Spread over five categories, the awards recognised outstanding use of Kavalan’s PVC-free materials in print projects, with each award reflecting excellence in sustainability, innovation, clever use of material, an eye-catching building wrap, or championing of Kavalan products.
Judged by an independent panel, the awards saw the success of customers across Europe toasted with a drink on stand (25-B81).
Stanislas de Missolz accepted the Innovation Award on behalf of French firm Groupe MediaGraphic, based just outside Lyon, which wowed judges with a large-format photographic exhibition across Paris during the Olympics in collaboration with renowned Magnum photographer Raymond Depardon and his son, Simon Depardon.
“It’s great to win, and to have convinced the judges,” said de Missolz.
“We wanted to show the industry how we can find new business leverage, such as art, and we provided to the artists some new products that were eco-friendly and PVC-free. Artists are interested by new, eco-friendly materials, and all our customers are interested in which materials the artists use.”
Judges praised the project’s contribution to a “unique” event.
“Not only did it add visual value by dressing otherwise unattractive buildings, but it also aligned with the Olymptic commitment to legacy and positive impact,” one judge said.
“Beyond its aesthetic achievement, the scale of the installation and expertise required were remarkable – reproducing images at such size while maintaining colour fidelity and durability during the hottest months of the year is no small feat.”
Embrace Building wraps carried off two awards for its transformation of IKEA’s Oxford street store with a 2,400sqm building wrap, and its transformation of a former army barracks into a “vibrant symbol of future regeneration.”
Judges praised the IKEA project’s iconic look, as it transformed the store’s front into a giant IKEA bag: “It was a bold, brilliant statement that captured attention and hearts alike,” a judge said.
Nova Abbott, head of marketing at Kavalan, said it was fitting to use Fespa to champion and recognise the projects using Kavalan’s PVC-free materials.
She added: “The awards are a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic projects being produced with Kavalan materials and to celebrate the strong partnerships we have built with our valuable distributors. Congratulations to all the winners!”
