The NPA Awards Competition is the foremost packaging competition in the rigid box and folding carton industry, and is an opportunity to showcase the most innovative and distinctive designs produced over the last year. Winning one of the coveted NPA awards is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Diamond Packaging’s winning submissions competed against hundreds of entries from around the world. The company was honored with four Gold Awards and 13 Excellence Awards.

“Diamond’s winning entries were beautifully crafted and truly worthy of special recognition,” said Scott Miller, Executive Vice President of the NPA. “Their designs are on the cutting edge of quality and innovation in today’s global packaging environment.”

Diamond developed a simplex tray lid for the Godiva Nouveau Gift Box that functionally and stylistically surpasses anything that has been used before. The lid incorporates an intricate snowflake die cut that instantly conveys the spirit of the holiday season. Dark blue foil stamping and a stippled embossing pattern add to this extraordinary presentation.

Utilizing a paperboard lid allows for more design flexibility, not possible with a standard set-up box lid. For instance, the intricate die cut pattern and the depth of the embossing pattern can only be achieved through the use of paperboard. In addition, the lid was designed with smaller fold-over (perforated) panels, allowing the printed insert card to sit 1/8” below the lid, creating a shadow effect.

Several point-of-purchase displays were also recognized, including an innovative design produced for the recently launched L’Oreal USA / Matrix Curl.life™ defining system. Diamond designed a unique header with a secondary rear panel that is glued to the front panel, creating a striking 3D appearance. The panel is further enhanced by die cutting around the photograph of the models, adding to the illusory effect. The economical structure is converted as a glued, single piece that pops up, similar to children’s books.

The header is secured to a two-tiered outer base that utilizes multiple die cuts to hold various products including shampoo, conditioner, spray-gel, and hairspray. A die cut inner deck insert provides added stability to the display.

Diamond employed special graphic techniques for the L’Oreal USA / Matrix holiday packaging, elevating a standard tuck carton to an unprecedented level. Prominently displayed at fine hair salons nationwide, the annual promotion is a proven success and highlights the value of creativity and shelf appeal.

All cartons feature a .022 SBS foilboard complemented by stunning holographic foil stamping and embossing. Holographic foil was chosen for its striking visual impact and its evocation of snowflakes, making it perfect for the holiday season. Special color inks and matte UV coating further enhance the graphics.

Other winning highlights include a Coty fragrance carton decorated with pearlized and copper foil stamping, an Arm & Hammer Enamel Care™ promotional mailer featuring a sliding window, and a combination paperboard and PVC carton produced for Elizabeth Arden’s Sunflowers gift set.

Click here for a complete list of Diamond Packaging’s winning entries.

Since 1911, Diamond Packaging has dedicated itself to providing the highest standard of quality, innovation and cost effective packaging for companies including The Gillette Company, Beiersdorf, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coty, Eastman Kodak, Godiva Chocolatier, and L’Oreal USA. As part of the Global Packaging Alliance (GPA), Diamond Packaging and its alliance members offer packaging solutions to companies operating on an international scale. Customers receive responsive, localized service, award-winning creative designs, identical product specifications and consistent brand recognition, resulting in unparalleled worldwide packaging support.

For more information about Diamond Packaging, contact Dennis Bacchetta at (585) 334-8030 x229 or visit the website at www.diamondpackaging.com. For more information about the National Paperbox Association, contact Scott Miller at (703) 684-2212 or visit the website at www.paperbox.org.