Some of Ardagh Group’s (ardaghgroup.com) packaging developments have recently been honored in the industry’s most prestigious packaging awards at both national and international level. So far, 2013 has seen an unprecedented level of success highlighting the company’s record for innovation.

The international glass and metal packaging company is celebrating the success of both its AbsolutUnique and Jean Paul Gaultier Coca Cola bottles in the highly contested international 2013 Beverage Innovation Awards.

Presented during Drinktec in Munich, Absolut Unique won the ‘Best Packaging Design or Label’ category for producing four million individually decorated bottles with different combinations of color coating and patterns - a first for the packaging industry.

Judges also awarded the Jean Paul Gaultier Coca-Cola aluminium contour bottle winner of the ‘Best Can or Alubottle’ category in recognising the use of cutting edge print technology combined with shaping to create maximum visual impact.

In North America Ardagh was also recognised in the 2013 ClearChoice Awards organised by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) with winning entries for McCormick Vodka and Nantucket Nectar.

McCormick Vodka is a great success story not only for Ardagh but also for the industry. This pack was presented with a ‘Conversion Award’ after the brand owner recognised that it could improve sales and achieve a premium shelf standout by replacing the previous plastic pack with a premium glass bottle

Nantucket Nectar was recognised with a President’s Choice Award for Sustainability, chosen for its original design inspired by the Island of Nantucket, together with an 8 per cent reduction in the weight of the container.

In the 2013 German Packaging Awards, Ardagh’s next generation metal can for Bonduelle, was a winner in the Food Category, whilst Absolut Unique was again a winner in the Beverage Category.

Ardagh’s next generation can development was commended by German Packaging Award judges for making significant advances in can production and processing technology. By employingnitrogen dosing techniques, similar to those used in the beverage industry, for the first time in food canning, Ardagh has created a more premium pack together with a 15% material saving.

Earlier in the year Absolut Unique was also recognised with a 2013 Starpack Award in the UK. The bottle has also earned the Stockholm creative agency, Family Business, one of the world’s major design accolades, winning the Diamond award for ‘best in show’ at the 2013 Pentawards.

Also at the 2013 iF Awards Ardagh won with its stylish Aluminium bottle for Strongbow Cider in the Packaging Materials category as did Ardagh’s lightweight and easy openRinGo® paint can concept in the Packaging Form Design category.

“These international achievements for our company are a tribute to the skill and flair for innovation of the teams at Ardagh, our customers, and everyone who is involved in all these projects,” says Ardagh Group CEO, Niall Wall.

He adds: “Through exceptional teamwork and the application of advanced technology, we have not only produced outstanding and unique packaging, but support some of the world’s most recognised brands to enhance their reputations for innovation.”

 And further recognition may yet be around the corner as Ardagh looks forward to the remainder of the year and to early 2014, as a finalist in other major industry Awards, including The UK Packaging Awards, Worldstar, Asia Can Tech, Can of the Year, iF Packaging Awards and Oscar de l’Emballage”