NECCO mints in a snap

Cambridge MA-based NECCO believes that the flexible package delivers a unique retail shelf presence compared to competitive tins or blister packs. “We started looking at traditional lay-down peg bags and stand-up pouches” says NECCO marketing manager Lory Zimbalatti “but the problem was keeping the mints fresh.”

With the Easy Snap™ bag from the Easy Snap Division of Sig Pack (New Richmond WI) there is a distinctive snap feel and sound when consumers close the bag. Easy Snap consists of two rigid “tracks” made of Easy Form™ rigid PP that span the width of the bag. “[The technology] assures consumers that the bag is closed and keeps the mints fresh” says Zimbalatti. Shelf life is 18 months.

NECCO leases a Sig Easy Snap module from Sig Doboy (New Richmond WI) that laminates Easy Form to the PP film. An Infinity® vf/f/s bagger and an Eagle® 14-bucket computerized combination weigher both from EaglePack (Oakland CA) were installed at NECCO in May. The equipment runs five days a week one or two shifts/day at 50 bags/min. PP bag rollstock is flexo-printed by Amcor (Baltimore MD) in four colors.

“The package is more expensive than a traditional peg bag” says Zimbalatti “but there is added value to it and we feel it can [retail at a higher price] in the marketplace than the tin.” A 4½-oz bag of Ultra retails for $1.39. Recently the Institute of Packaging Professionals announced it as an AmeriStar Package Award winner. (EF)