Curwood receives two gold, four silver FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement awards for its FreshCase meat packs, Heinz Dip & Squeeze package, Swanson Flavor Boost sachets, Schwan's Fresch-Taste Seal tray, lid

Lorena Madrigal

OSHKOSH, Wisconsin , February 27, 2012 (press release) – Four packages from Curwood, Inc., have garnered a total of six achievement awards―two gold and four silver―in the Flexible Packaging Association’s annual awards competition. The four packages are among 25 recognized by the FPA for innovation in flexible packaging materials, functionality and sustainability.

FreshCase® packaging for fresh red meat won gold for Environmental & Sustainability Achievement. Solving a decades-long challenge for meat processors, FreshCase® packaging is the first-ever vacuum package that blooms fresh meat and maintains its bright red color throughout an extended shelf life. An alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays with PVC overwrap, FreshCase® packaging offers up to 10 times the shelf life and 75% less markdowns/waste than store-wrapped meats, and reduces packaging material up to 75% compared to other case-ready formats for lower costs/greater sustainability.

The Heinz® Dip & Squeeze® dual-function ketchup package won both a gold Flexible Packaging Achievement Award in the Packaging Excellence category and a silver award for Technical Innovation. Heinz® Dip & Squeeze® makes eating on the go convenient and mess-free. The first ketchup packet makeover in 42 years, it gives ketchup lovers two options: peel back the lid for dipping, or tear off the tip and squeeze onto their favorite foods. The high-barrier package incorporates a squeezable dip cup with laser scoring for easy opening. A proprietary sealant and molded-in dispensing features make the dip/squeeze format controlled and reliable.

Winning silver in both the Packaging Excellence and Environmental & Sustainability Achievement categories, Swanson® Flavor Boost™ sachets redefine a retail category, delivering broth concentrate in convenient, single-use, premeasured portions. Eight individual liquid sachets replace the equivalent of four traditional metal cans. The packages generate 75%+ fewer emissions to produce than cans, consume half the overall energy of cans, dramatically increase the product-to-package ratio and minimize packaging material in the waste stream. All, while making it easier for consumers to store, use and enjoy this new kitchen essential.

Schwan’s Fresch-Taste Seal™ packaging for Freschetta® won silver in the FPA’s Packaging Excellence category. The unique flexible tray and lid system takes pizza “out of the box” and directly onto the store shelf. A squared base adds stability for on-end, in-case display and a curved top creates a new iconic look. Eye-catching graphics communicate a sensory appeal and a prominent easy-grab tab calls attention to the peel-open feature. Using 30% less packaging by weight than traditional pizza packages, it offers an earth-friendly product consumers can feel good about.

“We are honored to be recognized along with our customers for bringing breakthrough innovations to the packaging market,” says Derrick Sytsma, Curwood’s Vice President of Marketing. “We strive every day to develop innovative materials, features and formats that address our customers’ needs for added value, convenience, differentiation and sustainability.”

There were 126 entries in the 2012 FPA Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards, with 25 entries selected to win. The 2012 Achievement Awards were presented during the 2012 FPA Welcome & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the FPA Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Known throughout the world for technological leadership in high-barrier packaging, Curwood is a preferred supplier of innovative packaging materials and systems for food, beverage, household, industrial and personal care industries. Curwood maintains strategic manufacturing and service centers throughout North America, South America and Europe, and is well positioned to meet global distribution and marketing needs. Headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, U.S.A., Curwood is part of the Bemis family of companies.

Bemis Company is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, healthcare and other companies worldwide. Founded in 1858, the Company is included in the S&P 500 index of stocks and reported 2011 net sales of $5.3 billion. The Company’s flexible packaging business has a strong technical base in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating and laminating, printing and converting. Headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, Bemis employs approximately 20,000 individuals worldwide. More information about the Company is available at our website, www.bemis.com.

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