Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards
2022 Winners
Congratulations to the 27 winners of the 2022 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition! These winning packages exemplify the very best in flexible packaging solutions.
The Flexible Packaging Association is pleased to present the winners of the FPA's 66th Annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. The competition winners exhibit flexible packaging solutions that meet expectations and needs through advancements in materials, graphics, structure, new uses, extended shelf life, and sustainability. FPA also publishes the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards & Innovation Showcase which highlights all the winners and entries in the competition.
For this year’s competition, FPA received a historic number of entries—100 package entries were submitted for the competition, with a total of 325 entries (some packages were entered into multiple categories).
EnteraLoc™
Highest Achievement Award
GOLD – Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
GOLD – Packaging Excellence
GOLD – Sustainability
GOLD – Technical Innovation
EnteraLoc™ is a patented, 510(k) FDA-approved, medical fluid device intended for tube-fed patients. It’s the first seamless, closed-loop solution that combines nutritious meals with a flexible pouch, leak-proof seal, custom-designed spout, and direct-connect ENFit® device in one complete enteral feeding system. Unlike traditional solutions, EnteraLoc™ uniquely delivers nutrition directly into the patient’s feeding tube in either the hospital, long-term care facility, rehab facility, or home care setting. It is designed to improve the nutrition/hydration of tube-fed patients by providing a convenient method of nutrient delivery that is simple, safe, no mess, and can be consumed on the go.
Manufacturer: Vonco Products, LLC
End-User/Customer: Medtrition (selling as Banatrol Liquid TF and ProSource 20 TF)
Plant: Trevor, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Vonco Products, LLC
Key Suppliers: nutritionDay in the U.S.; Hoffer Plastics Corporation; Truitt Brothers/Baxter’s Foods (formulation and filling); GEDSA; and Oley Foundation
GOLD – Printing
Ahmad Tea – Cardamom Tea, 200 g
Ahmad Tea is designed with cast-and-cure technology to prevent counterfeit duplicates. The cast-and-cure technique printed on the front panel gives a holographic effect and provides security to the package, as cast and cure is not easy to copy and helps to prevent duplication of the product. The cast-and-cure technique improves the overall package aesthetic and grabs consumers’ attention on the shelf. Printed with eight-color reverse printing, after the lamination process is completed, the surface cast and cure is added with a separate process. The package uses a high-barrier metalized PET film to retain the product aroma and increase its shelf life.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Ahmad Tea
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
AmPrima™ Recycle Ready Pouch for Tyson® Instant Pot Family Meal Kit
Amcor’s AmPrima™ Recycle Ready Pouch for Tyson® Instant Pot Meal Kits is a future-ready flexible technology that addresses Tyson’s goal of incorporating better, more sustainable plastics in their brand packaging. The package streamlines three packaging components (a rigid APET tray, a PVC overwrap, and a label) into one flexible high-barrier carrier pouch eligible for consumer recycling. The efficient package resulted in an 80% reduction in carbon footprint; a 75% reduction in packaging weight; and the elimination of chloride-based materials.
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles
End-User/Customer: Tyson Foods, Inc.
Plant: Oshkosh, WI, USA
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Sustainability
SILVER – Packaging Excellence
SILVER – Shelf Impact
Beachbody® PCR Incorporated Stand-up Pouch
In a recent product launch, Beachbody® partnered with American Packaging Corporation (APC) to debut their Cookies & Creamy flavored Shakeology® brand stand-up pouch. This pouch is novel as it incorporates 45% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content at a minimum. The pouch is a flexographically printed, multi-material lamination of PET, MET PET, and LLDPE produced at APC’s Story City, IA facility.
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation
End-User/Customer: Beachbody, LLC
Plant: Story City, IA, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Shelf Impact
Celebrate HerSHEy's Bar
The Celebrate HerSHEy’s bar was created for International Women’s Day by Hershey as a form of unique media to support an initiative important to the company and their consumers – honoring the women in their lives. With a clever graphic tweak to this iconic brand, the Celebrate HerSHEy’s bar resulted in considerable earned media with hundreds of posts, reposts, and likes on social media platforms. In addition, the story was covered by local and national news outlets for additional earned media.
Manufacturer: Printpack
End-User/Customer: The Hershey Company
Plant: Villa Rica, GA, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Shelf Impact
Kitkat Mini Moments
The KITKAT® Mini Moments 3D recyclable pouch is designed with a registered matte coating to create a striking brand block on the shelf. As the full laminate is OPP and PE-based, the pouching parameters were set carefully for good sealing quality and finish of the pouch. OPP non-heat sealable and metalized BOPP on both sides of the treated material are used instead of PET and metalized PET to make the laminate recyclable. As a responsible manufacturer of flexible packaging, in coordination with the customer, the recyclable pouch was developed as a sustainability initiative. The pouch also has laser scoring for easy tearing by the consumer.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Nestlé
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Packaging Excellence
SILVER – Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
SILVER – Technical Innovation
KRAFTIKA Paper-based Packaging Tube Range by FlexiTubes
KRAFTIKA, made by UFlex, was developed on the concept of reducing the use of plastics at the source itself, thereby reducing the overall impact on the environment than a traditional tube. KRAFTIKA involves replacing plastic with an FSC certified virgin kraft paper that helps reduce the tube’s body weight by up to 45%. The tubes have strong barrier properties with a low moisture absorption rate and high bursting strength. KRAFTIKA tubes provide all of the features of FlexiTubes with the addition of it being eco-friendly, which adds to its acceptability over conventional tubes. KRAFTIKA is best suited to package products such as cosmetics that are produced using natural or organic ingredients.
Manufacturer: Flex Films (USA) Inc.
End-User/Customer: Body Cupid Pvt Ltd, India
Plant: Noida, India, IN
Designer/Design Firm: UFlex Flexible Packaging Tube Business R&D Team
Key Suppliers: The package was developed and manufactured in-house by the UFlex Flexible Packaging Business for Cosmetic Tube Packaging.
GOLD – Sustainability
SILVER – Packaging Excellence
Lamb Weston Alexia Bio-based Packaging
American Packaging Corporation (APC) and Lamb Weston are exceedingly proud to present a truly circular sustainable packaging scenario for Lamb Weston’s line of Alexia Organic frozen potato products. The film used in the packaging of this product is partially made from plant-based starches, 16% by weight, including processing by-product from the manufacturing of french fries! Not only is this packaging replacing plastic material with bio-based content, but it is also finding a new home for french fry by-product.
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation
End-User/Customer: Lamb Weston
Plant: Story City, IA, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Printing
Mackintosh's® Quality Street® Stand-up Pouch
Mackintosh's® Quality Street® stand-up pouch is designed to create a superior impact on the shelf. As a responsible manufacturer of flexible packaging, in coordination with the customer, the recyclable pouch was developed as a sustainability initiative. The key features include rich vibrant colors and appealing visual effects achieved with 8 color gravure printing that makes the pouch distinctive. The printing with surface matte with a very high-resolution product image gives the pouch a unique look. The pouch, both functional and elegant, is designed with a resealable zipper that keeps the product fresh for a longer time. The pouch structure is recyclable which contributes to the sustainability of this package.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Nestlé
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Packaging Excellence
GOLD – Technical Innovation
SILVER – Sustainability
Nestlé Smarties Stand-up Pouch, 203 g
The production of paper-based packaging requires different measures than conventional materials. The paper used for the Smarties stand-up pouch is optimized for stiffness and durability to maximize shelf presence while providing strength and stability to withstand product fill and distribution. The key production goals of this paper-based packaging were to mimic the functionality of plastic-based packaging while maintaining speed on press. The package is produced using a rotogravure press and the overall construction consists of surface-printed paper with gloss, heat-resistant overlacquer, and a rotogravure-applied dispersion coating to support heat sealability, barrier, and product resistance.
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation
End-User/Customer: Nestlé Canada
Plant: Columbus, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Sustainability
SILVER – Packaging Excellence
Off The Eaten Path Industrially Compostable Package
The new Off The Eaten Path industrially compostable package offers environmentally conscious consumers another option as it relates toward a sustainable packaging circular economy. The new structure offering combines several product, process, and graphical enhancements embodied within the new package and design. These include a fully certified industrial compostable biobased package, a proprietary sound dampening technology for rigid biobased materials, eye-catching clear and concise “compostable” messaging, and a consumer interactive QR code providing details on composting options.
Manufacturer: Printpack
End-User/Customer: Pepsico/Frito Lay
Plant: Villa Rica, GA, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Shelf Impact
Popcornopolis® Double Drizzle Pouch
Bryce Corporation, in partnership with Popcornopolis®, developed an industry-disrupting stand-up box pouch that is truly one of a kind in the segment. The flat-bottomed design, consisting of multi-layer, high-barrier films, features HD flexographic printing, a convenient press-to-close zipper, and sturdiness that maximizes presentation on each panel, and boosts shelf impact. The barrier film technology combined with a reseal feature provides maximum freshness for this amazingly indulgent treat!
Manufacturer: Bryce Corporation
End-User/Customer: Popcornopolis®
Plant: Memphis, TN, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Cyber Graphics and Sun Chemical Corporation
GOLD – Printing
SILVER – Shelf Impact
Repêchage® Pouch
This pouch has an upscale salon shelf appeal and outstanding detailed printing with gold layered tones.
Manufacturer: LPS Industries, LLC
End-User/Customer: Sarkli-Repêchage, Ltd.
Plant: Moonachie, NJ, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
GOLD – Printing
Volkman Seed Featherglow Large Parrot Bag, 4 lb.
With its vibrant colors and finely printed detail, the Volkman Seed Featherglow Large Parrot Bag is sure to catch the consumer’s eye. Normally a difficult challenge in quality matching, this job is printed on both digital and flexographic printing presses to meet SKU and production run requirements. Using Project Blue, a patented anilox and screening technology that delivers ultra-high definition quality comparable to 300 line screen, PPC met the quantity needs of the customer while also matching the digital quality.
Manufacturer: PPC Flex
End-User/Customer: Volkman Pet Products
Plant: Buffalo Grove, IL, US
Designer/Design Firm: Randy Schack, Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Technical Innovation
Amcor Clear Anti-Grease Jerky Pouch
Thanks to Amcor’s groundbreaking new clear anti-grease film, beef jerky and other meat snacks can power up shelf appeal and gain a competitive advantage. The breakthrough formula prevents grease droplets and smears from appearing on the package surface and eliminates “scratched” windows caused by fatty build-ups in the jerky. As a result, brands can significantly enlarge clear product windows, unleashing design possibilities. Because the grease is managed, jerky snacks look leaner, healthier, and more delicious.
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Oshkosh, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Sustainability
AmPrima™ Recyclable PE Shrink Film with 30% PCR
Many of today’s leading beverage brands are working to make their packaging use at least 20% post-consumer recycled content by 2025. The new AmPrima™ Polyethylene (PE) shrink film with 30% post-consumer content (PCR) helps brands meet both of these major sustainability drivers, offering the billion dollar beverage industry a sustainable packaging option for multipack bundling. It offers significant environmental benefits without compromising run speeds, machinability, or overall packaging performance.
Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles North America
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Oshkosh, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Shelf Impact
Doritos SOLID BLACK
As part of their new multi-pronged initiative to supply resources and a platform for Black Changemakers, Frito-Lay created the SOLID BLACK Doritos packages. The SOLID BLACK packages instantly capture the boldness of the brand and the Changemakers with their eye-catching, vibrant colors on a black background. The stunning package artwork was created by Baltimore artist Megan Lewis. By using the packaging in a campaign for social justice, the bag becomes not just a package, but an ambassador for the cause.
Manufacturer: Printpack
End-User/Customer: Frito-Lay
Plant: Villa Rica, GA, US
Designer/Design Firm: Megan Lewis, Baltimore artist
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Technical Innovation
John Soules Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast with Rib Meat
American Packaging Corporation (APC) provided a laser score with a controlled depth that keeps the package integrity, but allows an easy-open feature for the consumer. A unique property of the design is a noticeable ‘pop’ when the score is broken, giving the user a sensory aspect that the package has not been tampered with. The controlled package integrity also allows John Soules Foods to apply the re-seal tape and fill the bags without compromising the opening feature.
Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation
End-User/Customer: John Soules Foods
Plant: DeForest, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Printing
KITKAT® Roasted Almond, 120 g
This package is printed with 8 colors and an offline cold seal. With its eye-catching bright metallic effect graphics and cold seal, the product stands out from the rest of the packages on the shelf. The matte film gives the pouch a rich and soft feel while the cold seal provides an unmelted product to the customer. The package structure provides the barrier to maintain product freshness, and the two-ply laminate and both layers are BOPP.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Nestlé
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
Klondike® Shakes
With Klondike® Shakes in a spouted pouch, Unilever created a new mess-free frozen dairy product offering–the first to market such a novelty in the United States. It is the ideal pairing between a product and a package that's perfect for enjoying at home or on the go: no straw, cup, or blender needed. Klondike® Shakes are squeezable and ready to enjoy 3-5 minutes after being taken out of the freezer. Achieving the iconic Klondike® appearance was critical to maintaining the brand identity for the new product launch. Utilizing reverse printed graphics and a high-performance metalized lamination, this package achieves the iconic look and provides the required performance to be executed in a pouching format. Surviving the harsh cold chain environment, this product created a new flexible package consumption occasion.
Manufacturer: Sonoco Flexible Packaging
End-User/Customer: Unilever
Plant: Franklin, OH, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Cheer Pack North America
SILVER – Shelf Impact
Marouf Coffee Roasted Espresso 3D Pouch
The Marouf coffee 3D pouch is a visually captivating product that maintains its functionality and durability, and the pouch is made with a ‘V' notch for easy tearing. The pouch has contrasting colors with an inline registered surface matte coating which elevates consumer appeal. The registered matte lacquer with high-quality printing creates contrast and gives the package a high-end look. The pouch also has a one-way vent degassing valve that allows customers to smell the aroma of the product.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Marouf Food Industries
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Printing
SILVER – Shelf Impact
Mazaya Zesty Lime Stand-up Pouch, 250 g
The Mazaya stand-up pouch is a visually captivating product that maintains its functionality and durability, and the pouch is made with laser scoring for easy tearing. The pouch has contrasting colors with an inline full coat surface matte coating which elevates consumer appeal. The pouch also has a suitable grade PE for the molasses packaging. The job is printed with 8 colors that includes a surface matte. The light green, yellow, and white combination stand-up pouch gives an elegant look on the shelf. The resealable zipper allows consumers to use the product multiple times. The job printed with 8colors that includes surface matt. Light green, Yellow and white combination stand up pouch gives the elegant look on the shelf. The resealable zipper allows consumers to use the product multiple times.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Al Zawrea Industrial Company
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Printing
Mehran Extra Long Basmati Rice 3D Pouch
The Mehran Extra Long Basmati Rice 3D Pouch is printed with 9 colors and includes an inline registered matte coating, which makes the pouch stand out on the shelf. High dart PE is used to improve the dart impact of the laminate to sustain drop test and bursting strength during transport and handling of the package. The artwork was designed to enhance the traditional feel and the resealable zipper extends the pouch usage. The matte and glossy look of the pouch creates an excellent shelf appeal, helping it catch the immediate attention of the user.
Manufacturer: Emirates Printing Press, L.L.C.
End-User/Customer: Pure Food Limited
Plant: Dubai, Dubai, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Sustainability
PCR-354
Berry Global’s PCR-354 is a mono-blown shrink bundling film made from a proprietary polyethylene resin blend and 30% post-consumer recycled content (PCR). The film and sheets perform exceptionally in many specialty shrink applications. While containing a leading 30% PCR, this film maintains properties at high temperatures through a shrink tunnel. The finished package has the same visual effects and tight containment as the previous blend using virgin materials.
Manufacturer: Berry Global - Matthews
End-User/Customer: Information not available
Plant: Matthews, North Carolina, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Printing
Sanders® Small Batch Wonders Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Clusters Gusset Pouch
Sanders® Small Batch Wonders, Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Clusters gusset pouches are an excellent example of how flexible packaging creates exceptional brand management. The new, improved packaging design creates a colorful, exciting gusset pouch with bold colors and a matte/gloss finish to emphasize many features of their product such as the chocolate and pecan images. Sanders® Small Batch Wonders gusset pouches have exceptional aroma and flavor barrier, good clarity, and great reclosure and dispensing options.
Manufacturer: ProMach – CL&D Graphics
End-User/Customer: Sanders Candy
Plant: Hartland, WI, US
Designer/Design Firm: Hatch, San Francisco, CA
Key Suppliers: Film Suppliers: Terphane LLC and Fasson; Printing Press Supplier: 48ga PET laminated to 48ga PET / 12# white LDPE / 25ga foil / 12# ACP / 3mil metallocene and printed on CL&D's 10 station inline 26" COMCO flexo press utilizing solvent-based ink by Sun Chemical Corporation; Adhesive Supplier: H.B. Fuller
SILVER – Sustainability
Wish Farms Blueberry SmartSeal® Traceable Package with Variable Data Lidding Film
As a year-round supplier of fresh berries, Wish Farms harvests products throughout North and South America at peak growing seasons. The products are packed in the U.S. and distributed throughout North America. To meet their packaging needs and federal exporting regulations, Wish Farms selected Sonoco’s SmartSeal® Fresh lidding with Sonoco Unique Variable Data. This variable data printing allows Wish Farms to track and trace each tray individually, providing product quality and traceability details following each package throughout the supply chain with a unique scannable QR code. This technology solution combines with peel/reseal lidding to deliver enhanced consumer experience, reclosability, tamper evidence, and package sustainability. SmartSeal® Fresh lidding replaces the rigid clamshell top reducing plastic usage and light-weighting the package by at least 30% compared with the previous clamshell.
Manufacturer: Sonoco Flexible Packaging
End-User/Customer: Wish Farms Inc.
Plant: Edinburgh, IN, US
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
SILVER – Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging
SILVER – Packaging Excellence
SILVER – Printing
Zainab Basmati Rice Large Flat Bottom Pouch, 10 lb.
Zainab Basmati Rice, Pakistan utilizes a side gusseted, flat bottom pouch with an INNO-LOK® re-closeable zipper and a die-cut handle for consumer convenience in the transport of the 10 lb. package. The graphics are superior via rotogravure printing with a matte and gloss effect resulting in a product presentation that allows each grain of rice to be accentuated.
Manufacturer: Integrated Plastics Packaging
End-User/Customer: Rice Experts
Plant: Dubai, AE, AE
Designer/Design Firm: Information not available
Key Suppliers: Information not available
Awards Announcement Video
This video highlights the winning packages from the 66th Annual FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition.