Award: Gold Award—Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging

Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles; amcor.com

Description: 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 its 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.

Awards: Gold Award—Sustainability; Silver Award—Packaging Excellence

Manufacturer: American Packaging Corporation; americanpackaging.com

Description: American Packaging Corporation (APC) and Lamb Weston created a 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.

Awards: Gold Award—Printing; Silver Award—Shelf Impact

Manufacturer: LPS Industries, LLC; lpsind.com

Description: This pouch has an upscale salon shelf appeal and out­standing detailed printing with gold layered tones.

Manufacturer: ProAmpac; proampac.com

Description: As the first-to-market spouted pouch for mainstream peanut butter, SKIPPY^® squeeze peanut butter established itself as a leader in packaging format innovation. In partnership with ProAmpac, the Hormel Foods SKIPPY^® squeeze peanut butter-shaped spouted pouch expands the use of peanut butter as an on-the-go snack solution, is convenient and mess-free, and is more sustainable when compared to a rigid package.

Manufacturer: PPC Flexible Packaging; ppcflex.com

Description: A staple within all major mass-market retailers, flower bags have become a must for all floral departments to prevent water dripping during floral purchases. This new sustainable flower bag was designed for Whole Foods when challenged to develop a more sustainable alternative to the current flower bags in the market. Traditionally created using CPP film, this new sustainable flower bag uses BioBlend^®XP. BioBlend^®XP helps reduce both fossil fuel-based plastic content and greenhouse gas generation—by up to 40%. It is post-industrially recyclable and industrially compostable. This flower bag also has a cardboard header for easy in-store display and consumer convenience.

Awards: Gold Award—Packaging Excellence; Silver Award— Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging; Silver Award—Technical Innovation

Manufacturer: UFlex Packaging Inc., flexfilm.com

Description: KRAFTIKA, made by UFlex, was developed around 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 a Forest Stewardship Council (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.