O-I takes four of seven Clear Choice Awards

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) has awarded Owens-Illinois (O-I) for its products in the 2013 Clear Choice Awards. O-I took out four of the seven product categories.

The awards program recognises achievements in creating innovative glass packages with shelf impact. Entries are judged on innovation, package design (including container label and closure) and consumer appeal.

The winning O-I products are:

• Beer category: Kona Longboard Island Lager
• Spirits category: Jack Daniel’s Unaged Tennessee Rye
• Non-alcoholic beverage category: Starbucks Iced Coffee
• Food category: Tostitos Salsa football jar

“The entries for this year’s Clear Choice Awards showcased a trend in the artistry and value-add that glass packaging provides to the consumer,” said Lynn Bragg, president of the GPI. “Nothing communicates purity, quality and value to consumers like a well-designed glass package.”

The panel of independent judges included Professor Robert Bush from Virginia Tech University’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials; Andrew Kaplan, managing editor of Beverage World Magazine; Silvio Marcacci, lead contributor of Lost in the Beer Aisle blog; and Rick Edwards, head bartender of a major Washington, DC, restaurant and bar.

“This year’s winners demonstrate that glass effortlessly conveys a superior image,” said Shawn Welch, vice president of sales and marketing for O-I. “Numerous food and beverage companies recognise that glass is the optimal packaging choice because it preserves the integrity of their products, is 100% and endlessly recyclable, and provides unmatched product differentiation on store shelves.”