NCA names Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp as Ruby Award winners

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has confirmed that Billie-Ann Plastics Packaging Corp. claiming the 2026 Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation for its RPET Clear Cylinder with Optional Snap In/Snap On Top and Printing, writes Neill Barston.

Confectionery Production will be on hand to cover the annual accolades, which celebrate the successes from across the region and beyond, and have become a key part of the show. 

The presentation will take place this evening in Las Vegas, following the opening sessions of the supplier showcase event that kicks-off this afternoon (May 18) in Nevada.

“The confectionery industry continues to evolve through investments in people, innovation, and new technologies that strengthen manufacturing and support long-term growth,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The Ruby Award recognizes supplier partners that are delivering creative solutions to help confectionery companies operate more efficiently, innovate responsibly, and meet changing consumer expectations.”

Created in 2018 to celebrate breakthrough innovations from the supplier community that advance the confectionery industry, the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation recognises a National Confectioners Association supplier member company that has developed an innovation in the past year that improves the ability of confectioners to manufacture, distribute, market, and/or sell chocolate and candy.

The winning innovation from Billie-Ann Plastics is a recyclable confectionery packaging solution made with a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET content, offering confectionery companies a sustainable alternative to traditional virgin plastic cylinders without sacrificing premium shelf appeal or product visibility.

As the NCA noted, Billie-Ann Plastics developed the packaging solution in response to growing demand for more sustainable and reusable packaging options that could seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing operations. The cylinders require no tooling changes, new equipment or filling-line modifications, making adoption accessible for confectionery businesses of all sizes.

NCA also recognised Cargill as a finalist for NextCoa, a portfolio of cocoa-free confectionery alternatives developed in partnership with Voyage Foods, which has previously featured in our magazine pages.