Design Innovation - November 2011
Resealable Carton Maximizes Shelf-Impact
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Zipbox®, a joint venture between Zip-Pak and T.H.E.M., announced that Plantation® brand natural raw sugar will be the first product to go to market in the new Zipbox resealable carton format.
Plantation, which will debut in the United States market this year, chose Zipbox because it alters the packaging landscape on the shelf, ensuring it stands out among traditional pouch packs in the "natural sugars" segment.
"When we were first introduced to the Zipbox, its novelty was compelling because we knew it would resonate with retailers as an innovative new package format," said William McDaniel, president and CEO of U.S. Sugar Co., Inc., the manufacturer of the Plantation brand. "There has not been a successful packaging innovation in the sugar category for several years, and we are excited to take our Plantation brand to market as the first in this type of package."
Zipbox is a poly-coated paperboard carton incorporating an attached flexible film header containing a ZIP-PAK® Press-to-Close™ solution. Zipbox is designed to facilitate direct-filling of products without the need for an inner liner. By removing the liner, the package can hold up to 40 percent more product, maximizing the product-to-package ratio and cube utilization to reduce transportation costs.
"We were pleased to see the cost of producing the Zipbox was quite competitive with other package formats, when taking fill speeds and pallet efficiencies into account," adds McDaniel.
The three-pound Zipbox packaging format was chosen in order to give the consumer a better value compared to existing "raw sugar" products. The larger quantity is meant for multiple uses, making Zipbox an ideal package format to enhance consumer convenience through easy opening and reclosing.
"In our consumer insight testing, Zipbox was recognized as an intuitive and easy-to-use package format for consumers of all ages," explains Frank Kelly, business manager for Zipbox. "The Plantation sugar team is certainly forward-thinking when it comes to delivering on the types of convenient features consumers now demand."
"Commercializing a new product can be extremely challenging, but the supply chain partners and brand worked well together," concludes Neil Kozarsky, president of T.H.E.M. "We are applying this initial experience to a wide range of brands that are eager to deliver innovation and convenience."
Spear Premium Look Labeling
MASON, Ohio—Brutal Fruit, one of South Africa's favorite Spirit Cooler drinks, has relaunched with a brand new look, courtesy of Spear Africa.
First launched in 2002, Brutal Fruit's image has changed over the years in an innovative product category—and got a new look in 2011. Having worked together on several projects including Redd's, Carling Black Label, Castle Lager, and Sarita, SAB selected SpearPackaging Africa to provide the redesigned labeling.
Previously decorated using pre-applied applied ceramic labeling (ACL) decoration, SAB opted for Spear's pressure-sensitive body labels to compliment the look of the new, embossed bottle. The elegant design of the labels not only help to stylize the package, they are also very cost-effective thanks to manufacturing and throughput efficiencies.
Sales Manager, Shane Markow comments: "Converting from the costly ACL decoration to pressure-sensitive labeling has allowed Brutal Fruit's new-look pack to deliver on premium cues, while bringing substantial cost savings. Another benefit of the pressure-sensitive label is the flexibility to produce promotional labels for special events or competitions, if required."
The labels were printed at Spear's Johannesburg facility in South Africa using a flexo print. The elegant look was achieved by combining a high-luster UV silver ink with a frost finish, created using a transparent white ink.
Anthem Worldwide Wins Big at Pentawards
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Anthem Worldwide, the brand development division of Schawk, has been recognized with three packaging design awards for creative excellence from the Pentawards Worldwide Packaging Design Competition.
Anthem received a Silver Pentaward for its packaging design of Safeway brands' "The Snack Artist" and a Bronze Pentaward for Safeway brands' "Refreshe." The awards were presented at the end of September in New York City. Additionally, "The Snack Artist" packaging received a Communications Arts (CA) Award of Excellence.
Tom Holownia, managing director of Anthem Worldwide's San Francisco office comments, "We believe that our work for Safeway brands' "The Snack Artist" and "Refreshe," which were singled out for creative excellence in the prestigious global Pentawards and coveted Communication Arts Design Annual competitions, signify that, beyond creating great design, Anthem is helping its clients meet some of the greatest challenges that brands are facing today—to win the battle at shelf."
The Pentawards Worldwide Packaging Design Competition is a worldwide competition devoted exclusively to package design. Winners are selected by a jury of 12 packaging design professionals from leading branding, marketing, and design agencies around the world. pP
- People:
- William McDaniel