The jar comes from RPC Containers Corby. RPC’s involvement is based on its close association with G’s Marketing, a renowned food grower that is Europe’s largest producer of beetroot. Based on the company’s experience in the fresh beetroot sector, where products are processed in a glass-free factory, G’s looked into available options in plastic containers and approached RPC Corby. The suggested solution was RPC’s standard 360- and 720-mL Thermic Ultra, a six-layer, coextrusion blow-molded, polypropylene/EVOH/PP plastic alternative to glass. This thermally stable container offers significant benefits in terms of lightweighting and easy opening.
Trials confirmed the compatibility of the jar with G’s new product range, so G’s approached Marks & Spencer about the possibility of launching the range. This coincided with the retailer’s own plans for the launch of its new British Groceries range, which comprises a repackaging of existing products as well as new additions, with a view towards improving the consumer experience.
Marks & Spencer commissioned 18 products from G’s, all packaged in the RPC jar. The plastic container marks an 80% packaging reduction compared to similar glass packaging, providing significant improvements in logistics due to lightweighting. At the same time, the jar offers a higher resistance to shattering than glass for enhanced consumer safety, while its comfortable handling helps to assist Marks & Spencer’s commitment to “frustration free” packaging.
The jar is complemented with a unique and patented Twister closure system from leading closure manufacturer Bapco Closures. Introduced into the UK for the first time, the three-part injection-molded closure includes an overcap and fused foil laminate. It also features an easy-grip, spiral ring-pull mechanism that requires little force to open.
“The combination of G’s expertise in traditional British cooking, RPC’s lightweight jar and Bapco’s easy-open closure has helped create this exciting new packaging style for a selection of our British Grocery products,” comments Helene Roberts of Marks & Spencer.
