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.