Graphic Packaging International Wins Paperboard Packaging Council’s Package of the Year Award

Graphic Packaging International won the Package of the Year award for a four-pack Wicked Weed basket carrier at the 2019 Paperboard Packaging Council’s carton competition, held on Oct. 25 in Minneapolis.

The top prize-winning design was specially created to launch a new line of Wicked Weed fruity sours. The design incorporates a custom die-cut where the front and back display panels outline the beautiful fruit tree illustrations inspired by each of the four sour flavors. Finished with a soft-touch coating topped with illustrated fruits coated in a high gloss, the enhancements make the product a stand-out on the shelf.

“In today’s very competitive craft beer market, one of the biggest challenges is to get noticed in the retail environment,” said Christine Kelley, director of craft and specialty sales at GPI. “Wicked Weed’s carriers are works of art in the store aisle. They’re guaranteed to catch your eye which is critical because craft beer buying decisions are made right there, at the shelf. Working with the team at Wicked Weed has been a true partnership, and the creativity behind their brand is really what brings their story to life through packaging.”

“GPI has been a tremendous partner that works closely with our in-house creative team to produce the most beautiful and innovative packages in the market,” said both Walt Dickinson and Ryan Guthy, co-founders, Wicked Weed Brewing Company. “This award is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and partnership between the Wicked Weed Brewing creative team and our phenomenal partners at GPI.”

GPI also took home the Judges’ Award for Unilever’s AXE holiday gift set carton which was created by GPI Europe. Developed as a specialty gift set, the package has a hexagonal base and circular top and was instrumental in capturing sales during the key holiday period.



For the consumer, the package delivers a convenient gift option that does not require wrapping. At the retail level, the shape and style of this package provide flexibility in merchandising where packs are often stacked on tables or counters.

“Our focus is to deliver innovative cartons to our customers that not only drive sales, but also simplify their supply chain and meet the unique requirements of distribution and merchandising,” said Joe Yost, GPI’s executive VP and Americas president.

GPI earned seven more awards at the Paperboard Packaging Council’s carton competition:

Gold Awards

• Oil Dri Super Scoop – B-Flute carton for Cat’s Pride kitty litter;
• Kimberly-Clark KHI – Luxury e-commerce bath tissue cartons

• Snap-on Tools – Cordless Ratchet Kit Packaging;
• Gosling Ginger Beer – 6-can wrap with opening feature;
• Playtex Stella – Premium tampon packaging for e-commerce;
• Wegmans – IntegraFlex hybrid packaging for The Burger Bar French fries;
• Crook & Marker – Premium fully enclosed carton