Unique, ergonomic, and sophisticated – all are reasons why the new ViV range by aQuellé has scooped Gold at the Institute for Packaging SA (IPSA) Gold Pack Awards on Tuesday, 23 November, in both the Beverages and Best in Plastic categories. This is the second award for the proudly South African brand, as the newly launched ViV range also received international recognition at a recent Global Water Drinks Awards, being selected a finalist in 3 categories and winning the Best New Brand category! Winning both these awards only weeks apart is a highlight for the launch of ViV.

The leading bottled water brand, aQuellé, extended their offering in September with a Power and Sports Drinks range, ViV. The range consists of a natural spring water and four unique and energising flavours: ViV Power is packed with guarana and natural caffeine, while the Pineberry, Gardenfruit and Kalamansi sports drinks revive with added electrolytes and B vitamins. All are made with pure natural spring water.

The IPSA Gold Pack Awards showcases the South African packaging industry and from its inception in 1973, it has grown to become an event of considerable importance and prestige, looking for excellent application and execution of anything that may involve new, innovative, or creative design, marketing or technology applied to packaging produced in Africa.

“Winning gold at this prestigious ceremony is an honour and a highlight for us as a brand. We give all honour and glory to God,” says Nico Bosman, director of aQuellé. “We have worked with a stellar team of designers, manufacturers and partners in producing the unique ViV packaging and great tasting product.”

Award-winning qualities

The first award was received very soon after ViV was launched. The unique customised bottle of this new product, designed to fit ergonomically into the drinker's hand, and sophisticated label, have now earned gold at the annual programme designed to showcase the very best of the packaging industry.

The qualities and benefits of the new addition to the aQuellé brand have made it stand out internationally. With ultimate grip and aesthetic appeal, it is dramatically different to any other bottle in this market. The label of the ViV design uses triangular patterning, derived from the V in ViV, and flows dynamically over the bottle’s elegant curves. High-energy typography gives a sense of power and forward action. The latest flexographic technology produces a crisp print that highlights the vibrant colours and smooth vignette. Printing the shrink sleeve requires technical innovation for maximum shrinkage of almost 70% whilst maintaining artwork integrity and a crease-free shrink result.

Two full vertical micro-perforation lines inserted on the sleeve allow for the release of steam during application. The addition of a third perforation line, an industry first, enables easy removal of the sleeve to support recycling of the PET bottle post-consumer usage. This emphasizes aQuellé’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The automatic applicator uses an orientation system to position the bottle and sleeve for precise application. Low-pressure steam directed onto the complex contours of the bottle is adjusted and angled for perfect shrinkage.

Extending the brand

aQuellé stands out because of its community-based operations. From its first 360m2 bottling plant in 1998, aQuellé has grown, by God’s grace, to a leading bottled water brand in South Africa. A second bottling plant was added in Franschhoek and the latest addition of a third, brand new facility of over 23 000m2  was completed beginning of 2021. All facilities are equipped with the latest filling technology and state-of-the-art machinery and processes. The spring water is of exceptional quality and taste. Under the brand name KHULA, four soft drink flavours were added to the natural spring water brand earlier this year. The ViV Power and Sports drinks range is the latest extension and is new on the market.