The world of manufacturing is constantly evolving, and the packaging industry is no exception to this rule – the last few years have brought a surge in cutting-edge updates in packaging design and innovation. The folding carton and paperboard packaging sector have been at the forefront of this transformation, adapting to consumer needs, sustainability demands, and technological advancements.
As the premier competition for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging, our North American Paperboard Packaging Competition recognizes and celebrates these outstanding innovations and designs. We continue to be amazed by the creativity and ingenuity displayed by designers and manufacturers alike.
Join us as we dive into four standout designs from the past few competitions that have redefined the possibilities of paperboard packaging, setting new standards for creativity, functionality, and sustainability in the industry!
CORONA EXTRA SOUTH AMERICAN – CIRCULAR PACKAGING
2021 Innovation of the Year
While the six-pack carrier from Accord Carton Company appears to be made from regular uncoated stock, the board is actually comprised of barley straw, a byproduct of the beer-making process that is normally burned or discarded. This design welcomes to our industry a brand new and uniquely circular substrate.
Sustainability remains a key driver in packaging design. The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) actively supports these initiatives, championing the adoption of recyclable and biodegradable paperboard options within the industry. PPC emphasizes reducing environmental impact through innovative packaging designs that minimize material usage and promote the use of water-based inks and coatings.
Accord Carton Company’s Extra six-pack stands out as a unique and innovative way to promote sustainability in our industry and reduce the use of plastic in packaging. For three years, Corona Extra’s parent company, AB InBev, worked alongside their partner, Sustainable Fiber Technologies, to hone and create a new process for turning fragile straw into a durable fiber that could be used to make paperboard.
CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH CINNAMOJI BOX SET
2022 Digital Application Award of the Year
Customization has taken center stage, with brands seeking to create unique and memorable experiences for consumers. The flexibility of folding carton and paperboard allows for intricate die-cut designs, vibrant colors, and personalized branding. This trend not only enhances shelf appeal but also fosters brand loyalty by creating a distinctive and memorable unboxing experience for consumers.
To attract young consumers, the cereal brand chose five stand-out celebrities from all walks of life, such as Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Chloe Kim, who became a “Cinnamoji” animated character. With a short run of only 10,000 boxes highlighting each celebrity, TAP used its HP digital press for speed and its capability to create accurate spot color reproduction. The result of a unique set of embossing or combo stamping/embossing dies, Kim’s box mimics the reflective nature of her snowboard goggle lenses. The limited-edition cereal boxes generated sizzle and notoriety for the brand, even being featured on the Tonight show with host Jimmy Fallon and on-air guest Chloe Kim.
ECO-PI URINE SAMPLE COLLECTOR
Graphic Packaging International
2021 Judges Award
Innovation in packaging design is not merely about creating aesthetically pleasing boxes; it’s about solving real-world problems and addressing consumer frustrations. As the demands and expectations of consumers continue to evolve, the necessity for inventive packaging solutions becomes increasingly apparent, driving forward-thinking designers and manufacturers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of packaging design.
With Eco-Pi, Graphic Packaging International harnessed its expertise in pressed paperboard trays to expand into a new market: the health care sector. Eco-Pi, an innovative, clam-shaped pressed paperboard funnel, offers women a sanitary and dignified way to collect urine samples. Not only does Eco-Pi address a long-time frustration for female patients, but it’s also a sustainable paperboard alternative to plastic-based collection methods.
HARDINS CREEK CLERMONT TUBE
2023 Rigid Box of the Year
It’s hard to believe that the Hardin’s Creek Clermont Tube from TPC Printing and Packaging isn’t made from metal. For this project, TPC was specifically tasked with finding a sustainable and economical replacement for the previous tin tube packaging, aligning perfectly with the customer’s goals of reducing environmental impact and production costs.
What sets this packaging apart is not just its sustainable attributes but also its ability to mimic the aesthetic of metal with remarkable accuracy. Leveraging their expertise in ink matching to foil and applying precise coatings, the TPC team transformed paperboard into a unique alternative to metal packaging, maintaining the desired visual appeal while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. This innovative approach created a packaging solution that not only meets sustainability goals but also captivates consumers with its striking aesthetics. TPC’s ability to push the boundaries of conventional packaging design showcases their unwavering commitment to creativity and innovation, proving that sustainable solutions can be both environmentally conscious and visually impactful.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of packaging design and innovation, PPC continues to be a driving force. By providing resources, educational opportunities, and a platform for networking, PPC ensures that its members are equipped to navigate industry trends.
Explore how you can stay updated and be a part of the transformative journey here, and join us at our upcoming Design & Innovation Webinar, where select winners from our 2023 North American Paperboard Packaging Competition will reveal the secrets to their successful design projects!