Sleeve Label Awards 2023 winners announced

Sleeve Label Awards has announced winners in Amsterdam, Netherlands. These awards, now in their ninth year, are the only independent label awards dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements in shrink-sleeve labeling worldwide.   

A panel of independent experts, which included Dr. Séamus Lafferty, president of Accraply; Tom Hammer, head of technical marketing at Siegwerk Narrow Web – USA; and Heath Luetkens, executive director of iC3D Software, served as judges for this year's awards. They evaluated the entries based on numerous criteria, including printing and artwork quality, shrink application onto container, converting and seaming, innovative features, and shelf appeal.   

With the record number of submissions and their exceptional quality, the awards were expanded this year into 6 categories. Corey M. Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, presented the awards to the following companies:   

Environmental Winner  

Client: Tine Dairy Cup  

Company: Masterpress  

Following RecyClass guidelines, this entry represents a recycle-friendly solution by using a polyolefin (PO) sleeve on a polypropylene (PP) cup that can be properly identified and appropriately recycled in the correct polymer stream. The converter has meticulously executed each step of the process, using heat-activated adhesives for exceptional results during application and shrinking.  

Honorable Mention – Alcoholic Beverage  

Client: La Pocima  

Company: IPE Industria Grafica  

The award was granted based on the visual and tactile appeal of the sleeve, coupled with its execution, establishing it as a standout in the Alcoholic Beverage Category. This recognition is attributed to its highly effective use of ‘invisible ink’ and the tactile sand effect, in addition to its incorporation of perforations, featuring a prominent ‘recycle me’ directive to consumers.   

Winner – Alcoholic Beverage  

Client: African Dew (#14)  

Company: First Impression Labels   

The award was presented in recognition of skillful application of high-luster metallic silver, holographic cold-foil accents, and a matte varnish to a diverse range of flavored liqueur bottles. The product’s standout features encompass precise registration, top-tier print quality, and the seamless integration of graphic design elements that maintain consistency with related products still utilizing pressure sensitive. 

Honorable Mention – Beverage  

Client: Arizona Fruit Punch  

Company: Inland Packaging   

The recognition received for this entry was due to the quality of the graphic elements in the high shrink area of the bottle. These elements demonstrated precise alignment over the seam and effective distortion correction. The final shrink execution, despite the challenges posed by the bottle’s shape, was notably commendable.  

Winner – HPC (Household, Personal Care)  

Client: Trek for Kids – Lemon Grass Farms  

Company: Resource Label Group   

Trek for Kids distinguishes itself as the most captivating repellent in the market – a sentiment shared by the judging panel. This aerosol can stands out by incorporating tactile varnish, a matte finish, and blacklight elements. 

Best of show  

Client: Zubrowka Black – Limited Edition  

Company: Masterpress   

This design seamlessly metallic accents on a black canvas. Every facet of precision was taken into account, including addressing graphic distortion, flawless alignment of intricate graphics at the seam, and executing perforations with precision. Furthermore, the converter added anti-wet varnish and applied printed heat-activated adhesive while maintaining quality throughout the application and shrinking processes.  

The 2024 competition is now open for entries, and the winners will announced at the next AWA International Sleeve Label Conference and Exhibition on November 7-8, 2024, in Miami, USA.