From Sonoco (Hartsville, SC), the resealable canister comprises an inner layer of Surlyn® from DuPont (Wilmington, DE)/foil liner/recycled paperboard. The structure provides moisture and oxygen barrier. A paper/foil bottom is seamed into the container. A foil-based peelable membrane adheres to the lip of the canister’s top to help keep the product fresh. The membrane is a six-layer extrusion laminate that includes paper, film, and foil. It’s supplied by American Packaging (Rochester, NY). The vendor also provides a wraparound paper label printed gravure in seven colors. A white high-density polyethylene overcap tops the package.
Containers are contract-filled and sold in five “life-stage” formulas in a 502x804 size for North America and a 502x514 size for international markets. An Iams spokesperson says shelf life is two years. “It’s doing really well in the market,” she adds. Suggested retail price ranges from $5.99 to $7.99.
In Mexico, biscuit and cracker producer Gamesa last October introduced its Mini Emperador cookies in the Linearpak container. This 401x511 canister holds 250 g of the chocolate cream-filled cookies. The structure is virtually the same as the canister used by Iams, though with greater barrier properties. In addition, an inner sealed plastic bag is used to help the cookies achieve a shelf life of at least 18 months. The canister also withstands Mexico’s temperature and humidity extremes. Sold in supermarkets throughout Mexico, the cookie pack represents the first use of Linearpak cans in that country. (JB)
