The Premier Print Awards is sponsored by the Printing Industries of America / Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. Now in its 56th year, the annual contest recognizes excellence in print communications and rewards companies and individuals who produce the best in print media.

Diamond competed against more than 5,200 entries from printing and graphic arts firms from around the world, and received two awards for the L’Oreal USA / Matrix 2004 holiday packaging and an award for its own 2005 corporate calendar.

“We’re very proud of our winning team,” said Harry Voss, Chairman of Diamond Packaging. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the industry as a company that produces top quality, award-winning materials.”

Michael Makin, president and CEO of PIA/GATF, agrees. “Each year, the field of entries attracts impressive work from some of the best printers in the world. Only a very small number receive an Award of Recognition. Diamond’s craftsmanship and hard work enabled them to produce an award winning piece in the face of some very tough competition.”

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

Diamond’s corporate calendar was designed with a nature theme that extended from the header, backer, and calendar pages to the specially designed Forte™ shipper. Each panel is distinguished by techniques highlighting the individual graphics. The top backer utilizes a pearlescent UV spot coating applied to the red and pink flowers, imparting greater visual interest. A unifraction die combined with copper foil stamping (prior to printing) delivers added detail in the leaves of the middle backer. The bottom backer conveys unusual depth and distinction through the use of foil stamping and multi-level embossing.

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 the Premier Print Awards, contact Suzette Margolis at (215) 591-2468 or visit the website at www.gain.net.