SPN has announced the finalists of the first Sustainability Annual Awards, sponsored by Monta Packaging.
The response to the competition was far greater than we had anticipated – with over
70 entries from around the world – and clearly underscores the packaging sector’s ongoing
commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. It also emphasises the vital role that
SPN plays in promoting sustainability worldwide.
The decision-making process was not an easy one but our panel of judges has announced the
finalists for each of the six categories.
Sustainable Packaging Machinery
This category covers innovative packaging machines which facilitate the use of
environmentally friendly materials. It also incorporates machinery which has improved
production line efficiencies, in terms of both waste and energy reduction.
The finalists in the Sustainable Packaging Machinery category are:
- Bobst – The oneBARRIER equipment and process solution overcomes the technical complexities of manufacturing recycle-ready high barrier mono-material flexible packaging.
- IMA – Launched the IMA ZERO Project, which leads to IMA continuously developing eco-friendly initiatives.
- Heineken UK – Announced their commitment to remove consumer-facing secondary plastic packaging.
Resource Efficiency
Innovations in the packaging sector that are helping to utilise resources to lower the impact on our environment. This can include reductions in material usage or the reduction of the overall carbon footprint. It also covers packaging designs which help prevent waste.
The finalists in the Resource Efficiency category are:
- SIG – Recently launched SIGNATURE EVO, the world’s first full barrier packaging materials for aseptic carton packs with no aluminium layer.
- Mondi – Launched a recyclable functional barrier paper packaging supplied to UK supermarket chain Iceland, who “Froze” their use of unnecessary plastic.
- Sealed Air – Mail Lite® PickPack format, a shipping package for recycle-ready Mail Lite mailers®, which reduces the amount of packaging weight by 60% .
Recyclable Packaging
Innovations in packaging design or materials that help to enable a product to be recycled.
The finalists in the Recyclable Packaging category are:
- Recover Packaging – Developed a customer-made PET Laminate with the mono-layers bonded by FDA approved adhesive.
- The Kraft Heinz Company – Launched a mono-material pouch for baby food products that is fully recyclable.
- KP Films – Developed the world’s first blister film designed to be recyclable within the RIC 1 recycling stream.
Circular Economy
Covers new uses for recycled materials, innovative reusable packaging systems and recycling technologies. This category also includes initiatives which promote recycling and reuse.
The finalists in the Circular Economy category are:
- Mondi – Developed EcoVantage paper for Tesco shopping bags, with the aim of closing the loop on carrier bags made from its own paper waste.
- DW Reusable – Developed Fillbee, a reusable six pack for beer, for the entire supply chain of the beverage industry.
- Avery Dennison – Their PE, MDO and PP labels, which feature a permanent acrylic adhesive and remain in place during a cold wash, were approved by RecyClass after extensive independent testing.
Sustainable Sourcing
This category recognises companies that have sourced more sustainable materials, or improved materials to make them more sustainable. Includes development and use of bio-based materials.
The finalists in the Sustainable Sourcing category are:
- Valmet – have fully integrated sustainability into its supply chain processes and has a global four-step supplier sustainability management process.
- Uflex – developed B-TEM, a high barrier BOPP film that provides an excellent oxygen barrier of 0.3 cc/m2 /day, high moisture barrier resistance of 3.5 gm/m2 /day and an outstanding WVTR of 1.6gm/ m2 /day in duplex structure making it a much improved and higher barrier version of the previous avatar of the film.
- Westpak – made a number of appointments aimed at greatly enhancing Westpak’s ability to work with new manufacturing partners and source materials and that could drastically enhance packaging innovation and overall sustainability. The company has implemented a number of landmark sustainably-driven sourcing projects.
SPN Awards Overall Winner
This award goes to the best innovation that our judges feel has contributed the most to help
protect our planet.
The Overall Winner Award will be announced at our virtual awards ceremony on the 18th November and posted on our website and shared on social media.
SPN would like to thank our sponsors, Monta Packaging, and all our readers for a great response and your continuing innovations in sustainability. We are proud of our industry and the amazing progress that it continues to make for the benefit of our consumers and our planet!
The awards ceremony video will be aired in November on spnews.com.