The 2021 Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) was presented via a virtual ceremony over two days, with the company awards announced for the Food and Beverage categories.
In a year which saw an unprecedented number of entries across all PIDA categories, it was hardly surprising that the virtual ceremony, coordinated by the awards organiser Australian Institute of Packaging, was well attended, with over 300 participants. The ceremony was opened by AIP executiove director Nerida Kelton (below right).
The Food Packaging Design of the Year saw a highly competitive field of entries from companies that had designed innovative packaging and/or materials for packaging applications across fresh, frozen and other food sectors.
MC for the event, publisher of Food & Drink Business and PKN, Lindy Hughson, congratulated all finalists on the high level of innovation demonstrated in this hotly contested category.
"When it comes to good design for food packaging, food waste prevention, food safety, product protection and sustainability are all top priorities. And when you can create a material and packaging format that delivers on all these aspects, you have a winner," Hughson said.
Two High Commendations were awarded in this category: Masterfoods Herbs & Spices (MARS Food Australia & Cormack Packaging) and Nature’s Way SlimRight (Zipform Packaging).
The Bronze award went to Oasis Spice Shaker (Oasis & qDesign Enterprises), and the Silver award goes to Chobani (PakPot).
The Food Packaging Design of the Year Gold award winner for 2021 was presented to Brookfarm (O F Packaging).
The high-barrier mono-polymer pouch for Brookfarm was developed by OF Packaging as a more sustainable alternative to the company's previous metalised multi-laminate structure, all the while keeping Brookfarm's existing brand heritage and pack style.
Meanwhile, the PIDA 2021 Beverage Packaging Design of the Year recognised innovative packaging design and materials for liquid or dry beverage products.
Hughson said: "Of all the FMCG sectors, the beverage category has to be one of the most dynamic and creative when it comes to new product development, with the rate of product proliferation showing that the sky really is the limit in terms of what we Aussies and Kiwis will imbibe in liquid form," she said, noting that product innovation is matched by a high degree of packaging innovation, particularly in the area of sustainable packaging design.
A High Commendation was awarded to Schulz Organic Dairy (Schulz Organic Dairy and Rhima Australia).
The Bronze award went to PodPress Capsule System (REFLO), and the Silver award to Flexi-Hex Sleeve & Pinch Mailer System (MaCher Australia & Flexi-Hex).
The Beverage Packaging Design of the Year Gold award winner for 2021 was presented to SIPP Instant.
According to the citation at the awards ceremony, as a premium instant coffee company, SIPP Instant wants to be accountable for the future of our planet, along with producing the best functional beverages on the market.
It has created a different product to the traditional instant category, which is totally organic and Fairtrade. The products contain heat resistant probiotics, complex healthy carbohydrates for slow energy release and premium freeze-dried Columbian coffee.
The new SIPP Instant packaging was designed to elevate the functionality of the brand and features an ABA certified home compostable internal film.
To read the full list of winners at the 2021 PIDA awards, click here.
Coordinated by the Australian Institute of Packaging, the annual PIDA Awards program recognises companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field across Australia and New Zealand. Winners in the company awards announced today are automatically eligible for entry into the 2022 WorldStar Packaging Awards competition.
