23 Jun 2011 Winners of the 23rd DuPont Packaging Awards
The winners in the 23rd DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation have been announced, representing breakthrough developments from brand giants such as Coca Cola, Intel, GlaxoSmithKlein and Heinz.
“The nominees and winners this year show how sustainability considerations are driving innovation,” said Shanna Moore, global director, sustainability – DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. “We see how sustainability takes many shapes – ranging from use of organic or renewably sourced materials to the relentless drive to reduce waste and weight.”
These trends bear out in the results of a recent DuPont global survey of packaging professionals which found sustainability as the top challenge facing the industry, closely followed by cost concerns.
John Bernardo, principal, Sustainable Innovations and head of the jury panel, said, “Nearly all of the winning innovations related to reducing waste in the system. The jury could see a much deeper consideration of sustainability concerns, starting with responsible sourcing, thoughtful package design, all the way to end of life factors.”
DuPont sponsors the Packaging Awards program as a means to recognize how collaboration throughout the value chain can bring cost-effective innovation to the market to help solve important problems. The educational component of the program provides learnings and insights to packaging professionals.
Now in its 23rd year, the DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation is the industry’s longest-running, global, independently judged celebration of innovation and collaboration throughout the value chain. Each year an esteemed panel awards diamond, gold or silver honors based on “excellence” in one or all of three categories: Innovation; Sustainability; and Cost/Waste Reduction.
This year’s expert jury panel evaluated more than 200 entries from around the world and awarded two diamond winners, six gold winners and eight silver winners.
Five food-bev products were among the Du Pont Silver Winners
H.J. Heinz Company and Multivac Company – USA
The new Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup package was developed in response to consumer demand for a package that can be used for either dipping or squeezing and made eating-on-the-go easier.
The new, revolutionary dual-function package is another portable ketchup option for restaurant operators. It offers better functionality and convenience that delight the consumer by offering two different ways of use – tearing off the top or “cap” for squeezing or peeling off the lid for dipping. The Heinz Dip & Squeeze Ketchup package provides three times more ketchup than standard 9g sachets and uses less packaging. Shaped like the iconic glass Heinz Ketchup bottle, Dip & Squeeze strongly reinforces the Heinz Ketchup brand.
Stonyfield Farm, Clear Lam Packaging and Arcil — USA
Stonyfield and Clear Lam broke significant barriers for a breakthrough use of PLA (polylactic acid) in a high-volume dairy application. The new form/fill/seal multipack yoghurt cups are made of 93 percent PLA, a switch from polystyrene (HIPS), believed to be the first for this market. The PLA is made by Natureworks and results in 48 percent lower GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions vs HIPS. Compression strength increased by 15-20 percent, resulting in fewer damaged products during transit.
Stonyfield also overcame the difficult challenge of applying a good lidding seal to a PLA cup, as the lidding film needs to withstand heat during application. In addition, using 93 percent plant-based material further drives their reputation as a leader in sustainability.
Plastipak Packaging – USA; Tescor HR – France
ThermoShape represents a significant technology innovation achievement in the manufacturing and design of light weight PET containers for hot fill beverages. Where hot fill normally requires thick walled containers, ThermoShape enables 20 percent less material to be used without the use of vacuum panels or impact on the performance of the bottle.
The use of a ThermoShape machine to reshape the container just before labeling allows design freedom for the manufacturing of a wide array of container designs.
The Coca-Cola Company – Japan
In a small, highly populated country like Japan, space is at a premium. I Lohas, a mineral water brand, PET bottle weight was reduced by 40 percent compared to the former design while guaranteeing consumer usability. In addition, 1 020ml I Lohas PET bottles are also Japan’s lightest in the 1,000 ml class.
Once consumed , the bottle is easily twisted, which crushes the bottle to a very small size. This smaller size reduces transport cost to the recycler and improves transportation efficiency. It also supports the needs of the local market by reducing the volume that comes out of Japanese households. This PET bottle is extremely light and has the environmental benefit of using up to 30 percent plant-based material, reducing the petroleum-based materials.
I Lohas has been the No 1 brand within the small size mineral water category in Japan.
Positive Packaging Industries – India
Positive Packaging has demonstrated an innovative approach in responding to the needs of the consumers. Replacing the large glass bottles of Nestle Maggi Arome seasoning liquid, these thermoformed, single-use mini bottles, made of flexible laminate, offer consumers convenience, ease of use and affordability.
The bottle-shaped packet maintains brand recognition and enhances shelf appeal. Its small size also offers easier handling and shipment.