2024 winners
Supreme Award
Sponsored by Whitmar Publications
Best Buy Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings by ProAmpac Grimsby
(L-R) Host: Graeme Swann, David Wood, production supervisor, ProAmPac Grimsby and Lindsey Pearson, managing director, Whitmar Publications.
The judges said: ‘
“An outstanding submission that blew the judges away. Excellent quality, from halftones through to solid colours. A fine example of four-colour print that really stood out from all other entries and is therefore a deserving Supreme Award winner.”
Labels – printed on paper substrates
Sponsored by Dantex Group
Khazan Gourmet Sliced Roast Beef by Coveris Spalding
(L-R) Host; Graeme Swann, Ben Anthony, maintenance engineer, Mark Ellis, site manager, both from Coveris Spalding and Richard Bunney, group managing director, Dantex Group.
The judges said: “A favourite of the judges in a really difficult category. The overall print quality and prepress made this the right choice.”.
Also nominated:
- Freeman’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc by All4Labels UK Leeds
- Waitrose No1 British Free Range Pork Mince by Reflex Labels Mansfield
Labels – printed on film substrates
Sponsored by Esko
Tesco Finest Smooth Brussels Pate by Hamilton Adhesive Labels
(L-R) Sebastian Bolingbroke on behalf of Hamilton Adhesive Labels and Mike Ball, sales account manager, Esko.
The judges said: “A very close contest, with the winning entry just edging it. Superb fine detail, colour depth and highlights.”
Also nominated:
- Reckitts AirWick UK Strawberry Mojito by Reflex Labels Boston
- Unilever Persil Wonder Wash by Reflex Label Plus Barwell
Flexible packaging (narrow/medium web) on film
Sponsored by Bobst
The Best Buy Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings by ProAmpac Grimsby
(L-R) David Wood, production supervisor, ProAmpac Grimsby and Neil Jones, managing director UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.
The judges said: “Absolutely outstanding print quality! The richness of the black and the depth in the photography stood this apart from everything else we saw in this category. Fantastic work.”
Also nominated:
- Warburtons Brown Thins by Interflex Group Sunderland
- Carman’s Toasted Muesli by Rollspack
Flexible packaging (wide web) on film
Sponsored by eProductivity Software
Ginsters Large Sausage Roll by Roberts Mart
(L-R) Ben Roberts, marketing director, Tony Rymer, head of print technical and development, both from Roberts Mart and Steve Green, product specialist from eProductivity Software.
The judges said: “Excellent execution of a complex design, consistent across the web.”
Also nominated:
- Waitrose Baking Camembert by Coveris Gainsborough
- Asda Extra Special Brandy Soaked Mixed Fruit by Clifton Packaging
Flexible packaging (narrow/medium) on paper
Sponsored by Cheshire Anilox Technology
F&F Autumn Collection by The Encore Group
(L-R) Martin Cowey, production manager, The Encore Group and Phil Smith, operations director, Cheshire Anilox Technology
The judges said: “Phenomenal! When we talk about flexo evolving and improving, this is a prime example. Rivals the best of offset and inkjet. It was so good we had to call to verify with the supplier, asking challenging and specific questions as to how it was set up and produced, using a superb approach to screening. Great work.”
Also nominated:
- Snowball Caramel White Chocolate by Tungate Group
- Te & Kaffi Jola Kaffi Kaffipuda by Roberts Mart
Flexible packaging (wide web) on paper
Sponsored by Nutshell Trade Services
Smarties Gold Buttons by Interflex Group Sunderland
(L-R) Jonathan Watson, production manager, Interflex Group Sunderland, Lucy Swanston, managing director, Nutshell Trade Services and Andrew Jackson, UK origination manager, Interflex Group Sunderland.
The judges said: “This entry clearly stood out for all the judges on the day. The challenging substrate and complexity of flexo made this a clear winner.”
Also nominated:
- Te & Kaffi Jola Kaffi Malao by Roberts Mart
- Cox & Co – brown Kraft effect on white paper by Parskide Flexibles
UV flexo on paper or board
Sponsored by Compass Business Finance
Asda Bistro 2 Rump Steaks by Reflex Labels Newcastle
(L-R) Jonathan Jennison, production manager, Reflex Group and David Bunker, director, Compass Business Finance
The judges said: “Beautiful print, well registered. The tonal values are superb. We liked everything about this well executed job.”
Also nominated:
- Tesco Chicken and Smoked Bacon Mayo Sandwich by Coveris St Neots
- Waitrose No1 British Free Range Pork Mince by Reflex Labels Mansfield
Corrugated post-print (A-D flute)
Sponsored by XSYS
Irish Distillers Jameson by DS Smith Livingston
(L-R) Wayne Fernandes, general manager, Paul O’Connor, print manager, both from DS Smith Livingston and Leigh Williamson, sales manager UK and Ireland, XSYS
The judges said: “Excellent print quality across the sheet. Solids and subtle colours and registration all very good.”
Also nominated:
- Glen Turner Label 5 by Saica Pack Livingston
- Nutri Step by Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale
Corrugated post-print (E and F flute)
Sponsored by Apex International
Carlsberg 18-pack Pilsner by DS Smith Tampere
(L-R) Wayne Fernandes, general manager at DS Smith Livingston, Phill Rogers, sales manager UK and Ireland, Apex International and Paul O’Connor, print manager, DS Smith Livingston.
The judges said: “This is probably the best tonal work on corrugated we have seen. Holding very fine detail in challenging shades of grey. Superb solid colour.”
Also nominated:
- Mastroberardino by Antonio Sada & Figli
- Dearboy Catfood by Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale
Best use of hybrid printing
Sponsored by Fujifilm
Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
(L-R) Liam Sinfield, production manager, Reflex Label Plus Keighley and Tony Lock, head of packaging UK and Ireland, Fujfilm.
The judges said: “With a high degree of complexity and a lot to keep very tightly registered across multiple processes, the winner maintained superb definition throughout.”
- A Touch of Sparkle by The Label Makers
- Cellucor C4 Original by OPM (Labels & Packaging) Group
Process colours only
Sponsored by Dantex Group
Nestlé Aero Bubbly Bar Milk by SaicaFlex Buxton
(L-R) Grant McDonald, print manager, SaicaFlex Buxton and Dave Reynolds, sales manager UK and Ireland, Dantex Group.
The judges said: “The image/halftone work in this print eventually won out. A very challenging category but a worthy winner. Great print quality supported by some well-considered prepress.”
Also nominated:
- Vault City – Triple Fruited Mango by Bristol Labels
- The Pink Stuff by The Label Makers
Digitally printed labels and packaging
Sponsored by Xeikon
Vibrant Forest Supa Pupa by Harkwell
(L-R) Mike Summers, sales manager UK and Ireland, Xeikon and Andrew Mansfield, managing director, Harkwell.
The judges said: “Excellent use of digital. Vibrant print, great texture and customisation, and well executed.”
Also nominated:
- Rascals Promo Basewrap by First Impression Labels (Part of All4Labels)
- Del Suelo Mezcal by MCC Daventry
Best use of embellishments
Sponsored by Kocher+Beck
Unilever Persil Wonder Wash by Reflex Label Plus Barwell
(L-R) Amy Porter, site manager, Marcin Widawski, production manager, both from Reflex Label Plus Barwell and Rick Leivers, sales manager, Kocher + Beck.
The judges said: “Exceptional use of embellishments with quality printing and tonal work to compliment.”
Also nominated:
- Rancho La Gloria Jalapeno Lime Tequila by MCC North America Wine and Spirits
- Encirc The Park Banrock Station Cabernet Shiraz by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
Best environmentally improved job
Sponsored by MPS
Tissue Overwrap with ReGen by Coveris Group
(L to R) Bryony Thomas-Downes, technical manager, Mark Dalby, managing director UK, both from ReCover and Sebastian Bolingbroke, UK sales manager, MPS Systems UK.
The judges said: “The materials used here impressed the judges with their environmental credentials, especially the downgauging to reduce the use of materials overall.”
Also nominated:
- Waterwipes by Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale
Promotional print
Sponsored by Heidelberg
Reflex - Alive by Night by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
(L-R) Liam Sinfield, production manager, Reflex Label Plus Keighley and Ross Holloway, label specialist, Heidelberg.
The judges said: “Great piece of promotional print for the intended audience. Showcases the printer’s ability really well.”
Also nominated:
- VEEPEE Photo Frame by ITek Packz
- Refreshingly Saica by Saica Pack Wigan
Environmentally sustainable company – Production
Sponsored by tesa
Coveris Group
(L to R) Bryony Thomas-Downes, technical manager, Mark Dalby, managing director UK, both from ReCover and Jonas De Backer, marketing and communications manager, tesa.
The judges said:
“Outstanding entry, demonstrating excellence within a recycling infrastructure, ensuring plastic is kept circular with a no-waste strategy.”
Also nominated:
- First Impression Labels (part of All4Labels)
- Midland Regional Printers
Environmentally sustainable company – Business
Sponsored by Focus Label Machinery
Reflex Group
(L-R) Jonathan Jennison, group colour manager, Reflex Group and James Thomas, business development manager, Focus.
The judges said: “The winner has evidenced several initiatives which impressed the judges. Overall, their push to be more sustainable and drive new developments and innovation in their business won us over.”
Also nominated:
- Bischof & Klein (UK)
- Desmedt Labels
Innovation
Sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance
Double Sided Liner with Labels on Each Side by Reflex Group
(L-R) Jamie Cox, site manager, Reflex Labels Grimsby, Claire Stringer-Phillips, head of marketing, Reflex Group and Paul Philbrick, managing director, Close Brothers Asset Finance.
The judges said: “A very well thought through innovation that the judges had not seen before. Great small details to enable the innovation, such as cutting off centre front to back, to not cut through or risk breaking the liner. Also, great saving on material and transportation through conversion innovation.”
Also nominated:
- Carman’s Granola by Rollspack
- Water resistant barrier by Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale