Now in its 19th year, the Plastic Industry Awards showcase the very best of the UK plastics industry covering areas such as product design, innovation, recycling, manufacturing, training and environmental performance. This year's awards were presented during a special ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on September 27th. Berry Global took home the Materials Innovation Award for the X-EnviroShrink shrink wrapping material from Berry bpi protec, and Jake Hollins from Berry UCP Zeller Plastik was named Apprentice of the Year.
 
X-EnviroShrink maintains all the collation and transport benefits of traditional shrink wrap packaging, while incorporating up to 75% recycled content and being recyclable itself, making it one of the most sustainable solutions for the multi-packing of goods. It incorporates Sustane polymer from bpi recycled products and represents an excellent example of a closed loop product, matched by high performance and technical innovation.
 
Hollins' award recognizes his drive, ambition and determination not to be discouraged by setbacks. He was made redundant halfway through an initial apprenticeship with an engineering firm, and so contacted closure manufacturer Berry UCP Zeller Plastik to see if he could continue his apprenticeship there. This meant he had to effectively restart his NVQ and complete it within 12 months. His attitude impressed the company, which then employed him as a junior product designer.
  
"We are delighted to receive these two awards," commented Jean-Marc Galvez, president, Berry Consumer Packaging International. "They ideally encapsulate two of the most important facets of our business—our people and our ability to innovate. It is through the caliber of our employees and our commitment to drive innovation in all our new product and material developments that we can continue to deliver the best and most sustainable solutions for our customers."