MeadWestvaco, Colbert Packaging take top honors in PPC competition.
For the third time in the past four years, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems takes the President's Award at the National Paperboard Packaging Competition done by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), now in its 62nd year. With a total of 235 entries in 30 distinct categories, the Tailgate'r beverage carrier muscled its way to the top by demonstrating an ingenious new way of combining a case of beer with a beverage cooler.
Tailgate'r by MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems for Labatt Brewing Co. is designed to conveniently hold 28 cans of beer, plus ice to keep drinks cool. The package is ideal to pick up on the way to the big game, the neighborhood barbeque or any other party. The two-in-one package eliminates the need for an extra cooler as it includes a bag liner to catch runoff from ice, and its unique six-sided cylinder shape leaves less of a footprint on the store-shelf than a normal case of beer.
A reinforced plastic handle provides an easy way to carry the package, and the tear-away section on the end gives consumers a way to fill the carton with ice and to reach its contents. For an added bonus, perforations on the divider inserts form coasters for the consumer. The package is not only convenient, but also provides eye-catching graphics and plenty of billboard space to advertise the product.
Colbert Packaging Corp. outshined the competition in the Innovation category with its BlisterGuard® carded package. To be eligible for the Innovation Award, entries are submitted without graphics of any kind, and are judged solely on their structural and technical properties. BlisterGuard security package by Colbert for The Topps Co., Inc. is exceptional in its use of an innovative, new type of tear-resistant board to create a paperboard pilfer proof carded package. Colbert Packaging cleverly uses Everest® Safe-Pak bleached board from International Paper, a heat-sealable, tear-resistant paperboard made with multilayer Valéron Strength Film, along with a clear plastic blister, to replace the dreaded clamshell. No need to worry about slicing your hand - the BlisterGuard is tear-resistant at the store, yet easy to open at home with a pair of scissors.
Working with The Topps Co. Inc., an international marketer of entertainment products, collecting cards, confections, sticker collections and comic books, Colbert introduced a way to effectively display Major League Baseball cards while counteracting theft. According to Topps, the plastic clamshell was too expensive and not "aesthetically pleasing," so they began searching for ways to reduce costs and improve appearance, as well as security. The tear-resistance of Colbert's BlisterGuard ensures integrity of the product, as well as the safety of an enclosed security tag. BlisterGuard offers improved merchandising, increases shelf appeal, and allows for additional display locations throughout the store. The strength of the material also prevents packages from being ripped off of display pegs. Made of recyclable materials, it is easier to recycle than PVC clamshells, and has up to five times the tear resistance of current fold-over boards.
Now in its 62nd year, the National Paperboard Packaging Competition continues to showcase the best packages in the paperboard industry. To evaluate the entries, PPC brings together a panel of judges with an array of professional backgrounds and expertise in the packaging industry. Professionals analyze entries on their creativity, structural integrity, technical expertise, and benefits for the customer.
(Reprinted from the May 2005 issue, Paperboard Packaging. All Rights Reserved.)