With food marketers constantly on the look out more flexible packaging to achieve eye-catching aesthetics, it seems that the future of blow-moulded high-density polyethylene containers looks sealed.
In the US Nestle has opted for a HDPE container that looks like a pitcher without a handle to package its latest range of Nesteas.
"The new canister completely replaces composite canisters," notes Yasmeen Muqtasid, division and brand affairs associate manager. "The canister allows us to provide functional benefits to the consumer, such as a dosing cap. The new look also benefits retailers by delivering eye-catching, on-shelf impact."
The new pack first hit store shelves in March, and is reported as being "well received". The blow-moulded HDPE container is supplied by Liquid Container/Plaxicon of West Chicago, Illinois. It is topped with a bright orange injection-moulded polypropylene AccuSeal closure from Phoenix Closures of Naperville, Illinois. Supplied in 90-mm and 108-mm sizes, each closure has recesses around its perimeter that assist in opening and reclosing. These also serve an aesthetic purpose: mimicking the look of the tea leaves on the label.
The colourful full-body shrink-sleeve label includes instructions for making a pitcher of tea. Copy instructs the consumer to pour the mix into the cap, which includes a measurement line to make 1 qt, then empty the mix into a pitcher of cold water.
The company considered further packaging details proprietary. Muqtasid did say that "changing the packaging for consumers was key in the strategy of the design. Consumers love it [because] it's bright and attractive."
The containers come four sizes: i22.5-oz, 45.1-oz, 63.2-oz and 81.2-oz sizes.