Smurfit Kappa : The stars shine on Smurfit Kappa at Starpack 2015

The awards lifted-off at the National Space Centre, Leicester on the 10th September in a sparkling demonstration of everything that is great about the UK's packaging industry. Smurfit Kappa UK was delighted to reach for the stars taking a total of seven awards consisting of four bronze, two silver and a gold.

In a best ever for Smurfit Kappa UK, the company was applauded for its approach to packaging with the judges commenting "Simple, intuitive, with no need for instructions," and, "Real point of sale impact." As well as paying particular attention to visual impact and exceptional design, Smurfit Kappa UK impressed the judges with its sustainable stance of using FSC certified corrugated board across all of its products.

The awards were:-

• Gold - Point of Sale - PepsiCo Walkers Mixups merchandising unit - Smurfit Kappa Abercarn

• Silver - Point of Sale - PepsiCo Walkers Doritos Score and Win merchandising unit - Smurfit Kappa Abercarn

• Silver - Effective Use Of Packaging - Galaxy Little Treats RRP - Smurfit Kappa Zedek

• Bronze - Retail ready Packaging - Galaxy Little Treats RRP - Smurfit Kappa Zedek

• Bronze - Retail ready Packaging - Unilever Pot Noodle RRP - Smurfit Kappa Yate

• Bronze - Materials Innovation - Clinical Supplies Cartridge - Smurfit Kappa Leeds

• Bronze - Transit Industrial Packaging - Clinical Supplies Cartridge - Smurfit Kappa Leeds

Phil Husband, Innovation Development Director, Smurfit Kappa UK said, "The award winning PepsiCo Walkers Mixups merchandising unit is a highly innovative design featuring a five colour pre-printed liner for economies of scale, and by using an integrated XXL corrugator the merchandising unit was converted as a single-piece item.

The units are designed to be durable to withstand the supply chain as well as the rigours of the retail environment. Additionally, the units feature 3D impact using protruding pack shots, a first for the PepsiCo Walkers brand. With all four sides available for shopping, the twin wall corrugated units are suitable for the busy store environment, ensuring they retain their high-quality impact for the duration of the campaign.

An accompanying flat-packed, header and accessory kit allowed store managers to easily, and cost-effectively add height and additional impact to the prefilled displays."

The judges were impressed with all of Smurfit Kappa's entries, particularly because of the use of innovative design and materials, commenting on one: "It meets the brief, has a smart slope, and is functional for the entire chain. The perforations are good and it works well for the consumer - love it," and on another: "This is a recyclable move from plastic, with a clever locking and cap, efficient use of board, and is cost effective. No need for cleaning, it protects the product and is orientated well. The use of E flute - light but effective."

Smurfit Kappa UK's Starpack Award Winners gathered at the National Space Centre to receive their record total of seven awards.