Submitted by the Paperboard Packaging Council

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has announced the top winners of its 80th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. In a news release about the awards, PPC said these folding cartons and rigid boxes represent some of the best paperboard packaging manufactured by North American converters over the past year.

Paperboard Package of the Year

WhistlePig Piggybank
Submitted by WestRock
Many people have fond childhood memories of saving up change to spend on candy at the corner store. With the WhistlePig Piggybank folding carton, WestRock has taken this nostalgic trope and instead put the treat inside of the package – and this time, it’s something for the adults. The bespoke packaging, comprised of a removable lid and secure base, holds the unique pig-shaped glass bottle while a sleek black sleeve with precisely cut windows accentuates the bottle’s graphic design.

Folding Carton of the Year

Wander & Ivy Single Varietal Sets
Submitted by the Mill Rock Packaging
Mill Rock Packaging successfully fulfilled its customer’s goal of elegance, simplicity and efficiency with the Wander & Ivy Single Varietal Sets. The attractive, modern package is composed of .024 SBS paperboard from Clearwater and is designed to securely hold four glass bottles while presenting a premium image.

Rigid Box of the Year

Hardins Creek Clermont Tube
Submitted by TPC Printing and Packaging
TPC Printing and Packaging was tasked with finding a sustainable and economical replacement for the previous Hardins Creek tin tube packaging. TPC Packaging’s Hardins Creek Clermont Tube offers a sustainable, cost-effective and visually striking solution. The proprietary tube rolling process eliminates the need for other materials beyond the lid, aligning perfectly with the customer’s goals.

Innovation of the Year Award

EnduraGrip™
Submitted by WestRock
WestRock’s innovative EnduraGrip™, a fiber-based plastic replacement, not only prioritizes sustainability and strength but also presents a breakthrough solution for packaging. Costco sought an eco-friendly alternative to plastic clips and shrink film, and EnduraGrip™ delivered, effectively replacing single-use plastics in multi-packs with its surprisingly robust design.

Richard DePaul Award for Creative Design & Converting

Single-Dose Syringe Folding Carton
Submitted by Colbert Packaging Corp
Colbert Packaging Corporation’s Single-Dose Syringe Folding Carton sets a high standard for functionality and sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging, an area where precision and information are of utmost importance. The customer’s aim was to create a more patient-friendly and sustainable packaging solution. Collaborating closely with the customer product team, Colbert Packaging created a multi-layered, fully recyclable solution.

Sustainability of the Year Award

Unilever Skip Laundry Detergent Capsules
Submitted by Graphic Packaging International
Graphic Packaging International’s Unilever Skip Laundry Detergent Capsule container is a prime example of sustainable packaging innovation. Crafted from 100% recyclable materials, the cartons feature GT4 ESK Fully Sized FSC from Smurfit Kappa for the lid and KR CrownBoard Craft 460 g FSC from Billerud Korsnas for the base.

Judges’ Award

Tome Gift Set
Submitted by Pacific Southwest Container
Pacific Southwest Container’s Tome Gift Set for Soap Cauldron is an example of packaging creativity that transforms a product into a full experience for the consumer. Soap Cauldron’s founder sought a captivating package that would enchant customers, and PSC rose to the challenge by creating a realistic book cover crafted from SFL E flute and 10 pt SBS-23M-35 L from PSC.

For over 90 years, PPC has served as the premier North American association for converters of paperboard packaging and their suppliers. PPC works to grow, promote and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete successfully in the marketplace. Learn more about the winners and see all the winning entries at www.paperbox.org/programs/carton-competition.