Nampak scoops ‘Best Dairy Packaging Innovation Award’ at international award ceremony

Nampak Plastics Europe’s revolutionary lightweighted Infini HDPE milk bottle has achieved international industry recognition, picking up the top award in the ‘Best Dairy Packaging Innovation’ category at the Dairy Innovation Awards 2012.

Infini – a major evolution in the design of the plastic milk bottle – was announced as the winner during the annual dinner of the 6th Global Dairy Congress in Oslo, Norway, which took place on 25 April 2012.

An international panel of judges scrutinised more than 70 entries from 25 countries in 18 categories, seeking to identify those products that truly add value to milk and create a point of difference, making them stand out from the competition.

Commenting on the award win, James Crick, Business Development Director at Nampak Plastics, said: “We are extremely proud to have received a further award and industry recognition for Infini, particularly at an international level where we were up against some very strong dairy products from across the globe. We believe Infini delivers the optimum lightweighting and carbon footprint solution, resulting in both cost and carbon reduction opportunities. To have this recognised among our industry peers is very encouraging and reflects the success that Infini is currently achieving in the UK.”

Infini offers annual savings of approximately 30,000 tonnes of HDPE material across the industry. The fully recyclable HDPE Infini bottle can achieve up to 25% lightweighting compared to standard milk bottles. It also features a uniquely profiled handle positioned at a corner edge of the bottle so it faces outwards when stored in the fridge door. This makes it easier for the consumer to remove, grip and pour the bottle’s contents.

Bill Bruce of the Dairy Innovation Awards 2012, added: “Infini encapsulates exactly what we were looking to find in these awards. It demonstrates best practice in product design and innovation, coupled with very impressive environmental and consumer usability credentials. Product and design innovation often focus on industry benefits, but Infini delivers practical and environmental benefits for retailers, dairies and customers alike, making it really stand out to the judging panel.”

The annual Dairy Innovation Awards are run by FoodBev Media and have been running since 2007.

Source: Nampak Plastics