The Packaging Innovation Awards’ judges awarded the OpTri bottle a Diamond Award Finalist.
The liquid food is released from a closed system thanks to gravity alone, which forces the bottle to collapse as product exits. Because it’s a closed system and requires no air inlet, the risk of air or environmental contamination is greatly reduced. The ergonomic shape of the bottle, integrated big-eyed hook for hanging, and easy-to-navigate label ensure time savings for health care professionals. The non-detachable flip-top cap requires less handling and is more hygenic. Using reclaimable and recyclable material, the OpTri bottle uses 85% less water than the previous pouch production process and brings a 21% reduction in carbon emissions. Third-party validation of these assessments came from Vertegoo.
Some details about the packaging were not available at press time. But Danone says this is a multi-layered bottle that is extrusion blow molded. It comes in both 500- and 1,000-mL sizes. Neck diameter is 37 mm. Pressure-sensitive labels are applied inline. Filling is done aseptically on unnamed equipment. The aseptic filling is a key factor in the reduction in water usage and the reduced carbon emissions because the pouch used formerly had to be retorted. The OpTri bottle has a 12-month shelf life at ambient temperatures.
Judges’ Criteria
In evaluating entries, jurors considered excellence based on the following criteria:
Technological Advancement
• New and/or clever use of materials
