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The April 2007 meeting of Australian Institute of Packaging was about alternatives to the traditional can but neither of the presenters had furled skirts or high kicks synonymous with staging of Can-Can however the presentation was nonetheless entertaining.

Peter Banfield and Kelvin Davies of Visy combined to update the assembly with the latest trends in food packaging using alternatives to the traditional tin can or innovations on the same.

Peter had travelled extensively and compiled a kaleidoscope depicting trends and concepts.  Where necessary a commentary on the salient aspects of the package was included but most were self explanatory, for the underpinning message was that unless your package delivers the message and the contents the promise, it will  struggle  in the marketplace.(especially with the aging population)

Researches differ widely about canning numbers in traditional forms however, Visy experience indicates that metal cans are definitely not in decline, but are growing in most parts of the world by being enhanced by the combination of technologies with that of the proven can.  Foil and Easy Open Ends applied to metal cans is one example, as is the enclosing of single serve or portion pack food in cans in a paperboard sleeve to indicate high value.  Ghee in a can with a foil lid was not only innovative but the marketers had made the metal can bulbous to stand out in the crowd.

Private Label (EU) is also a key driver toward innovative alternatives to metal cans and the brand manufacturer who ignores the trend exposed to being left behind.  Private label Suppliers are so strong that there is a Private Label Manufacturers Association [PLMA] which is growing and organises exhibitions (Amsterdam) that are now globally recognised as “the place to be”.

Milk in glass and can containers that is retorted and having a different organoleptic profile is gaining some ground in the premium market of traditional UHT paperboard boxes and is now on sale in ten countries but poised to expand.  Premiumising is a new word for packagers’ lexicon particularly in brands that want to segment and Private Label that are launching new brands not only against multinational “bread and butter” marques but often against a totally new technology.

In the Australian and North American segments Private Label products are increasingly being packaged in China, Thailand, Latin America and Africa, and imported at prices simply below local costs.  As Peter Banfield indicated at retail metal cans continue to have good volumes in Australia, although many are now imported. 

One thought provoker was given when it was explained that the development of a substitute flexible package in the US has  also  allowed the off shore manufacturer to take the advantage of supply chain cost savings, ramp up production and using those economies, “drop” the excess in the North American theatre.

One packer in the Philippines imports Australian dairy products processes them and re-exports the finished shelf stable consumer pack to Canada; but in the old world similar events are reported.  A branded African company has food packaged in France and exported home for sale, whilst a Greek operator launched plastic as an alternative to glass, and as it reached maturity reverted to higher premium glass offering with remarkable success.

Shelf Stable is leaning to segmentation for these newer plastic packs and some are also targeting the chilled markets.  One example from France which when reported raised some debate, is for shelf stable products to be displayed in Supermarkets exactly as the traditional chilled range.  Concern from the audience was that consumers may become confused or complacent and end up with spoiled product.

Some emerging European trends market the advantages of new clear plastic barrier technology and has delivered retorted hot dogs with included sauce, which has not  displaced cans, but glass.  Extrusion blow moulded self heating packs (Wolfgang Puck) for the on-the-run consumer is an example

But all is not lost for the traditionalists for Peter, as he handed the microphone to Kelvin Davies; advised that the metal can makers in Thailand can not keep up with demand.

Kelvin explained the science of packaging food in alternative package forms and the manner in which a process [casually referred to by many] retort may be carried out.  The important thing is to heat the product long enough to render the product sterile without degradation.  Retorting may be done by traditional steam, other processes using electricity, and microwave, pressure, whilst light or chemical technology  are also being developed.  Much was advised about computer technology and logic systems in the control of retorting in the burgeoning market for ready to eat meals.  Not only human food, for Peter Banfield had already told us that the many US consumers treat their pets to as much as US$8.00 per day worth of food!

Metal cans have been light weighted and combined with high speed filling lowered costs with significant success, which when added to inherent advantages in tamper evident and tamper proofing, combined with the 100% recyclability and high volume return in kerbside collections adds to longevity and continued acceptance.

But plastic alternatives have more ability in the areas of shelf awareness and stand out shapes.  Consumers are slowly converting to the message that a plastic package represent high quality and will pay a premium for a package that actually arrives on the shelf at a higher unit cost than the one it replaced.

Whilst the introduction of plastic packages continues unabated the message for Kelvin the Scientist was that “plastic is more complicated” and careful evaluation is the most important thing to consider when making the change.  Whilst realtors shout position-position-position the plastic package technologists would say evaluate-evaluate-evaluate and benchmark against a proven package in the same genre.

The evening ended with a question and answer session and by coincidence the two presenters from Visy were thanked by the 2007 Chairperson Nola Porteus also of Visy who presented new member John McBride with his certificate of office.  Guess what?  John works for Visy.

Written by Michael B Halley FAIP
Australian Institute of Packaging
Web site:  http://www.aipack.com.au/

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