Packaging and processing people from around the country, and the globe, celebrated innovation at the APPMA awards last night in an atmosphere of optimism as the industry looks to a bright future. The awards were held midway through the sector's biggest ever exhibition, APPEX, which along with a dazzling array of technology, has shown how purpose, focused minds, and collaboration, can enable packaging and processing to rise to the challenges it faces.
Some 700 guests participated in a lively awards evening, brilliantly led by the irrepressible entertainer Tim Campbell as MC, although it began on a fittingly sombre note as the industry paid tribute to APPMA board member and Inox MD Robert Becher, who died in a motorcycle accident a few weeks before the show opened. Becher’s partner, son, sister and parents were at the event. APPMA chairman Mark Dingley delivered a heartfelt tribute to Becher in his opening speech.
Following the awards presentations Dingley ended the formal part of the evening by announcing his own retirement from the board of APPMA after 22 years of service, the last 14 as chairman. Guests then danced the night away to Campbell’s band, with Dingley on stage for the final number, ‘I’ve had the time of my life’.
The Winners of the 2024 APPMA Awards of Excellence, by category, along with the award citations, are as follows:
Import & Distribution Machinery Award – Corporate
Abbe: The future of multi-line packaging automation
"CMC Genesys is a solution transforming e-commerce packaging from Abbe. In a world where around 8000 parcels are shipped globally every second, Abbe’s automated system tackles the environmental impact of excess packaging. Designed for high-volume, multi-line orders, CMC Genesys creates structurally optimised 3D boxes, cutting cardboard usage by up to 41 per cent. The patented VaryTote system connects seamlessly to warehouse storage, allowing manual or automated picking. The benefits are compelling: reduced transport costs by 40 per cent, labour savings of up to eight units per shift, and a significant environmental edge, cutting CO2 emissions by 41-58 per cent. The CMC Genesys isn't just a machine; it's a sustainable solution shaping the future of e-commerce packaging."
Sustainability Excellence Award
Inox Australia Pty Ltd: Textile Recovery Processing Project
"BlockTexx is a revolutionary product born from the ingenuity of Inox Australia. Inox has pioneered an 8000L Reactor vessel, a world-first that rotates horizontally, defying conventional design. This cutting-edge equipment diverts 5000kg of clothing textiles per batch from landfills, showcasing Australian manufacturing excellence. Beyond innovation, it's a force for social good. Partnering with Help Enterprises, it creates jobs for people with disabilities, intercepting 10 tonnes of textile waste for a sustainable circular economy. This collaboration embodies the power of social enterprises, blending technology and humanity. The success story continues with a second unit ordered, doubling their impact and underscoring Inox's engineering brilliance. Excellence meets sustainability in this transformative tale of textile recycling and social empowerment."
Customer Systems Integration Award
Foodmach: Pernod Ricard's World-first Multi-format Line
"In Barossa Valley, Pernod Ricard Winemakers' (PRW) turnkey filling line, crafted by Foodmach, redefines industry standards. This intricate system handles 100+ products, from still and sparkling wines to Ready-To-Drink (RTDs), boasting unmatched flexibility across three can diameters and glass bottles (187ml to 750ml) at 24,000 cans per hour. Foodmach's integration technology, featuring Line MES and FM Link, creates the fastest combination filling line in the southern hemisphere — a global first. Beyond speed, the system ensures sustainability and market adaptability. FM Link's multi-SKU capability grants PRW unprecedented agility, streamlining concurrent production. This strategic shift, bringing production in-house, empowers PRW with supply chain control, service, quality, and flexibility. Foodmach's innovation extends across key integration sites, propelling the industry into a transformative future."
Digital Innovation Award
Triton Commercial Systems (Qld) P/L: Gundagai Meat Processors provides platform for world first Objective Grading Technologies in Lamb Processing, Automated Chillers/Sortation and Farmer Payments/Portal
"Since 1993, Triton has been transforming the meat processing industry, and now they have introduced Fusion, a state-of-the-art Manufacturing Execution System (MES). With CEO Will Barton leading the charge, Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) embraced Triton's cutting-edge solutions, propelling the industry into a new era. Fusion offers comprehensive animal traceability, intricate pricing grids, and Industry 4.0 innovations. This partnership garnered recognition from industry bodies like MLA and AMPC, positioning Triton as a thought leader. Fusion has had a transformative impact, enhancing traceability, data-driven decision-making, optimised payments, stronger stakeholder relations, increased efficiency, and maximised returns, overall, making data management effortless. The success with GMP showcases Triton's capability to deliver integrated solutions, setting new industry benchmarks."
Australian Machinery Manufacturer Award
Foodmach: Robomatrix Dual Infeed
"Foodmach's Robomatrix Dual Infeed is an innovative Australian palletising solution. Traditionally, local beverage manufacturers grappled with larger formats, but as the market shifts to sleek cans and diverse bottles, efficient palletisation of smaller formats is paramount.
The Robomatrix Dual Infeed is a game-changer, utilising two ABB robots for simultaneous dual infeed, a feat previously dominated by European suppliers. Beyond speed, it's flexible, accommodating various formats seamlessly. The Robowizard programming tool empowers customers to optimise loads, reduce waste, and minimise damage.
Championing sustainability, it features variable drives and energy-efficient motors. Actively pursuing global markets, Foodmach stands as the sole Australian palletiser manufacturer handling smaller formats competitively. As proven at Asahi's Tullamarine plant, Foodmach's Robomatrix Dual Infeed is a robust, high-performing solution, offering a strategic investment in efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability."
Australian Machinery Manufacturer Award
Trimatt Systems: Trimatt ColourStar AQ
"The Trimatt ColourStar AQ, an innovative short-run packaging colour digital print system. Tailored for paper and cardboard, it features a 297mm wide CMYK 1200DPI HP print head for precision and vibrant prints. The system's unique product handling capabilities include a 500mm feeder and self-cleaning print head, enhancing efficiency.
"Market success spans industries like packaging, coffee, and e-commerce, with over 20 installations in Australia and New Zealand. Testimonials highlight its eco-friendly water-based inks and ease of use. Trimatt's vision includes a 900mm print width system, slated for release at APPEX '24, promising to be a game-changer in on-demand packaging printing. The ColourStar AQ is transforming the packaging printing industry, opening doors to new markets and opportunities."
The 2024 Winner of the Packaging Design Innovation Award is…
Detpak: Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag for Fresh Potatoes
"Detpak, in collaboration with Mitolo Family Farms, has transformed fresh potato packaging for their Gourmandine range, addressing key sustainability and environmental concerns. The result of a three-year partnership, the paper-based packaging reduces plastic usage by 64 per cent, equivalent to 8.2 tonnes less plastic annually. This innovation maintains product quality, extends shelf life, and offers kerbside recyclability, aligning with APCO's guidelines. Detpak's RecycleMe technology ensures functionality comparable to plastic packaging, combining ventilation, strength, and light resistance. Introduced exclusively at Coles, the ground-breaking solution echoes a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the grocery sector. Detpak's overarching goal aims at replacing all 100 per cent plastic packaging in fresh produce, setting the stage for industry-wide transformation."
The 2024 Winner of the Emerging Leader Award is…
Beckhoff Automation: Supriya Suhale – Category Manager: Connectivity
"Supriya is Beckhoff's dynamic Category Manager for Connectivity in Australia. With a career that spans roles from an engineering intern to a Category Manager, she specializes in promoting Beckhoff's IO products. Supriya's strategic planning and ethical standards contribute to Beckhoff's market share growth and CO2 reduction initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, she leads efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in traditional manufacturing as a green ambassador. As a volunteer, she engages in humanitarian relief globally. Supriya's future goals include expanding Beckhoff's presence, mentoring new team members, and promoting automation in STEM for women. Testimonials from industry colleagues applaud her analytical skills and methodical approach, showcasing her as a force in the industry. Supriya's story embodies success, dedication, and a commitment to a brighter future in automation."
