The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) has reinstated its Awards of Excellence to seek out and recognise industry innovation and outstanding performers.

Applications are now open for this national program, which identifies excellence, leadership and best practice in Australia’s processing and packaging industry.

APPMA chairman Mark Dingley says there are many benefits to entering.

“Finalists and winners will be recognised as industry leaders, which is a great way to raise your business’s profile within our industry and outside our industry to potential customers and investors,” he says.

The awards are a Packaging and Processing Week initiative of AUSPACK 2019. Finalists and winners will have an opportunity to showcase their product on the AUSPACK show floor and will be celebrated at the Gala Awards Dinner.

Mark says, “Going through the actual entry process offers businesses a fantastic benchmarking opportunity to review their processes and practices, which they’ll then receive feedback on from the judges, as well as industry peers and authorities.

“We know past finalists and winners have valued this expert, arm’s-length critique as a ‘set of fresh eyes’ to what’s working well along with improvements that can be made.

“Compiling the submission is also a great way to motivate and energise people in the business, as everyone is focused on the innovations and successes to which they’ve all contributed. The Gala Awards Ceremony is the ideal opportunity to then network with industry leaders and sponsors.”

Finalists and winners will receive promotional opportunities in industry publications and on the APPMA website and can benefit from using the APPMA Awards of Excellence winner or finalist logo to promote themselves as an award-winning business.

Applications are now open to all five award categories:

Best New Product, Customer Collaboration Award, Design Innovation Award, Export Success Award, Imported Equipment Award

Submission dates for 2019:

Applications close: January 26

Judging: January 28-February 11

Finalists announced: February 20

Gala Awards Ceremony: March 27

Check the AUSPACK website for full guidelines.

AUSPACK 2019 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 26-29, 2019.