Del Monte Polypropylene Jar System from Graham Packaging, United Kingdom

One of the newest innovations in packaging has recently been released to the market, in November 2007, by CanGro Foods of Canada. CanGro is one of the leading processors of canned fruit and vegetables and is the company behind the very well-known Del Monte fruit brand.

In a bid to keep ahead of the market and give the Del Monte brand a new fresh look, the Graham Packaging Company LP of the US (majority owned by the Blackstone Group of New York) and Bapco Closures Ltd of the UK developed an innovative solution. A packaging system for ready-to-eat 'tinned' fruit has been installed.

The new system consists of a 540ml polypropylene jar (threads removed) with a Bapco 82mm, three-part 'twister' closure. The closure consists of a foil membrane welded into place, vacuum sealing the product, which can be removed by the consumer with a pull ring.

The jar can then be resealed if required by using a screw on lid; the lid screws onto the final part of the closure system, the 'sealing ring' attaching it to the top of the jar.

The name BAP comes from a combination of the words 'bonded', 'aluminium' and 'plastic'. BAP closures are typically two or three piece pre-assembled injection-moulded closures that include a foil membrane.

After the product is filled into the jar the closure is clipped into position and the closure is welded to the container using an induction-welding process.

NEW PACK AND ADVANTAGES

The new Graham Packaging container system has the advantage of being able to cut the weight of the product while enhancing convenience for the consumer with the resealable lid. Traditional glass is heavier, more expensive and potentially breakable.

The jar has a wide mouth top which allows for easy filling and also allows the consumer easy access to the contents.

In addition, the container is semi-opaque and the contents can be seen through the side. The jar is also fully recyclable and allows more efficient stacking and distribution. There are also fewer requirements for secondary packaging during shipping.

The new jar system has already been a hit in the market, with a greater than 50% increase in the expected demand.

VARIETIES

The new Del Monte 'fruit in a jar' is available in six ready-to-eat varieties. These include Sliced Peaches, Fruit Salad, Very Cherry, Sliced Pears, Pineapple Chunks and Mandarins.

Each of the varieties is available in a 540ml (19oz) clear, resealable plastic jar that is lightweight, durable and recyclable.

The jar can be resealed after opening and kept in the fridge for another day, and there is absolutely no need for a tin opener.