[Check out the photos from the event]
Matt and Adie Foster, from Auckland-based Arria Print Group, took home the Supreme Award at last Friday's New Zealand Pride in Print Awards.
The winning entry, a Milford Sound postcard, was produced with multi-layered printing on both sides of 'glass-clear' polycarbonate – a process Matt devised thanks to his background as a screen-printer by trade.
The process, which is unique and proprietary to Arria, has been a commercial success, with local sales and international prospects.
"We sell these postcards to retailers through distribution outlets. It’s going well. We are about to start producing a range for Australian distribution and we are targeting other international markets," he said.
Pride in Print senior judge Symon Yendoll said: "This is very innovative, fantastic concept. It is changing our definitions of the ‘postcard’. It can be mailed but is the first time plastic has been used in this way."
It is a huge turnaround for the Fosters, whose former business, Foster Screeprinting, was devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes.
WINNERS LIST
Supreme Award
' New Zealand Postcard – Milford Sound', Arria Design Group, Auckland
Industry Development
' New Zealand Postcard – Milford Sound', Arria Design Group, Auckland
'Pizza Hut Hot Dots', Impressions International Limited
Publications
'Ghosts in the Landscape', Printlink, Petone
Business Print
'The New Zealand Screen Production Guide', Service Printers, Wellington
Packaging
'The Woodgrain Cherry Carry Pack', Amcor Cartons Christchurch
Labels
'The Horleys Replace Lemon Lime drink label', Rapid Labels, Auckland
Display Print
'The Bookmark Range Window Sign', Arria Design Group, Albany
Promotional Print
'The Warehouse Stationery Business Christmas Catalogue', Webstar, Masterton
Specialty Products
'The Karen Walker Sea Monsters New York Invite', Logick Print & Graphics, Auckland
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