The search is now underway for the world’s leading innovators in the label and package printing industry, with a total of six awards available at the 16th Label Industry Global Awards 2019. This year is particularly special as they will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Labelexpo. Two of the awards, one for emerging talent and one for the top converter in the European label industry, have been introduced to mark this milestone.
            
The Label Industry Global Awards recognize those organizations and individuals who have excelled in the label and package printing sector through innovation and best practice in 2018. This year, there will be two individual or team awards, and four organization awards.
    
The top honor, awarded to either an individual or team, is the R. Stanton Avery Global Achievement Award, sponsored by Avery Dennison. This recognizes an innovation or idea that has helped transform and progress the label industry across the world.  Bestowed in memory of Stan Avery’s pioneering spirit and values, the award builds on the previously named R. Stanton Avery Pioneer Award to reflect the global nature of the industry and recognize the collective contributions of the many as well as individuals.
    
New for 2019 is the Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Label Academy and Avery Dennison. This award recognizes the emerging talent of an individual starting their label and package printing career, with the potential of becoming one of tomorrow’s leaders. Nominees should have worked in the industry for at least five years and demonstrate a strong potential for appointment at the highest levels of the profession.
    
The Award for Innovation is split based on size; one for companies with over 300 employees and another for those with less than 300 employees. Entries must be for the development of a specific innovation by a supplier or converter company in 2018 and can either be for a new business process or technology-related.
    
The Environmental & Sustainability Award acknowledges a new sustainable product or process introduced by a converter or supplier company in the label industry during 2018. 
    
Finally, the European Converter of the Year Award recognizes the company that has made the biggest advances in the European converting business over the last year. This might include a key record of innovation or product and technical development, the development of a pan-European product in its chosen market(s), a solid record of staff training and development, and a strong involvement with its local community.
    
Mike Fairley, chair of the judges, says, “It is always a privilege to be involved in the Label Industry Global Awards, the highest accolade within the label and package printing industry. Each year, as we embark on the quest to find our leading innovators, the high standard of entries never fails to impress. This year will be no exception, as we set the bar even higher, with the introduction of a further two awards to mark the 40th anniversary year of Labelexpo. The accelerating pace of change and the talent coming through in this industry is extraordinary, and one that is becoming ever more global, so we felt the time was right to recognize these developments through this year’s Awards.
    
“Many previous Label Industry Global Award winners have gone on to even greater success and inspired others in the sector to continue to drive the industry forward, so we urge all sectors of the label and package printing industry from across the globe to submit their nominations as soon as possible.”
    
He adds, “We look forward to celebrating all the award winners, finalists and participants at our 16th annual Label Industry Global Awards event in September, and making it our biggest, most memorable one to date as we also celebrate 40 years of Labelexpo. It promises to be a truly special night.”
    
Entry is free and submissions must be received by May 17, 2019. Finalists, along with the winner of the R. Stanton Avery Global Achievement Award, will be announced in June.