The Alexir Partnership are delighted to have one of their carton packs selected as a finalist in the Pro Carton and ECMA European Carton Excellence Award 2017.
The Awards were first presented in 1997 under the name Pro Carton ECMA Award. Now known as the Carton Excellence Award it is recognised as Europe’s most prestigious carton packaging award.
Alexir entered the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference carton board tomato punnet at a time when supermarkets are being urged to create a plastic-free aisle in every store. It may not be completely plastic-free but it replaces the APET tray and is a step in the right direction. It also protects and promotes the delicate produce – two essential requirements for good packaging!
The premium kraft board from Stora Enso is a fully recyclable board and gives the pack an organic feel. The construction design also allows for 360° branding with reverse print possible. The range covers the premium varieties of tomatoes with different recipe ideas specific to the variety. When the new pack format was introduced instore it was merchandised on end-of-aisle promotions to highlight the change of packaging.
In terms of carton manufacturing bespoke machinery was designed and installed at the Edenbridge carton site for forming the tray and barcode readers were fitted for the mixed recipe designs that were packed onto every pallet. Boxes were colour coded for the packers to identify the varieties and 12 weeks of stock are produced to ensure continuous supply.
Tom Stone, Senior Sales Manager at the Alexir Partnership and Project Manager said, “This was one of my first projects when I joined the Alexir Partnership and I am very proud of it. It has been great working on a pack format that contributes in a small way to saving the planet as well as functioning effectively as a piece of packaging.”
According to a Pro Carton bulletin “The Awards go to prove that cartons are not only one of the most sustainable forms of packaging but are also one of the most attractive, versatile and innovative.”
If you think that our carton pack deserves your vote then please click here to give us your support.
