THE winners of the annual European Carton Excellence Award (ECEA), hosted by Pro Carton and the European Carton Makers Association, have been announced at a ceremony held at the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Germany.
The winner of the Carton of the Year accolade was Spanish packaging cartonboard converter, Hinojosa Packaging GalerÃa Gráfica, and cartonboard manufacturer, Stora Enso, for its creation of Origen Flor Natural for Laboratorios Flor Natural Parfums SL. The design features intricate die-cut patterns intended to elevate shelf-appeal, while maintaining the secure protection of the glass perfume bottle inside.
Over 300 voters recognised the ‘exceptional design and functionality’ of the Pladis Victoria Creations packaging, securing its place as the 2024 Public Award winner. The packaging for McVitie’s Victoria Chocolate Creations using Metsä Board cartonboard is described as combining a ‘visually appealing design with practical functionality’.
The Innovation Award went to the OCB Cover Kit – Paper & Filter by Alzamora Group. Its compact and reusable cartonboard pack, with materials produced by Metsä Board, is said to offer a practical solution that eliminates excessive packaging waste and combines items that would traditionally be packaged and sold separately. The pack’s mono-material construction and secure design aims to ensure durability and product protection.
Calma Products was awarded the Sustainability Award. Developed with PAWI Packaging Deutschland GmbH and Sappi Deutschland GmbH, the packaging incorporates circular materials, a ‘user-friendly’ design, and ‘enhanced product protection’. Features include a click-and-open mechanism, a foldable retail shelf hanger, and a clear window.
Four winners were decided by the jury panel for the best entries within virgin and recycled fibre creations.
SAMARITÉ / MAGIC KEY / Candy Set Divine Cream & Mini Supreme Cleanser 2023 won the General Packaging – Virgin Fibre award at the Awards Gala. This luxury cosmetic gift box, produced by PAWI Packaging Poland Sp. z o.o. using cartonboard materials from Billerud for Zeme Pharm, features a soft-touch varnish, gold hot stamping, and double-sided CMYK/Pantone printing.
Easy-Life Fish Food took home the General Packaging – Recycled Fibre award trophy. This plastic-free packaging, converted by Snel BV and manufactured using Smurfit Kappa Hoya cartonboard, combines cartonboard and paper for a ‘fully circular solution’. Its design is said to effectively eliminate fish food odours.
The ‘sleek and minimalist’ packaging for Mackmyra 001, a Swedish malt whisky, earned the Food and Drink Packaging – Virgin Fibre award. Converted by Nordic Carton AB using Holmen Board and Paper cartonboard, the container’s Nordic-inspired style emphasises ‘simplicity and functionality’. The upward-sliding mechanism is designed to offer a ‘smooth and sophisticated’ user experience.
Cluster-Clip Kirkland Branded Marinara Sauce won the Food & Drink – Recycled Fibre award. The solution, converted and manufactured by WestRock, uses fibre-based cartonboard design instead of shrink plastic. This design is fully recyclable and customisable.
Winfried Muehling, Pro Carton’s marketing and communications director, said, “The ECEA 2024 winners have once again showcased the exceptional creativity, innovation, and sustainability of the cartonboard packaging industry. This year they have raised the bar, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and environmental responsibility.
“All members of our industry behind these award-winning designs can be immensely proud of their work to raise the standard of cartonboard design. We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding achievements and inspire future generations of sustainable packaging professionals.”
