Packaging

A preview of Emballage! Innovation Awards given by the Pack Experts 2012 committee

Thursday 08. November 2012 - On 25 October, the PACK EXPERTS committee was assembled by the international packaging exhibition EMBALLAGE 2012 to determine the PACK INNOVATION AWARDS 2012.

An international panel of journalists singled out 11 innovations from the 46 products presented (products, machinery and services). So EMBALLAGE commends the talent and innovative power of companies working in the packaging channels accordingly.
The PACK EXPERTS committee worked on a selection grid for the 2012 Innovations on the basis of corporate social (or societal) and environmental responsibility. This year, EMBALLAGE received innovations that respond primarily to the current economic concerns. Technological breakthroughs have enabled the quantity of materials to be reduced and lighter and user-friendlier closures are gradually replacing the traditional versions. Today’s packaging and machinery are evidence that socially fair, economically viable and environmentally friendly developments are possible.
Another remarkable fact is that certain innovations stem from associations between raw material manufacturers, processors and equipment manufacturers thus giving the value chain its full meaning.
INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS 2012
“Raw Materials and Consumables/Accessories and Components/Packaging and Content” category
EUROPLASTIQUES: GOOK – Stand 6 M 080
The originality of the cup comes from the opening and re-closing system. The foil, sealed by a double row, provides a peelable opening. It can be closed again with a clipping system for staggered consumption, without adding a lid. Its shape provides a good grip.
The Committee’s opinion: Gook is the start of a new generation of packaging: cover eliminated, materials reduced, practical spout and product freshness preserved. Excellent performance!
MENSHEN EMBALLAGES: One2Dose
Stand 6 N 030
A unique dosing system with a flip top cap. Enables easy, accurate and clean dosing with only one hand! No more over dosing for the consumer.
The Committee’s opinion: A virtuous system enabling product waste to be avoided. We also wanted to reward the social dimension: for example, the product design makes handling by the elderly much easier.
PDG PLASTIQUES: PREBLOW PREFORMS
Stand 6 M 040
A new innovation with PREBLOW PET preforms: the PET preforms are pre-blown directly in the injection machine. The bottom preform wall thickness is reduced and also the bottle weight – from 0.5g to 2g – without decreasing mechanical resistance.
The Committee’s opinion: A very interesting innovation insofar as the quantity of materials is reduced. An obvious technological advancement that illustrates the constant improvements by professionals in order to make packaging lighter. Here, technicians have stretched the boundaries in terms of materials and technologies.
FLEXICO-MINIGRIP: Bag with a sound and sensory closure – Stand 6 M 021
After listening to consumers’ difficulties using zip closures, Flexico designed a bag with a closure that you can feel and hear. The closure makes a sound when you close it. You therefore know that your packaging is perfectly closed.
The Committee’s opinion: This product provides important functions for vulnerable populations (such as the blind) without causing damage to the environment. A perfect and intelligent innovation.
CGL PACK: CONSERVPACK – Stand 6 M 064
A new packaging concept: The packaging is a thermoformed container with an injected belt, all in one material (PP). The jar can also be reheated in the microwave and sterilised up to 125°. The concept can be produced in several sizes.
The Committee’s opinion: An excellent innovation for the consumer: the packaging does not burn the user’s fingers when retrieved from a microwave oven. The band rigidifies the container: excellent performance in terms of reduction at source and recycling.
SEALPAC France: EASY LID – Stand 5a A 078
The Easy Lid system includes a patented tray with a ring, sealed with one permanent seal and one peelable seal. The external ring is “pushed down” during sealing to separate it from the tray, forming a lid.
The Committee’s opinion: We applaud the simplified use, ensuing reduction of waste and, of course, the reduction of materials at source since the protective seal is also the cover.
“Service Provision/Software” category
TILT IMPORT: TrekView temperature recorder – Stand 6 MN 126
Conditions inside your cold chain can be quickly and easily identified. This recorder enables temperature data to be reviewed at any point in a shipment journey, without opening the box.
A wireless handheld reader is used to collect and review data right on the shipping dock to verify product integrity.
The Committee’s opinion: The traceability provided by this temperature recorder is of considerable interest. Convenient to use without damaging the product, the recorder provides access to information without having to open the packaging whose integrity is guaranteed. In fine, here, the cold chain is fully respected all along the product route.
“Machinery/Systems/Equipment” category
AVERY DENNISON: LPA 81 X LightSmartTM Technology – Stand 4 C 109
This innovative Print & Apply identification solution uses paper-free label material backing for logistics applications. LightSmart labels become sticky through heat activation after the print and cut, avoiding migration of adhesives in the machine.
The Committee’s opinion: Here, we salute a triple performance: the system’s flexibility (variability of cut, enabling the label to be adapted as required), absence of silicone base (environmental benefit), and industrial multi-application. A fine sustainable development equation solved.
BOSCH REXROTH: Innovative IndraDrive Mi 2 Integrated Motor – Stand 5a D 114
This motor provides considerable energy efficiency (+50%), saves space, cuts costs, is compact and also fully compatible with Ethernet-based industrial communication protocols. The hygienic design is particularly appreciated in agri-food packaging channels.
The Committee’s opinion: A component that we have rewarded on the basis of five virtuous criteria: compactness, hygienic impact, easy to clean, energy savings obtained, and the airtightness that is essential to the food industry.
The Pack Experts Committee also gave 2 special commendations in the “Raw materials & Consumables/Accessories & Components/Packaging & Containers” category
BRUNI GLASS: 540° – Stand 6 M 083
The 540° bottle is an innovative design whose name is inspired by and look characterized by a circular neck which rotates 540°. It has been developed especially for the spirits market to give outstanding brand identity in 700 ml and 750 ml sizes.
The Committee’s opinion: This exceptional design is the result of state-of-the-art engineering because designing a fan-shaped mould of this type is an extremely difficult task. So we have given a special commendation for this performance.
VIROJANGLOR : Ponsardine – Stand 6 M 031
The aesthetic challenge of this project was to convert the sardine tin, effecting an industrial transfer. The technical challenges were numerous: fluidity of the 3D relief – management of distortion and anamorphosis – development of an innovative closing system. The story of the founder of the famous brand of champagne inspired and is embodied in this astonishing packaging.
The Committee’s opinion: It is the creativity that we have rewarded in this case: a combination of emotion and elegance. What is more, although the product is bulky, the materials can be recycled and the chances are that the box will be used again.
The 12 members of the PACK EXPERTS 2012 Committee:
· Bruno GARNIER, GROUPE CARREFOUR, Corporate Sales and Marketing Management
· Alain NOUVELLON and Yvan FOURRIER, CHARAL, Director Innovation,
Design Development and Graphic Design Manager
· Arnaud ROLLAND, COCA-COLA ENTREPRISE, Sustainable Development Manager
· Vincent FERRY, DANONE RESEARCH, Packaging Development Manager
· Jan LE MOUX, ECO-EMBALLAGES, Director of Prevention
· Charles DUCLAUX, L’OREAL, Packaging and Environment Manager
· Claudine ROSIERS, NESTLE’, Corporate Packaging France
· Olivier DEVIE, NICOLAS FEUILLATTE, Purchasing Manager
· Jean-Luc POIRIER, MARS PETCARE FRANCE, R&D Pack Innovation Manager
· Michel PANOUILLOT, RENAULT, Packaging Expert
· D. Jean-Marc BOBEE, SANOFI AVENTIS, Director Industrial Anti-counterfeiting Strateg