As a busy drinktec 2017 draws to a close, here are some more technologies, designs and innovations that stood out for Packaging Europe.
Crown embraces the internet of things with its Connect™ technology and leverages augmented reality to allow consumers to view the contents inside a tin or recording and sharing unique videos, along with offering increased logistic efficiency through improved unique packaging tracking, in cooperation with augmented reality specialist Zappar.
Facilitating unique codes on beverage packaging also embeds digital intelligence into each individual unit, making it trackable and interactive simultaneously. This enables traceability and authenticity activities to be carried out with ease. One useful application includes telling the consumer where the nearest recycle bin is.Shelf appeal was also a big topic, with unique decorative and printing techniques such as thermochromic, photochromic and tactile finishes on show.
Retail performance and consumer appeal through a range of decorative possibilities were also a big topic at Ball’s stand. The company pushes boundaries of traditional can sizes with the launch of a new 90-centiliter King can, 25-centiliter Sleek can and the 45-centiliter Super Sleek can, and the launch of a 15-centileter can in the pipeline, with a focus on beverages that aren’t yet typically filled into cans.
Xolution underlines the benefits of resealable cans. Their latest Relock closure not only keeps carbonation in the can longer, but also seals the drink itself – ideal for anyone on the go. Packaging Europe can confirm that the seal works – there was no spillage after a day of carrying the opened can around drinktec in a bag.
Moving on the plastics, Husky showcased its HyPET® HPP5 Multi-Layer system at drinktec, producing a 17 gram carbonated soft drink application using a 72-cavity mould and running at an 8.7 second cycle time. The system is running a revolutionary new barrier material, Verian™ High Barrier Polyester (HBP), which was developed in partnership with Solvay Specialty Polymers. Verian™ HBP is a recyclable material that will enable a new generation of sustainable packaging solutions for PET bottles and films.
In the area of inspection, Heuft showed their range of products from case check to the foreign object inspection. The highlight was the latest release of the HEUFT SPECTRUM II platform: even more automated, smarter, more networked and more self-explanatory, making the reliable operation of modular inspection systems easier than ever before. Automatic rejection and delivery of foreign objects were demonstrated on stand by the system working as an automatic “waiter”, as a beer bottle and glass were delivered, ready to drink.
Versatility was key at Graphic Packaging International’s stand, where the company launched its ReShape™ system, a revolutionary technology capable of creating virtually any pack configuration seamlessly with one piece of packaging equipment. With ReShape, beverage manufacturers can reinvent, reimagine, and ReShape their cartons to produce the shapes and configurations they need today, along with unique structures for the future, opening up many possibilities in beverage packaging. The system can both internally and externally nest primary containers to create a variety of shapes and sizes with the potential to use less fiber. Unique handle designs deliver added comfort and strength.
United Caps showcased a range of innovative closures at the fair with an impressive range of closures. Notably, the Progrip, a a super lightweight monopiece screw closure for flat water, engineered from organoleptic resin. Its bore seal ensures highly reliable reseal of PET one-way bottles with a 29/25 neck finish, and its moulded tamper-evident band assures the integrity of the product, indicating first opening by drop down. The unique design of the 72 knurls and the optimised ergonomic shape enables improved grip for the consumer while standard dimensions allow dual sourcing. Also on show, the Wattwiller Flower Cap stands out on the shelf . Wattwiller bottled water is targeted at an older demographic; the cap features a patented petal-flower design that is not only eye-catching but allows end users to open bottles with very little effort.
