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 March 1st in conjunction with the 2017 FPA Annual Meeting (March 1-3) 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.

“This is a year of more,” according to Richmond, “there's more innovation, there's more sustainability, there's more non-food, there are more holistic solutions.” 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.

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.

Hunt’s® Recipe Ready® Tomato Paste Pouch
Awards: Highest Achievement Award Gold – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging; Gold – Packaging Excellence; Gold – Sustainability; Silver – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: Bemis Company Inc.

GOLD ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Listed alphabetically by package name.

1. Amcor’s Fortis™
Award: Gold – Technical Innovation Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles

2. Cape Cod Bags of Cash Promo Package
Award: Gold – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: Printpack

3. Clinic Plus Strong & Long Health Shampoo
Awards: Gold Award – Sustainability; Silver Award – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging Manufacturer: Paharpur 3P

4. Nudges® Grillers Dog Treats, 5 oz.
Award: Gold – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation

5. Shaker Bag
Awards: Gold – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging; Gold – Packaging Excellence Manufacturer: Precision Color Graphics Ltd. & Specialty Packaging Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary

6. Waterless Internet Flower Packaging
Awards: Gold – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging; Gold – Technical Innovation; Silver – Packaging Excellence; Silver – Sustainability Manufacturer: Flex Films (USA) Inc.

SILVER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Listed alphabetically by package name.

1. Banquet Dino-Shaped Chicken Nuggets
Award: Silver – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation

2. CAF's "ORUS" Squeegee Bucket Solution Box Pouch, 5.25 lb.
Award: Silver - Sustainability Manufacturer: Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC

3. Cryovac® Sealappeal® OSF AW Ovenable Bag for Whole Bird
Award: Silver – Technical Innovation Manufacturer: Sealed Air Corporation

4. FormFoil™ Lite Suture Package
Awards: Silver – Packaging Excellence; Silver – Sustainability Manufacturer: Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc.

5. gather Free Acres Adult Canine Diet, 6 lb.
Award: Silver – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: Peel Plastic Products Ltd.

6. General Mills Totino’s Pizza Overwrap
Awards: Silver – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging; Silver – Sustainability Manufacturer: Printpack

7. Hershey's Twizzlers with FreshPak Resealable
Award: Silver – Technical Innovation Manufacturer: Sealstrip Corporation

8. hth Showpack
Award: Silver – Extending the Use of Flexible Packaging Manufacturer: Printpack

9. NFI/UPM Pharmaceuticals’ Lidocare™ Pain Relief Patch Pouch
Award: Silver – Technical Innovation Manufacturer: Bemis Healthcare Packaging

10. REDKEN HEATCURE At-Home Self-Heating Mask
Award: Silver – Technical Innovation Manufacturer: Printpack

11. Smart Mix Pro
Award: Silver – Sustainability Manufacturer: Sealed Air Corporation, Diversey Care

12. Starbucks Coffee - Mexico Chiapas
Award: Silver – Printing and Shelf Impact Manufacturer: Printpack