Australia's finest recognised in packaging awards

THE 2003 Australian Packaging Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne this week. The awards have a new look this year after a major review of categories was carried out after the last awards. Many well known packaging companies figure repeatedly in the awards this year. Perhaps reflecting the growth recently in shrink sleeve labelling, it was a pioneer and leader in that area which figured most prominently in the Gold. Le Mac Enterprises, based at Richmond, in Sydney's outer north western suburbs, was a part of the teams responsible for no fewer than three Gold awards. Leading Victorian label converter Labelmakers was involved in one Gold and two Silver awards while leading pressure sensitive label maker Pemara figured in one Gold and one Silver award. There was strong competition in the folding cartons area too, with national converter Wadepack involved in two Gold awards, while Carter Holt Harvey figured in one Gold, two Silver and three Bronze awards. Hannapak, also in Sydney's far north west outskirts at Richmond, recorded one Gold and two Bronze mentions in folding cartons. In its total of six award mentions, CHH was matched by Amcor Flexibles with one Silver and five Bronze awards. A unique IBC fill-gland seal by Entapack won the inaugural Best in Show award (see separate story). Other award winners this year were: ACI Glass Packaging Award This award recognises Australian design innovation in glass packaging, including aesthetics and functionality. Gold: Carlton & United Breweries' Carlton Sterling Component manufacturers include ACI Glass Packaging, Labelmakers, Amcor Closures, Visy Board, Meadwestvaco and Amcor Beverage Cans. Functional design is by Carlton & United Breweries and ACI Glass Packaging with graphic design by Cato-Purnell Partners Judges said: The first ever full-body foil-wrap label provides a striking ‘garment' for this new bottle shape. The bottle collar is formally dressed, while the featured curves of the ‘pinched waist' are exposed for maximum visual impact, and also for best grip comfort. A perfected graphic style is in evidence once again, with typography, colour and printing excellence combining to create a sleek, classic result. Silver: Viva Late Harvest ( and Early Harvest) Extra Virgin Olive Oil 375ml by Origin Olives Australia with components by ACI Glass, Cospak and Labelhouse; functional design by ACI Glass Packaging and graphic design by Grantley, Cogzell, Benn Bronze: Laurance Wines' Laurance of Margaret River. Components by Saver Glass and The Packaging Company and design by Dianne Laurance of Turner Design, WA. Amcor "Packaging The Brand" Award This award pays homage to the creation of brand value through an existing brand where the packaging has been redesigned to create new value, or a new brand that is differentiated primarily through its packaging. Gold: Selleys Silicone Sealant Range Component manufacturers were Le Mac Australia and Viscount Plastics with functional design by le Mac and Selleys and graphic design by Zlata Creative Design. Judges said: Selleys has most definitely raised the bar in its category, by re-inventing itself in such a successful manner. This new design has added a whole new dimension to the Selleys brand, and repositioned Selleys' image at the same time. Colour-coded for easy selection, the applications are obvious at a glance, and it's a breeze to navigate through the variations without confusion. Silver: Ferguson Australia Lobster Meat & Medallion Packs. Manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey (Woodville SA) with design by Carter Holt (Barry Magazinovic), Corporate Profile and Nationwide Labelling. Bronze: Uncle Tobys "Plus" Cereal Range. Components by Amcor Cartons and MPC; design by Amcor Cartons and CPd (Chris Travers). AMR Hewitts Print Packaging Family Of Packages This recognises the special association between brand identity and consumer packaging, awarded to two or more packages designed to convey a common brand image. Gold: Ponds family of products. Component manufacturers were Pemara Corporation, Designed Mouldings, ACI Plastics Packaging, Hannapak, Steri-Plas Containers and Le Mac Australia Group. Functional designer was Trevor Lowder of Unilever and graphic designer Keith Sharpe of Design Intoto. Judges said: A diverse group of pack shapes and sizes is unified here by the skilful use of design and print techniques. Soft, graduated tones are expertly rendered in the key logo panel to an equally high standard across a variety of print methods, whether on tube, bottle, jar or box. The effect is a consistent brand expression that forms the basis for a well-connected assortment of products. Offset, screen and hot-foil printing, with flexographic matt varnish delivers a polished, sophisticated print job. Silver: Berri Ltd's Australian Fresh Range. Components by VisyPak, ACI Plastics, Full View Plastics, Portola Packaging, Labelmakers, Scholle Industries and Colorpak Packaging. Design by VisyPak, Hayman Design and Berri Ltd (Daniel Capaul). Bronze: Chocolatier Christmas Range of Packs. Components by AMR Hewitts Print Packaging , Chocolatier (Australia) and SJR Patterns. Design by AMR Hewitts Print Packaging and Ad.Dam & Associates. Industrial Packaging Award This award recognises the most outstanding technical achievement of industrial packaging. Gold: Entapack's Dur-O-gland (see Best in Show report) Silver: Sunbeam Bulk Industrial Plastic Tub. Manufactured by Global Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd and designed by Foodbins Pty Ltd Bronze: Maple Manufacturing's Air-Rap & Map-Rap. Components manufactured by Amcor Flexibles (Kewdale, WA) and Maple Manufacturing (SA). Design by Adrian Hart and Moriarty Plastics (Christopher Moriarty). Avery Dennison Superior Label Award This award aims to reward excellence in creative design and visual quality of a label. Gold: Archers Aqua Component manufacturers were Riverwood International Australia, Le Mac Australia Group, ACI Glass Packaging, ACI Closures and Wadepack Ltd. Functional design by Riverwood International Australia, Diageo Australia and Le Mac Australia. Graphic design by Oxygen Design Pty Ltd Judges said: This all-over shrink label accentuates the shape of the bottle, and unifies the silhouette by visually binding cap to collar, and body to base. Classically eloquent typography achieves both brand authority and a feminine appeal: nightclub appropriate, sophisticated and simple. The curved lines of the bottle shape express elegance and make the bottle easy and comfortable to hold. Silver: The Poem 2001 Shiraz with components manufactured by Precision Labels, SICPA Australia, Avery Dennison and Kurz and design by Barbara Harkness Design Bronze: Aura 4-Bottle Pack. Manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey Paper Board and SICPA Australia. Designed by Alan Hartley and Triangle. Carter Holt Harvey Aesthetic Style Award This award recognises that aesthetic style in marketing is a powerful tool. Gold: Cellarmaster Wines' Vasarelli Amarone Component manufacturers include Collotype Labels, Barossa Enterprises and Saver Glass. Design is by Pinnacle Creative (Linda Platt). Judges said: This exquisite design refects the quality of the wine product it holds with great eloquence. Its heavy vase-like base is both highly tactile and visually reminiscent of the ‘precious' quality of gift glassware. The concept is one of luxury and occasion, delivered with outstanding beauty and technical excellence. A premium aspect is inherent in various attributes: the unusual towering height and subtle taper of the bottle, the label design quietly rendered with evocative typography and die cut detailing, and the understated use of colour that allow the showcase of the deep colour of the wine itself. Silver: Ferguson Australia Lobster Meat & Medallion Packs (details as per Amcor award above). Bronze: Barossa Valley Wild Olive. Components by Allkotes and Hannapak with design by Hannapak and Peter Sexty Graphic Design. Colorpak Export Award This rewards Australian companies who have achieved export business with Australian packaging specifically designed for that target export market. Gold: Carter Holt Harvey Packaging Australia's OYSA Carton Manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey (Woodville SA) with functional design by CHH's Barry Magazinovic and graphic design by Godak Marketing Group, Japan. Judges said: The carton has great visual appeal, and reinforces the quality of the contents by realistic photographic presentation and graphic design. Images on the rear of the pack illustrate the product story and origin in a stylish and informative display. This increases awareness of the region of the producer and informs the consumer. Care was taken to comply with cultural colour preferences to reinforce connotations of hygiene and good health essential to high consumer acceptance. A two layer construction ensures maximum product protection and consumer confidence in this exacting export seafood category. It meets the rigorous demands of the Asian consumer with style and impact. Silver: OSI - Nichirie Beef Patties with component from Marubeni, Exxon Mobil Films, Dow Chemicals, SICPA Australia, Henkel Liofol Products and ABM Plastics. Functional design by ABM Plastics and graphic design by Scanapak. Bronze: Snickers Mild Crisp. Components by Amcor Flexibles and Carter Holt Harvey Packaging Australia with design by Masterfoods, CHH and Amcor Flexibles Australasia Cryovac Innovation Award This award is for the package judged to be the most innovative and to represent the most significant advance in technology and/or materials usage. Gold: Hydro-Asparagus Pack Manufactured by Amcor Fibre Packaging Australasia with design by Gordon Mellis and George Ganzenmuller. The pack was developed with the co-operation of Miandetta Farms, Warwick, Qld Judges said: This ingenious solution revolutionises the wet-environment packaging landscape by combining a thin membrane and a 100 per cent recycled fibre carton to create a water-resistant paper laminate. Replacing the previous options of plastic, EP foam or non-recyclable wax-coated corrugated cartons, this new Hydro-Asparagus Pack is a brilliant performer in the constant shower-cooling process required for fresh asparagus and is fully recyclable. The unit travels flat, and assembles into a sturdy, protective unit via a locking tab system. It has a tapered design to suit the inherent qualities and shape of asparagus. Silver: Herron Capseals 25's Bottle Component manufacturers are ACI Plastics and P&I Sydney (Geoff Ireland).Functional design is by Herron Pharmaceuticals (Roger Appathural) and graphic design by Smith Evans. Bronze: Eco-friendly Plantic tray for Cadbury Milktray Range, manufactured and designed by Plantic Technologies Limited. Ecorecycle Victoria Sustainable Packaging Award This award recognises significant innovation in the design of packaging systems to reduce the life cycle environmental impacts of packaging. Gold: CHEP reusable plastic container - fresh produce. Manufactured by CHEP Asia Pacific and designed by CHEP and Rehrig. Judges said: This sturdy container has redefined the concept of fruit and vegetable crates. Available in three sizes, all with the same base dimension, this resilient and protective container collapses to a uniform height, allowing for easy storage, space and cost savings in transport. The ultra-strong, straight wall design allows for easy stacking when full, and eliminates bulging and damage during transportation. It maximises the use of the Australian Standard Pallet footprint. The walls feature a venting pattern construction to allow pre-cooling and airflow, and even rinsing and washing while in the container, substantially reducing product cooling times, and increases shelf life through reduced handling of produce and wet waste. The drop down walls of the container fold flat after use, ready for return for washing. The reusability of the container is a major advance, eliminating waste and waste handling. Silver: Eco-friendly Plantic tray for Cadbury Milktray Range (see above). Bronze: Recyclable fresh fruit - mango packaging unit Components by Amcor Fibre Packaging Australasia (tray) and Huhtamaki moulded fibre division (insert). Designed by George Ganzenmuller, Gordon Mellis (tray) and Kevin Strachan, Miro Krmpotic (insert) with graphic design by David Hoseason-Smith Huhtamaki Design Innovation Award Awarded for creative, imaginative design of a promotional package which displays lateral thinking. Gold: PAMA Gift & Promotion Packaging Solution Designed and manufactured by PAMA (Australia) Pty Ltd with graphic design by Louez Design (Wlodek Latanik) based on original paintings and photography. Judges said: This novelty gift pack offers immense added value to the product, encouraging gift purchase and ready consumer acceptance. The unique ribbed containers unroll to transform into placemats, revealing their gift contents of a bottle or other suitable promotional gift. The ingenious ‘locking' lid and base become bonus coasters. These gift containers are offered in either plastic or timber, and are adorned with laminated art prints from specially commissioned Australian themed paintings and photographs. Packs are resealable, and each is presented with a gold ribbon and buckle for premium retail and gift appeal which are ideal for a range of products and promotions to the international and duty free markets. Silver: McCormick Dinner Duets manufactured by SMP and designed by McCormick Foods and So Design. Bronze: Kit Kat Bites, designed and manufactured by Amcor Flexibles with graphics by Demo Designs. Nci Packaging Award For Plastic Packaging This award recognises excellence in injection moulded plastic packaging. Gold: Entapack's Dur-O-gland (see Best in Show report). Silver: Diet Coke Goes Platinum manufactured by VisyPak Beverage Packaging. Bronze: Caltex Havoline, manufactured by Visy Industrial Plastics and Colourcraft Labels and designed by Russell Gibson Design and Visy Industrial Plastics. Pacmetal Services Award For Tinplate This award encourages innovative and imaginative packaging in steel. Gold: Quick Smart Tyre Gloss Manufactured and design by NCI Packaging and Bericap with graphic design by Andonov Design (Rachele Andonov). Judges said: Subtle black-on-black graphics give a sleek, automotive singularity to this design, and combine with a novel ‘flask' shape to produce a very different pack with great eye appeal. Loud graphics keep the surface design simple, attractive, and self explanatory, while the easy-to-hold profile and easy-pour dispenser encourage trial by a growing female target market. The result is a dramatically different pack. Silver: Celebrations 1kg tin with components by Pemara Corporation, Amcor Flexibles and Labelmakers and design by Masterfoods, Pemara, Amcor Flexibles and Labelmakers. Bronze: 1.5 Litre Cobram Estate manufactured by NCI Packaging with metal decoration by Pacmetal Services. Graphic design by First Edition. Visy Consumer Acceptability Award This award recognises packages focusing on consumer acceptability with emphasis on functionality, convenience design features and innovation. Gold: Douwe Egberts' Piazza d'Oro Roast & Ground Coffee Component manufacturers include the Le Mac Australia Group, Lindale Plastics, Malaysian Glass. Functional design by D3 Design with graphic design by Ident Brand Design and Chaos 2 Order (C2O). Judges said: This sleek glass jar is masquerading as a neat coffee canister. The all-over black wrap gives a singular silhouette that is strikingly different in its category. Once this tamper-evident wrap is peeled open, the jar within is revealed, along with very practical packaging advancements. Normally packed in a vac-seal brick, ground coffee is messy and imprecise to dispense, and packs notoriously difficult to reseal. In a first for roast and ground coffee, Piazza D'Oro provides a resealable lid that conceals a unique measuring cup, which makes it both easier to use and improves the product's flavour and life after opening. Silver: Selleys Pollyfilla Ready to Use, with components by Hollywood Plastics and Colourtrue Labels; design by Selleys and Zlata Creative Design Bronze: Masterfoods' Celebrations 380g Octobox with components manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey Packaging , Packaging Needs Pty Ltd and Amcor Flexibles with design by Masterfoods. Wadepack Premium Award This award recognises excellence in presentation of a premium cardboard folding carton. Gold: Cadbury 1Kg Favourites Party Pack. Manufactured and designed by Wadepack Ltd with graphic design by So Design. Judges said: Masterful construction and unmissable surface graphics combine to create this irresistible party pack. Carry-handle convenient, this towering parcel of party favourites is easy to take away, to display, to store and to share. It is also easier to fill, thanks to the distinctive shape with its extra wide neck opening. The broad, curved top also allows for extra width and impact for branding graphics, while the tapering shape stands firm on its compact sturdy box base. It has extra strength as well as tamper evidence built into this base via a ‘dagger-lock' fold mechanism. Six-colour printing with a further aqueous coating renders the graphics with clarity and contrast. I Silver: BoZo Bubblegum Balls & Sours. Components by AMR Hewitts Print Packaging, Visy Displays, Ferndale Confectionery, Zeron Dezine, Tecprint Solutions, Hydride Cutting Formes and McGuire's Formecutting. Design by AMR Hewitts Print Packaging and Visy Displays with graphics by Motor Group. Bronze: Barossa Valley Wild Olive (details above). * Some of the Silver and Bronze Medal winning packages, including photography, will be featured in Packaging magazine's ‘Out There' section in coming months. 2 October 2003