The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) announced its 2018 AmeriStar Package Awards Competition winners. Winners were presented online May 22 and 23, at www.iopp.org/ameristar.
Judges evaluated and analyzed packages from several categories based on package innovation, sustainability, protection, economics, performance, and marketing. Top AmeriStar winners included the Best of Show Award, the Sustainable Package Award and, the Design Excellence Award.
Medical device packaging winners included the following:
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Euphora packaging, Medtronic, for angioplasty balloon catheters
With a pull-shelf carton and chamfered design, the package allows for easy removal from shelving through a new fold-over lip glued in place at the opening section of the shelf carton to provide a smooth user-facing carton edge. This feature is not found on the standard industry carton design, which typically has an exposed board edge that can be sharp to the touch, leading to paper cuts on users’ hands or ripped gloves.
A thumb notch in the Tyvek® layer allows the end user to easily determine the correct opening point of the sterile pouch in dim lighting. A printed “opening” symbol on the Tyvek layer gives the end user a visual indicator where the pouch should be opened.
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SoBliss® from Selenium Medical for implants
Jim George notes, “The distinctive feature of this packaging is that it is completely rigid, thereby protecting the different flat medical devices inside.” The packaging has an array of innovative features, including:
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Vertical all-around sealing
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A hinge with a puncture-proof Tyvek system
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A new fasten configuration, allowing 360-degree transparency for accurate product identification
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A single-use top lid with one-flop opening hinge, which contributes to sealing efficiency and reduces the likelihood of sterilization failure
In usability testing at HealthPack 2017, operating room nurses and technicians said they appreciated the intuitive opening system. The optional SoTab holder acts like an integrated spring, stabilizing and protecting the implant.
Studies are ongoing, but it’s believed this package can offer up to five years of shelf-life.
Other winners
In the health beauty aid packaging category, Burt’s Bees Lip Butter Tins was awarded for its pop-top tin that can be opened and closed using one hand.
Decon-Cycle, Decon Sproc 200 Plus from TricorBraun won and industrial packaging award for its HDPE container that separates a concentrate from water, allowing the two to mix when ready.
The winner of the design excellence award was Amway Signature Select™ Personalized Serum, a container for customizable skin treatment.
