The winning packages and competition entries of the 53rd annual FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition exemplify advancements the flexible packaging industry has achieved in design, printing, sustainability and technical innovation. The winning entries of the 2009 Achievement Awards competition provide innovative packaging solutions for a multitude of products ranging from asparagus and cereal to medical devices and sandwich bags. These outstanding flexible packaging applications are benefiting consumers, end-users and the environment.

New and unique design improvements are eliminating the risk of contamination, providing easier product accessibility, and improving the transport of time-sensitive vaccines. Material combinations are extending the use of flexible packaging to products that are not traditionally found in bags or pouches. 

Gloss printing and matte finish films are attracting consumers and communicating brand quality.   The use of less material during manufacturing process is creating flexible packages that minimize product waste, reduce shipping costs, and produce less packaging waste.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the companies that submitted entries into the 2009 competition! FPA also gives special thanks to the 2009 competition judging panel: Lisa McTigue Pierce, editorial director, Flexible Packaging magazine; Michael Richmond, PhD of Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions; and Keith Vorst, PhD, associate professor, California Polytechnic State University, for their time and hard work.