2018 AIMCAL Award Winners
Holographic carton wins AIMCAL Product of the Year Award
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Charlotte, North Carolina, USA – The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) presented its 2018 Product of the Year Award on March 23 to Hazen Paper Co. (Holyoke, MA) for its holographic carton for Kat Von D Metal Crush eye makeup. The awards ceremony took place at the group’s annual meeting, which was held at the DoubleTree South Park Hotel (Charlotte, NC).
The Kat Von D Metal Crush highlighter palette carton features holographic Stardust metallized film laminated to the coated side of 0.020 solid bleached sulfate. The holographic film with the eye-catching pattern sets the stage for a printed, stamped and embossed surface and stands out on the department store shelf. The stardust pattern with its pulverized metal appearance also reinforces the Metal Crush name. The judges loved the rose-colored background and the impact of the design. “This carton has pizzazz,” noted one judge. “It really jumps out at you,” agreed another member of the panel. The judges also felt the package was well-executed. They concluded, “It brings a lot of elements together. It’s a beautiful use of holography and traditional printing.” |
The judging panel also presented four Product Excellence Awards. Product of the Year winner Hazen Paper captured two, one for its role in a large setup box produced by WestRock/MPS (New York, NY) for Marc Jacobs Decadence perfume and one for the Porsche Music to Your Ears brochure for the Burmester® 3D High-End Surround Sound System.
For the luxury perfume box, Hazen laminates film with a copyrighted embossing pattern to paper. The linen-embossed gold metallized polyester/paper laminate is applied to the box by WestRock/MPS and a mottled-burgundy flocked fabric label completes the elegant package. The flocked fabric label provides a tactile experience as well as visual impact.
The judges were struck by the elegance of the package and the different textures presented. “It’s not flashy, but it stands out,” commented one judge. “They’ve taken a lot of technology and created something special. It’s beautiful,” the panel concluded.
For the luxury perfume box, Hazen laminates film with a copyrighted embossing pattern to paper. The linen-embossed gold metallized polyester/paper laminate is applied to the box by WestRock/MPS and a mottled-burgundy flocked fabric label completes the elegant package. The flocked fabric label provides a tactile experience as well as visual impact.
The judges were struck by the elegance of the package and the different textures presented. “It’s not flashy, but it stands out,” commented one judge. “They’ve taken a lot of technology and created something special. It’s beautiful,” the panel concluded.
Visually, the Porsche Music to Your Ears brochure, appears to be a solid piece of aluminum, but it’s actually metallized film/11-point paperboard/metallized film, which marries Hazen Ultracure and Hazen 3DReflector™ CARD technologies. The laminate is ultraviolet-printable on both sides and feeds smoothly on the offset press. The result is an extremely flat, durable, water-resistant structure.
The judges noted two-side lamination is uncommon. “The printing is beautiful,” commented one member of the panel. “This is really classy and clearly unusual in terms of the combination of technologies used and in the potential for other applications such as paper-based gift cards.”
The judges noted two-side lamination is uncommon. “The printing is beautiful,” commented one member of the panel. “This is really classy and clearly unusual in terms of the combination of technologies used and in the potential for other applications such as paper-based gift cards.”
Toray Plastics (America) Inc. (North Kingstown, RI) earned a Product Excellence Award for its Torayfan® Over-The-Mountain Portfolio of biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) films. Available in transparent, metallized or white and a variety of barrier levels, the film is designed to prevent packages from bursting when transported in changing altitude. A proprietary, modified PP core layer and a proprietary sealant work synergistically to improve hermetics and seal strengths. Compatible with virtually any pouch style, the films eliminate channel leaks and seal integrity problems caused by food residue in the seal area.
The judges appreciated the value of thin-gauge film with the ability to seal well. “This structure definitely answers some of the problems commonly encountered with flexible packaging and seal integrity,” concluded the panel.
The judges appreciated the value of thin-gauge film with the ability to seal well. “This structure definitely answers some of the problems commonly encountered with flexible packaging and seal integrity,” concluded the panel.
A Product Excellence Award also was bestowed on Flex Films (USA) Inc. (Elizabethtown, KY), subsidiary of Uflex Ltd., Packaging Business (Noida, India) for a sparkling, tactile sachet with three-dimensional (3D) embossing for Shudh Plus Ultra mouth freshener. This package also received a Technical Excellence Award in the AIMCAL Technology of the Year competition. Glitter ink provides visual and tactile impact for the portion pack in a crowded retail environment. A specialized laser-engraved rotogravure cylinder with customized cell geometry traps the high-solid content of the glitter ink, which transfers to the substrate with the help of capillary action and the tangential force of the impression roller. The sachet relies on several other technologies. The base design is printed on coated paper using rotogravure and flexographic technologies. The printed substrate passes through an electron beam coating line in register to create the embossed effect on the brand name. Hot-foil stamping transfers the 3D embossed effect of the logo. To deter counterfeits the embossed effect is stamped in gold on one side and silver on the other, the first time different metals have been applied simultaneously.
The judging teleconference was moderated by AIMCAL Executive Director Craig Sheppard. The panel consisted of well-known experts in the converting field: Tom Bezigian, principal consultant, PLC Technologies (Cicero, NY), Robert M. Kimmel, Sc.D., associate professor, director, Packaging Science Program, director, Center for Flexible Packaging, Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University (Clemson, SC) and Jeff Weber, research principal Packaging Development at Mondelēz International (Deerfield, IL).
Bezigian is a seasoned technical expert in the converting industry and serves as an adjunct professor of Plastics Engineering at UMASS-Lowell. Expertise includes blown film, cast film, extrusion coating, packaging, process engineering, production, quality control, technical support, troubleshooting, bag making, bag machines, barrier packaging, extruder design, irradiation, orientation and shrink film.
Part of the Clemson faculty since 1999, Dr. Kimmel teaches package design, supervises research and service to industry in flexible packaging and maintains an active consulting practice as an expert witness for intellectual property litigation. Earlier in his career, he held technical, marketing and business management positions at Hoechst Celanese Corp., where he primarily focused on developing polyester and other resins and films for the converting industry.
The judging teleconference was moderated by AIMCAL Executive Director Craig Sheppard. The panel consisted of well-known experts in the converting field: Tom Bezigian, principal consultant, PLC Technologies (Cicero, NY), Robert M. Kimmel, Sc.D., associate professor, director, Packaging Science Program, director, Center for Flexible Packaging, Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University (Clemson, SC) and Jeff Weber, research principal Packaging Development at Mondelēz International (Deerfield, IL).
Bezigian is a seasoned technical expert in the converting industry and serves as an adjunct professor of Plastics Engineering at UMASS-Lowell. Expertise includes blown film, cast film, extrusion coating, packaging, process engineering, production, quality control, technical support, troubleshooting, bag making, bag machines, barrier packaging, extruder design, irradiation, orientation and shrink film.
Part of the Clemson faculty since 1999, Dr. Kimmel teaches package design, supervises research and service to industry in flexible packaging and maintains an active consulting practice as an expert witness for intellectual property litigation. Earlier in his career, he held technical, marketing and business management positions at Hoechst Celanese Corp., where he primarily focused on developing polyester and other resins and films for the converting industry.
Metallized film for insulated shipper captures AIMCAL Technology of the Year Award
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA – The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) presented its 2018 Technology of the Year Award on March 23 to Celplast Metallized Products Ltd. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) for its role in the northbox® insulated shipper. The awards ceremony took place at the group’s annual meeting, which was held at the DoubleTree South Park Hotel (Charlotte, NC).
Celplast supplies the metallized film for the northbox® shipping container, which is manufactured by Cascades Inc. (Kingsey Falls, Québec, Canada). The temperature-control box consists of a corrugated regular slotted container with two C-shape honeycomb paperboard/metallized film insulating liners. The first liner covers the bottom, top and one side of the case, while the second liner nests within to cover the other three sides. The reflective property of the metallized film improves temperature control and also acts as a barrier to condensation, thereby preserving the pristine appearance of the paperboard. The insulated shippers can be specified Level 1 or Level 2 temperature control and have been laboratory tested under the ISTA 7E standard. Considered more sustainable than traditional foam-based insulating panels or bubble wrap, the honeycomb paperboard and corrugated box contains 100 percent recycled fiber content and may be recycled curbside because the metallized film easily separates from the honeycomb paperboard during the recycling process. Applications include ready-to-cook/eat meal kits; live products such as lobsters, worms or plants; specialty meats/cheeses; online grocery orders; pharmaceuticals, blood and vaccines.
The judges liked the sustainable aspects of the patent-pending design and its potential impact in the marketplace given the rapidly growing use of e-commerce by consumers. “This design definitely reduces waste versus existing temperature-control shippers,” commented one judge. “It’s a breakthrough replacement for other materials that are less sustainable,” noted another. “It’s a product everyone can relate to,” the panel concluded.
Celplast supplies the metallized film for the northbox® shipping container, which is manufactured by Cascades Inc. (Kingsey Falls, Québec, Canada). The temperature-control box consists of a corrugated regular slotted container with two C-shape honeycomb paperboard/metallized film insulating liners. The first liner covers the bottom, top and one side of the case, while the second liner nests within to cover the other three sides. The reflective property of the metallized film improves temperature control and also acts as a barrier to condensation, thereby preserving the pristine appearance of the paperboard. The insulated shippers can be specified Level 1 or Level 2 temperature control and have been laboratory tested under the ISTA 7E standard. Considered more sustainable than traditional foam-based insulating panels or bubble wrap, the honeycomb paperboard and corrugated box contains 100 percent recycled fiber content and may be recycled curbside because the metallized film easily separates from the honeycomb paperboard during the recycling process. Applications include ready-to-cook/eat meal kits; live products such as lobsters, worms or plants; specialty meats/cheeses; online grocery orders; pharmaceuticals, blood and vaccines.
The judges liked the sustainable aspects of the patent-pending design and its potential impact in the marketplace given the rapidly growing use of e-commerce by consumers. “This design definitely reduces waste versus existing temperature-control shippers,” commented one judge. “It’s a breakthrough replacement for other materials that are less sustainable,” noted another. “It’s a product everyone can relate to,” the panel concluded.
The judges also awarded two Technical Excellence Awards. One Technical Excellence Award was presented in the Coated, Laminated or Metallized Product Category and went to Flex Films (USA) Inc. (Elizabethtown, KY), subsidiary of Uflex Ltd., Packaging Business (Noida, India) for a sparkling, tactile sachet with three-dimensional (3D) embossing for Shudh Plus Ultra mouth freshener. Glitter ink provides visual and tactile impact for the portion pack in a crowded retail environment. A specialized laser-engraved rotogravure cylinder with customized cell geometry traps the high-solid content of the glitter ink, which transfers to the substrate with the help of capillary action and the tangential force of the impression roller. The sachet relies on several other technologies. The base design is printed on coated paper using rotogravure and flexographic technologies. The printed substrate passes through an electron beam coating line in register to create the embossed effect on the brand name. Hot-foil stamping transfers the 3D embossed effect of the logo. To deter counterfeits the embossed effect is stamped in gold on one side and silver on the other, the first time different metals have been applied simultaneously.
The judging panel was impressed by the combination of technologies used to maximize shelf impact for this small sachet as well as by its renewable, paper-based substrate. “It’s a deceptively simple package, but there’s a lot going on, and it’s very well executed,” noted one judge.
The judging panel was impressed by the combination of technologies used to maximize shelf impact for this small sachet as well as by its renewable, paper-based substrate. “It’s a deceptively simple package, but there’s a lot going on, and it’s very well executed,” noted one judge.
The other Technical Excellence Award was presented in the Material Category and went to The Dow Chemical Co., Packaging & Specialty Plastics (Lake Jackson, TX) for its Adcote™ HP laminating adhesive. The greener adhesive contains no bisphenol-A (BPA), BPA epoxy or ortho-phthalic acid-based polyester. It’s FDA 177.1395 acceptable Condition B through H (all food types) and registers a primary aromatic amines level of less than 2 parts per billion after a two-day cure at room temperature. It adheres strongly to polyester, polyethylene, cast and oriented polypropylene and oriented polyamide film and foil, withstands aggressive foods/chemicals and harsh application conditions.
The judges recognized the essential role adhesive plays in successful laminations. “This material is a step forward,” opined one judge. “It will make laminate structures better products,” concluded another member of the panel.
The judging teleconference was moderated by AIMCAL Executive Director Craig Sheppard. The panel consisted of well-known experts in the converting field: Dr. Charles A. Bishop of C.A. Bishop Consulting, Loughborough, U.K.; Dr. Edward D. Cohen of Edward D. Cohen Consulting, Inc., Fountain Hills, AZ; and Dr. Eldridge M. Mount of EMMOUNT Technologies, LLC, Canandaigua, NY.
Dr. Bishop established C.A. Bishop Consulting Ltd. in December 1998 after earning several degrees and working for Imperial Chemical Industries. He specializes in all aspects of vacuum deposition including system design; process development, scale-up and troubleshooting; process control; and plasma surface treatments and coatings. He has published more than 60 technical papers, been granted five patents and conducted training courses around the world. He is the author Vacuum Deposition onto Webs, Films & Foils (2007) and Roll-to-Roll Vacuum Deposition of Barrier Coatings (2010).
A veteran of DuPont and expert in web coating, Dr. Cohen’s expertise encompasses coating and drying of thin films, coating process development and scale-up, polyester base development, film defect mechanisms, defect characterization techniques, litigation support and professional development activities for scientists. He served as founding president of the International Society of Coating Science and Technology and is the recipient for the John Tallmadge Award for Contributions to Coating technology and the AIMCAL President’s Award.
Dr. Mount has worked for more than 35 years, as a polymer engineer in the field of biaxial film orientation including stints at ExxonMobil and ICI Americas Film Division. An expert in oriented films and metallized films for packaging and barrier film technologies, he also is well-versed in plastic extrusion, screw design, rheological measurements, coextrusion troubleshooting and system specification. A popular presenter of converting-related courses, other capabilities include new product design, process design and expert witness testimony.
The judges recognized the essential role adhesive plays in successful laminations. “This material is a step forward,” opined one judge. “It will make laminate structures better products,” concluded another member of the panel.
The judging teleconference was moderated by AIMCAL Executive Director Craig Sheppard. The panel consisted of well-known experts in the converting field: Dr. Charles A. Bishop of C.A. Bishop Consulting, Loughborough, U.K.; Dr. Edward D. Cohen of Edward D. Cohen Consulting, Inc., Fountain Hills, AZ; and Dr. Eldridge M. Mount of EMMOUNT Technologies, LLC, Canandaigua, NY.
Dr. Bishop established C.A. Bishop Consulting Ltd. in December 1998 after earning several degrees and working for Imperial Chemical Industries. He specializes in all aspects of vacuum deposition including system design; process development, scale-up and troubleshooting; process control; and plasma surface treatments and coatings. He has published more than 60 technical papers, been granted five patents and conducted training courses around the world. He is the author Vacuum Deposition onto Webs, Films & Foils (2007) and Roll-to-Roll Vacuum Deposition of Barrier Coatings (2010).
A veteran of DuPont and expert in web coating, Dr. Cohen’s expertise encompasses coating and drying of thin films, coating process development and scale-up, polyester base development, film defect mechanisms, defect characterization techniques, litigation support and professional development activities for scientists. He served as founding president of the International Society of Coating Science and Technology and is the recipient for the John Tallmadge Award for Contributions to Coating technology and the AIMCAL President’s Award.
Dr. Mount has worked for more than 35 years, as a polymer engineer in the field of biaxial film orientation including stints at ExxonMobil and ICI Americas Film Division. An expert in oriented films and metallized films for packaging and barrier film technologies, he also is well-versed in plastic extrusion, screw design, rheological measurements, coextrusion troubleshooting and system specification. A popular presenter of converting-related courses, other capabilities include new product design, process design and expert witness testimony.
