The Winners: Miguel de la Posa, Jerry Kerins, Jules LeJeune, Guy Mallinson, John de Somer, Peter Karell, Öystein Aksnes, Per Lundeen, Claudia Rivinius, Richard Dalgleish (Pro Carton), Tonino Dominici, Roland Rex (Pro Carton), Uli Kempf, Clemens Stockinger, Malcolm Sinclair, Gerhard Brecka.

The annual Pro Carton/ECMA (European Carton Makers Association) awards are now in their 14th year. Meanwhile they belong to the most coveted prizes in their category. On 17. September the winners of the Awards 2010 were honoured at the ECMA-Congress in Vienna.

After the Award in 2009 had reached a new peak in its history with 122 entries from12 countries, the number of entries had dropped slightly this year owing to the general difficult economic situation. However, with 15 countries participating, there were more than ever before.

Satkar Gidda of the London design agency Siebert Head, Chairman of the Jury: „The quality of the entered carton boxes was equal to, if not better, than for the year 2009.”

The Jury was unanimous in that the quality of entries had reached its highest level so far. This made decisions quite difficult in many cases: besides Satkar Gidda, the high-powered jury included Pascal van Beek (Unilever), Burgunde Uhlig (Magazin Brigitte) as well as jury consultant Peter Klein Sprokkelhorst – and they had numerous heated debates on the possible winners in the various categories.

New design concepts, impressive shapes, modified uses, improved machinability on the packaging machines – all these elements can be found among the “award-winning” ideas. The best carton boxes are not necessarily always the most sophisticated. Among other factors, the jury judged the thinking behind the design, the attractiveness to consumers, interaction, effect on the shelf and simplicity in production.

To which Gidda adds: „Those carton boxes made the best impression that were completely thought through, not only with regard to their graphic design, but those that demonstrated that integrated graphic and structural design is extremely effective as part of brand communication. Carton boxes which jumped out at you were highly convincing – even more so when held, when we “undress” them to better understand the idea behind them “.

A gratifying aspect this year was the number of entries focusing on sustainability. Many carton boxes were designed specifically with sustainability in mind, replacing other materials or by using less material. Consumers too, are moving towards more sustainable packaging.

The award Carton of the Year was presented to CD Cartondruck for its packaging of a Tommy Hilfiger-scent by Estée Lauder. True to the motto “less is more“ ,the simple and stylish packaging incorporates sophisticated technology. In the category „Most Innovative“ the Oenoforos company won with its „Vernissage Purse“ - a packaging for wine in the shape of an elegant ladies handbag. In the field of Sustainability, “Cadbury Roses“ hugged the limelight by successfully replacing metal with carton.

And the Pro Carton/ECMA Awards documentation offers another highlight: in addition to presenting the winning concepts, the „Jury Report 2010“ also covers the nominees in detail.

The winners (for more informations and photos in print format, please click on the category):

CARTON OF THE YEAR
Tommy Hilfiger, Summer Fragrance: Global Networking for an unforgettable experience

MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGN OR NEW USE OF CARTON BOARD
Vernissage Purse: Wine packaging with new silhouette

SUSTAINABILITY
Cadbury Roses: Cartonboard instead of metal

BEVERAGES
Vino-Basket: Wine cartons as sales aids

BEAUTY & COSMETICS
Marc O'Polo Fragrance: A valuable look and perfect logistics

CONFECTIONERY
Premiumverpackung for Hüppen: Re-positioning of a traditional product

ALL OTHER FOOD
Special. T by Nestlé: Completely new tea logistics via Internet

ALL OTHER NON FOD
Schatullenbox: Ultimate performance in compact design

SHELF READY & DISPLAY PACKAGING
Davidoff Carton Dispenser: Multifunctional display technology

VOLUME MARKET CARTONs
Happy Meal 3D: Sustainability in logistics, presentation and environmental protection

ECMA-Congress Vienna 2010

All Information and the comments of the jury on the award winners are available at www.procarton.com/awards and www.cartonawards.com

Printed „Jury-Reports“ in English are available from Pro Carton, Suzanne E. McEwen, mcewen@procarton.com