Functional packages emphasize technological innovation: new packages for familiar products result in high-tech packaging solutions that captivate consumers - Package Of The Year Awards
Categories: Bar-Code EquipmentFOOD CATEGORY:
Folgers coffee can goes plastic (Originally published in August, 2003, p. 27)–Metal cans used for Procter & Gamble’s Folgers ground coffee have been replaced by what has been referred to as “high-tech plastic containers.” Supplied by Liquid Container/Plaxicon, the patent-pending high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blow molded container has high shelf appeal and includes functional, easy-grip handles, adding to its convenience. One major improvement is that the new plastic container–called the AromaSeal–doesn’t require a can opener.
The container is topped with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) overcap, supplied by Erie Plastics, and a peelable seal membrane from Amcor Flexibles. The inner seal acts as a valve, which allows excess gas to expel as the fresh coffee degasses upon peeling back the membrane. The seal membrane includes a tab for easy removal.
Heat-transfer labels for the container’s panels–including Folgers’ familiar sun and mountains graphic on the front panel–are rotogravure printed by Multi-Color Corp. Labels are applied in one pass onto three separate panels.
Because the AromaSeal weighs in at 120 grams, it is lighter to carry and ship. The container is also stackable and dishwasher safe. LPK was involved with the overall package design.
Procter & Gamble retooled its coffee can factory in New Orleans to produce the 39-ounce AromaSeal containers. 13-, 26- and 52-ounce sizes are set to follow. BEVERAGE CATEGORY:
Raging Cow’s bottle is filled with innovation (August, 2003, p.31, July, 2003, p.28, May, 2003, p.66, March, 2003, p.11, February, 2003, p.38)–Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc.’s “rowdy” milk-based product, Raging Cow, comes in 14-ounce easy-to-grip, single-serve HDPE bottles, supplied by Tetra Pak, that are made specifically for the youth market.
Raging Cow is aseptically filled using a Tetra Pak LFA-20 system, giving the product a six-month shelf life at ambient temperatures. Bottle construction consists of HDPE, ethylene vinyl alchohol (EVOH), carbon black and a second layer of HDPE. EVOH keeps oxygen out and the carbon black protects product from light. Bottles are blown offline using a 12-station blow-molding machine from Graham Machinery Group.
According to Kendall Yorn, director of packaging at Dr Pepper/Seven Up, one of the main reasons for going with an aseptic filling system is because Dr Pepper/Seven Up’s route to market is not refrigerated.
“Using HDPE for an aseptically filled dairy product is a new concept for us. [It’s based on] the European system, where they don’t have an extensive refrigerated route to market, so shelf stability is important.”
A proprietary HDPE blend closure from Tetra Pak’s Novembal division is applied over an induction-sealed foil membrane and has a hinged top for easy opening. The closure is reclosable so young consumers can save any left over product. The closure also has a tear-away tamper-evident band.
The bottle features a shrink label, supplied by Multi-Color Corp., that includes graphics of Raging Cow’s mischievous mascot–a cartoon cow, who has escaped from a dairy where milk was the only option. The graphics were designed by latitude. The mascot symbolizes the independence and enthusiasm of the product’s target consumers.