Innovation is the lifeblood of industry and it is those companies that stay ahead of the game that will be rewarded. There are few industries more challenging than packaging, which is why the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) has introduced five categories to the Alufoil Trophy 2010.

To recognise the essential role alufoil packaging and materials, either alone or in combination with other materials, play across, the complete supply chain and to ensure that this fully understood, the Alufoil Trophy 2010 will cover five of the most crucial challenges for alufoil manufacture and use.

The new categories recognise the creative and technical demands presented by today’s packaging supply chain, and the central role packaging plays in consumers’ everyday lives.

New for 2010

* Marketing + Design

Delivering real improvements to graphic and structural packaging design, ergonomics and ideas which lead to greater shelf appeal at point-of-sale.

* Consumer Convenience

Answering calls for improved technical performance that provides real benefits to the consumer.

* Resource Efficiency

Sustainable environmental performance is among the foremost challenges faced by industry.

Developments should provide real benefits from field to plate – optimisation of material usage and new developments should demonstrate environmental and commercial advantages.

* Product preservation

Consumers are increasingly demanding fewer preservatives in food and this is where packaging can really come into its own by deliver products safely and hygienically.

* Technical Innovation

It is only through technically excellent innovation in material performance, manufacturing and pack conversion that the needs of consumers, brand owners and retailers will be served.

The deadline for entries is 31st October 2009

EAFA invites entries from packaging designers, brand owners, foil rollers, foil converters, foil container manufacturers, household foil manufacturers, retailers, including combined entries from any of these parties. Interested consumers and consumer associations may also enter.

To find out more and enter visit: www.alufoil.org.

The European Aluminium Foil Association is the international body representing companies engaged in the rolling and rewinding of alufoil and in the manufacture of alufoil containers and of all kind of flexible packaging. Its more than 100 members include companies in Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

Web: www.alufoil.org