October has been an exciting month for Reflex as we attended multiple awards ceremonies, eagerly awaiting the results of our shortlisted entries. We’re proud to announce that we took home 8 remarkable accolades across three prestigious print and packaging award events!
UK Packaging Awards – 10 October 2024
The first event of the month, the UK Packaging Awards saw Reflex Label Plus win “Label of the Year” at the UK Packaging Awards 2024, held at the iconic Grosvenor House in London!
Out of 6 shortlisted entries in the category, we were proud to have 3 labels in the running. However, it was our Persil Wonder Wash label that stole the spotlight, earning high praise as “a shining example of how design and functionality come together beautifully.”
Here’s what the judges had to say:
“The label, printed by Reflex Label Plus Barwell, ensures significant shelf stand-out for this new product. The graphic design & label-less effect of this clear label delivers good stand-out on the shelf, aided heavily by the vibrate translucent colour of the liquid.”
This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the entire Reflex Label Plus team, especially our fantastic colleagues at Barwell.
Amy Porter, Site Manager at Barwell commented, “I am bursting with pride for the team. This award is fully deserved and is a great recognition of their hard work and commitment to producing a fantastic label. The way they have enveloped the range into the site with all the care and attention to the design and the customer, they are not just printers of the label, they are real ambassadors of this brand!”
Pictured (second from left): Darren Courier, Sales Manager at Reflex Label Plus.
(Photo credit UK Packaging Awards).
In addition to securing Label of the Year, we also earned a “Highly Commended” in the same category with Dark Star Brewing Co. Prize Old Ale.
Stationers’ Company Innovation Excellence Awards – 11th October 2024
Next up, just a day after the UK Packaging Awards, our NPD & Innovations Manager, Kevin Dudman, went to Stationers’ Hall for the Stationers’ Company Innovation Excellence Awards. Following a nomination by FIA UK (Flexographic Industry Association UK), we were proud to have been honoured with a Merit Award for our Linerless Lite™ product in the “Product Design” category.
Linerless Lite™ combines the aesthetics of a punnet with the cost-effectiveness of a label and is applied using a Ravenwood applicator. The product contains less than 1% plastic in the whole pack, making it fully recyclable.
The Stationers’ Company Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate cutting-edge innovation across the UK and, this year, the judges looked closely at how brands are performing when it comes to sustainability.
Pictured: Kevin Dudman, NPD and Innovations Manager at Reflex Group.
(Photo credit Adrian Pope for The Stationers’ Company).
FlexoTech Awards – 17th October 2024
And finally, the annual FlexoTech Awards, a highlight of the flexographic printing industry calendar, were held at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Thursday 17th October. Shortlisted for an incredible 11 awards, Reflex Group stole the show walking away with 6 wins!
We were proud winners in the following categories:
- Environmentally Sustainable Company – Business
We are thrilled to have received this award, which highlights our dedication to sustainability. Our mission, “to become the world’s most sustainable packaging company,” drives every initiative we take, and it’s incredible to be recognised for our efforts. This award affirms that we are on the right path toward achieving our sustainability goals.
Judges’ comment:
“The winner has evidenced several initiatives which impressed the judges. Overall, their push to be more sustainable and drive new developments and innovation in their business won us over.”
Pictured (center): Jonathan Jennison, Colour Manager at Reflex Group.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
- Innovation – Stereo Labels™ – Reflex Grimbsy
Stereo Labels™ received recognition for its groundbreaking innovation, “Labels on both sides of the liner,” a patented construction by Reflex. This game-changing design is considered the most significant advancement in labelling since the introduction of the self-adhesive label, revolutionising efficiency and sustainability in the packaging industry.
Judges’ comment:
“A very well thought through innovation that the judges had not seen before. Great small details to enable the innovation, such as cutting off centre front to back, to not cut through or risk breaking the liner. Also, great saving on material and transportation through conversion innovation.”
Pictured (centre): Jamie Cox, Site Manager at Reflex Grimsby, and Claire Stringer-Phillips, Head of Marketing for Reflex Group.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
- UV Flexo on Paper or Board – ASDA: Bistro 2 Rump Steaks- Reflex Newcastle
This award-winning design is a linerless label, which eliminates the need for backing paper, reducing waste and enhancing labelling efficiency. We are delighted to have won an award in this category. For more insights on linerless labels from Reflex, click here.
Judges’ comment:
“Beautiful print, well registered. The tonal values are superb. We liked everything about this well executed job.”
Pictured (center): Jonathan Jennison, Colour Manager at Reflex Group.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
- Best Use of Hybrid Printing – Chivas Regal 25: Blended Scotch Whisky- Reflex Label Plus Keighley
The thoughtful application of design elements and technical expertise behind this label has resulted in a stunning and unique creation. We are thrilled to have received this recognition for our efforts.
Judges’ comment:
“With a high degree of complexity and a lot to keep very tightly registered across multiple processes, the winner maintained superb definition throughout.”
Pictured (centre): Liam Sinfield, Production Manager at Reflex Label Plus in Keighley.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
- Best Use of Embellishments – Persil Wonder Wash- Reflex Label Plus Barwell
This marked the label’s second award this month, following its ‘Label of the Year’ win just a week earlier at the UK Packaging Awards. We are delighted for our team on this double-recognition!
Judges’ comment:
“Exceptional use of embellishments with quality printing and tonal work to compliment.”
Pictured (centre): Amy Porter, Site Manager & Marcin Widawski, Production Manager at Reflex Label Plus Barwell.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
- Promotional Print – Alive by Night – Reflex Label Plus Keighley
Alive by Night was launched last year and used UV reactive foils to create a vibrant and eye-catching label series to showcase the possibilities of UV lit back-of-bar distinction.
A true example of collaboration and designed by our in-house design studio Graphic Brands. Read more on this project here.
Judges’ comment:
“Great piece of promotional print for the intended audience. Showcases the printer’s ability really well.”
Pictured (center): Liam Sinfield, Production Manager at Reflex Label Plus in Keighley.
(Photo credit FlexoTech Awards).
As October comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible month filled with recognition for our hard work and innovation. Winning 8 prestigious awards is not just a testament to our dedication but also a celebration of our team’s creativity and technical expertise. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have supported us on this journey. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue to push the boundaries in the print and packaging industry!
