The winners of the 2011 Packaging Council of Australia Awards are proof the industry is taking the lead in producing sustainable, safe and innovative products, according to organisers. The Packaging Design Awards attracted 130 entries from a wide range of designers, manufacturers, brandowners and retailers.
Commenting on the awards – which were announced at a dazzling ceremony in Melbourne – Gavin Williams, CEO of the Council says, “The Awards demonstrate that talent, energy and ideas exist in Australia in abundance.”Nufarm was the big winner on the night taking out the joint Best of Show Award and the Innovation Award for QuikPour, which according to the judges is an all-round brilliant design and a revolutionary result for the chemical sector.
According to Nufarm, all components of QuikPour are recyclable and the designers have been able to reduce the amount of plastic used by more than 80 per cent.
Loop Branding also took home a Best of Show Award on the night for its Be Natural cereal pack, which judges say has stepped away from competitors to enhance the brand value and create a dramatic and effective stand out appeal on shelf.
Bill Seppelt, senior awards judge says, “For the first time, two entries were awarded Best of Show. Both winning packs are fine examples of Australian design and innovation. Our congratulations go to all winners in this hard fought competition.”
Another highlight of the night was a crushable water bottle developed by Coca-Cola Amatil, which won the Australian Packaging Covenant Sustainability Award. Judges say the bottle is lighter than its predecessor and will reduce the amount of space needed to transport it to recycling centres. The innovation has reduced the product’s carbon footprint by 30 per cent.
Australia’s defence forces are also benefiting from ground-breaking packaging solutions. Niche packaging firm, Australian Inhibitor, has developed a military approved product which protects metals for short and long-term storage. The VCI Ferro Foil took out the Packaging for Industry Award.
Seppelt continues, “Three of the award categories - Colorpak Innovation, Packaging for Industry and Australian Packaging Covenant Sustainability - all had some very exciting entries with an emphasis on functionality and technical innovation.
“I’m sure this trend will continue to add value and incentive to ensure that Australian packaging supply chain continues in the forefront of packaging technology.”
Organisers add that the tertiary and schools categories have also shown there is no shortage of creativity and practicality in the industry’s young. The winners include a tissue box made only from recycled cardboard and a package for flour which incorporates a cap dispenser with its own sieve.
Williams says, “The tertiary and schools awards are not only popular, but they also do a lot of good. They teach students to think creatively – and to have fun. They open up career paths for students and encourage innovation and the pursuit of excellence.”
All the night's winners can be found here.
