On October 12, the 2023 Sleeve Label Awards were announced in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. These prestigious awards, now in their ninth year, are the only independent label awards dedicated to recognize outstanding achievements in shrink-sleeve labeling worldwide.

A panel of independent experts, which included Séamus Lafferty, president of Accraply, Inc.; Tom Hammer, head of technical marketing at Siegwerk Narrow Web – USA; and Heath Luetkens, executive director of iC3D Software, served as judges for this years awards. They evaluated the entries based on numerous criteria, including printing and artwork quality, shrink application onto container, converting and seaming, innovative features, and shelf appeal.

With the record number of submissions and their exceptional quality, the awards were expanded this year into 6 categories. Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, presented the awards to the following companies:

Best of Show
Client: Zubrowka Black – Limited Edition Company: Masterpress
Demonstrating an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, this design seamlessly merges metallic accents on a black canvas, resulting in a visual masterpiece. Every facet of precision was taken into account, including addressing graphic distortion, achieving flawless alignment of intricate graphics at the seam, and executing perforations with exceptional precision. Furthermore, the addition of an anti-wet varnish and the application of printed heat- activated adhesive underscored the converter’s unwavering commitment to achieving perfection, maintaining quality throughout the application and shrinking processes.

Environmental Winner
Client: Tine Dairy Cup Company: Masterpress
Following RecyClass guidelines, this entry represents a recycle-friendly solution by using a polyolefin (PO) sleeve on a polypropylene (PP) cup that can be properly identified and appropriately recycled in the correct polymer stream. Setting aside its environmental credentials, TINE Crème Fraiche stands out on the store shelf. The converter has meticulously executed each step of the process, using heat-activated adhesives to guarantee exceptional results during application and shrinking.

Winner – Alcoholic Beverage
Client: African Dew (#14) Company: First Impression Labels
The award was presented in recognition of the qualities exhibited by this product. These include the skillful application of high-luster metallic silver, holographic cold-foil accents, and a matte varnish to a diverse range of flavored liqueur bottles, resulting in a visually compelling presence on retail shelves. The product’s standout features encompass precise registration, top-tier print quality, and the seamless integration of graphic design elements that maintain consistency with related products still utilizing Pressure Sensitive.

Winner – HPC (Household, Personal Care)
Client: Trek for Kids – Lemon Grass Farms Company: Resource Label Group
In a category predominantly characterized by flat, glossy designs, Trek for Kids distinguishes itself as the most captivating repellent in the market – a sentiment shared by the judging panel. This aerosol can stands out by incorporating tactile varnish, a matte finish, and blacklight elements, elevating it above the ordinary standards.

Honorable Mention – Alcoholic Beverage
Client: La Pocima
Company: IPE Industria Grafica
The award was granted based on the exceptional visual and tactile appeal of the sleeve, coupled with its impeccable execution, establishing it as a standout in the Alcoholic Beverage Category. This recognition is attributed to its highly effective use of ‘invisible ink’ and the tactile sand effect, in addition to its incorporation of perforations, featuring a prominent ‘recycle me’ directive to consumers.
 
Honorable Mention – Beverage
Client: Arizona Fruit Punch Company: Inland Packaging
The recognition received for this entry was due to the exceptional quality of the graphic elements in the high shrink area of the bottle. These elements demonstrated precise alignment over the seam and effective distortion correction. The final shrink execution, despite the challenges posed by the bottle’s shape, was notably commendable.

More details of the AWA Sleeve Label Awards winners can be found on the AWA website. The 2024 competition is now open for entries, and the winners will announced at the next AWA International Sleeve Label Conference and Exhibition on November 7-8, 2024, in Miami, FL, USA.