In recognition of packaging innovation excellence, Nampak Liquid Cartons picked up a Silver Medal at the Institute of Packaging SA’s Gold Pack Awards 2022. Nampak Liquid Cartons received the award in the Beverages category for its development of the SEAM Pure-Pak Coffee Carton.
‘It’s always a proud moment when the industry recognises the thoughtful work we’ve put into our packaging products,” says Raymond Dube, Managing Director of Nampak Liquid Cartons. “By working with SEAM Coffee and Turntec Engineering we were able to bring together two innovative technologies to produce a one-of-a-kind packaging solution. We’re proud to say that the new carton exceeds our expectations for sustainability, cost, and consumer convenience, and we’re glad to see that the judges of the Gold Pack Awards agree.”
The Gold Pack Awards is an annual competition organised by the Institute of Packaging SA (IPSA) to promote leading design innovation in the packaging industry, and to showcase the best packaging solutions from development teams.
The SEAM PurePak Coffee Carton is a 100% recyclable carton alternative to the standard multi-layer foil laminate bag. The design has incorporated an innovative one-way valve that allows the coffee beans to degas and prevents outside air from entering. This helps to preserve the aroma and freshness of the coffee.
“It was important for us to find a packaging solution that not only ensures the quality of our product from bean to cup, but also aligns with our sustainability mandate,” says David Walstra, owner of SEAM Coffee. “As a coffee brand, we hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to ensuring that our work is both fair to farmers and leaves the planet in a better place for all.”
In addition, the design makes for a more user-friendly experience that allows consumers to conveniently pour the beans directly from the carton rather than scooping from the bag. It’s also quicker to open and close, while its sturdy flat bottom ensures that it will stand upright on a pantry or shop shelf.
“We’re also proud to say that we’re able to produce a carton that is 53% more economical than a standard foil bag,” says Raymond Dube. “Often the bags you see in stores are imported and take two to three months to arrive. Our cartons have a three-to four-week lead time as they are locally produced in Isithebe, Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The only component that is imported is the one-way valve.”
This year’s Silver Medal joins a number of previous recognitions from the Gold Pack Awards. In 2020, Nampak Liquid Cartons received two Gold Medals for its Spar 2-litre Pure-Pak Milk Carton in the Non-alcoholic Beverage Packaging and Paper Packaging categories.
“It’s encouraging to receive this kind of acknowledgement from the industry, especially for a packaging solution that offers a sustainable alternative for coffee. We look forward to producing more award-winning, environmentally friendly packaging in the future,” says Dube.
