The winners of the 35th Packaging Innovation Awards (PIA), sponsored by Dow, were recognised at a ceremony held during Tokyo Pack last week, with Toppan winning the most awards and taking home the Diamond award for the paper-based bag for batteries developed for Panasonic Energy.
In what is described as a "transformative departure from the conventional blister pack", Toppan Infomedia's new paper-based bag for dry batteries reduces packaging material use by between 38 and 60 per cent, depending on size, resulting in more than 50 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
This packaging leverages advanced ink and printing methods, resulting in a photorealistic final product that does not fade or discolour even after prolonged exposure to light. Convenience is also enhanced, as users can simply tear the paper-based packaging and access batteries immediately. Batteries not used can be stored directly by folding the bag.
The awards were judged by an international jury of 18 experts from across the packaging value chain, including, from Australia, Bryan McKay, head of Packaging at Woolworths Group. The jury convened in Bangkok this June to evaluate every nomination. From there, a shortlist of 28 winners were identified, selected for their ability to demonstrate excellence across up to three critical criteria including technological advancement, sustainability, and enhanced user experience.
“This year’s entries reflect not just the progress of innovation, but also the cumulative achievement of years of creative problem-solving around global challenges. The diversity of entries has been exceptional. From advanced materials that extend product shelf life to designs that significantly reduce packaging waste, the innovations we have seen demonstrate the industry's capacity to address complex challenges. The awards not only celebrate current achievements but also set the stage for future advancements in the global packaging landscape,” said Karen S. Carter, president, Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Dow.
“With Asia’s role as the world’s manufacturing hub, hosting the Packaging Innovation Awards in the region for the first time marks a significant milestone. And the industry has responded magnificently with nearly half of this year’s submissions originating from Asia. This demonstrates the region’s growing influence in shaping the future of packaging with innovation in materials science, design thinking, and sustainability,” said Bambang Candra, APAC commercial vice president, Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Dow.
David Luttenberger, the jury chairperson for the 35th edition of the PIA and global packaging director for Mintel Group added, “After more than a decade of sitting as a judge, the greatest reward has been the ability to innovate and create new paths of recognition. This includes the introduction of a Special Award category dedicated to emerging markets and breaking frontiers in mono-material packaging. It’s a testament to the evolving global landscape of excellence where new talents and ideas can really shape the future of our customer industries.”
The following 28 finalists have won the Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Special Award categories.
Diamond Award winner:
Paper-based Bag for Dry Batteries by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd with TOPPAN INFOMEDIA CO., LTD
Platinum Award winners:
Graphene-enhanced Packaging – Gerdau Graphene’s Sustainable Innovation by Gerdau Graphene
Hetbahn with Bio-Circular Packaging by CJ CheilJedang Corp
Macada – Paper Box for Macadamia by Starprint Public Company Limited
Paper Based Packaging for Spreads by Upfield
Star Drop – Squeeze Bottle for Liquid Cosmetic Products by Aptar (China) Investment Co., Ltd
Versafiller Paper-based Honeycomb Structure by P&G China
Gold Award winners:
Bom Ar Spray de Ambientes by Reckitt Industrial with Plastipak Packaging
Cioccoriso Perugina – Plastic Bottle for Chocolate by Nestlé Italiana Spa
First-of-its-kind Biscuits Outer Paper Bag by ITC Limited
Heat-shrink Labels from Recycled Light-blocking PET Bottles by Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd
Ice-cream Packaging Box to Create a DIY “Pino Gacha” by MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD with TOPPAN Inc.
Magmark SS by Magnomer
Neo Dropper Autoload Design by Aptar (China) Investment Co., Ltd
PET Film for Cold Blister Forming by UFlex Limited Film Division
Reusable Transport Packaging for Large Household Appliances by Free Pack Net Holding SAGL
26mm Lightweight Water Closure Beverage Cap by Alltrista
Silver Award winners:
BarrierFlex NutVault – Plastic Packaging Bag for Nuts by Packaging Industries Limited
Figmint Paper-based Packaging for Kitchen Products by Target Corporation
Flat-shaped Multipurpose Repair Tape by 3M
Inikin Brew-on-demand Tea Beverage Packaging with Freshness Retaining Cap by Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd (Yili Group)
PharmaGuard Recyclable Blister Packaging for Pharmaceutical Products by SÜDPACK MEDICA AG
‘Tube Pouch’ Plastic Tube Container for Food and Cosmetics by TOPPAN Inc.
100% Recyclable Stand-up Pouch for Detergent Liquid by Henkel Guatemala (Henkel La Luz, S.A.)
Special Award winners:
AmPrima PE Plus for Coffee by Amcor with Kjeldsberg
Cioccoriso Perugina – Plastic Bottle for Chocolate by Nestlé Italiana Spa
EcoLamHighPlus – Polyethylene-based Fully Recyclable Pouches for Breakfast Cereals by SB-Constantia Flexibles India
Fiama Handwash Recyclable Standup Pouch – First in India by ITC Limited
Reciplus – Cafe Sello Rojo Mono-Material Coffee Packaging by Alico SAS BIC
