Packaging

More strength, less resin

Less can be more in container performance when basic architectural principles are brought to bear. At least, that’s what Ropak Packaging Corp. contends.

The cross-hatched lattice design is visible on the lower portion of a container fabricated using Ropak’s new Diamond Technology structural design. Source: Ropak Packaging Corp.




The Fountain Valley, CA supplier began extruding square and rectangular plastic containers last year that maintain their structural integrity despite thinner container walls. Ropak calls the patent-pending design Diamond Technology, and food packagers got a close-up look in November at PACK EXPO in Chicago.

Pansy Leo, manager-new products and marketing, showed off a two-gallon container holding three kilos of pet treats in a structure using 25% less polypropylene resin, “and the container still performs with the same functionality,” Leo told booth visitors. Also showcased was a candy-filled container sold in the Halloween run-up at Costco. The bucket generated 20% higher sales than the bag it replaced, she said.

Less resin translates into a lower cost for containers, and the packaging supports a claim of lower greenhouse gas emissions and generates better Wal-Mart scorecard results, Ropak claims.

For more information:
Pansy Leo, Ropak Packaging Corp., 714-845-2823, pansy_leo@ropakcorp.com
Kevin T. Higgins is Senior Editor of Food Engineering Magazine.

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