Hazen Paper Company earned the top prize for its Enhanced Envirofoil at the 2015 annual management meeting of the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) held March 19-21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Hazen was awarded “Product of the Year” for a collection of transfer-metallized sleeves and cartons produced for global packaging of Titleist golf balls. Hazen was responsible for transfer-metallizing the cartons and contributed to the package development with brand owner Acushnet and Curtis Packaging of Sandy Hook, Conn.

Packaging of Titleist brands NXT Tour S, DT Solo and VG3 feature new graphics on a chrome-like reflective surface made possible by Hazen’s improved transfer coating, Enhanced Envirofoil. A harder polymer in the upgraded coating contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and provides a highly printable surface, improved scuff resistance, and a surface brightness of 850 measured on a scale of one to 1,000 on a Gardner Gloss meter — significantly higher than other transfer-metallized products, the company reports. This enhanced coating also permitted prominent embossing on the VG3 packaging more distinct than possible on competing metallized stocks. Each Titleist package also includes a holographic hot stamp and covert security features to discourage brand theft and counterfeiting.

In addition to visual advantages, this pioneering stock delivers environmental benefit: Envirofoil is recyclable as paper. The company calculates source reduction of more than 350,000 pounds of aluminum and plastic compared to foil or film laminate. Hazen’s metallizing process is powered by sustainable sources of electricity; vertically integrated production reduces shipping and dramatically cuts process time and cost, according to the company.

Judges noted the shelf impact of sleeves and cartons. “There’s almost a 3D effect,” remarked one, and the integration of a number of features, including registered holography, spot varnishes, embossing and built-in windows that contributed to “the message that it is a premium product,” said another.

Hazen won an additional five AIMCAL awards. The firm brought home both awards in the decorative/display category, picking up a technical award as metallizer and converter for Victoria’s Secret Angel Eau de Parfum from Victoria’s Secret Beauty, designed by TPC. Ultracure Acrylic Silver 48-gauge metallized polyester laminated to 0.018 coated-one-side solid bleached sulfate (SBS) was ideal for precisely registered printing and intricate embossing. Hazen also received the marketing award in the category, for a display for MAC Lightful skincare from Estee Lauder, produced with contract packager Sandy Alexander. Hazen’s Ultracure Acrylic Silver Reflector supplied the brilliant mirror reflectivity to capture shoppers’ attention in a crowded retail environment.

Hazen also won several awards in the healthcare, cosmetics and toiletries category, receiving both technical and marketing honors for Victoria’s Secret Beauty, produced for TPC. The technical award recognized Hazen for Victoria’s Secret Love, featuring Ultracure Acrylic Silver Duplex laminated to both sides of SBS board, permitting heavy embossing and image continuity inside and out. The marketing award was given to Body by Victoria, which employed Hazen’s Ultracure Acrylic Silver to accentuate embossing.

Finally, Hazen earned marketing honors with custom holography in the “other” category, with the Lotto Quebec Celebration 25E Anniversaire Pouch 2014 for Loto-Québec, produced by Scientific Games Montreal. Holographic film was embossed with a custom pattern, then printed and laminated to a sealable polyethylene. Ultimately, a scratch ticket was inserted into a pouch of the holographic material with scalloped sealing — unique, value-added packaging that allowed the lottery to increase the price of the special-occasion anniversary offering from $20 to $25.

This was the second year in a row for Hazen to dominate the industry awards. President John Hazen remarked, “We’re honored to be recognized for so much of our customers’ work. We’re fortunate to have a great roster of elite clients who call upon us to help them realize goals for sustainability, efficiency, and pioneering design to drive sales. Their trust and commitment motivate us: we are delighted to be able to contribute to the production of these exemplary packages. All credit goes to our customers, and we thank them.”