An innovative popcorn sharing bag which was developed by leading manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions, Wipak UK, was awarded two bronze stars at the prestigious 2016 Starpack Industry Awards in London last week.

Created for the country’s fastest growing popcorn brand, Propercorn [1], the bespoke pack secured the awards in the ‘Material and/or Process Innovation’ and the ‘Inclusive Design’ categories.

“With sharing becoming an increasingly important consideration in the snacking market, and Propercorn’s desire for innovation and differentiation, we created a unique format with a pinch ‘n’ pull panel on the front of the pack which can be easily removed to create a bowl for any sharing occasion,” explained Wayne Hallsworth, Sales Manager at Wipak UK.

The Welshpool-based packaging company used a specially-developed film structure and advanced laser-score technology to create the pull away panel, with the resulting pack robust enough to withstand the rigours of the supply chain, but still easy to open. The bag can also be opened in the traditional way from the top of the pack for ultimate consumer convenience.

“The Propercorn sharing bag is not only a first in popcorn, but is unlike anything else in flexible packaging,” Wayne continued. “Having already received significant positive feedback from consumers since its launch in June, we are naturally delighted that it has also been recognised in the highly regarded Starpack Industry Awards.”

Wayne Hallsworth, Sales Manager at Wipak UK (left), is presented with a bronze award by Neil Pentecost of Amaray’