PACKAGING
Innovation Triumphs at European Aluminium Foil Association Awards
The 2016 edition of the Alufoil Trophy competition, hosted by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), has once again highlighted the continuing versatility and innovation of the packaging sector.
16 May, 2016
The competition saw 65 entrants in five separate categories, including consumer convenience, marketing & design, product protection, resource efficiency, technical innovation, and overall excellence.
As the annual premier awards competition in the aluminium foil sector, the Alufoil Trophy rewards both major multinational and specialist foil manufacturers and converters. The competition is open to those products that are either made entirely of or contain aluminium foil, whether that be as a laminate, structural component or packaging system.
Looking at this year's entries, EAFA executive director Guido Aufdemkamp was delighted by their overall quality.
Looking at this year's entries, EAFA executive director Guido Aufdemkamp was delighted by their overall quality.
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The ability to meet environmental and sustainability targets without losing any degree of performance or quality is very clearly demonstrated. In addition the technical innovations, to solve complex problems or meet difficult conditions, illustrate the talent available in the industry. Overall it is clear innovation and creativity are alive and well in the aluminium foil sector... even for regular, well established and popular packaging formats, such as containers and aluminium closures, there were a huge amount of fresh ideas combined in the need for performance, sustainability and visual impact.
Image credit: EAFA
One company that enjoyed particular success at this year's awards was Amcor. The company picked up three awards for their packaging solutions, in the categories of Consumer Convenience, Technical Innovation, and Resource Efficiency.
The Convenience award was jointly awarded to Amcor and Ardagh Group for their "All In One Fondü" product that features with a highly novel packaging solution. After cheese fondue is heated in an oven or microwave, its temperature can be maintained by leaving the fondue over a candle in a uniquely designed can holder.
The Convenience award was jointly awarded to Amcor and Ardagh Group for their "All In One Fondü" product that features with a highly novel packaging solution. After cheese fondue is heated in an oven or microwave, its temperature can be maintained by leaving the fondue over a candle in a uniquely designed can holder.
This concept is a clever combination of a number of packaging elements to create a highly original product... fondues can be time consuming and messy due to the complexity of setting them up. But here we have a product where all the packaging works together to make the concept work. The alufoil lid is a core element. And even the tea light holder is alufoil!
Louis Lindenberg
Head judge
The product's alufoil lid employs Amcor's AluFix Retort Pro membrane. The membrane is sealed onto a metal ring, ensuring secure closure of the bowl for the self-life of the product and full product protection until the customer opens the package.
Amcor's LuxPrem+ also secured the award for technical innovation thanks to its impressive overcap solution for premium spirits. The cap is produced from an aluminium-based material and is designed to rival the more traditional tin overcaps often used for premium spirits.
Amcor's LuxPrem+ also secured the award for technical innovation thanks to its impressive overcap solution for premium spirits. The cap is produced from an aluminium-based material and is designed to rival the more traditional tin overcaps often used for premium spirits.
Emmi's "All In One Fondü" from
Amcor and Ardagh Group
Amcor and Ardagh Group
Amcor's research & development team chose to work with aluminium for several reasons. The thickness of the material gives it the same easy opening as tin overcaps, while the online crimping performance offered a quality finish on the product. Aluminium also provides economic advantages over conventional tin overcaps.
To take on the traditional tin overcap is a big challenge. The company has achieved a high quality alternative which stands out as a 'better package' and is finished to a high standard.
Louis Lindenberg
The development of LuxPrem+ was challenging, and we are honoured that it has been recognised by the jury to win this prestigious award for technical innovation. Our customers are delighted with the result. LuxPrem+ demonstrates our ability to meet their needs with breakthrough innovations.
Nicolas Freynet, General Manager, Amcor Capsules Business
Other products that received trophies from EAFA include a super-lightweight, resealable Protein Shake Pounch from Ampac Flexibles, an aluminium closure for bottles of spirits made by Guala Closures, and a special battery foil called HyLectral from Hydro.
Banner image by EAFA.