Supreme award

Sponsored by Whitmar Publications

Dā Mhíle Millenium Cask Reserve Scotch Whisky by The Label Makers

(L-R) Lindsey Pearson, managing director at Whitmar Publications, Ben Robinson, sales director and Zenna Parfaniuk, managing director both from The Label Makers and Mark Butcher

The judges said: ‘This label is poetry in motion! A perfect marriage of print, foil, emboss harmoniously integrated to deliver a beautiful and cohesive label with multiple layers and levels that brings delight and surprise, whilst still delivering a clear and dynamic brand identity. A beautifully crafted label that the judges were delighted to bestow with the Supreme Award.’

Excellence with inkjet – labels

Sponsored by Durst

The Kraken vs London Limited Edition by The Label Makers

(L-R) Ben Robinson, sales director at The Label Makers, Simon Cosh, business development manager labels & packaging UK and Ireland at Durst, Zenna Parfaniuk, managing director at The Label Makers and Mark Butcher.

The judges said:

‘From the great die-cut to the juxtaposition from branding to background, this label shows that simplicity of colour is no barrier to an engaging and stand-out label.’

Also nominated:

• Tom Likker Blackout Brew by QLM Australia
• Maroon Rum Punch by Labelnet
• Port Puck Distillery by MD Labels Poland

Excellence with inkjet – packaging

Sponsored by Agfa

(L-R ) Matt Brooks, head of packaging at Agfa and Jack Batey, director at Showcase Creative

The judges said:

‘The winning entry showcased print on multiple complex substrates with a range of print techniques to deliver a compelling and delightful print experience.’

Also nominated:

• Petit Paris by Cepac
• Popcorn Shed Printed Mailers by Fast Printed Packaging

Excellence with toner – labels

Sponsored by Digital Labels & Packaging

Ao Ma Gorilla Craft Beer by QLM Vietnam (Hoang Ha Label Co)

(L-R) Rachael Swinyard, advertising manager, Sonia Sharma-Karia, editor both from Digital Labels & Packaging and Shaheena Pall, on behalf of QLM Vietnam (Hoang Ha Label Co)

The judges said: ‘This label perfectly showcases the creativity of print that digital brings, through wide gamut impactful colour, with a metallised label using digital white to create visual highlights and subtle reveals to deliver a knock-out visual experience.’

Also nominated:

• Hank’s Classic White Rum by The Label Makers
• Sofia Columbian Rum by Bristol Labels
• Billson’s Beechworth Musk Vodka by MCC Australia

Excellence with toner – packaging

Sponsored by Digital Labels & Packaging

Nutworks - Abalone by QLM Australia

(L-R) Rachael Swinyard, advertising manager, Sonia Sharma-Karia, editor both from Digital Labels & Packaging and Shaheena Pall, on behalf of QLM Australia.

The judges said:

‘The use of white at various opacities has combined with excellent quality print to deliver an impactful yet subtle pack with high quality features.’

Also nominated:

• Shox Multi-Panel Pallet Wrap by First Impression Labels

Excellence with hybrid printing

Sponsored by Fujifilm

Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc Blush by All4Labels UK Leeds

L-R Paula Prior, sales operations support manager at Fujifilm, Hayley Leeson, sales manager and Emma Smith, account manager, both from All4Labels Leeds

The judges said: ‘The judges appreciated the technical application of subtle smooth gradations with technical applications, cleverly adapted to create a distressed effect with excellent registration between print and embellishments.’

Also nominated:

• Wye Valley Traditional Mead by Harkwell
• Port Puck Distillery by MD Labels Poland
• Brixworth Gin by Amberley Labels

Excellence in finishing and embellishment

Sponsored by A B Graphic International

Dā Mhile Millenium Cask Reserve Scotch Whisky by The Label Makers

(L-R) Mark Hyde, sales manager at A B Graphic International, Ben Robinson, sales director and Zenna Parfaniuk, managing director, both from The Label Makers and Mark Butcher

The judges said: ‘The judges were delighted with the harmonious use of the embellishments that created a dynamic visual impact that lifted and enhanced the label sympathetically. This was clearly a symbiotic journey with design, client, and printer to deliver an exceptional label.’

Also nominated:

• Brass Hat Diver’s Spiced Rum by Springfield Solutions
• Crescent Moon by MCC Australia
• True North by CCL Label Trittenheim GmbH

Excellence in design

Sponsored by Domino

Trimble Hawke by MCC North America

(L-R) Craig Clawson, UK sales manager at Domino and Mark Ballard, on behalf of MCC North America

The judges said: ‘The winning label perfectly shows excellence in design by utilising a great material graphic with registered emboss to give texture and life together with a contrasting flat leather label and impeccable text giving a wonderful visual and tactile effect.’

Also nominated:

• Marou Coffee Chocolate by QLM Vietnam (Hoang Ha Label Co)
• Cano Water and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts by NOMOQ
• Supa Pupa by Harkwell

Application excellence – primary packaging

Sponsored by Gallus, A Heidelberg Group Company

Castrol Magnatec – Dualock Technology - Range by First Impression Labels

(L-R) Ross Holloway, label specialist at Gallus, a Heidelberg Group Company and Hayley Leeson on behalf of First Impression Labels

The judges said: ‘This winning entry displayed great print control, for a sharp dynamic graphic incorporating subtle tones, with strong, clean colours, with a fine and detailed tactile structure that is decorative but also informative to the products cross-linking capabilities, all in a visually desirable label.’

Also nominated:

• The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Limited Release Galāxia by MCC Scotland
• Whitworths Brand Relaunch: Mission Nutrition by Eco Flexibles
• Wraith Sachets by Harkwell

Analogue-to-digital

Sponsored by Dantex Group

Amka Sofnfree by First Impression Labels

(L-R) Justin Nowell, digital director at Dantex Group and Hayley Leeson on behalf of First Impression Labels

The judges said: ‘The judges appreciated that this label looked ‘made for digital’ rather than just switching data from analogue to digital, so it optimised the benefits of digital whilst matching the original  print.’

Also nominated:

• CLEAR – Herbal Shampoo by QLM Vietnam (Hoang Ha Label Co)
• Naturecan Pets – Peel and Reveal Label by Harkwell
• Cleuch Honey by Lothian Labels

Variable data

Sponsored by eProductivity Software

Supa Pupa by Harkwell

(L-R) Jon Cooke, operations director at Harkwell, Lee Ward, managing director Tharstern and Nubium Evangelist and Gareth Butterley, sales manager at Harkwell

The judges said: ‘Variable print requires a strong partnership between design and printer to fully realise the potential of the process. The winner clearly shows the realisation of this collaboration in delivering dynamic variable print with multiple elements for a great outcome.’

Also nominated:

• VIP Ticket ‘Finishing Convention’ by Margreff Druck GmbH
• BIA DIA – Pride Edition Session IPA by QLM Vietnam (Hoang Ha Label Co)
• Anti-Counterfeit Cartons by Delga Press

Innovation

Sponsored by Screen

UK’s first 100% recyclable water based digitally printed paper flow wrap packaging by Mercian Labels

(L-R) Juan Cano, director of marketing and business development at Screen and Adrian Steele managing director at Mercian Labels

The judges said: ‘The winner has demonstrated a laser-like focus on the problem, and a robust R+D development process whilst engaging with the optimum partners, they have delivered on their vision and created an innovative and kerbside recyclable solution that previously didn’t exist, with a product that they previously didn’t even produce. An excellent achievement.’

Also nominated:

• NOMOQ, Meadow and NOMOQ
• Reelables, Reelables Active 4” x 8” Bluetooth Shipping Label
• First Impression Labels, Castrol Magnatec – Dualock Technology – Range

Self-promotional print

Sponsored by Dantex Group

McGowans Packaging Sample Kit by McGowans Print

(L-R) Simon Mitchell on behalf of McGowans Print and Richard Dimmock, International sales manager at Dantex Group

The judges said: ‘The judges liked the range of samples within the submission that effectively, and most importantly, visualised and brought the capability to life with excellent quality samples.’

Also nominated:

• The Label Guide 2024 by Hine Labels
• Saica Livingston Digital Corrugate Prototype by Saica Livingston
• QLM WOW Box by QLM Australia and Vietnam

Best new company

Sponsored by Cerm

Spirit Label Solutions

(L-R) Andrew Strand, business development manager UK and Nordics at Cerm and Nick Coombes on behalf of Spirit Label Solutions

The judges said: ‘The winning submission demonstrated a clear business plan with an insightful rationale for how they can offer an improved offering to most efficiently deliver to their clients needs. A culmination of experience, equipment and capability through experience and analysis they have developed a streamlined workflow and invested to deliver their vision of the future.’

Also nominated:

• Acorn Press
• Eco Flexibles

Environmental company of year

Sponsored by Fiery

Midland Regional Printers

(L-R) Terry Garvey, partner alliance director at Fiery, Catherine Tew, sales and marketing director and Michael Tew, technical director both from Midland Regional Printers

The judges said: ‘The judges like the 360° approach taken to review every aspect of their business to identify the positive change they could make, and to develop a roadmap to deliver these environmental benefits. No stone has been left unturned in their drive to a greener future.’

Also nominated:

• First Impression Labels

Future star

Sponsored by Mark Andy

Emma Reynolds - Harkwell

(L-R) Phil Baldwin, sales manager at Mark Andy and Emma Reynolds, customer services co-ordinator at Harkwell

The judges said: ‘The winner has demonstrated successfully how to utilise and re-purpose a range of skills to new tasks, coupled with an enthusiasm to learn and challenge themself to improve and develop, one to watch for the future.’

Also nominated:

• Liam Evers, Acorn Press
• Dipin Kothari, PackEz