HAK 1-2-OPEN closure wins Packaging Award De Gouden Noot 2012

The Benelux Packaging Award De Gouden Noot 2012 has been won by HAK and Plato product consultants with the revolutionary HAK 1-2-OPEN closure. This was announced by the chairman of the jury prof.dr. Onno Omta on Tuesday evening October 2^nd during the 9^th NVC Packaging Innovation Dinner in the Holland Casino Utrecht.
Prof. Omta spoke on behalf of the jury, consisting of twenty experts from the supply and recycle chain of packaged products. The jury spent three full days, divided into two jury rounds, to decide who should be the winner of what arguably is the world’s most competitive packaging innovation contest.

Jury decision GOLD
Ease-of-opening is at the center of this unique innovation in food jars, which dramatically improves the openability by using a two-piece closure concept.
The implementation in the total supply and recycle chain of preserved food is also taken care of; even the bottom of the jar has been redesigned to maintain optimal stackability of the jars. All three sustainability aspects have been addressed in this development. Ease-of-opening (People), less food waste and recyclable materials (Planet) and increased added value for all actors in the supply and recycle chain, from retailer to cap manufacturer (Profit).

Jury decision SILVER
The Silver (“Zilveren Noot”) went to Packable b.v. with HALOPACK. A better product presentation and improved environmental performance are the key aspects of this generic innovation for the application of modified atmosphere in carton trays. The nucleus of the development is a unique 3D-lamination machine for the trays. An easy-peel technology allows the correct separation of the material fractions after use. HALOPACK brings convenience (People) with responsible packaging materials (Planet) and higher-margin product offerings for meat, fish and salads (Profit).

Jury decision BRONZE
The Bronze (“Bronzen Noot”) was for DSM with Pack-Age. A better ripening of non-coated cheese and less food waste compared with coated cheese, those are the credentials of Pack-Age. This innovation not only brings new life in the market of cheese making, but also enables new developments for cheeses with all sorts of protective taste-creating coatings. As ripening results in a higher price for the cheese, the Profit aspects of sustainable development are addressed as well.
Of the 40 entries, seven other contestants made it to the final judging round of the 26^th edition of this competition. These finalists were:

The winner of De Gouden Noot 2012 and the Silver and Bronze winners are shown, together with the other seven finalists, at the NVC-stand at Macropak in Utrecht, from 2-5 October (Hall 8, stand number C040).

For more information go to www.degoudennoot.nl or contact Ger Standhardt by phone, +31-(0)182-512411 or send an e-mail to g.standhardt@nvc.nl.

Note to the editor: pictures of the winners, finalists and jury can be acquired by contacting Ger Standhardt at the NVC Netherlands Packaging Centre, +31-(0)182-512411, g.standhardt@nvc.nl.