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.

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 
Awards:  Highest Achievement Award
Gold — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Gold — Printing & Shelf Impact
Silver — Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: Bemis Company, Inc.

Description: Molson Coors’ 12 Pack Cooler Bag creates a fresh take on the ubiquitous beer carton. The new flexible bag delivers portable convenience with a pouch that expands into a larger, reusable bag that provides additional convenience features. This innovative package features easy-carry handles and can go directly into the refrigerator or cooler. The film’s sturdy, high performance structure allows consumers to reuse the bag. Reusability provides brand benefits to communicate benefits and quality to brand-loyal consumers over and over again.

---

GOLD ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Listed alphabetically by package name.

Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders Pouch 
Awards: Gold — Sustainability
 Gold — Packaging Excellence
 Silver — Technical Innovation

Manufacturer: TC Transcontinental Packaging 

Description: Harney & Sons desired a flexible pouch with luxurious graphics that would protect the aroma and flavor of their fine teas while supporting their environmental values. TC Transcontinental Packaging in collaboration with Charter NEX Films, Inc. and The Dow Chemical Company achieved all of Harney & Sons key criteria of excellent shelf appeal, shelf life, and recyclability. This pouch is the first commercial example of a package which contains EVOH, for oxygen barrier, and moisture barrier properties in a format which is 100% recyclable for in-store drop-off.

Nutro Ultra Grain Free 
Award: Gold — Printing & Shelf Impact

Manufacturer: Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC 

Description: This Nutro Ultra Grain Free flat bottom box pouch offers a powerful shelf presence through providing purposeful features. The straight sides of the flat bottom enables excellent casing and freight density, outstanding shelf presentation at retail, and ideal home storage. The resealable feature also enables the consumer to keep the product fresher for longer periods of time without having to switch it to a new container. With the eye popping graphics on the package, this product sets itself apart from the rest of the market place.

Willow® Pump Leak-Proof Pouch 
Awards:  Gold — Technical Innovation
Silver — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Silver — Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: Vonco Products, LLC 

Description: Willow® is the world’s first all-in-one wearable breast pump that fits inside a bra. Integral to the system is a doughnut shaped milk bag. Each disposable bag holds 4 oz. and features a one-way valve so milk goes in and doesn’t come out. A fresh bag is tucked inside the Willow® pump for each use. Moms can either pour the milk into a bottle for immediate use or they can store it in fridge or freezer.

---

SILVER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Listed alphabetically by package name.

AMSOIL® Easy Pack 
Award: Silver — Printing & Shelf Impact

Manufacturer: AMSOIL INC. 

Description: AMSOIL® Easy Packs are a revolutionary solution to a longstanding problem. From DIYers to professional mechanics, rigid bottles make dispensing fluids difficult in the confined spaces of modern vehicles, resulting in wasted product, spillage, and a poor user experience. The flexibility of the AMSOIL® Easy Pack, integrated handle, and ergonomic design provide confidence and ease-of-use when maneuvering in tight spaces. No need for specialty tools, funnels, pumps, etc.

Before Brands SpoonfulOne Strawberry Puffs 
Award: Silver — Printing & Shelf Impact

Manufacturer: CL&D Graphics, Inc. 

Description: Before Brands SpoonfulOne Strawberry Puffs Gusset Pouches are an excellent example of how converting to flexible packaging creates exceptional brand management. The new, improved packaging creates a colorful, exciting gusset pouch with bold colors and a matte finish to emphasize the many features of their product. Before Brands SpoonfulOne Strawberry Puffs Gusset Pouches is a gusset pouch that contains seven snack packs.

ConAgra Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks 
Awards:  Silver — Printing & Shelf Impact
Silver — Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: Bemis Company, Inc.

Description: Leveraging innovative printing technology, Bemis developed this leather print package for Slim Jim. The simulated leather texture and look is an emerging packaging technology, primarily used in printing and graphics to deliver additional cues of authenticity and quality. This printing innovation enabled brand extension and premiumization for Slim Jim through a visually and texturally differentiated experience from traditional meat stick offerings, while still maintaining critical brand recognition.

JBS-Swift Printed Ovenable Meat Packaging (OvenRite®)
Award: Silver — Technical Innovation

Manufacturer: Bemis Company, Inc.

Description: OvenRite® packaging is a fully printed ovenable film with high quality graphics for meat and seafood. The film is available in premade pouches or form/fill/seal rollstock. Products can go straight from refrigerator or freezer to the oven while producing a consistent final product with minimal preparation and cleanup. This technology self-vents steam for optimum browning but maintains tenderness and moisture for added flavor. Ovenable inks are used to replace removable labels found on prior cook-in offerings to deliver convenience.

Dole Crafted Smoothies 
Award: Silver — Sustainability

Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc.

Description: The Dole Crafted Smoothies Blend is a series of three SKU’s launched in early 2018. This PE/ink/waterbased adhesive/PE pouch provides all the required functional and aesthetic properties while utilizing 100% recyclable films. Emerald developed a recyclable alternative, moving the original PET/PE structure to a PE/PE structure. The non-recyclable laminated PET web was replaced by recyclable polyethylene (PE), making it a PE/PE recyclable pouch. It is printed 10 colors on a Windmoeller & Hoelscher Miraflex printing press for dynamic graphics and shelf appeal in the supermarket. The PE/PE pouch offers the same convenience and performance of multi-material pouches with the added benefit of being recyclable where PE bag and film recovery efforts currently exist.

FLEXMAXTM Packaging for Floor Care Products from Midlab®
Award: Silver — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging

Manufacturer: Printpack 

Description: Printpack’s Tough Bucket™ container is a flat-folding, dual-wall 2.5 gallon flexible pouch with the cold temperature drop-impact strength necessary for the containment of large volume liquids. Fitted with a 38mm HDPE spout for easy pouring and reclosure, Tough Bucket™ combines high stiffness, toughness, and high and low temperature resistance properties in its proprietary-formulated, dual-wall pouching/bagging films. Aggressive chemical and environmental stress-crack resistance completes the package.

Green Giant Veggie Spirals™ PrimaPak® Package 
Awards:  Silver — Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Silver — Technical Innovation
Silver — Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: Sonoco Flexible Packaging 

Description: The Green Giant Veggie Spirals™ PrimaPak® package is a flexible, stackable, resealable package produced from a single roll of film on modified Ilapak vertical form-fill-seal machinery. The microwaveable packaging is designed with vent holes, as well as a peel reseal lid, for easy opening. The consumer has the option to microwave, blend additional ingredients, and serve directly out of the package, without the need for a bowl or serving dish.

A Sensational Pouch 
Awards:  Silver — Technical Innovation
Silver — Printing & Shelf Impact
Silver — Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: St. Johns Packaging Ltd. 

Description: This promotional pouch was designed to introduce a new soft touch film in a flexible packaging application. Use of graphics and the linear tear PLALOC zipper were part of the effort to showcase St. Johns’ packaging capabilities to the market. In an effort to "grab" the customer's attention on the crowded store shelf, the promotional pouch highlights the use of both the visual and tactile aspect of a flexible package. In addition, the use of a gold hot stamp, "Certification of Quality Guarantee" in a flexible application, truly sets this pouch apart in the market.

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

Manufacturer: St. Johns Packaging Ltd. 

Description: This promotional pouch was designed to showcase the internal pouch making capability at St. Johns Packaging with an all PE structure that addresses the consumer, retailer, and consumer product companies’ demands for more environmentally friendly packaging. The design of the package was developed internally, with the side panels of the pouch being utilized to showcase each of the companies involved with the help of a QR Code, allowing for quick access to that company's website.