Amcor has scooped two prizes at the recent 2018 Dow Awards for Packaging Innovation through its collaborations with confectionary brand Mentos and the makers of Nature’s Promise hand soap.
Amcor’s LiquiForm® technology applied to the Nature’s Promise product was a Diamond Finalist, impressing judges by reducing supply chain costs, improving packaging consistency and lowering the carbon effects associated with filling and packaging. The company also received a Silver Award honour for Amcor’s easy-opening, flexible PushPop® pouch for Mentos.
LiquiForm uses the product being packaged instead of compressed air to simultaneously form and fill containers. For the Nature’s Promise 12oz polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container, the hand soap forms its own rigid bottle on a proprietary Amcor machine.
“Our packaging has exceptional ability to protect all kinds of products and the people who use them in a way that’s efficient and better for the environment,” said Ashish Saxena, vice-president and general manager of Amcor 360.
Mr Saxena said that combining forming and filling eliminates costs associated with equipment and energy used in traditional blow-molding processes, as well as those associated with handling, transporting and warehousing empty containers.
“Amcor’s LiquiForm technology helps customers optimise package design, reconfigure supply chains and streamline production,” he said. “Customers can increase profitability and achieve sustainability gains, and that’s good for business and for the environment.”
PushPop® pouch for Mentos
Amcor and Perfetti Van Melle, the brand owner of Mentos, share a passion for innovation, according to James Davidson, Director of Commercial Excellence for Amcor Flexibles Americas.
“The new pocket-friendly Mentos pack features a Velcro-brand Press-Lok closure, a proprietary hook-to-hook technology made especially for flexible packaging,” said Mr Davidson. “The pouch fits neatly into any pocket or handbag, and the closure keeps the gum stay sealed and fresh.”
Dow 2018 30th Awards for Packaging Innovation is an international, independently judged competition that honours innovations in packaging design, materials, technology and processes. In recent years, Amcor has earned awards from the competition for several packaging solutions, including for Vento™ coffee, Vitaminwater®, Method detergent bottles and, in partnership with Crown Holdings Inc, Peelfit™ cans.
“Dow received hundreds of very strong submissions that collectively demonstrate a deep global commitment to serving consumer needs and addressing worldwide challenges,” said Diego Donoso, business president for Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.