Gone is the 64-oz polypropylene bottle and in its place are two 38-oz PET jars that are sold as a twin-pack. A dog-bone style carrier handle holds the two jars together.
Graham Packaging produces the new three-layer container using its proprietary vacuum absorption system, which produces vacuum panels that are virtually invisible to the consumer. Proprietary barrier technology gives the product an 18-mo shelf life.
Some sustainable packaging benefits may accrue, since the recycle stream for PET is better established than it is for PP. But really the whole idea was to give consumers one package they can keep in the fridge and one they can keep in the pantry.
“The new package size is really more convenient for our consumers and a way for us to provide them with even better value,” says Donald McMillan, a packaging specialist for Campbell. “The barrier protects the quality of our product in an economical fashion and helps us with inventory flexibility. It was also important to maintain the visual traits that make a Pace jar recognizable to our customers.”
Front-and-back labeling carries nice graphics. The 63-mm BTO closure from Silgan consists of an injection molded PP outer circumference and a metal insert. According to MacMillan, changes to filling equipment at the Campbell plant involved only change parts for the Elmar filler and Fowler capper on the line.
The new container started reaching Club Store shelves just before Christmas and is being rolled out nationwide, says MacMillan. As for non Club Store retailers, Campbell is evaluating, says MacMillan
