Companies constantly innovate and redesign their packaging to boost performance, enhance sustainability and improve marketability. Here’s a look at three recent packaging product launches or revamps on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Getting sauced with ease
Heinz, which is well known for its ketchup, introduced what it calls a first-of-its-kind box for french fries that has a built-in compartment on the side for dipping sauce. The company said in a news release that the intuitive, mess-free design of the Heinz Dipper avoids issues with condiment packets and prevents spills during on-the-go eating. It did not disclose which packaging manufacturers it worked with on this project.
“As more eating occasions happen away from home in drive-thrus and on-the-go moments, the HEINZ Dipper is a fun and relevant way to innovate to meet fans where they are and strengthen our role in their everyday lives,” Nina Patel, vice president of global Heinz brand at the Kraft Heinz Co., said in the news release.
The container began rolling out this week in restaurants and stadiums in 11 countries. Heinz posted a list online of where to find them; so far U.S. locations are in the Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Philadelphia metro areas.
Butter in cans
Butter Wines is adding cans to the packaging formats available for its light chardonnay. The company released ButterLight last year in traditional bottles. The new 250 milliliter cans offer consumers added convenience and reflect “Butter's ongoing commitment to packaging innovation,” the company said in a news release.
Butter first released cans in 2018 for its signature chardonnay. That project involved “extensive research and development” to ensure the aluminum can would not affect flavor. It applied the same standards to the new light chardonnay cans.
Butter is developing non-alcoholic wines that should hit shelves early this year. At least initially, the products will be available just in bottles.
Lightening a bottle
Saverglass, an Orora Group company, also released a wine packaging solution: lighter-weight glass bottles. This year, it’s launching the first two bottles in its Optimum collection.
The bottles weigh 419 grams, compared with the traditional 750 milliliter wine bottle weight of 550 grams. They are available in two shapes and in two colors: “antique green” and “extra white.” The green version offers the highest ultraviolet protection and is produced using both new and recycled cullet, according to a news release. The extra white is “characterized by its transparency, unique brilliance, and luster.”
All designs have a screwtop closure, which offers consumer convenience, according to the news release.
