Companies Cited for Excellence in Packaging

EXCELLENT PACKAGING in the global private label sector has been recognized for its convenience, sustainability, performance, innovation and design.

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) selected the winners of its first International Private Label Packaging Awards at its Packaging Conference that recently in The Hague. Nine awards were presented in five categories: Best Packaging Design, Best Sustainable Packaging, Best Convenience Packaging, Best Performance Excellence and Best Innovation in Packaging.

The winners were chosen from 200 entries, spanning from individual products to entire ranges. Entries were evaluated by a panel of experts in design, sales, marketing, and sustainability. Products were judged based on aesthetics, consumer engagement, clarity of message, boldness, innovation and brand identity.

Peggy Davies, president of PLMA, said, “The judging process was both dynamic and insightful, providing valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of packaging.”

Here are the winners:

BILLA CEE & IKI and BILLA Austria, part of REWE International/REWE Group, were the top winners, earning three awards in Sustainable Packaging, Performance Excellence and Packaging Design.

In Sustainable Packaging for Food Products, the judges praised BILLA CEE & IKI’s holistic approach bringing together sustainability and strong branding, in its Bon Via! Bio fruit and vegetables.

In Packaging Performance Excellence, recognising product packaging effectiveness, Nice Bites from BILLA CEE & IKI was honored for its consumer engagement through brand storytelling and understanding of consumer desires, contributing to a 40% uplift in the category. 

BILLA Austria received the highest honour in Packaging Design for Food Product Ranges, for its Billa Protein range, which received praise for its standout design and shelf appeal, becoming a brand in its own.

Drugstore chain Dirk Rossmann in Germany won in Sustainable Packaging for Non-Food Products, receiving recognition for its innovative use of mono-material strong paper in the Alterra Deostick Sensitiv. The judges highlighted the product's easy recyclability and its innovative approach by integrating design, communication, and sustainability to create a truly impactful solution.

HEMA in The Netherlands won the award for best in Packaging Design for Non-Food Product Ranges for its new personal care line. Judges recognized its attention to detail throughout the whole range, the trendy standout design appealing to young buyers, clear communication, and sustainable innovations like refillable facial creams.

Rohlik Group in Czech Republik won the award for best in Packaging Design in Food Products for its Miil 1.5% Milk. The judges noted the packaging's fresh, playful design, which brings a new perspective in dairy, especially to a basic product like milk, making it highly recognizable and engaging.

SUN in Italy, part of the Selex Group, received an award for Packaging Design in Non-Food Products for its Consilia Derik Crocchette Adult dog food. The judges praised the balance in the design in used colours, the structural design, finishing of this packaging and the typography used that communicates the brand effectively, making it attractive and fresh.

Gruppo VéGé in Italy received the highest honour in Convenience Packaging for its Oh Vita Grana Padano Snack, recognizing excellence in convenience packaging solutions. The judges highlighted its outstanding on-the-go convenience concept, which aligns with the growing trends for protein-rich and healthy snacking. Judges commented on the versatility, clear communication, and strong design of the packaging.

Auchan in France won an award for best Packaging Innovation for its Better Life Cleaning Product. The judges praised the product for its “brilliant, never-before-seen flexible and innovative structural design.”