In a survey revealed along with the winners of this year’s awards, respondents listed among the top packaging breakthroughs impacting the public’s lives over the past 25 years recloseable packaging and microwaveable plastic trays. Together the two categories of invention captured 48 percent of the votes.
Top technologies
Recloseable packaging (such as zipper locks and stand-up pouches) garnered27 percent of the votes. Microwaveable meals, enabled by “oven-able” packaging materials, received 21 percent. Recycled content in consumer, industrial and community programs that support social goals earned 18 percent.
According to Shanna Moore, head of the DuPont Packaging Awards program, leading-edge innovations and packaging creativity engineered to benefit consumers are reflected in the winners of the program.
“Over the 25 years, the DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation has attracted a wide variety of truly innovative packaging developments, making this anniversary event the perfect time to honor those past achievements,” she said. “In reflecting back on these breakthroughs, it’s hard to imagine what everyday life would be like today without them.”
Winning design
The winners of this year’s DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation are headed by an elite group of Gold Award winners, singled out for packaging design and engineering excellence. The Gold Award-winning food package at the top of the herd is a salad bowl created in partnership between Coop Cooperative and Awtec, both of Switzerland.