VAN Genechten Packaging’s Roku Gin was named Carton of the Year at the European Carton Excellence Awards 2020.
The winner was announced during the first ever virtual awards ceremony, co-hosted by Pro Carton, the European Association of Carton and Cartonboard Manufacturers, and the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA).
Roku Gin’s packaging was created using cartonboard from Stora Enso and was chosen by judges for its ‘beauty, print and finishing quality’ and for the way it conveys the product’s story. The gift box has six corners symbolising the six Japanese botanicals used in Roku – which means six in Japanese – whilst the embossing and floral print express Japanese courtesy.
Elsewhere, the Innovation Award was won by Snel BV’s re-fruiter tray with cartonboard from Smurfit Kappa Hoya Papier und Karton. This pack features a grid-like tray with a die-cut profile and pattern of angled elements that are joined together to form a flexible surface. The recyclable packaging protects soft fruits during transportation.
The Save the Planet accolade went to Seda International Packaging Group’s Eco Fit Lid. The cartonboard lid used Stora Enso’s new cartonboard manufacturing technology and can be utilised for both hot and cold beverages. It is fully recyclable and compostable,.
Cadpack won the Food & Drink Virgin Fibre category with its Korpikuusikkon Honey gift pack made from Metsä Board material. The pack is described as having a ‘tactile’ surface and print effects that invites consumers to touch and feel.
Alzamora Carton Packaging won the Food & Drink Recycled Fibre category for its Enovo Egg Carton, made with board manufactured by Baden Board. This pack is made up of a cellulose base and a lid, and provides a sustainable alternative to plastic egg packaging.
Edelmann and Stora Enso’s ISANA Cosmetics won the General Packaging Virgin Fibre category. The graphics and embossing are completed with a top closure providing an eye-catching touch.
The Disposable Face Mask from WEIG Packaging and Moritz J. Weig triumphed in the General Packaging Recycled Fibre category. The disposable mouth-nose-cover uses cartonboard to address one of the needs in the pandemic as contains a filter paper insert that reduces the risk of viral transmission. The size can be adjusted to suit all head shapes and is entirely plastic free.
Graphic Packaging International’s KeelClip won the Public Award. It is a paperboard packaging solution for multipack cans, designed to replace traditional plastic rings.
Tony Hitchin, general manager of Pro Carton, said, “We are delighted that the disruption brought about by the global pandemic has not impacted this year’s standard of entries into the European Carton Excellence Awards. The number and quality of submissions was phenomenal and highlighted the versatile nature of cartonboard. Cartonboard is an opportunity for us all; it’s the best solution in the packaging sector as it is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable and thus a pillar of a modern circular economy. Cartons are not only superior in terms of sustainability, but also in terms communication. The Awards demonstrate just how well cartons protect and promote brands as well as looking after the environment.”
The winners of the annual Pro Carton Young Designers Award 2020 have also been announced. Prizes were awarded across four categories: Save the Planet, Creative Cartonboard Packaging for Food & Drink, Creative Cartonboard Packaging for All Other Products and Creative Cartonboard Ideas. There was also a Newcomers Award, which is open to universities which haven’t previously supplied a winner.
The ‘Save the Planet’ Award went to Austria’s Max Gugenhan. His Cardboard pads entry was designed to reduce plastic waste generated from the shipping of small products and fragile items such as electronic devices. The 90° rotated pads create an entanglement which is said to offer ‘excellent spring action’ and a ‘perfect hold’ to help protect the contents.
Another Austrian student, Lorenz Keiblinger, won the Creative Cartonboard Packaging for All Other products category with his ZIG ZAG ZIG entry. This knife pack requires no plastic and uses the knife itself for stability by trapping it in a carton strip whilst the sharp edge is protected as it is fully enclosed.
The winner of the Creative Cartonboard Ideas award was Nora Karl, from Germany, who created Fulfil, which is tampon packaging that aims to help save the marine environment. The design means that each tampon comes with a folded sanitary disposal box providing the user with a more hygienic and eco-friendly means of discarding the product.
The Creative Cartonboard Packaging Food and Drink Award was presented to Gabriela Buțincu, from Romania, for her Easy-to-use flour box. The practicality impressed the judges as it has a flour sieve built into the pack.
The winner of this year’s Newcomer Award was Yana Malakhovskaya from Samara State Technical University in Russia. Her entry Avis provides sustainable packaging for nuts and snacks. The design was inspired by the opening and closing of a bird’s beak. By applying pressure to the edge of its high side, the ‘beak’ opens, allowing the consumer to pour out the required number of nuts and then close the package.
