THE AMERISTAR PACKAGE Award program, produced by by IoPP, the Institute of Packaging Professionals, is one of the packaging industry’s most prestigious design awards programs. This year, a roster of 15 judges from various segments of the packaging industry evaluated this year’s entries virtually, examining each entry for package innovation, product protection, economics, performance, marketing potential and environmental impact.
Judges considered package entries across 15 categories for both professional and student awards, as well as AmeriStar’s top three awards—the Sustainable Package Award, the Design Excellence Award and the Best of Show Award. The 2020 top three winners follow:
Best of Show Award
Structural Design for Gorilla Super Glue Micro Precise
By Product Ventures
Gorilla Glue Micro Precise contains a metal cyanoacrylate tube of glue inside a black plastic shroud and orange-winged buttons. Together, they create an easy-to-use, precise, controlled-dispensing tool that fits comfortably in the hand. The package opens by twisting the cap and nozzle assembly down onto the threads of the tube, thereby breaking the seal. The nozzle is then captured by the ratchet mechanism, allowing just the cap to open and close without unthreading the nozzle from the inner tube. With the cap on, the package can be stored in any orientation. When removing the cap, the tube of glue stays secure in the package without rotating and allows glue to be dispensed fully.
Design Excellence Award
Mtn Dew AMP Game Fuel Resealable Can
By PepsiCo
Can suppliers have launched resealable packaging in the past, but with limited production capabilities and functionality. PepsiCo, in partnership with Xolution, strived to set the bar higher with a national-scale, resealable aluminum can for PepsiCo’s new mid-calorie, lower-sugar beverage offering multiple flavors and functional benefits. A prominent feature of the resealable can is its tactile ink, which provides a no-slip grip. Mountain Dew AMP Game Fuel can uses a resealable end to reduce the opening force and better communicate to consumers how to operate the mechanism. A key design aspect lets consumers see when the opening is completely covered and the end is full resealed, thus preventing spills and protecting the resealing mechanism from damage.
Sustainable PackagE Award
KeelClip—Multi-can Packaging System
By Graphic Packaging International
KeelClip is a forward-thinking paperboard package developed in response to growing brand and consumer demand for beverage can multipacks that eliminate plastic, minimize board usage, are easy to carry and provide maximum visibility of the beverage cans. The concept combines an efficient paperboard clip with the benefits of a keel-like structure, strengthening the top panel and optimizing clip performance. KeelClip is sourced from sustainably managed forests and is a fully recyclable alternative to the shrink films and plastic rings commonly used to bundle beverage cans.