showcased in the
Ultra Peel Retortable Membrane End and Non-Foil Die-Cut Lidding.
Significant environmental and sustainable achievements are
incorporated into the Hot N Handy Rotisserie Pouch, the Stratos Machine Pallet
Wrap Film, the Drop’n Go package, the Coldpack AirLiner and the Agrolabs
“Naturally” Shrink Label. These winning entries require less material to
produce, reduce solid waste, and offer cost savings to end users and “greener”
packaging options to consumers.
Eye-popping graphics are featured on the Dannon Light &
Fit Yogurt, the Vemma V2 package and the Iams Plastic Reclosable Chunk Dog Food
Bag. To provide high shelf impact and help maximize valuable shelf space,
superior printing techniques are utilized on the Balance® Organic package,
the Perdue Bourbon Chicken, the Nestle Purina Pet Care and Hershey Cacao
Reserve winning entries.
Special thanks is given to FPA’s 2008 Flexible Packaging
Achievement Awards judging panel: Dr. Bruce Harte, Ph.D, Michigan State
University School of Packaging; Michael Richmond, Ph.D, Packaging &
Technology Integrated Solutions; and Sean Riley, editor, PMT Magazine, for
their generous dedication of time and expertise.
For additional information on the winning packages and all
the entries of the 2008 FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition,
visit FPA’s online Innovation Showcase & Achievement Award Winners Gallery
at www.flexpack.org , or
contact the association at (410) 694-0800.
