On the evening of 9 September at Labelexpo Americas, hundreds of global suppliers, converters, trade associations and media gathered to celebrate and reward excellence in the label industry at the Label Industry Global Awards gala dinner. Votes were collated from across the world, and winners were announced in four categories:
CONTINUOUS INNOVATION AWARD - sponsored by Labels & Labeling, Label & Narrow Web, NarroWebTech
This award is for a long-established supplier or converter company within the label industry that has shown innovation and creativity over the years.
Winner 2008: ExxonMobil Chemical
ExxonMobil Chemical's Films Business began developing specialized OPP film label stock materials more than 20 years ago and since then has been at the forefront of innovating films designed specifically for pressure-sensitive labels, for the 'no-label look', for roll-fed and Roll-on-Shrink-on (RoSo) labels, for patch film labels and for the offset printing of sheet-fed cut and stack labels - innovations that have had a major impact on the growth, applications and markets for labels worldwide.
The judges commented: "ExxonMobil puts a lot back into the industry through its own excellence and innovation in labeling Awards and through its University of OPP, while its safety performance is a leader in the industry. We also took account of the company's commitment to training and environmental sustainability."
Nominees:
- 3m Corporation
- CCL
- xxonMobil
- Harper Corporation
- Mactac
- Mark Andy Corporation
- Sun Chemical
NEW INNOVATION AWARD - sponsored by RotoMetrics
This award is for a supplier or converter companies to the label industry that has introduced innovation in new products or services in the last few years.
Winner 2008: Punch Graphix/Xeikon
The judges said about Xeikon: "Since becoming part of Punch Graphix, Xeikon has worked hard to research, understand and innovate a new generation of digital technology that meets the requirements of a fast-changing label industry for higher quality, faster speeds, shorter runs and new applications using conventional label stocks - one of the true trendsetters in the digital printing area."
Nominees:
- BST Pro Mark
- EFI Jetrion
- Punch Graphix/Xeikon
- Tailored Solutions
CONVERTER AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY/ ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY - sponsored by Flint Group Narrow Web
This award is for a label converter who has introduced and maintained the most sustainable and environmentally acceptable working practices and can demonstrate key materials, production systems and consumer benefits.
Winner 2008: Metro Label Group
The environment will be a key part of the label industry's future, so the judges were impressed with the pioneering approach taken by Metro. "Starting with a building and facilities, Metro Label Group have incorporated ISO 14000 standards to create not only a first-class manufacturing operation, but also to develop global leadership in establishing an environmental and sustainable future for pressure-sensitive labels."
Nominees:
- Dion Label
- Metro Label Group
- Overnight Label
- Pazazz
R. STANTON AVERY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - sponsored by Avery Dennison
The Award recognizes the values and vision of Stan Avery and his pioneering efforts in the label industry.
Winner: Neil McDonough, President of FLEXcon Company Inc
President of FLEXcon Company, a global polymeric coater and provider of pressure-sensitive films and adhesive products, Neil McDonough has dedicated a quarter of a century to the label industry and has always been a force of inspiration to his colleagues and peers. Neil's continuous contribution to the labeling industry is reflected in the company's distinctive focus, which is to work closely with customers to develop unique customized pressure-sensitive solutions. This approach has helped inspire longstanding relationships between FLEXcon and the labeling customers it serves.
In his congratulations to the winners, Mike Fairley, Label Industry Global Awards Judging Panel Chairman, said: "The Label Industry Global Awards are the ultimate appraisal for industry individuals and companies for their outstanding contribution to the label industry's growth and development. The quality of entries we have seen continues at the highest level and makes an ongoing challenge for the judges. Each winner has made a significant contribution to the industry advancement, and I would like to congratulate them all on their awards."
The Label Industry Global Awards take place at Labelexpo Americas and Labelexpo Europe. The next Awards will take place in Brussels in September 2009.