The winning entries were chosen based on creativity in design, engineering and innovation.
Best Part Design – Ella Cappuccino – Submitted by: Verstraete In Mold Labels, a Multi-Color Company Brand; Owner: Star Gate Innovations; Molder: Polyoak Dairy Pack Tubs; Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels, a Multi-Color Company
Ella is "convenience in a capsule" delivering a premium liquid espresso and low-fat milk, in an instant. Simply shake and add boiling hot water or cold water over ice. No machine required. Ella is really healthy with no artificial additives and is preservative-free with a shelf life of one year. The IML oxygen barrier labels prevent oxygen from entering the packaging, thus extending the shelf life and the aroma of the cappuccino.
Best In-Mold Decorated Durable Part – Heritage Pistol Grips – Submitted by: Taylor Communications; Brand Owner: Heritage Manufacturing, Inc.; Molder: Widgets Ltd.; Label Supplier: Taylor Communications
Taylor Communications partnered with Heritage Manufacturing to extend and diversify Heritage’s pistol product line. Taylor’s development of Flexographic 3D formable inks and custom 5-axis trim cell enable high-quality, custom graphics like woodgrain, metallic, pearlescent and other effects to be applied to the IMD process. The development of the IMD technology through this partnership has created new and exciting opportunities for future growth.
Best In-Mold Decorated Package – Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative – Submitted by: Polytainers, Inc.; Brand Owner: Blue Diamond Growers; Molder: Polytainers, Inc.; Label Supplier: Verstraete In Mold Labels
Polytainers new dual compartment Sidekick container offers efficiency on shelf while delivering tangible sustainability results. The Sidekick is designed with thinner walls reducing the amount of plastic used during the manufacturing process. Both the container and IML label are made with polypropylene resin, resulting in a 100% recyclable package so the consumer does not need to
separate materials before recycling. The Sidekick increases shelf density by 36% and is available in white, pigmented or clear with a full wrap IML label.
Best Label Design – Cream of Tomato Pot Soup – Submitted by: Korsini; Brand Owner: The Kraft Heinz Company; Molder: RPC Superfos; Label Supplier: Korsini
Hygiene and freshness are key, as the SuperLock® pot from RPC Superfos − in combination with Korsini-SAF's autoclave resistant oxygen barrier labels − allows for post filling sterilization up to 120° C for 80 minutes. Pot and the lid are injection moulded and the pot comes with in-mould labelling and oxygen barrier protection. The lid is decorated with a standard IML, and the pots are sealed with aluminium foil for a long shelf life even under ambient temperatures. The SuperLock® pot has a very user-friendly twist-off screw-on lid. Another advantage is that the pot is suitable for microwave, so that a yummy meal can be effortlessly heated within minutes. Pot and lid are 100% recyclable which is clearly indicated by an on-pack recycling label.
Best Technical Achievement – Holographic Closure Technologies – Submitted by: Morphotonix; Brand Owner: United Caps; Molder: United Caps; Label Supplier: Morphotonix
UNITED CAPS, a global industry reference in innovative caps and closures, partnered with MORPHOTONIX, a high-tech brand protection company, to secure bottled products’ originality with a bio-inspired and sustainable closure design. MORPHOTONIX nano-engraved steel cavities with 130,000 dpi precision custom diffractive holograms, which were replicated by UNITED CAPS into the closures via injection molding. The cavities are seamlessly integrated in the molding line, and the closures are produced at standard speeds, with zero additional consumables. The irremovable security designs provide immediate verification without scanning. Surprise consumers with an outstanding sustainable branding solution.