Sniff Seal lets consumers know what a product smells like before buying it

31-May-2018 - Last updated on 31-May-2018 at 11:06 GMT

Tri-Seal has been granted a patent for its Sniff Seal technology. Photo: Tekni-Plex.

Tri-Seal, part of Tekni-Plex has been granted a patent for its Sniff Seal technology, which can be used for a variety of product categories including dairy, confectionery, bakery and beverages.

The technology is a liner which enables scent permeation through an induction seal closure liner without affecting the seal or compromising the contents.

Product differentiation

David Andrulonis, senior VP/GM, Tri-Seal, said brand owners are constantly looking for ways to create product differentiation and Sniff Seal is another way to offer consumers a new experience.

“There are many instances where consumers want to know what a product actually smells like before purchase,” said Andrulonis.

“Unfortunately, there are times when consumers peel back seals or remove fitments to experience the scent before buying.

“When a package is returned to the shelf in a compromised condition, it is no longer saleable. So the retail industry experiences a significant amount of loss annually.”

He added the Sniff Seal liner eliminates this problem because it provides an olfactory experience without removing the seal.

This means the tamper evidence remains in place and the product integrity is maintained.

“An extensive range of products can benefit from this technology. Imagine being able to experience the smell of fresh peanut butter or mango-scented shampoo or spring-fresh deodorant in a retail aisle without removing a seal or a fitment,” said Andrulonis.

Tri-Seal business unit

Tekni-Plex, announced in 2016 all of its liner manufacturing companies would be operating under the business unit Tri-Seal, going forward.

“In recent years, Tekni-Plex has acquired several liner companies in the US, Europe and Asia. The acquisitions were motivated by the desire to provide a consistent global and/or regional supply for quality-driven pharmaceutical, food, beverage, cosmetic and personal care companies,” Andrulonis said at the time.

“Unifying all of those manufacturing facilities under our long-standing Tri-Seal brand will make it more seamless for brand owners to take advantage of a global supply channel.”

Businesses affected by the branding change were; Sancap, Alliance, Ohio; Ghiya Extrusions, Ahmedabad, India; Tech-Seal, Triadelphia, W.Va.; and Top-Seals, Gronau, Germany.

The change had an impact on eight manufacturing facilities that continue to be supported by Tekni-Plex’s Global Technology Center, in Holland, Ohio.