The judging panel consisted of purchasing leaders from renowned companies including SAP, Air France, Accor Hotels, Sodexo, La Poste.

This award recognises how the two companies worked in partnership to launch an innovative machine solution called the Smurfit Kappa Rotor to achieve mutual commercial benefits.  The Rotor has been specially developed to allow reels of anti-slip paper to be cut on demand to the desired pallet size instead of using traditional pre-cut sheets. This gives customers maximum flexibility whilst reducing complexity in the production process.

After the paper is cut to size by the Rotor, the sheet is then positioned between layers of palletised goods to strengthen the stability of products throughout the supply chain.  The anti-slip coating used on paper creates high friction and significantly reduces the risk of damage to products.

The Rotor also has the additional benefit of being able to fold a flap on the slip sheet layer which when printed can be used to increase communication with shoppers in the retail environment. In research conducted with 750 shoppers, having brand messages printed on the layers in a pallet display improves a product’s visibility by 11% and intent to purchase by 27%.

Didier Durcudoy, Smurfit Kappa European Account Director, commented: “This is a very exciting achievement and we are honoured to share the award with our partners at Nestlé Waters. The Rotor system has brought much excitement to purchasing leaders in the industry, and we continue to put innovation at the heart of our business in order to maximise success for our customers.”