The awards, which attracted 261 entries, from 47 companies representing 28 countries were presented during the European Label Forum in Dublin. In addition to the 29 award winners, there were 86 highly commended certificates. Turkey again led the way with a total of 44 entries closely followed by the UK (26) and UAE (24). The number of entries in each class was more evenly distributed than ever with Wines (44) leading and Sets of Labels (25) close behind, Cosmetics and Alcoholic Drinks followed with (22) entries each.

Multi-Color Corporation North America Wines & Spirits impressed the judges to win Best in Show and the Marketing/End-Uses Group. They liked the label’s aesthetic appeal and its varying degrees of embossing and varnishing that added depth to the end result. A very fine black halftone image created an aging effect around the embossing. They also liked the complexity of the die cutting especially around the watch winder and felt the final label, that replaces an actual metal tag used by the brand, has the look and feel of a silver metallic label.

The Awards are organised in five main groups, with relevant sub-categories, covering marketing and end- uses; printing processes; non-adhesive applications; innovation and electronic printing; and digital printing.

Taking the title in the Printing Processes Group was Inform Etiketten GmbH, Germany for Spirituosenausstattung Edelbrände. It combined digital, offset litho and silk screen printing and hot foiling, varnish and embossing in a single pass. Two substrates were used for different areas of the three part label while the black type and the gold foiling contrasted well with the two-colour grey backgrounds.

Winning the Non-Adhesive Group was IPE, Industria Gráfica, Spain for Maxim’s Noel 2017 Champagne. The highly visual sleeve printed using flexo and a bright red ink, combined with a gold lacquer and cold foiling, delivered maximum shelf exposure. An accurately placed matt varnish added to the appeal. It was completed with key product information printed on a white panel set into the reverse side of the sleeve.

The Innovation Group award went to Schreiner Group, Germany for Color Laser Film with a Fingerprint. It showcased data printed with luminescent pigments on an adhesive layer that migrates (after application) into the surface of the paint on the car. The information is visible using UV light and can still be read after the label is removed. It is designed to last for at least 15 years.

Last but not least, the Digital Printing Group winner was Etiketten CARINI, Austria for Lemberger Gin. Just two colours were used and the brand name was nicely surrounded with gold foiling. Soft brushed lamination combined with spot varnishing and hot gold foil in very accurate register results to achieve an outstanding result.

Judging chair Tony White said, “The total number of entries winning awards increased to 115 reflecting a welcome elevation in quality. In fact, year on year I am genuinely excited by the quality of the entries. The inspiring innovation and creativity is a great celebration of label versatility and just when you think new levels of design and execution have been reached they are lifted further.”