Scotts Snap Cartridge Spreader System wins prestigious AmeriStar Award and numerous innovation awards at National Hardware Show

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring was a rewarding season for Scotts Snap Spreader System, as its innovation and design elements were recognized at the 2012 AmeriStar, North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living Innovation awards, respectively.

Over 150 packages were submitted for IoPP AmeriStar awards, considered North America's most prestigious packaging awards competition. Judges evaluated and analyzed packages from 18 categories, based on package innovation, sustainability, protection, economics, performance and marketing. Scotts Snap Spreader System won in the category of Outdoor & Gardening and was honored at the AmeriStar Awards Reception & Dinner, held in late May in Chicago.

Scotts Snap Spreader System also came home a winner from the National Hardware Show.  The Las Vegas event culminated with the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living Innovation awards ceremonies.

The NRHA analyzed products and packaging based six attributes by four judges; and Snap averaged a score of 57 out of 60 total points. Overall shelf and sales appeal, graphic design, innovation, packaging efficiency, shelf life and selling features all contributed to the victory. Snap was recognized as top in Packaging and Merchandising categories, and was awarded the coveted "Whole Package Award", honoring packaging distinction. Snap also picked up the packaging Gold award.

The spreader system was applauded for bearing standout graphics, encompassing colors, brand identity and clear communication of product intent, and was featured in the May issue of Hardware Retailing Magazine.

At the second annual Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living Innovation Awards, presented by Casual Living, the Scotts Snap Spreader System was awarded The Silver Award for pleasing the 9-judge panel in the following areas: aesthetics, uniqueness, consumer need, overall packaging and merchandising support.

About Scotts Snap Cartridge Spreader:

Scotts revolutionary new cartridge spreader system eliminates the guesswork of lawn care for consumers.  They simply snap the Pac into the spreader, lock it in place, and begin to apply the appropriate lawn care product.  This new platform technology is enabled through innovation in packaging.  A special fitment is sealed into the bottom of a laminated pouch to create the Pac.  The cartridge then engages with the applicator to deliver the following benefits:

• Eliminates spreader settings
• Simplifies directions
• Reduces/Eliminates spills and clean up
• Makes it simple and fun to apply

Scotts Snap Package Performance:

The package is assembled and filled with custom equipment.  It is remarkably strong and withstands all conventional drop tests.  Additionally, the package protects the product in an outdoor merchandising area and provides exceptional UV fade resistance.  The Snap Pacs are sold in 3-pack displayable cases. The secondary packaging was developed with the retailer in mind, optimizing space and providing flexibility in placement.

Scotts Snap Package Environmental Impact:

The value-added features enabled by this packaging innovation have significant environmental benefits in its end-use. There is no cutting and dumping of product which minimizes opportunities for spills, and the self-closing feature keeps the product in the Pac at all times in storage. 

Scotts Snap is truly a breakthrough innovation, driven by packaging!  To see Scotts Snap in action visit, www.scottssnap.com.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

SOURCE The Scotts Company