The Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards winners have been announced! Download our full 50+ page report to find out more
The Excellence Awards celebrate the most outstanding achievements and innovations in the packaging industry. Our prestigious programme recognises the individuals and companies driving transformative change, honouring excellence across a wide spectrum of corporate activities, from strategic investments and groundbreaking projects to impactful company initiatives.
Featured Winners
SIG secured awards in the Product Launches and Environmental categories for its aseptic pouches used by Elmhurst 1925, promoting healthier nutrition and sustainability through innovative packaging that extends shelf life and reduces food waste.
Amcor won awards in the Business Expansion and Diversity categories for its strategic investments in enhancing production capabilities and expanding sustainable packaging solutions, as well as its Leadership Mentorship Program that fosters diverse perspectives and empowers women leaders.
Smurfit WestRock received the M&A category award for the strategic merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, creating a global leader in sustainable packaging with extensive geographic reach and significant financial synergies.
Ranpak was honored in the Innovation, Product Launches, and Environmental categories for its sustainable paper packaging solutions, including the Cut’it!™ EVO Multi-Lid system and naturemailer™ padded mailers, emphasizing recyclability and environmental impact reduction.
SABIC won the Innovation award for its groundbreaking bio-based In-Mold Labeling (IML) solution, which utilizes certified renewable polypropylene resins to create sustainable and high-quality packaging, reducing the environmental footprint and aligning with the circular economy.
ProAmpac was recognized in the Product Launches, Research and Development, and Safety categories for its PRO-EVO Recyclable platforms, Moisture Protect (MP-1000) technology, and achieving the highest BRCGS AA+ certification, demonstrating innovation in eco-friendly packaging, moisture control, and safety standards.
Sulapac received awards in the Innovation and Environmental categories for developing bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable materials that offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, supporting a circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint.
DS Smith won the Investments award for its strategic investments in sustainable packaging solutions across Europe, enhancing production capabilities and adopting cutting-edge technologies to replace plastic with eco-friendly alternatives and reduce carbon emissions.
Key Trends and Themes
Our research for the 2024 Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards has identified several key trends that are shaping the packaging industry. A significant focus is on sustainability, with companies actively developing packaging solutions that are recyclable, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources. This aligns with consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and regulatory pressures to reduce waste.
One of the prominent trends is the shift towards bio-based materials and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Companies are investing in research and development to create materials that offer the same protective qualities as conventional plastics but with a reduced environmental impact. This includes innovations in wood-based materials and other renewable resources that can be produced efficiently at scale.
The resurgence of paper and card packaging is another notable trend, driven by their recyclability and biodegradability. These materials are increasingly being sourced from recycled content, reflecting consumer expectations for reduced environmental footprints. Innovations in coatings are enhancing the barrier properties of paper packaging, making it suitable for a wider range of applications and overcoming traditional challenges related to waterproofing and durability.
Simplifying packaging to facilitate recycling is also a key focus, with companies adopting mono-material designs and reducing unnecessary components. This approach supports recycling efforts and aligns with consumer demand for minimalistic and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. By using mono-materials and eliminating elements like unnecessary blisters, companies are making it easier for consumers to recycle packaging, thereby promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
Additionally, the industry is embracing digital technologies to enhance transparency and traceability in packaging materials. Consumers are increasingly seeking information about the origin and recyclability of packaging, leading to the use of digital tools like QR codes to provide this information.
Overall, the 2024 Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards highlight the industry’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, recognising companies that are at the forefront of these transformative trends. Congratulations to all our Winners!
Awards Report
Our Awards Report contains:
• Introduction and Themes
• All Category Winners
• Featured Winner Profiles
• Country-Wise Winner Breakdown
You can download the full 50+ page report from the following link:
For more details on the categories and methodology, see our Categories of Excellence or download our Research Guide.
If you wish to participate in our programme by submitting your case, contact our Awards Manager Tina Ross at Tina.Ross@globaldata.com