On the second day of the easyFairs Packaging Innovations show at the NEC in Birmingham, three companies went to the Lions’ Lair where they pitched their most innovative packaging concepts to a panel of industry experts.
The three lions on the panel were Miguel Garcia Aranda from Premier Foods, Philip Chadwick from Packaging News and Alison Vincent from AVA Packaging.
First up to face the lions was Teamplast BV with its liquid dosage measurement system. Fully integrated into the bottle this clever design was created for the medical, home and gardening, and motoring industries. Turning the bottle upside down will fill the dose measurer with the exact amount of liquid required for one dose. Once the bottle is turned up right, unscrewing the lid will at the same time close a valve to the main compartment of the bottle. When the liquid is poured only the exact dosage required comes out. This eliminates any spillage or mess that can come from using a detached measuring cap.
What the lions asked
PC: Is this available in the market yet?
Answer: The product is not in the UK market yet, but it is available in Belgium and Holland.
PC: Are there standard instructions?
Answer: There are QR codes on the bottles which directs the user to an online demonstration of how the bottle works and how to use it. There are also instructions printed on the side.
MGA: Can it be used in the food or beverage sector?
Answer: Yes, one customer is using it for a drinks container and the dosage measurer means he can say exactly how many portions each bottle holds.
AV: What is the price of this closing system compare to others at the moment?
Answer: The closing system is made up of four parts which creates the valve but it does not use much more plastic than a standard closing mechanism so it is no more expensive.
Next up was Easy Pack with its new packing solution. Its has invented a machine that uses 100% recycled paper to create lightweight packing that can be used as an alternative to bubble wrap. The machine can use two weights of paper 70 and 90 gsm and has different modes for different uses. You can use the foot pedal to create the packing as you need it or you can set the packing to come out at a certain length with again just one touch of the foot pedal. The second mode can even be sped up should two packers be using the machine at the same time.
What the lions asked
MGA: Is it cheaper than bubble wrap?
Answer: It depends on how much you use. If you are spending more than £200 on bubble wrap than this is a cheaper option.
AV: How many machines are there in operation now?
Answer: There are currently 40 to 50 machines out in the field at the moment.
PC: How much does the machine cost?
Answer: You do not buy the machine, it is loaned to you for the duration of the contract in which you buy the paper from us and we service the machine.
Last but not least was Ceisa Packaging, a French-based company with its Full Wrap packaging solution. Used for large packs, primarily cans, it showed a completely closed wrapping. Being completely closed it is more stable giving it better protection without the need for a pad on the bottom. It also means the cans are protected from any dust or dirt which can get into the usual can wraps available today.
What the lions asked
AV: What is the difference between this and other wraps?
Answer: The main difference is that the product is completely covered and so you do not need a pad on the bottom, this can actually make it a cheaper option whilst keeping the product clean and safe.
PC: Is it just for cans?
Answer: It is possible to use on other products but at the moment it is just for cans.
MGA: What is the average cost saving?
Answer: One of our clients, a major drinks manufacturer, has told us they have saved over 60% on their packaging costs by using this.
The Lions: Miguel Garcia Aranda, Philip Chadwick and Alison Vincent
After all the contenders had used their chance to impress the lions and the audience it was put to a vote. The votes were collected and counted and after a tense hour the winner was announced as Teamplast BV with its liquid dose measurement system.
