Open to all members of the label industry – converters, printers and suppliers – the ninth Label Industry Global Awards is now taking nominations and entries. Being held at Labelexpo Americas in September, the awards program honors and rewards companies and individuals for excellence and best practice.

There are four categories in total. The R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Avery Dennison, recognizes the values and vision of Stan Avery and his pioneering efforts. Nominees must have worked in the label industry for a minimum of 25 years and made a key contribution to the promotion and growth of the sector. This year’s winner will join other industry leaders including Helmut Schreiner, Nilpeter’s Lars Eriksen, Terry Fulwiler of WS Packaging Group and FLEXcon’s Neil McDonough.

The Continuous Innovation Award, sponsored by Labels & Labeling, NarroWebTech and Label & Narrow Web, will honor a long-established supplier or converter that has been instrumental in pioneering the science and technology behind label manufacturing. Entrants must have been operating within the sector for 10 years or more and will need to demonstrate that they have developed markets and/or products for the benefit of the whole industry. Won by Novelprint in 2011, the winner will also be singled out for listening to and acting on their customers’ needs and overall business integrity.

The New Innovation Award is for a specific innovation (technological or business practice) introduced during 2011. Entries will be judged on their degree of innovation, environmental efficiency and sustainability along with the practical and economic impact on service delivery.

Presented every two years, the Converter Award for Sustainability/Environmental Responsibility, sponsored by Flint Group, is for a specific sustainable policy or innovation introduced in the last 12 months. The judging panel will look for the most sustainable and environmentally acceptable working practices made by converters in their purchasing, operational and manufacturing processes and that can demonstrate key materials, production, performance or consumer benefits.

Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director, says: “After the enormous success of last year’s awards, we’re delighted to announce that the 2012 program is now open for submissions. We received a record number of entries in 2011 and as the awards are held up as the industry’s very own Oscars, I would encourage entries from suppliers, converters and printers across the globe. The awards ceremony is the most glittering and inspiring date on the label industry calendar and we advise anyone thinking of attending to contact us soon about their table, as last year’s event quickly sold out.”

Any company can enter these awards, subject to meeting the entry criteria. Entry is free and submissions need to be received by Friday, May 18th. Short-listed finalists will be announced in June. Entries can be made online and full details are available at www.labelawards.com.