A seamed-on steel bottom and a friction-fit thermoformed polystyrene overcap are the other structural components of the package, and graphics are delivered by a paper label printed offset in six colors
A slit in the center of the lid serves as the dispensing mechanism. This slit is covered with a circular piece of paper that is held in place with a shrink band until the consumer is ready to open the container and begin using its contents.
As with most packages that undergo such a radical transformation, it’s all about on-shelf differentiation, says Kimberly-Clark. Each cup holds 50 Kleenex tissues and measures 2.8” x 6.7”. Two dozen cups are packed in a corrugated shipper for distribution.
The Kleenex cup, described as a “concept package,” is selling at retail for nearly 40% more than what a consumer pays for a conventional carton of 50 tissues. No word yet on whether it will cross the border and reach U.S. consumers. —Pat Reynolds