The 2019 Packaging and Innovation and Design awards saw two new award categories. The first being labelling and decoration being a category is designed to recognise the addition of content to a pack which creates a unique or innovative appearance, function or communication. This includes labels, sleeves, tags, coding/markings, etching, directly applied inks or by any other similar process.
Currie Group was the gold winner this year for the new transformational printing technology for packaging that showcases high-end printing finishing coding, marking and AR technology driving awareness to The Australian Rhino Project (TARP).
Silver Winner: Metalprint Australia for Chobani Australia Spooky Vanilla Ghost Shaped Pouch which is a unique non-symmetrical packaging design.
The second new award is the 2019 Accessible Packaging Design Special Award. This award recognises packaging that is accessible, intuitive, easy-to-open and innovative. The packaging design needs to demonstrate measuring techniques, understanding injuries caused by packaging and consumer satisfaction levels with packaging accessibility.
SPC Ardmona was the first company to take the gold for this award for their SPC ProVital Easy-Open Diced Fruit in the jelly range. The range was designed for all consumers in mind, benefitting those with reduced fine motor skills, dexterity and strength. This design achieved an ISR +8 accessibility rating which means that the product is universally easy-to-open, with 95% of the population able to open the pack without tools.
The key design features of the ProVital pack is the textured and lengthened pull tab, combined with the easy grip decagon cup chape and a low opening force.
SPC took the initiative to undertake testing to prove that majority of patients experienced no pain when opening their pack.
An aspect of this packaging that set the company apart was the overall presentation of the key information, for example; the instructions were clear and helpful, and the required information was easy to read with the use of appropriate font size and excellent print contrast.
Flavour Creations came in second with thir pre-thickened Ready-To- Drink range in the Dysphagia Cup and Cup holder. The design is specifically designed to increase rates of hydration and decrease rates of malnutrition for residents/patients with Dysphagia. Along with the reusable holder and plastic over seal, the snap fitting portion control cup has a large overhanging tab that is textured. The clear and legible ‘peel back’ wording allows consumers to understand how to open the product.
