Huhtamaki India, a leading provider of primary consumer packaging and labeling solutions in India – and part of Huhtamaki, a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions based in Finland recently won four awards at the prestigious IFCA STAR Awards 2022, organized by the Indian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Association (IFCA). This is the second consecutive win for the company to receive the awards. The IFCA STAR Award recognizes creativity and continuous improvement in packaging. The award honors packaging innovations designed by various flexible packaging and carton packaging industries.

Huhtamaki’s flexible solutions were awarded in the category of Innovation-Enviro products which include biodegradable barrier PE pouches and paper-based soap wrappers; and innovations and creativity for the products – insulator pouch for online food deliveries and soft thermoformable lidding for wine and juice cups. Huhtamaki’s winning entries are focused on enhancing packaging functionality, creativity, and end-user experience with technical excellence.

Here’s a note on the winning entries

Biodegradable barrier PE pouches for dry pet food

This is a PE-based biodegradable stand-up pouch meant for dry pet food packaging. The pack degrades naturally in open-air or a standard terrestrial environment without generating microplastics. It requires no specific condition to degrade – just moisture, oxygen and sunlight. It comes with a press-to-close zipper that helps maintain freshness between usages. The zipper is biodegradable too. This mono-material biodegradable PE pouch is an efficient and sustainable alternative to existing PET/PE solutions, helping brands and consumers extend shelf-life and care by naturally reducing pack waste everywhere.

Paper-based soap wrappers

These paper-based soap wrappers eliminate the usage of conventional PET-based wrappers. It offers brand partners the choice of switching from conventional and non-recyclable materials to PET-free recyclable monolayer structures. Additionally, the solution provides a recycling option with easy paper recovery for repulping. This is not possible with laminated soap wrappers (PET-based). The wrapper is made of FSC-certified paper and has a reliability index of 80%, boosting recyclability and waste reduction.

Insulator pouch for online food deliveries

This pack is a multipurpose reusable insulator thermal bag for delivering warm and cold foods. Made with high-performance thermal insulation, it maintains the food temperature and quality. It is lined with foam and nylon PE to provide excellent cushioning and protection during transit. It is moisture-resistant/waterproof and is specially designed to maintain heat and prevent cold ambient temperatures from entering. It ensures hot food deliveries to customers, maintaining consistent food quality every time. This tamper-proof pouch enables extended shipments and provides high-performance protection for temperature-sensitive foods.

Soft thermoformable lidding for wine/juice cups

This is a ready-to-serve, prefilled communion cup with both wafer and juice/wine. It comes with a double peelable lid. There is an unleavened wafer under the top lid and the second lid covers the grape juice. The cup uses two lidding films – a foil-based primary lid for juice and a PET-based lid to cover the wafer. The lid material is easy to peel off and provides strong coverage against spillage. The lidding material is made of soft thermoforming. Individual wine cum wafer cups are a convenient and hygienic way to distribute communion.

Dhananjay Salunkhe, managing director, Huhtamaki India, said, “We are committed to providing reliable, responsible and innovative packaging solutions to brands at all times. Our aim is to offer effective and innovative packaging solutions in India in conjunction with our partners to help drive toward a circular economy. These awards are not just recognition of our efforts in this direction but also an acknowledgment that Huhtamaki delivers innovative solutions to help unlock value for our customers.”