Simply Functional LLC, a supplier of specialty health foods, has launched its ChiaSmart® line of salsas in new 12-oz ring-neck PET bottles from Amcor Rigid Plastics. The stock hot-fill container delivers significant performance and cost advantages including portability (no breakage), light weight, and reduced transportation costs for distribution via Simply Functional’s online fundraising channel and at retail and natural food stores.
“Amcor’s 12-oz PET bottle is a premium option that uniquely meets our distribution needs,” says Alex Sedlecky, chief operating officer for Simply Functional. “It is light weight, break resistant, recyclable, and mimics the appearance of glass.”
The 29-g bottle weighs nearly 90% less than glass, resulting in a weight savings of 6.8 lb/12-pack case, or approximately 1,100 lb/pallet load, according to Sedlecky. The 12-oz ring-neck bottle is recyclable and offers pleasing aesthetics and strong shelf appeal for the ChiaSmart brand, which is targeted for health- and “green”- conscious consumers. In addition to its online distribution channel, the salsa products are sold at Hy-Vee®, a chain of 232 retail stores throughout the Midwest.
The ChiaSmart salsa line is co-packed by Bodine Etc. Specialty Foods, a leading co-packer in Clearwater, FL. Greg Watkins, vice president of Bodine Etc. Specialty Foods, says the 12-oz PET bottles are seamlessly integrated into existing glass lines with minimal adjustment. Amcor sells the containers to Bodine in 12-count re-shippers that are convenient for filling and a cost saver for retail re-packing.
The 12oz ring neck bottle features Amcor’s PowerFlex™ technology—a patented panel-less design that takes hot-fill (185°F) bottle options to a new level. The structural design eliminates the panels, and unlike competitive containers, provides a large, completely panel-less label panel. Amcor uses design and manufacturing techniques to create a bottle that absorbs vacuum via a patented designed base. A unique diaphragm within the base draws upward as the liquid cools. It has the geometric characteristics to enable the inverted cone-shaped diaphragm to deflect upward as the vacuum is created.
Unlike conventional hot fill PET alternatives, PowerFlex bottles are easier to label since they don’t have sidewall vacuum panels. Packers don’t have to worry about mislabeling, that is, missing the vertical bars in applying labels. Nor do they have to deal with the ripple effect that occurs when labeling over panels.
Simply Functional is considering 12-oz ring-neck PET bottles for a range of new food products that will be introduced over the next year, according to Sedlecky. “We’re impressed with the capabilities of Amcor’s hot fill technology and we’re looking forward to their new offerings,” said Bodine Etc.’s Watkins.
