Entries were submitted into one of three categories: Eco, for those cartons that reduced or eliminated the need for less sustainable substrates and/or saved on energy or materials; Innovation, for entries that featured a unique structural design or used cutting-edge substrates, inks, laminations, coatings, and/or converting processes; and General, for cartons that demonstrate excellence in meeting client objectives, brand enhancement, shelf appeal, shipping and distribution, and beyond.
 
The Paperboard Package of the Year, the competition’s top award, was presented to The Ellis Group (Ontario, Canada) for their Toblerone One by One Gifting family of cartons. A departure from Toblerone’s previous designs, the boxes were designed as a gift that does not require rewrapping. The graphics feature a ribbon that flows between the lid and base. The cartons are also right-sized to eliminate the need for false bottoms or void fillers, and they’re optimized for efficient pallet configuration.

Bert-Co Industries, Inc. (Ontario, CA) was awarded Folding Carton of the Year for their GlamGlow Flashmud entry, a striking design with a distinctive “X” shape that has the look and of an upscale rigid box. The pack also features soft touch coating, detailed foil stamping, and an inner panel that makes the unboxing experience fun.  
 
Taylor Box Co. (Warren, RI) took the Rigid Box of the Year for their HBO Influencer Kit. Ribbons secured under the interior hinged lids lift the inner tray upon opening, adding movement and putting the contents on a “pedestal”. Upon re-closure, the tray slides inwards while hidden edge magnets seal the box with a crisp snap.
 
This year’s Eco Award went to The Ellis Group for their Cadbury Crème Egg cartons. By substituting plastic trays and shrinkwrap sleeves with renewable, recyclable paperboard, this new design is more environmentally friendly than its predecessor and allows more of the eggs’ primary packaging to show through. Furthermore, diecuts in the bottom and top of the pack allow the cartons to nest, thus optimizing both pallet and shelf configuration.
 
The Innovation Award was given to All Packaging Co. (Aurora, CO) for their O.penVAPE Reserve carton. Featuring a distinctive hexagonal shape and telescoping lid, these cartons were simple to assemble (the top panels pop into shape automatically, leaving only the bottom to be closed and locked) and pack snuggly together like puzzle pieces for easy shipping and storing.
 
Three Judges’ Awards were given out this year. The first went to TPC Printing and Packaging (Chatanooga, TN) for their sumptuous Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur carton. The second went to Paperworks Industries, Inc. (Bala Cynwyd, PA) for their Brasseurs du Nord 6-Pack beer carrier with its unique retractable handle. WestRock (Richmond, VA) took the third Judges’ Award for their metallized Mixx Tails Beer carton.
 
“PPC’s Carton Competition is an opportunity for PPC members to showcase all they have accomplished,” said Ben Markens, PPC President. “Each year, I’m blown away by the caliber of the entries. The highest level of excellence clearly runs throughout the folding carton industry.”