NZ companies shine in Packaging Awards

Small and medium-sized New Zealand businesses have dominated the shortlist of eight products for the Unpackit Best Packaging Awards, released today at 5pm.

In contrast, the eight Worst Packaging Awards finalists are all large companies, mostly based overseas.

The finalists were chosen from over 100 public nominations.

Unpackit spokesperson Sophie Ward said the shortlists showed that multi-nationals could learn a lesson from the smaller local firms when it came to packaging.

“The Worst Packaging Awards shortlist features several so-called convenience foods which create a ridiculous of waste for a snack or small meal,” she said.

That includes Healtheries Rice Rounds, Sunsweet Individually Wrapped Prunes and Sealord Deli-menu. (Full list of finalists at the end of press release).

Brother Ink Cartridges and Oral Braun Toothbrush Heads also made the list for their excessive, non-recyclable packaging. Both were nominated more than once, with nominators mentioning the “annoyance factor” – not only do they create lots of waste but the packaging is really hard to get into.

Corn double wrapped in plastic also made the Worst shortlist.

In contrast, Ms Ward said the companies on the Best shortlists had all put some serious thought into packaging and what happens to it at the end of its life.

“These companies really nailed their packaging. Their packaging solutions are all different, depending on the needs of their product, but they are all minimal, waste-reducing and recyclable.

“Several finalists used cardboard containing a high proportion of recycled material, which helps to create a high-quality market for recycled cardboard,” she said.

Other finalists, the Ideal Cup and Rethink reusable bags, turned packaging into a product. Both products provide an alternative to disposable packaging: the single-use coffee cup and the plastic bag.

“We were happy that two classics also made the Best Awards shortlist,” said Ms Ward. The humble egg carton and the swap-a-crate have been around forever, but they’re still doing a great job.

Ms Ward said many of the finalists in the Best Packaging Award followed through on their commitment to good packaging with great labelling.

“Labelling sounds a bit boring, but it’s really key. There’s no point using compostable or recyclable packaging if people don’t know what to do with it once they’ve unwrapped the product.”

Ms Ward said several other New Zealand firms with innovative packaging were close to making the short-list for the Best Awards, but were let down by their labelling.

The shortlists are now up on the www.unpackit.org website. The winners will be chosen by public vote.

The Unpackit Roadshow of Joy leaves Wanaka on Tuesday 29th March to tour the country and encourage people to vote for the Best and Worst Packaging Award. For a full itinerary, please go to www.unpackit.org

Dates:
• Public voting for awards runs from March 25th until April 29th.
• March 29th, Unpackit Roadshow of Joy leaves Wanaka
• April 21st, last performance of Unpackit Roadshow
• Winners of awards will be announced May 6th

ENDS

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