Awards highlight packaging industry innovation

For over four decades, the Gold Pack Awards have been the epitome of packaging excellence. Recognising the profound impact of packaging on sustainability, consumer experience and product integrity the awards showcase the industry’s commitment to innovation. The past year witnessed a historic moment when two exceptional entries jointly showcased innovation.

AlA legacy of promoting excellence in packaging THE GOLD PACK AWARDS have been a symbol of excellence for over four decades. Since their inception, the awards have become the most prestigious recognition in the packaging industry, celebrating aesthetic brilliance as well as the profound impact packaging has on sustainability, consumer experience and product integrity.

Packaging is more than a protective shell; it’s a storyteller, an innovator and silent brand ambassador. In a world where first impressions matter, packaging is often the initial touchpoint between consumers and products. The Gold Pack Awards acknowledge this power, honouring those who leverage it to create memorable, sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. The commitment to our industry is displayed by our sponsors, without whose support this celebration and industry showcase wouldn’t be possible. This time, the Gold Pack Awards weaved a rich tapestry of categories, each representing a facet of the packaging industry’s diverse landscape. From beverage and food packaging to sustainability and innovation, the categories reflect the dynamic nature of an industry in constant motion. Entrants were evaluated not only on aesthetics, but also on functionality, environmental impact and the ability to enhance the overall user experience.

GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE AWARDS

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three winners in each category. However, all entries achieving finalist status and the medal winners qualify for entry into the international World Packaging Organisation’s (WPO’s) WorldStar Awards.

Winning any Gold Pack medal is held in high esteem by the packaging industry. Although innovation is an appealing reason for awarding medals, it is primarily excellence in packaging execution that creates medal winners. Of course, the most coveted award is the Institute of Packaging SA’s Gold Pack Trophy presented to the best entry overall. This year sees a first in the Gold Pack Awards’ history as the judging panel was unwilling and unable to select just one winner. For very different reasons, they insisted on recognising two entries for their outstanding achievement and execution. The judges comprised a panel of impartial and experienced people with a wide range of packaging knowledge who were all generous in giving their time and expertise to the awards programme. They looked specifically for the excellent application and execution of packaging that’s the result of creative design, marketing or technology, particularly those that are new and innovative for the region’s packaging industry. The judges considered the imported technology, components or constituents while looking specifically for the local input in the creation of outstanding packaging. Navigating sustainability and continental reach as the world grapples with environmental challenges, the 2023 Gold Pack Awards shone a spotlight on sustainability.

Creating A Viable And Sustainable Awards Programme

Acknowledging the responsibility the packaging industry bears, we honoured those who embrace sustainable solutions and materials, reduce waste and champion circular economy principles. These awards offered a glimpse into the future of packaging by spotlighting the pioneers who transformed challenges into opportunities, turn packaging into an art form and drive the industry forward.

Once again, this year’s Gold Pack Awards included the AfriStar Awards programme as a category on behalf of the African Packaging Organisation (APO). The ambition was to create a viable and sustainable awards programme for the entire continent.

Our goals are the same – to create a showcase for what we can achieve and to display our international competitiveness and ability. Although it’s still early years for the AfriStar Awards, we’re enthusiastic and excited about their potential. All medal winners in the Gold Pack and AfriStar Awards are eligible for entry into the WPO WorldStar Awards, establishing both programmes as ‘players’ in the global industry. My gratitude goes to all who supported this awards programme: the sponsors, judges, the behind-the scenes team and, most of all, the companies that entered these awards. It can be daunting to hold your work up for scrutiny and evaluation. However, the feeling of pride when recognised for your work’s excellence is a rewarding and satisfying experience – to know that it’s a benchmark to be heralded as part of this packaging industry showcase. Bill Marshall, national secretary.

Gold Pack – www.goldpack.co.za