The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has announced the winners of its 61st Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. The winning entries were recognized at the FPA Welcome Dinner & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Ceremony held Wednesday, March 1st in conjunction with the 2017 FPA Annual Meeting at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Boca Raton, FL.

This year, 75 packages were submitted in the competition for a total of 152 entries (some packages were entered into multiple categories). Nineteen packages were honored with 30 Achievement Awards in various categories.

The judges for this year’s competition included Eric Fish, editor-in-chief, Flexible Packaging Magazine; Dr. Robert Kimmel, Sc. D., associate professor, director, Center for Flexible Packaging (CEFPACK), Clemson University; and Dr. Michael Richmond, vice president, Consulting Solutions, Packaging, HAVI.

Sustainability continues to be a focus, with a number of entries reducing layers and downgrading thickness to reduce overall material volume. Several entries addressed how flexible packaging can help reduce food waste.

There was an increase in the number of entries relating to the healthcare industry that showcased innovation, both for reducing materials and using materials more efficiently. The entries recognized the need for sterility and customer convenience.

Several of the entries also highlighted the transition of products previously packaged in rigid containers to flexible packaging.

See all the entries and the 30 Achievement Awards winners by clicking here.