Spectrum Brands' United Industries wins top distinctions in packaging for Black Flag Refillable Rat Bait Trap, Cutter Backyard Bug Control Mosquito Repellent Lantern and Mulch-Lock Ready-to-Use at North American Retail Hardware's awards expo in Las Vegas

Elyse Blye

ST. LOUIS , May 16, 2014 (press release) – North American Retail Hardware Association recognizes three of United Industries' brands at the 2014 Packaging and Merchandising Awards Expo in Las Vegas, NV, with top distinctions in the Lawn and Garden Category

The North American Retail Hardware Association recognized United Industries Corporation – A Spectrum Brands Company, with top distinctions in packaging for three of its products in the Lawn and Garden category of the 2014 NRHA Packaging and Merchandising Awards. The Black Flag® Refillable Rat Bait Trap, Cutter® Backyard™ Bug Control Mosquito Repellent Lantern and the Mulch-Lock® Ready-to-Use received NRHA's top packaging distinctions at its annual awards expo in Las Vegas on May 6th.

The products were judged based on several criteria: overall shelf and sales appeal, graphic design, innovation, packaging efficiency, shelf life and selling feature.

The Black Flag Refillable Rat Bait Station took the Gold distinction in this year's competition. The product offers lethal indoor rodent control in a reusable, easy-to-refill bait station. It is a part of a pioneering rodenticide line for the Black Flag brand. NRHA judges recognized the novel indoor rodent control device that allows homeowners to address pest problems in a discreet, but effective manner. The packaging features a product image that displays proper usage and highlights key product features on the reverse panel. In addition, illustrations show ease of use and offer consumers a snapshot of the actual product and bait. Judges applauded the attractive packaging, which fits snugly against the product, eliminating unwanted materials and showcasing the sleek and simple device.

The Cutter Backyard Bug Control Mosquito Repellent Lantern earned the Silver distinction in this year's competition. The innovative outdoor product tackles some of consumer's top concerns about the outdoors – bugs and the dark. In addition to featuring a cutout window that displays the attractive device, the packaging illustrates the product's key features with visible bullet points, and offers consumers clear usage examples through illustrations and real-life photography. In addition, the front panel tells consumers what's included in the packaging, reducing the need to open the product on the retail shelves.

The Mulch-Lock® Ready-to-Use received the Silver distinction in this year's competition. Its packaging utilizes prominent before-and-after imagery on its front label to quickly illustrate the product's purpose to consumers. In addition to featuring imagery of usage areas on the front label, the product's bilingual back booklet label features an easy-to-read product breakdown illustration that acts as printed guide and reference for the consumer at point of purchase. Clear, easy-to-read directions offer consumers a quick reference point. Contrasting component colors complement the product's lawn and garden purpose and relate back to the overall name and design. In addition, an ergonomic grip handle and sprayer wand are designed to make product application a breeze.

"We are proud to be honored with these high distinctions from the NRHA," said John Pailthorp, Division Vice President, Marketing. "These awards showcase our commitment to innovation, quality and value, and have earned us the trust of consumers and the confidence of retailers, who count on United Industries to deliver the fast-selling products, merchandising solutions and quality service they require."

The Black Flag Refillable Rat Bait Station, Cutter Backyard Bug Control Mosquito Repellent Lantern and the Mulch-Lock Ready-to-Use were showcased at the 2014 Packaging and Merchandising Awards Expo at the NRHA Village from May 6-8, 2014, during the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, NV. As a winner of the Gold distinction, the Black Flag Refillable Rat Bait Station was awarded a trophy at the Packaging and Merchandising Awards Trends Presentation and Ceremony on May 6, 2014.

About United Industries

United Industries Corporation, based in St. Louis, Missouri and with fiscal 2013 net sales of $390 million, is the leading manufacturer of branded value consumer products for the home, lawn and garden insect and weed control markets in the United States. The company offers innovative products of outstanding quality, so consumers benefit from easier insect and weed control solutions. The brands — Spectracide®, Garden Safe®, Hot Shot®, Cutter®, Repel®, Black Flag®, Liquid Fence®, Mulch-Lock® and EcoLogic™— are well recognized by consumers for delivering exceptional value and trusted results. For more information, visit www.UnitedIndustriesCorporation.com

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.