In recognition of packaging innovation excellence, Nampak Paper and Plastic picked up a Bronze Medal and finalist award at the Institute of Packaging SA’s Gold Pack Awards 2023. Nampak Paper and Plastic was praised for its partnership with Orange Grove Dairy in crafting the cutting-edge 2L Light Weight Palm Grip PET Bottle and with Boxy Water on the development of their 500ml PurePak Water Carton in the Beverages Non-Alcoholic category.
“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.
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.
“We are thrilled that our latest innovation, the 2L Light Weight Palm Grip PET Bottle, has clinched a prestigious Bronze Medal at the 2023 Gold Pack Awards,” says Strini Naicker, Divisional Head: Sales and Marketing at Nampak Plastic. “This accomplishment, coupled with our recognition as a finalist in the 2023 SAPRO Best Recycled Plastic Product Awards, reflects our unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of packaging innovation. A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated team and valued customers whose steadfast support has played a pivotal role in achieving this significant milestone.”
The South African-designed bottle, which weighs in at an impressive 37.5 grams, is the lightest 2L bottle in its category across the country. The decision to alter the handle design came after extensive research, development, and testing conducted by engineers at Nampak Research and Development, over the course of a year. What sets this bottle apart is its commitment to sustainability, with a minimum of 20% rPET content. Notably, this bottle not only meets but surpasses the 2023 EPR targets of 12.5% rPET content by an impressive two-year margin.
“We’re fortunate to be working with Nampak Plastic, a packaging supplier known for constant innovation and forward-thinking solutions. Sustainability continues to be an important focus for Orange Grove Dairy, and we’re privileged to have a partner actively exploring novel approaches to achieve these goals,” says Sue Durham, Sales Director at Orange Grove Dairy.
Boxy Water, an exciting packaging alternative for water, is the first commercially available water carton to be entered into the Gold Pack Awards and was given a finalist mention by the judges. Designed by market request and achieved through international collaboration, this gable-top carton consists of 61% renewable material, has a smaller CO2 footprint and 70% less plastic than the equivalent PET bottle.
“It’s great to be the first commercial carton for water to be entered into the Gold Pack Awards,” says Andile Nikani of Boxy Water. “It’s exciting to be part of a pioneering effort to offer local consumers more choice when it comes to sustainable packaging. With Nampak as our packaging partner, we’re looking forward to growing South Africa’s boxed water market.”
“We at Nampak have seen a number of local businesses turn to paperboard cartons for their water packaging,” says Dube. “However, their success in expanding the convenience water market, and in making a difference to the planet, is largely dependent on consumer uptake. This means making more considered choices when reaching for packaged water to quench our thirst.”
This year’s Bronze Medal and finalist mention joins numerous 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. And in 2022, Nampak Liquid Cartons also received a Silver Medal for its SEAM Pure-Pak Coffee Carton in the Beverages category.
“What made this year’s Gold Pack Award Ceremony even more special was the presence of 27 World Packaging Organisation delegates from 23 member countries. These awards truly are the Oscars of the Packaging Industry,” says Terry van der Walt, Nampak Paper and Plastic Marketing Manager.
