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Finat,
the worldwide association representing the interests of the self-adhesive
labelling industry, announces that the L9 has decided to substantially
restructure the 'World Label Awards' competition. It is also launching the 'Best-of-the-Best'
contest. The L9 is the alliance of global label associations, formulating
policies and strategic information in connection with global matters affecting
the worldwide label industry.
The
World Label Awards (WLA) began in 1991 as an informal 'Ryder Cup' like contest
between the associations of Europe (Finat) and North America (TLMI), both of
which have well-established regional competitions. In the course of the years
other regional associations joined. Geographies that are currently participating
include TLMI (North America), JFLP (Japan), LMAI (India), LATMA (Australia),
SALMA (New Zealand), PEIAC (China) and FINAT (Europe). With ABIEA (Brazil) and
Ametiq (Mexico), Latin America is expected to follow soon.
The
changes agreed upon at the L9 meeting in Chicago at Labelexpo Americas last
September reflect the evolution of label markets and label converting
technology. The new format of the World Label Awards comprises 22 classes which
recognizes 'technical excellence' in the different technologies as the main
differentiator. The exception being the wine and spirits class, which has
separate classes within those technologies. All other segments compete against
each other. This arrangement gives many other converters an opportunity to win
an award.
The
22 category winners for 2012 were selected by a panel, chaired by Tony White
(FINAT), which also consisted of one nominee from each participating
association. The winners will be announced in February next year.
The
22 category winners were also the finalists of a new, prestigious L9
'Best-of-the-Best' global awards to be celebrated annually on the occasion of
the Labelexpo shows held in September.
The
'L9 Best-of-the-Best' awards, destined to become the 'Oscars of the label
industry', will honour the most outstanding labels in each of the 5 major label
printing technologies:
- Flexography
- Letterpress
- Offset Litho
- Combination Printing
- Digital Printing
The
first L9 Best-of-the-Best awards will be presented during the Labelexpo Global
Awards gala on the first evening of Labelexpo Europe 2013 in Brussels.
