GPI seeks entries for 2009 Clear Choice Awards

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is kicking off the 20th year of the Clear Choice Awards, which recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image, marketability, sustainability and success of food, beverage and cosmetic products. This year, GPI is shaking things up by holding a “virtual” Clear Choice Awards event. The 2009 Clear Choice Awards winners will be announced on the GPI website the week of September 21st, during GPI’s Recycle Glass Week.

“Designing and packaging in glass ensures that your product has the competitive edge, as more and more consumers are demanding glass for its pure, recyclable, and premium characteristics,” says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute.

To enter the 2009 Clear Choice Awards, participants should visit the GPI website and fill out an e-Call-for-Entries form. Industry judges will vote to crown winning products as the best glass packaging designs in North America. All 2009 Clear Choice Awards winners will also benefit from industry-wide recognition and brand building media coverage. All 2009 winning products will be displayed at the Worldwide Food Expo in Chicago and at The Showcase of Packaging Innovations at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2009.

GPI will honor the top three package designs in each of the following categories: Alcoholic Beverage, Non-Alcoholic Beverage, and Food. GPI will also choose one package design to receive the Clear Choice Award for Overall Package Design, and honor eligible entries with GPI’s Conversion Recognition.

Also with Recycle Glass Week, GPI will honor recipients for GPI’s new “Friends of Glass” recognition, hold nationwide glass recycling-related activities and provide consumers with information and opportunities to hold their own recycling events. GPI’s new “Friends of Glass” recognition will honor those companies, organizations, and/or persons that recycle glass or promote the recycling or recyclability of glass for the environment, and simultaneously help GPI in reaching its recycled content goals.

Since 1989, the Clear Choice Awards has honored consumer product goods manufacturers who expand the frontiers of glass packaging design by using glass containers in innovative ways. Sponsored by the Glass Packaging Institute, this is the only Awards program that recognizes the contribution glass packaging makes to the image and success of everyday products. From sparkling water to salsa, baby food to bottled fruit juices, beer to flavored rums, pasta sauce to pickles, the Clear Choice Awards are presented to products that triumph in glass.