Product Of The Year Award

Graphic Packaging International
Product: Juice Multipak

The Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) bestowed its Metallized Product of the Year Award* on Graphic Packaging International (GPI), Marietta, Georgia, for a 10-count multipack carton for Disney brand juice pouches from Pouchsmart Inc., Santa Monica, California/Langer Juice Co., Inc., City of Industry, California. GPI served as both converter and metallizer and supplied the 100% recycled paperboard substrates for the reverse-printed, metallized Composipac Z-Flute folding carton. DuPont Teijin Films, Hopewell, Virginia, supplies the 48-gauge polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film for the Composipac structure. The carton, designed by Bryan Schuttinger, Concord, New Hampshire, consists primarily of 24-point clay-coated solid unbleached sulfate (CCSUS). To eliminate the need for corrugated shippers and reduce material requirements, GPI laminates 18-point uncoated, recycled board reinforcement strips to load-bearing areas of the CCSUS. The thinner profile of the Z-Flute carton versus a traditional B-Flute shipper doubles the number of multipacks per pallet and thereby reduces the number of pallets and truckloads needed to ship product.  In addition, the reverse-printed, metallized film imparts scuff and moisture resistance to the Composipac structure and provides eye-catching shelf impact with its high gloss finish and use of transparent and spot opaque white inks. Gravure-printed graphics for four Disney brands -- Fairies, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Cars -- were designed by Diane Brewer, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Contract packaging takes place at Langer Juice Co.

The marketing, environmental and productivity advantages sold the judges on the reverse-printed, metallized Composipac Z-Flute folding carton.  Eliminating the need for corrugated shippers not only reduces material costs and waste, but also simplifies handling for retailers. “This application expands the use of metallized material into the juice pouch multipack category,” commented one judge. “Definitely new and innovative for the category,” noted another member of the judging panel.

Food & Beverage Packaging: Marketing Award

Taghleef Industries
Product: Werther’s Original candies

A matte lacquer applied to some areas of the film provides an eye-catching contrast with the glossy areas. Taghleef supplies the 48-micrometer TSS biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and 20-micrometer ZSF metallized film that is laminated to create the pouch, converted by Constantia Hueck Folien, Pirk, Germany. In addition, the PP/metallized film lamination represents a source reduction compared to an aluminum foil lamination.

Healthcare, Cosmetics and Toiletries Packaging Category: Marketing Award

Hazen Paper Co.
Product: "Gem-studded” gift box for Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds

As metallizer and converter for the box, Hazen metallized 48-gauge polyester coated inline with Ultracure acrylic lacquer and laminated it to 0.018 SBS using a water-based adhesive. The silver film provides a brilliant base for the final rich gold background color and holographic stamping.

The judges concluded the combination of embossing and holographic “jewels” projects the image of White Diamonds. “Registration is extremely precise, and the box is really striking from a distance,” noted one judge.

Nonfood Packaging Category: Marketing Award

Hazen Paper Co.
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whiskey

Hazen Paper laminates Ultracure lacquered Rainbow 80-gauge OPP to the coated side of 0.024 SBS using a water-based adhesive. The holographic rainbow material provides a backdrop for the subtle nighttime scene pictured and imparts a multi-dimensional appearance. Hub Folding Box, Mansfield, Massachusetts, designed the package and also performs contract packaging duties.

Decorative Display Category: Marketing Award

Vacumet Corp.
Presidente and Presidente Light Beers

Vacumet supplies substrates and metallization services for the holographic bottle label, multipack carton, point-of-sale poster, and shelf-talkers. A custom HoloPRISM holographic pattern ties the various media together and features glittering snowflakes showcasing the P of the Presidente logo. Converting services are provided by Editorial Padilla, C. por A., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Judges liked the family look of the sparkling holographic label, multipack, and promotional materials and acknowledged the challenge of applying the same hologram to different media. “Execution was superior,” concluded one judge. “The poster actually looks wet,” he explained.

Other Category: Marketing Award

Unifoil
Souvenir cups for the New Moon movie from Summit Entertainment, LLC

The in-mold-labeled cups proved so popular with moviegoers, the entire production run sold out. In-mold labeling made it possible to reproduce glistening metallic graphics at a low unit cost. To produce the labels, Unifoil converts 3-mil EWR 57 gloss/matte white PP from Treofan America, LLC, Winston, Salem, North Carolina, using its Ultralustre Silver transfer-metallizing process. Metallizer for the project is Crown Roll Leaf, Paterson, New Jersey. IGH Solutions, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, provided package design and contract packaging services.

Judges noted the in-mold labeling results in a more durable souvenir cup. Although metallized material has been used for in-mold labels, this application extends the technology to promotional cups.