ATLANTA, April 12 -- For the third time in four years, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems received the highest honor possible, the President's Award, during the Paperboard Packaging Council's (PPC) 62nd National Paperboard Packaging Competition held earlier this year. The winning package, the TAILGATE'R, took the single top honor, beating out 234 other entries in the PPC's annual design and innovation contest. The innovative carton also received a Silver Award at the Packaging Association of Canada's 2005 National Packaging Competition held earlier this month. The TAILGATE'R was developed by MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems for Labatt Brewing Company. Created with sports fans in mind, the TAILGATE'R holds 28 standard size cans and allows for easy carrying and cool down. The innovative carton features a tear away section for easy access to the cans, as well as a liner that allows consumers to add ice directly to the package for quick chilling. "The TAILGATE'R incorporates all the needs of a sports fan into a compact and easy to carry package," says Aaron Bates, director of Global Packaging Development, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems. "The package was designed to appeal to consumers in a hurry and integrated several features such as a plastic handle and bag liner to further enhance the on-the-go convenience of the pack." MeadWestvaco's innovative new carton is printed on 18 and 27 pt MeadWestvaco's Coated Natural Kraft (CNK) board. The unique shape of the carton attracts consumers and provides for maximum billboard space to promote the brand. The TAILGATE'R package's six-piece construction is simple for the packer to assemble and even provides coasters for the consumer through perforated inserts. In addition to the President's Award, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems also received multiple Excellence Awards in this year's National Paperboard Packaging Competition. Three variations of the company's Cluster-Pak(TM) carton were highlighted for their innovative designs and unique properties. MeadWestvaco's Danone and Snapple-a-Day Cluster-Pak packages are available in grocery stores and provide easy carrying for multiple beverage containers. The company's 4-to-Go carton also received accolades for its uniqueness. The pack is used by restaurant delivery services and can be customized to carry a variety of four, 20-ounce PET packaged beverages for easy transport. "It is an honor to be recognized for our innovative packaging by the PPC," said Bill Biedenharn, president, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems. "Our entire team has worked incredibly hard to bring these cartons to fruition, and we are all very proud to take home four awards. We put many hours into designing and producing our cartons and to be recognized with the President's Award, as well as several Excellence Awards, is a huge accomplishment for our company."