IVD breakthrough ACU-Drop awarded De Gouden Noot 2018

23 Nov 2018 --- The 29th edition of packaging innovation competition De Gouden Noot (“The Golden Walnut”) was won by ACU- Drop II, a unique, patented packaging form that revolutionizes quality control in the In Vitro Diagnose (IVD) market. Winning business combination Verhoeven Ontwerpburo and Eurotrol received the winner's trophy containing the well-known solid gold walnut during the Award Ceremony on Thursday evening 22 November 2018 in the A’DAM Tower Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The award-winning pack was selected from ten finalists.

The innovative ACU- Drop II is a dual chambered device that keeps various fractions separated, preventing reactions between components of the desired matrix. When ready, the user simply pushes a button to allow the fractions to combine. Then mix with the integrated “static stirrer” and the sample is ready to use, either from the built-in dropper bottle or by attaching a syringe. The inventors believe that the ACU-Drop II will open doors in the quality control arena with its ease of use, elimination of the need for pipetting and by solving matrix interactions – all in a single container.

1st Prize: The ACU-Drop IIThe Silver went to the Combo Excelsior, a multiple-use container with many new innovative features. The elements used (walls, base, lid) have a superior strength/volume ratio. The floating hinges, ergonomic sidewall latches and self-locking lid provide easy and safe operation with minimal risk of damage to the product or the operator. And thanks to its modular construction, all individual parts can be easily replaced in the field, further extending the life of the product, says Silver winner Schoeller Allibert.

The Bronze was awarded to Arcwise: a patented, alternative way to produce corrugated board. The final result is a sheet of corrugated board that is easy to bend, to such an extent that even “fluent” (not kinked) round shapes can now be made of corrugated board without issue. Produced by Brohl Wellpappe, the Arcwise corrugated board boasts many round-shape application and design possibilities for bottles, tubes and cans. It uses less material thereby reducing carbon footprint, while research suggests that consumers rate round shapes more positively than square shapes, which can boost sales, according to Brohl Wellpappe.

Jury Chairman, Professor Renee Wever, comments: “It is incredibly inspiring to experience how much creativity and innovative power there is in all the entries and of course especially in the ten finalists we chose after our first jury round – which took two full days.”

“Each entry had a surprising aspect, each with its own 'angle' to solve a problem or seize an opportunity. And then there is the spirit of innovation that we have all experienced. All ten finalists were surveyed after their presentation to us in the second round of the jury, which took a full day. When asked about their favorite word to characterize their hard work to bring their innovation to life, the vast majority of them replied with the word: ‘Fun!’”

“The jury members are all active in the field of packaging but with backgrounds ranging from a Ph.D. in quantum physics to marketing in e-commerce. Together we managed to reach our final verdict in a good atmosphere, on time and especially in consensus. I am looking forward to the next edition with enthusiasm!”