All eyes on the Awards Night on 23 September

Innovation, in all its forms, was the true star of the PrintWeek Awards Jury Week. Whether it was experimenting with inks, substrates, or die-cutting techniques, the industry has shown that there is little to no stagnation when it comes to creativity. Innovation means different things to different people—it could be about enhancing utility, improving the look and feel, selecting materials that are easier to recycle, or embracing both exuberant and minimalist designs. 

Some standout examples included the monolayer packaging solutions. The Slide Real Strawberry dispenser carton, with its flawless folds and locks, and refillable sections, is a good example of how packaging can be both functional and sustainable. Similarly, the Oaken Glow bold and smoky liquor carton, with its natural burnt texture, see-through cutout, and gleaming copper foil, showcased how design and innovation can work hand in hand. A Mahatma Gandhi figure, crafted from corrugated ply with precise gluing and cutting, was a work of art. 

In addition, the focus was on packaging design. With brands emphasising sustainability, there has been a noticeable shift towards the reduction of excess packaging—one of the core principles of the three Rs of sustainability: Reduce. The jury was most impressed by the use of foiling for a range of colours, embossing, and spot UV coating that elevated the look and feel. The emphasis on post-press practices was commendable. There was a focus on minimalism, transparency, and the extensive use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials instead of virgin plastic.

During the PrintWeek Awards Jury Week, the 22-member jury panel was treated to insights, conversations, and an array of print and packaging products that set new benchmarks. This year, the Awards received more than 261 entries in different categories and more than 850 individual samples for the Quality Awards, with a good number of first-time submissions vying for the Prism with industry veterans.

Now all eyes are on the Awards Night on 23 September (Monday) at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The official registration begins at 6:15 pm.

Table reservations are now open for the sit-down formal dinner event on 23 September. For more enquiries about the PrintWeek Awards Night, please contact Sudhanva Jategaonkar on sudhanva.jategaonkar@haymarketsac.com