February 2018
Alexir win Cartonboard Pack of the Year at UK Packaging Awards 2017!
Packaging that reduces food waste and helps save the planet too.
The Alexir Partnership were delighted to win the Cartonboard Pack of the Year at the UK Packaging Awards which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on 22 November 2017. The winning pack, the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference punnet for fresh tomatoes, was up against some stiff competition from the likes of Coveris, Essentra, DS Smith and Graphic Packaging. The judges included representatives from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Coca-Cola, Marks & Spencer and Mondelez, who examined a record number of entries this year. The Alexir Partnership were shortlisted for two pack formats in this category.
At a time when supermarkets are being urged to create a plastic-free aisle in every store Alexir entered the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference tomato punnet, which is a cartonboard alternative to the APET tray. It may not be completely plastic-free but it replaces the black tray and is a step in the right direction. It also protects and promotes the delicate produce - two essential requirements for good packaging! The punnet is made of fully recyclable FSC cartonboard and has reverse print options for branding and recipe ideas. This pack was also shortlisted for the Carton Excellence Award organised by the European trade associations Pro Carton and ECMA.
Tom Stone, Senior Sales Manager at the Alexir Partnership and Project Manager said, "This was one of my first projects when I joined the Alexir Partnership and I am very proud of it. It has been great working on a pack format that contributes in a small way to saving the planet as well as functioning effectively as a piece of packaging."
The Judge's comments on the winning pack:
"A great produce pack that doesn't compromise the product but helps to extend its life and, therefore, reduce food waste."
"Great functional design that stands out in this category."
The Alexir Partnership are unique in the UK in that they are the only business in the food sector that can create, package and pack products from design to delivery within one enterprise. One of the divisions is an independent printed folding carton manufacturer, offering both lithographic and digitally printed packaging, primarily for use within the food and branded goods industries. It is at the Edenbridge carton manufacturing site where the pack format is printed. The Alexir Partnership are exhibiting at the Packaging Innovations Show 28 February to 1st March at the NEC in Birmingham on stand G37. They will be showcasing their portfolio of carton based packaging on an eco-friendly stand.
