The Mexican Packaging Assn. honors Hartsville, SC-based Sonoco with a 2002 "Envase Estelar" (Packaging Star) award for its LinearPak shaped canister for Gamesa Mini Emperador cookies. The package won in the "Food-Direct to Consumer" category in the MPA annual competition based on its attractiveness, creativity of design and ease with which the consumer can grasp, open, close and reopen the canister, judges said.

The Envase Estelar awards were bestowed June 24 at the Nikko Hotel in Mexico City.

The Gamesa Mini Emperador canister is Sonoco's first application of the LinearPak technology in Mexico. The 250-gm rectangular package features a bright red, gravure-printed label complemented by a matching red overcap. Peelable lidding seals the top of the canister and is tabbed for easier removal. A foil liner in the canister sidewalls helps extend product shelf life before and after opening.