McDowell, EXIMPRO win 2021 AWA Sleeve Label Awards for can, bottle decoration
McDowell, a Resource Label Group Co.. and Environmental Contribution Exportaciones Im Promocion (EXIMPRO) from Mexico were this year's winners in the 2021 AWA International Sleeve Label Awards competition.
The program, now in its seventh year, is an established feature of the label industry calendar, and annually documents the achievements that sleeve labeling has brought to today’s packaging industry. The 2021 winners were announced Nov. 10 during the AWA & TLMI International Sleeve Label Conference & Exhibition 2021 Cincinnati, OH.
McDowell won in the Heat TD Shrink-Sleeve category for its Ghost/Sour Patch Kids: Blue Raspberrt label (above left). Demonstrating the power of a shrink sleeve – even without the element of shape – this metal-can application might reasonably be described as a "sensory masterpiece," say the judges. The eye-catching design combined with the touch and feel in the consumer's hand is near perfect.
EXIMPRO won the Environmental Contribution Award for its Zen Water label, printed in gravure on an rPET substrates with washable inks (above, right). The entry uses a PET bottle made from 100% ocean-bound plastic and rPET sleeve material – as well as washable inks that enable the recycling of the sleeve and container together, using current and accepted processes.
Heat-shrink sleeve labeling applications dominated the large number of entries received this year – a reflection of the technology’s current popularity in the packaging market. Judges Seamus Lafferty, president-Accraply; Tom Hammer, heat-Technical Marketing for Siegwerk; and AWA Vp William Llewellyn combined their broad in-depth industry expertise to select the winners -- sleeving applications that demonstrate not only technology perfection and outstanding design but also use of today’s leading-edge print enhancements.