Canadian Packaging December 2023

Eco-Pack Now Page 15

Packaging For Freshness Page 24

Beverage Packaging Page 29 SERVING CANADA’S PACKAGING COMMUNITY SINCE 1947

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NO BRIDGE TOO FAR New Brunswick potato chip producer turns up the heat with packaging automation Story on Page 18

RYAN ALBRIGHT, CEO/FOUNDER, COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIP COMPANY

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December 2023 Vol. 76, No. 10 canadianpackaging.com

COVER STORY

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18 Kettle Mettle

New Brunswick potato chips manufacturer invests in an integrated packaging line solution as part of its continuous efforts to add more automation equipment to complement the company’s swift market share growth and thoughtful product portfolio diversification.

FEATURES

24 Frozen Assets How a new thermoform packaging

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system is helping a hard-working Ontario producer of Asian-inspired meal kit solutions keep up with its brisk growth in mainstream grocery retail channels across Canada.

29 PET Habitat

A two-day symposium on aseptic processing and packaging technologies provides expert insight on why PET plastic offers a perfect packaging platform for a growing number of shelf-stable beverage and liquid food innovations.

DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS

NEWSPACK 6-8 Packaging news round-up.

FROM THE EDITOR 4 George Guidoni Giving collaborative robots their due.

NOTES & QUOTES 10-11 Noteworthy industry briefs.

FIRST GLANCE 13 New packaging solutions and technologies.

CHECKOUT 36 Naomi Hiltz Packaging hits and misses.

ECO-PACK NOW 15 Focus on packaging sustainability. imPACt 17 A monthly insight from PAC Global.

ISSN 0008-4654. Canadian Packaging is published 10 times per year by Annex Business Media. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065710. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department, 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1. No part of the editorial content in this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. © 2023 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. All rights reserved.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of this publication. Printed in Canada.

ON THE COVER Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company president and chief executive officer Ryan Albright is all smiles in front of a merchandising display filled with bags of the company’s premium quality chips.

Cover photo by Ben Cummings.

CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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FROM THE EDITOR

Stop worrying and learn to love your cobots, really!

O

$77.3 BILLION

Estimated annual sales of industrial robotics by 2030

4

f all the innovative technologies to have impacted the packaging industry in a meaningful positive way this century, collaborative robots (cobots) deserve a very special place and mention in any such discussion.

Invented in 1996 by Edward Colgate and Michael Pershkin, the cobots’ quick rise from a geeky curiosity and niche to a common feature on packaging lines and manufacturing operations all over the world is a remarkable testament to the powers of human technical endeavor and imagination.

Being installed worldwide at a rate of over 22,000 units per year, cobots are making life easier for countless enterprises, large and small, by automating many parts of their processes to boost productivity and process efficiencies.

Offering a highly attractive package of affordability and operator-friendliness, coupled with mechanical and digital wizardry, it is almost daunting to think what these machines will be capable in the near future as the much-hyped AI (artificial intelligence) begins its anticipated journey to global transformation of existing manufacturing processes.

In fact, it’s happening already.

As noted in a recent market report by the U.K.-based GlobalData, “Assisted

by AI, cobots are extremely versatile in comparison to traditional manufacturing robotic solutions.

“One example is the palletization process where a cobot can stack boxes directly from the production line onto a pallet ready for being moved by a human, but with advanced sensor technology to prevent contact with anyone in the production hall.”

In another example, the report cites Ice Bakers, Danish producer of plantbased ice cream, using an Omron cobot to support its end-of-line packaging process with great aplomb, reaping rewards of an 80-percent improvement in overall line capacity.

On a grander scale, GlobalData cites the ongoing integration of cobots into the production processes of noted packaging stalwarts such as Tetra Pak and Sealed Air, no strangers to the readers of this magazine.

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

As GlobalData reveals, Tetra Pak is developing machinery to work in tandem with their own packaging systems, which not only simplifies the integration of cobots in the manufacturing process, but actually adds real value to the packaging applications they provide for the food and beverage industry.

A key development here is Tetra Pak’s integrated data collection system called the ‘Data Gateway,’ which can be retrofitted to older machinery, to feed data into their Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) analytics platform to help monitor and manage factory operations.

For its part, Sealed Air is working in partnership with San Francisco robotics firm OSARO to explore the new production capabilities offered by automated cobot solutions.

“Cobots offer companies more capability and control in the manufacturing process with less downtime and a reduced reliance on human intervention,” says George Higgins, packaging consultant for consumer custom solutions at GlobalData. “This leads to greater productivity and the opportunity to grow market share with packaging innovation produced on more efficient production lines at a lower cost.”

According to Higgins, the growth of digitization in food and beverage production processes has enabled cobots to offer new manufacturing capabilities with the automation of many previously difficult-to-automate processes—a trend that will only accelerate exponentially with the advent of AI. As Higgins point out, “Cobots offer companies more capability and control in the manufacturing process with less downtime and a reduced reliance on human intervention.

“Savvy packaging companies that can upskill existing staff to learn how to use the software that controls robot automation will become leaders in the industry.” And deserving so, we’d like to think.

Happy New Year!

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 76, NO. 10 Reader Service Print and digital subscription inquires or changes, please contact Angelita Potal, Customer Service Tel: 416-510-5113 apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 Senior Publisher Stephen Dean | (416) 510-5198 SDean@canadianpackaging.com Editor George Guidoni | (416) 510-5227 GGuidoni@canadianpackaging.com Account Coordinator Barb Comer | (888) 599-2228 ext 210 bcomer@annexbusinessmedia.com Audience Development Manager Barbara Adelt | (416) 510-5184 Fax: (416) 510-6875 badelt@annexbusinessmedia.com Media Designer Brooke Shaw | (519) 428-3471 bshaw@annexbusinessmedia.com President/COO Scott Jamieson SJamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com Annex Business Media 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1; Tel: 416-442-5600.

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Canadian Packaging accepts no responsibility or liability for claims made for any product or service reported or advertised in this issue. Canadian Packaging receives unsolicited materials, (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. Canadian Packaging, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort.

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NEWSPACK

president Marc-Antoine Bovet. invested nearly $10 million to build that the product meets the highest “No other [co-packing] plant standards of professional quality, its own liquid oat base extraction could manufacture our beverages Oatbox has recently lunched the plant in Saint-Damase, Que., Oatbox Barista beverage into the on schedule, as they were all making it a leader in Canadian operating at full capacity, so we Quebec market. oat-based food products. decided it was time to operate our Formulated as a smooth and With keen focus on sustainabilown factory,” adds Bovet, citing silky plant-based microfoam to ity in every part of the process, the company made a strategic decision make lattes, cappuccinos and other significant health and environmental benefits of oat production hot drinks smoother than ever, the to package its oat-based beverand consumption that include: Barista oat beverage—also packed ages—developed as a plant-based in one-liter Tetra Pak cartons Quebec beverage innovator alternatives to traditional animal • Growing oats presents a lower risk of polluting surrounding using the goodness of oats milk—in reclosable one-liter Tetra decorated with wholesome design graphics created by global brandPak aseptic beverage cartons that waterways, as it requires less for breakfast superfood can now be found in major grocery ing and marketing agency The nitrogen, herbicide and fertilizer; Nutritious, filling and packed with Republik—perfectly complements • Oats are also considered “green chains across the country. a variety of good-for-you minerals Oatbox’s existing range of granolas, Made entirely from Canand fiber, oats have come a long manure” because they can be groats, fridge groats and oat bars in adian-grown oats, the company’s way over the last century to evolve used to improve the quality of the its product portfolio.

Oatbox Original beverage is a from the crop’s primary role as soil by trapping nitrate in the With the addition of two new creamy, tasty, vegan drink with no livestock feed into a healthy and ground and using it to grow; added sugar, which is fortified with oat beverages, Oatbox becomes the • Growing oats requires no tasty breakfast food enjoyed by various vitamins and minerals for a first company on the market to literally every age group. additional water; offer both solid foods and beversuper-healthy nutritional profile.

And while modern medical • High fiber contents helps to ages made from Canadian oats— Over the last two years, the research and food science have had promote a healthy digestive company has also combined its oat confirming its status as agri-food a lot to do with that evolution, system, while being rich in iron, companies like the Montreal-based expertise with that of local Quebec leader in products made from calcium and magnesium give oats Canadian oats. baristas and micro roasters to Oatbox deserve a lot of credit for recognized aesthetic virtues such “We suspected it, of course, but develop its Barista oat beverage— the versatile and hearty grain’s as strengthening hair and nails; it was the oat beverage project that said to be the first professiongrowing popularity.

• Oats are known to help prevent allowed us to confirm that demand al-quality Barista oat beverage Co-founded in November of cardiovascular disease and for this type of product is high in produced in Quebec.

2014 by company president t improve cholesterol levels thanks After extensive testing to ensure North America,” says Oatbox Marc-Antoine Bovet, the company to their beta-glucan content.

23_009153_CN_PCKG_DEC_CN Mod: November 6, 2023 9:42 AM Print: 11/13/23 page 1 v2.5

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New flavored gin adds a zesty refreshing twist to the iconic spirit brand

While beating the winter blues with a summertime libation may not be everyone’s cup of tea, a new flavored version of one of the world’s most iconic gin brands could just be the tonic to lift the spirits in the cold and dark months ahead.

Launched across Canada this past summer, the new Bombay Citron Pressé lemon-flavored gin is a vivid example of the Bombay Saphire masterbrand’s admirable commitment

to pushing the creative boundaries of flavor innovation to the limit.

Made from a 100-percent natural fruits infusion, Bombay Citron Pressé literally captures the taste of freshly squeezed Mediterranean lemons in a bottle—perfectly balanced with the vibrant juniper notes of the brand’s signature vapor-infused London Dry Gin. Said to be inspired by the classic Tom Collins cocktail, the new flavor builds on the brand’s premium gin credentials with a bright and zesty lemon flavor, while delivering the authenticity,

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Like the original Bombay Saphire and the raspberry-flavored Bombay Bramble, launched in 2021, the fresh and vibrant Bombay Citron Pressé gin is the result of a highly crafted infusion process—answering continued demand for natural premium spirits.

Instead of adding artificial additives or sugar after distillation, Bombay Citron Pressé contains hand-picked Mediterranean lemons, which have been harvested early in the season to capture their zesty, citrus notes before being hand-peeled and concentrated to create a 100-percent natural fruits infusion.

This infusion is then married with the brand’s vapour infused gin—perfectly balancing the taste of freshly squeezed lemons, whilst enriching the juniper notes of the gin. The real fruits infusion with no added sugar gives Bombay Citron Pressé a distinct color and natural flavor, according to the U.K.-based distiller.

“As a brand, we strive to stir creativity within our consumers by producing a gin that acts as the perfect canvas for cocktails, and we’re taking that one step further with our newest flavor expression,” said James Fisher, senior brand manager for Bombay Saphire Canada.

“In keeping with our unique vapour infusion process, we’re able to continue building our flavored portfolio and elevate the gin category while favouring natural, premium ingredients with no added sugar,” Fisher states.

“Allowing gin fans to enjoy a taste of the familiar, but with a twist, this new innovation offers a naturally elevated twist on the traditional Gin-and-Tonic or Gin-and-Soda.

As Fisher relates, “Recently there has been a growing popularity for flavors within the citrus space, Fisher realtes. “With its bright, zesty lemon flavor, Bombay Citron Pressé is continuing to disrupt and redefine the flavored gin category, elevating simple cocktails and inspiring creative twists.”

Packaged in the iconic rectangular-shaped glass bottle adorned with vibrant, lemon-yellow label graphics bearing the brand’s traditional lettering and iconography, Bombay Citron Pressé provides endless possibilities for cocktail experimentation.

Based on a 1761 recipe, Bombay Saphire created by perfectly capturing and balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world.

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NOTES & QUOTES

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) and The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) have announced a major expansion of the Choose Canadian Seafood marketing campaign to encourage Canadian consumers to fresh, locally produced seafood products at their grocery stores, with over 300 Sobeys and Safeway locations across Canada to feature Choose Canadian Seafood on-pack labels (see above). In addition, Metro locations across Ontario will also offer their customers complimentary, easy-to-follow recipe booklets that showcase a diverse range of Canadian seafood recipes. “A recent study from Dalhousie University showed an overwhelming 86.7 per cent of Canadians regularly make fish and seafood staples in their diets, mainly driven by nutritional considerations,” says FCC president Paul Lansbergen. “With 64 per cent citing health as their primary motivator, the results underscore the

relevance of the ‘Choose Canadian Seafood’ initiative,” Lansbergen adds.

“It’s clear we’re on the right track, particularly with the Millennial cohort, who place a premium on the twin pillars of health and environmental sustainability in their consumption choices.”

Montreal-based distiller Duvernois Creative Spirits has reached a distribution with leading Canadianbased beermaker Labatt Breweries of Canada for the distribution of Duvernois’ non-alcoholic portfolio, which features the Romeo’s Gin and Bockale non-alcoholic brands.

Founded in 2010, Duvernois has been a prominent figure in the craft spirits market since 2010, today ranking as Canada’s top-selling independent domestic supplier of super premium vodka (the multiple award-winning Pur Vodka brand) and gin (Romeo’s Gin, Canada’s bestselling superpremium gin brand). This new agreement with Labatt will play a pivotal role in accelerating the company’s growth plans beyond alcoholic beverages, while consolidating the presence and

visibility of its brands both in the hospitality and retail (grocery and convenience stores) segments. “We are excited to extend our partnership with Duvernois Creative Spirits by welcoming Bockale and Romeo’s Gin non-alcoholic beverages to our BEES sales-ordering mobile application platform,” says Marc-Olivier Bourgeois, vice-president of Quebec sales at Labatt Breweries of Canada. “The non-alcoholic beverage category is on the rise, as more consumers are adopting a sober-curious lifestyle and incorporating non-alcoholic beverages in their social occasions.”

Beverage producer Keurig Dr Pepper Canada has entered an exclusive partnership with Geloso Group of Companies to expand the distribution of the ready-to-drink Mott’s Clamato cocktail brand in the Quebec grocery and convenience store channels with

the introduction of a new malt-based Mott’s Clamato Caesar beverage.

Scheduled for rollout in spring of 2024, the new malt-based Caesar will be available in two signature flavors— Original and Extra Spicy—in six- and 12-packs of 341-ml cans and in single-serve 458-ml cans across Quebec’s grocery and convenience retailers. “Building on the continued growth of our classic Mott’s Clamato Caesar, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada is reaching for new opportunities in the ready-to-drink category in Canada,” says Olivier Lemire, president of Keurig Dr Pepper Canada. “We’re proud to partner with a Quebec company with a strong expertise in malt-based beverages,” he says. “This mutually beneficial agreement will allow us to expand our cold beverage portfolio, while increasing the reach and distribution of one of our iconic beverages.”

Leading Quebec logistics services provider Groupe Robert has formally inaugurated its new automated distribution center in Varennes, Que., for storage and distribution of a broad range of fresh and frozen food

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products. Representing an investment of over $200 million, the large vertical capacity facility boasts a height of 131 feet and storage capacity for 60,000 pallets—30,000 for fresh products and 30,000 for frozen products.

Located near Highway 30, the 14-storey freestanding structure features extra-thick insulting panels for optimal energy efficiency, along with a state-of-the-art oxygen level reduction system that provides far superior fire protection compared to traditional sprinklers. “This new state-of-the-art distribution center, which brings together the best proven technologies in the industry, demonstrates Groupe Robert’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence for our clients,” says Group Robert president and chief executive officer Michel Robert.

Globally operating plastic packaging manufacturer ALPLA Group is expanding its presence in North Africa with a bold market entry in Morocco, where the company has acquired a majority stake in Maghreb-based packaging producer Atlantic Packaging to found a joint-venture

company ALPLA Morocco with the previous sole owner Diana Holding.

With ALPLA Morocco’s PET preform capacity having already been tripled in 2023 with the addition of two new production lines, ALPLA says it is committed to increasing the portfolio of the Moroccan site through further through local investments in the near future, which could potentially include bottle and closure production.

‘Together with our strategic partner Diana Holding, we want to exploit the enormous potential of the regional markets, open up new segments, and contribute our expertise as a global system provider for preforms, bottles and closures,’ explains Christian Fessler, ALPLA’s managing director Middle East and North Africa.

Indianapolis, Ind.-headquartered Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (AGP-North America) has

renewed its supply agreement with Oliver Winery, the 28thlargest winery in the U.S.—to supply the winemaker with majority of its glass wine bottles. According to Oliver, the ability to purchase U.S.-made glass bottles from a local glass manufacturer was an important selection criteria for sustainability reasons, among other factors. “Oliver Winery is dedicated to sustainability, an important factor in our ongoing growth and innovation,” says chief executive officer Julie Adams. “In 2024, we’re shifting to lighter glass and screw-caps, reducing our carbon footprint without compromising wine quality,” she says, noting the notable progress achieved

by Ardagh in lightweighting its glass bottles. “This move enhances our environmental sustainability performance,” Adams states, “and it also enables Oliver to maintain consumer affordability.”

ID Technology, a ProMach subsidiary specializing in product labeling and coding technologies, has completed the acquisition of Lofton Label & Packaging, a major supplier of labels and flexible packaging materials operating in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Founded in 1981, “Lofton’s extensive product portfolio comprises a wide array of specialty label solutions, including Global Product Authentication Service (GPAS) labels for track-and-trace, brand protection, and consumer engagement, Extended Content Labels (onserts), Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRC), as well as multilayer peel and resealable labels,” says ProMach president and chief executive officer Mark Anderson, “With the addition of Lofton, ProMach continues what we started more than a decade ago—the expansion of our label converting capabilities to complement our extensive portfolio of labeling equipment solutions,” Anderson states. “This further bolsters our vision of providing our North American customers with comprehensive labeling and coding solutions from a partner that is close to them, wherever they are.”

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Tamper resistance and contamination prevention elements can be incorporated, and both unprinted and custom-print options for enhanced brand messaging are available.

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LET THERE BE LIGHT! The new JWL150-DO Lightgistics Series LED light from Smart Vision Lights (SVL) features innovative Hidden Strobe technology that delivers the benefits of strobing without the distraction and disorientation associated with LED strobe lights. According to the company, the Hidden Strobe technology allows LEDs to internally self-trigger thousands of times per second— pulsing faster than the human eye can perceive to creating the illusion of continuous light. In doing so, the technology maximizes machine vision systems while protecting employees from the disorientation caused by flashing lights. Designed specifically for performing challenging highspeed, accurate barcode reading and optical character recognition (OCR) with packages in highly reflective plastic wraps or shipping bags, Lightgistics lights also feature Dual OverDrive technology—combining SVL’s Deca OverDrive and standard OverDrive engines—that allows end users to attach polarizers that retain exceptional light output while handling any speed. Also featuring an on-board charging capacitor designed to ensure powerful bursts of energy with a low consistent electrical draw, the JWL-150-DO

solution delivers an intense, compact light source with an integrated camera mount that can be directly connected and controlled through the camera’s trigger output.

Smart Vision Lights

THE TROJAN WORKHORSE Designed for easy OEM integration with conveyors or other product transports systems, the new TrojanLabel T3-PRO compact CMYK digital print module from AstroNova, Inc. incorporates Memjet’s patented Duraflex technology to offer up to 12.75-inch (324-mm) print height with high print resolution of 1,600x1,600dpi using highly durable aqueous CMYK pigment inks. According to AstroNova, the module’s compact footprint makes it an ideal roll-to-roll machine for any size of print shops or label converters, and it can print on a continuous or pre-die-cut media, while handling industrial-size label rolls. Deigned for quick and easy set-up, the TrojanLabel T3-PRO printer features a short media path and long-lasting printheads, along with a high-capacity data pipeline to enable real-time variable data printing for facilitating all kinds of serialization and customization applications.

AstroNova, Inc.

MAKE IT COUNT Designed for producing multi-flavor and variety-pack assortments of candies, confectioneries and chocolates—as well as non-food products such as medical parts, hardware and detergent pouches— Cremer’s new HQ 3100*2 two-in-one counting and dispensing solution is a servo-driven system featuring six

channels and an optional divider for optimal operational flexibility and throughput. Compatible with all industrial packaging and cartoning machines, the HQ 3100*2 works in tandem with a bulk dosing system with infeed hopper and incline dosing conveyor to dispense the product directly inside boxes, tubs, tins or erected cartons. With its compact footprint and FDA-compliant product parts for processing both food and non-food products, the HQ 3100*2 also offers virtually silent operation— with no compressed air required—a product detection unit with 100-percent accuracy; streamlined tool-free disassembly for easy operation and cleaning; up to three memory flap levels for count separation and dispensing; vibratory plates for product transport and separation; and a built-in timing hopper for discharging precise product counts.

Cremer

PICK AND CHOOSE Designed to close the gap between manual and fully-automatic pick operation, the new Movu eligo robot picking arm from Movu Robotics can automatically piece-pick from a single-SKU (stock-keeping unit) source bin and place the individual items into multiple mixed-SKU destination bins at speeds of up to 600 items per hour. The new robot is also designed to provide virtually seamless integration as a pick station option for the Movu escala bin shuttle. In this operating mode, the Movu eligo combines advanced software with intelligent grippers and machine vision to ensure reliable throughput by gently grasping an item from a bin retrieved from the escala bin while picking, and then placing the item in a delivery bin.

Measuring 2.2 meters in height and providing an operating radius of 1.3 meters, the eligo robot arm can pick up goods weighing up to two kilograms, making it exceptionally well-suited for a broad range of pharmaceutical, apparel, e-commerce, manufacturing and kitting applications.

Movu Robotics

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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Sidel launches new PET bottle for repeated closed-loop refills

W

ith upcoming European regulations requiring beverage producers to embrace packaging circularity and returnable bottles, leading global beverage processing and packaging equipment group Sidel has developed a dedicated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle for carbonated beverages designed for long-standing reuse.

Focused on creating a Circular Economy with returnable beverage bottles at the forefront, the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has set a target of 25 per cent of soda bottles to be reusable by 2040, the anticipated legislation is already driving demand for returnable

packaging and refillable production lines for food-grade, bottle-to-bottle process.

To meet the needs of the returnable carbonated beverages bottle market, Sidel experts have designed a PET bottle with a bestin-class weight and a high level of resistance to withstand numerous washing cycles.

According to Sidel, PET offers the best choice for packaging manufacturers looking to introduce returnable bottles by enabling lighter bottle weights— thereby l owe r i n g GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.

The company says its returnable packaging design has been developed for sustained endurance and easy integration into existing bottle deposit schemes,

being qualified to withstand up to 25 refillable loops.

Combined with a dedicated blowing process, the innovative preform and structural design enable the bottle to endure high

washing temperatures, according to Sidel, and the bottle also features a reinforced neck to guarantee top quality in neck-held washing and refill cycles.

With packaging industry keen to reduce its material usage, this structural design is available in various bottle formats—such as one-, 1.5- and two-liter—to provide significant opportunities for lightweighting. For example, the 1.5-liter bottle weighs just 77 grams and offers ultra-high performance, with 28-percent weight saving compared to the market average.

Even when this new returnable bottle reaches the end of its useful life, it can be recycled into a new bottle, continuing the circularity of PET plastic.

Bayer joins new collective to market greener blister-packs

G

lobal pharmaceutical products giant Bayer AG has joined an international collective working on developing commercially feasible sustainable alternatives to traditional tablet packs often packaged in problematic plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

Formed last year by U.K.-based PA Consulting and PulPac, Swedish-based manufacturer of DMF (dry molded fiber) packaging products, the Blister Pack Collective is on a mission to bring together pharma, consumer health, and FMCG businesses to accelerate progress towards bringing a functioning DMF tablet blister-pack to life.

According to the founding partners, the adoption of DMF tablet packs provides an opportunity to cut back on the more than 100,000 tonnes of plastic medicinal packaging used worldwide each year.

The new Collective is one element of PA and PulPac’s mission to leverage Dry Molded Fiber to convert renewable plant fibers into a wide range of sustainable packaging and products, while delivering a better environmental CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

footprint than single-use plastics at comparable speed, scalability and cost.

As the global brand development partner for Dry Molded Fiber technology, PA works closely with renowned brands to develop tailored packaging and product solutions to address global and industry-wide sustainability challenges—taking collective action to make a positive impact on the world.

According to PulPac, the patented DMF technology minimizes carbon emissions—leaving up to an 80-percent lower carbon footprint than plastic—and requires minimal water usage, while enabling the production of versa-

tile tablet packs that are comparable to PVC packs in terms of design and tablet count.

“We have a bold commitment to transform 100 per cent of our packaging to be recyclable or renewable by 2030, and we have committed to invest €100 million investment in changing how our products are made and consumed,” says Jesse DelGigante, director global packaging innovation at Bayer Consumer Health.

“Achieving this will require working with the best partners,” DelGigante says, “and we are proud to be a part of the Blister Pack Collective as we work to make a real impact for sustainability.”

Adds PulPac’s chief commercial officer Sanna Fager: “Collaborations between change-makers to develop more sustainable solutions are truly powerful, and much needed.

“Working together, we can move toward new innovative fiber-based packaging solutions faster and replace unnecessary single-use plastics at scale,” Fager states.

“We look forward to bringing Dry Molded Fiber tablet packs to life with leading brands like Bayer.”

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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COVER STORY

Covered Bridge Potato Chips Company founder and chief executive officer Ryan Albright standing alongside a merchandising display packed with bags of the company’s unique premium quality snack-food products manufactured in Hartland, N.B.

KETTLE TO THE METAL New Brunswick potato chip producer turns up the heat on competition with automated packaging line solution

By George Guidoni, Editor Photos by Ben Cummings

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CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

N

amed after a local centur y-old New Brunswick landmark crossing the Saint John River between the town of Hartland and the local service district of Somerville, the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company is a testament to local ingenuity, passion and positivity timelessly captured in the covered 1,282-foot timber overpass built in 1901.

Credited with revitalizing the local economy by dramatically reducing the time-to-market for countless local farmers serving the local and regional urban centers, the Hartland Covered Bridge remains a popular destination today— drawing 100,000 visitors each year to admire the craftsmanship, skill and de-

sign brilliance that earned the structure a National Architectural Significance designation as an enduring symbol of local history and heritage.

That history and heritage are vividly played up on a daily basis at the nearby Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company snack-food production facility, which conducts tours of the 25,000-squarefoot manufacturing plant running a busy 24/7 production schedule to churn out millions of bags of the company’s flagship Covered Bridge brand of potato chips and other snack treats like popcorn and chickpea chips.

Owned and operated by fourth-generation potato farmers Matt and Ryan Albright, the company began production in 2009 after three years of meticulous market research and investment activity to construct and equip the new processCANADIANPACKAGING.COM

ing plant.

“It took three years of market study, building the building, installing the equipment, and product development before we launched the company three years later,” chief executive officer Ryan Albright recalls.

Since completing its first sale of a batch of sea salt-flavored chips to a Halifax., N.S.-based gift-shop chain Goody Baskets at the end of 2008, the new plant quickly became the prime destination for the high-quality dark russet potatoes grown on the 500 acres of Albright family-owned farmland nearby—laying groundwork for a an efficient, vertically-integrated food manufacturing enterprise that has grown from strength to strength in the next 15 years.

Currently employing about 200 people, the lively facility operates four large-capacity kettle fryers, Albright relates, with two more scheduled to arrive soon to make kettle popcorn, chickpeas and caramel corn.

“We are really the only 100-percent true dark russet potato chip manufacturer in North America,” Albright states.

“We use the same type varieties of russets that they use for French fries at the fast food chains,” he points out.

“We are very specific on what varieties we use and at what time of year to achieve that unique russet flavor, crunch and golden to dark color,” says Albright, describing the plant’s meticulous production process geared to produce premium quality kettle chips with a hearty crunch and a diverse range of delicious and satisfying flavors.

“The potatoes are washed and graded at the farm and unloaded into one of two large receiving tanks, after which they go through a destoner and then an aggressive scrub-brush washing system,” Albright relates.

“An operator then trims any defects on the potatoes and also cuts in half any potatoes that are too long, a common feature with russets potatoes, before they go through our Urschel slicers.

“The potatoes are then sliced directly into the kettles with the skins still on,” Albright continues. “After the chips are cooked, they go into an oil centrifuge, which removes any excess oil.

“The chips then go into a hopper and then through the automated sorting machine to remove any defective chips before they proceed to the packaging stages.

With bag sizes ranging from 60-gram single-serve portions to 567-gram family sizes, the SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level 9.1-certified facility produces between 35 and 40 different flavor varieties of potato chips, popcorn, caramel corn and chickpea chips under the Covered Bridge label, Albright relates, along with CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

Installed at the Hartland plant’s mezzanine level, the high-precision Ishida 14-head weighscales with an ingreated camera (top right) dispenses the freshly seasoned potato chips into the individual bucket it pre-measured portions that are transfrerred down to the vertical bagging machines below on the plant floor for bagging and cartoning.

“We are really the only 100-percent true dark russet potato chip manufacturer in North America.”

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

19

COVER STORY

Close-up shots of the freshly-cooked and seasoned potato chips being placed inside the polyfoil bags on the Ishida Inspira bagging machine, where they are also flushed with nitrogen to retain longer freshness and shelf-life, in precisely measured quantities in smooth and continuous product flow.

some private-label offerings.

With flavors ranging from traditional mainstays like Plain & Simple and Sea Salt & Vinegar to the more offbeat Avocado Oil, Atlantic Lobster and Sweet Potato & Sea Salt, the company’s extensive product portfolio is capably rounded off with the Lela’s brand of chickpea chips—so named after great grandmother Lela Albright—and the Pop It brand of popcorn, available in five flavors.

Each of the product and flavour varieties is packaged in a polyfoil bag bearing unique graphics and colors that offer the best visual presentation of the product inside, according to Albright, giving each flavor its own distinct look and personality.

“We changed our design a few years ago since our original packaging when we started,” Albright says.

“It has led to much better consumer awareness by making it easier to see and read product information on the bags more clearly,” says Albright, noting the importance of effectively communicating the natural wholesomeness of Covered Bridge products to the consumer in an instant.

“Our potato chips have a 100-percent natural clean ingredient deck, with no 20

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

The integrated cameras on the Ishida weighscales are linked to the Ishida Inspira bagmaker’s touchscreen panel to keep operators informed about what’s happening on the mezzanine level without having to go up there physically.

artificial colors or flavors, and we are also certified as gluten-free and kosher, with no transfats,” Albright points out.

“It’s the same for our ‘Pop It’ kettle popcorn, our ‘Lela’s’ chickpea chips and our caramel corn,” he states.

“Our kettle popcorn are kettle-cooked in coconut oil, use pink Himalayan salt, real cheese for the cheese items, raw cane sugar for the sweet and salty, and real clarified butter that we spray on for the movie butter,” he reveals, “while our new rich and decadent caramel is made with a raw cane sugar, real clarified butter, and pink Himalayan salt.”

With packaging being such a strong product differentiator for Covered Bridge, the company has shown commendable commitment to continuously investing in high-quality packaging equipment to improve its efficiencies and boost its production output, with considerable success.

Last year, in fact, the Hartland plant carried out an installation of a totally integrated packaging line solution comprising top-of-the-line Ishida equipment—delivered and installed by Heat and Control Canada, Inc. Headquartered in Guelph, Ont., the company is a Canadian subsidiary of Hayward, Ca.-based Heat and Control, Inc., a major global manufacturer of food processing and packaging machinery for a broad range of snack-food, candy and confectionery, baked goods, cereals, meat and cheese, and other major food industry segments.

Installed under the direction of Heat and Control Canada’s general manager Chris Jenkins, the integrated Ishida packaging line solution delivered to Covered Bridge consists of:

• Ishida high-speed snack food weigher model RV-214W-1S/30-SS-ITP2 Designed to speed up the packaging process, cut labor costs and reduce product giveaway, Ishida’s RV range of multihead weighers offers the benefits of precise feeder control for higher speed and accuracy, along with a robust design to withstand harsh environments and maximize uptime, whereby the main body, components and seals have been redesigned for exceptional resistance to the elements and reduced clean-up time.

Said to be up to 20-percent more energy-efficient than previous multihead weigher models, the new RV range offers optimal control and monitoring per-

CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

formance with enhanced graphics, optional USB camera, rapid auto set-up, master pre-sets for fast changeover, and wireless access for remote control and monitoring.

• Ishida Inspira snack food bagmaker model INSPIRA-B-RS33SB20-LWR-ACA The Ishida Inspira bagmaker, offered in a twin and single jaw configuration, has the capability of the highest speeds for snack food with high efficiency and low bag waste, while providing automatic adjustments of bag air volume, positioning of the printer, nitrogen gas setting and film roll centering, along with low energy consumption and lownoise operation.

• Ishida bag thickness and seal checker model TSC-RVS-120-R Designed for accurate leak detection, gentle bag handling, and user-friendly operation, the state-of-the-art machine delivers superior quality control on highspeed packaging lines at speeds of up to 150 bags per minute, precisely checking the quality of bags up to 115-mm-thick and up to 330-mm-wide.

Ishida’s proprietary feedback control system ensures that the servo-operated inspection head applies optimum pressure on the bag for precise seal checking—maximizing performance and preventing product damage.

Close-up shots of the compact multifunctional Ishida ACP-701 case-packer filling the corrugated shipping carriers with bags of potato chips, which are then securely taped inside the machine before exiting the case-packer on conveyor rollers to make their ways towards the pallelizing stations.

• Ishida automatic case-packer model ACP-701R-R1398-TT Designed as an all-in-one machine, the ACP-701 case-packer is a fully automated system that combines case-packing, case alignment, bag packing, sorting, closing and sealing in one compact machine that can handle a wide range of bag sizes, case sizes and pack patterns.

“The initial equipment was installed in July of 2022,” Albright says, “and more has been ordered and installed since then.

“We chose to work with Heat and Control for various reasons,” Albright explains, singling out the supplier’s extensive expertise and vast experience in the snack-food industry.

“We were also attracted by very compact case-packers that can fit into our small space,’ he says, “as well as the superior up-to-date technology, stainless-steel construction, and fast and consistent bagger speed, among other things.”

Expertly installed and integrated by Heat and Control Canada technicians, the Ishida integrated solution enabled a highly efficient and smooth packaging process with very little waste, according to Albright.

CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

21

COVER STORY

“The chips go to the mezzanine, where they are seasoned on one of the lines, and then weighed and dropped into the bags below,” Albright relates.

“As the chips fall into the bag we blast the bag with nitrogen before the it is sealed—to keep the chips at maximum freshness for a longer period of time.

“The finished bag goes through a seal checker and then into the automated case-packer, where the bags automatically get packed into the boxes,” Albright continues.

“Each box is taped inside prior to coming out,” he notes, “and the information label is placed on the side of the box.

“The boxes go down a rolling conveyor and then placed on a pallet,” Albright expands. “Once pallet is full it is shrinkwrapped and loaded onto a trailer.

“The trailer goes to one of our two finished good warehouses, totalling 100,000 square feet of storage space, or shipped directly to the customer,” he states.

“During this entire process, our quality control staff monitor the product and conduct tests it a different stages of the process to meet our specifications,” says Albright, adding the Ishida equipment has performed as good as promised since commissioning.

For his part, Heat and Control’s Jenkins is convinced that the new Ishida solution will serve the plant well for many years to come.

Says Jenkins: “My relationship with Ryan goes back several years when I would drop in to say hello when visiting other customers in New Brunswick.

“I was always impressed with the Covered Bridge products and marketing approach,” he says, “and as Ryan made plans to replace old packaging equipment with more automation, I’m grateful he remembered Heat and Control.”

Please see a video of the Ishida integrated packaging line As Jenkins asserts, “The Heat and solution in operation at the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Control/Ishida partnership offers the Company plant in Hartland, N.B., on Canadian Packaging TV at best solutions for most global snackwww.canadianpackaging.com food manufacturers.

“In my opinion, the combined ‘horsepower’ available from our subject matter experts and application engineers, high-quality manufacturing, and superior pre-sale and post-sale support result in customers like Covered Bridge knowing they have made the right decision to improve their business efficiency now and well into the future.”

Albright agrees: “Moving into the future with automation from Heat and Control and other suppliers will be key for our business, as everyone is facing the same challenges of not being able to find enough employees to fill all the required jobs.

“We will be investing into it more and more moving forward,” he adds.

22

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

“The operators like working with the facing both east and west—targeting Ishida equipment,” Albright notes, tourists to come see the factory and how “with its large touchscreens pointing out the chips are made,” Albright says. where the issue might be for the most “They learn about the history of the part. longest covered bridge in the world in “There are also integrated cameras on Hartland, the potatoes, the varieties we the scales linked up to the bagger screen,” use, the history of farming in New he points out, “so that the operator can Brunswick, how we grew potatoes back see what is going on in this area without in the 1950s and today, and the history going up to the mezzanine.” of potato chips, while seeing the producAs Albright explains, “We have been tion process from behind the glass. automating more and more the last six “Upon finishing their tour, they get a years, including automated sorting ma- bag of plain unsalted chips fresh from chine for the chips, a higher-capacity the line, which they can take with them kettle corn line that does more with less to our gift ship to experiment with nearpeople, case-packers, automated label- ly 40 unique flavor seasonings packed ers for the cases, and all kinds of other inside branded spice shakers. smaller things so we can do more with “We are one of the top tourist attracless people and higher output. tions in New Brunswick,” says Albright, “We also plan to add robotics over the citing the company’s focus on high next 18 months as well,” says Albright, product quality and continuous product calling automation an essential core innovation as key contributors to its competence for all snack-food produ- rapid growth and portfolio diversificacers trying to grow their business. tion.

Says Albright: “Snack food is one of “We always launch high-quality innovthe most competitive product categories, ative items that give the whole product as it is driven by extremely large com- category a lift,” he says, “rather than panies that have made many acquisitions cannibalize one bag for another. over the years to broaden their footprint “It’s all about engaging people that and product offerings. may not purchase regularly in our retail “That being said, we know there is space by providing unique, great-tasting opportunity for a family start-up com- products that appeal to them. pany like ours, which offers unique “We have a great social media preshigh-quality delicious products, along ence on all our platforms,” he concludes, with quick-to-market innovation.” “and our marketing team does a great job Albright estimates that the Covered to show how fun and exciting our prodBridge Potato Chips plant attracts about ucts are, along with our company.”

50,000 visitors a year to see the company’s chips being produced right before SUPPLIERS their eyes.

Heat and Control Canada Inc. “We have large signage on our plant

Please see a video of the Ishida integrated packaging line solution in operation at the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company plant in Hartland, N.B., on Canadian Packaging TV at www.canadianpackaging.com CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

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PACKAGING FOR FRESHNESS

SIHE International Group owner and director of operations Wing Xian displays some of the company’s Asian-inspired meal kits produced in Markham. Ont., and now selling at a growing number of national grocery chains in addition to the ethnic Asian supermarkets across Canada.

FROZEN ASSETS Asian cuisine innovator gets a firm grip on its packaging process to boost production of its unique frozen meal kit solutions

By Andrew Snook Photos by Naomi Hiltz

24

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

W

ing Xian’s family has been producing traditional Asian foods for families for more than 20 years. Her family started up their own food manufacturing business in China more than 15 years ago, and in 2018, Xian decided to branch out by immigrating to Canada and building her own company, SIHE International Group, in Markham, Ont. In only five years, the company has grown exponentially.

“Our whole facility is over 50,000 square feet. We have more than 30 staff here working,” says Xian, who is the

owner and operations director for SIHE International Group.

The company started out with a provincial license in 2018, following it up with a national distribution license in 2020 and an export license in 2021— allowing it to sell its product into the U.S. market after achieving both SQF (Safe Quality Food) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certifications.

The main products produced and pre-packaged at the facility incorporate different varieties of meat that include chicken, beef, pork, lamb and seafood.

The company produces frozen meals like soups, noodles, rice dinners, marinated cooked meats, and other authentic Asian products under the its flagship Chef Shuo brand.

The Chef Shuo brand offers a wide CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

variety of products with more than 40 SKUs (stock-keeping units) available to choose from “We sold all our products to Asian supermarkets at the beginning,” Xian relates, “but later we expanded to the big stores like No Frills, Loblaws, Sobeys and Walmart.”

Retail orders currently comprise approximately 60 per cent of the company’s business, according to Xian, while wholesale makes up the remaining 40 per cent.

As Xian explains, fulfilling larger and larger orders from some of the biggest grocery chains across the country requires a significant amount of manual labor, as well as automated processing and packaging technologies.

While the processing side of her business has been largely automated for some time, the company had been experiencing some bottlenecks in production on the packaging side.

Fortunately for Xian, she was already familiar with an automated solution— the MULTIVAC R105 thermoforming packaging machine—that seemed like a perfect fit for her operation.

“Another customer of ours had a MULTIVAC R105 thermoforming packaging machine that Wing at SIHE International Group had a positive experience with,” explains Phil Crozier, National Sales Manager at MULTIVAC Canada in Brampton, Ont. “She wanted the reliability and high pack quality, for which our equipment is known worldwide, for her own products when her business entered its next phase of growth,” Crozier says.

After a MULTIVAC sales representative had reached out to Xian and provided her with the company’s catalogue of packaging solutions, she had the opportunity to review them thoroughly before expressing interest in a thermoforming packaging machine.

When Xian did reach out, she was impressed with the company’s quick response.

“When we first went to MULTIVAC to look at different equipment, we got to use our own products there on-site— to see exactly what equipment was the best fit for us,” Xian recalls.

“We then found the one machine that we felt could best solve our packaging issues,” she says.

After testing out the different types of equipment, Xian’s company opted for the aforementioned MULTIVAC R105 thermoforming packaging machine, which offered numerous advantages over the existing manual packaging process.

As Xian relates, the plant’s previous packaging process involved using premade pouches and swing-lid vacuum CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

Above A close-up of the Chef Shuo brand’s bestselling frozen whole chicken recipes packaged on the MULTIVAC R105 thermoforming packaging machine (see right) installed at the company’s Markham processing facility earlier this year.

Below Freshly-cooked whole chickens being placed into the film-line cavities of the MULTIVAC R105 thermoformer prior to being vacuum-packed and frozen before being placed into the large-sized retail stand-up pouches.

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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PACKAGING FOR FRESHNESS

chamber machines.

While this type of equipment is versatile and provided an ideal entry platform for vacuum packaging, Crozier says the R105 thermoformer offers vastly superior ease-of-loading, reduced likelihood of seal contamination, and a much more attractive pack presentation.

As Crozier explains, vacuum chamber packaging machines utilize a threestep process, starting with loading the products into the pouch via the pouch neck.

In the second step, these filled pouches are then placed into the vacuum chamber machine for oxygen evacuation and sealing. The third step requires the operator to unload the evacuated, sealed packages from the machine before the next batch of filled pouches can be placed inside.

Says Crozier: “During the first step it is possible for the product to come into contact with the inside of the pouch seal area, allowing for sauce or herbs, for example, to be transferred— creating the potential for a leaking pack.

“It is a time-consuming process that can lead to rework if the operators are not careful when loading the pouches,” he points out.

“With a thermoforming packaging machine, it is a single-stage automatic process: the operator simply places the products into the larger aperture of the formed, open pack in the machine loading area, where the product does not come into contact with the seal area at all,” Crozier relates.

“The machine automatically advances the filled packs into the sealing die, where evacuation and sealing take place, and then through the cutting system to create individual packs.

“After this, the formed, filled and sealed vacuum packs automatically exit the machine for transfer onto the next stage of the customer’s production line,” 26

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

Above The HMI 2.0 graphic user interface terminal used to on-board the MULTIVAC R105 thermoformer offers a choice of multiple language options for the operators, along with large memory capacity for storing and recalling specific recipes for packaging of different products.

Above right Vacuum-packed whole chickens coming off the MULTIVAC R105 thermoformer boast superior product protection and seal integrity ensured with the use of resilient, lightweight flexible vacuum packaging film supplied by MULTIVAC.

he says.

In addition to preventing potential leaks or rework, the R105 thermoforming packaging machine also significantly increased the company’s overall output.

“Before I could do 2,000 packs per shift,” Xian says, “whereas now I can do 20,000 packs.

“It’s helping me to grow my business,” Xian says, citing various performance attributes and competitive advantages provided by the model R105 thermoformer.

“The MULTIVAC R105 is a really good piece of equipment,” she sates.

“It’s fast and it works really well.

“The size of the equipment is really good,” she says, “and it is very durable.

“The throughput capacity is also very good,” Xian adds.

According to MULTIVAC, one of key advantages offered by the R105 thermoforming packaging machine is the configurable machine lengths and format dies.

Offering formable film surfaces in sizes ranging from 150-mm to 360-mm in length, 266-mm to 401-mm in width,

and 10-mm to 95-mm in depth, the R105 system offers numerous benefits, including: • High production output and pack quality; • Robust and durable stainless-steel construction; • Patented MULTIVAC Hygienic Design for maximum hygiene and convenient cleaning; • Safe and ergonomic operation; and an IPC control with HMI 2.0 graphic user interface.

“The HMI (human-machine interface) is very easy to use,” Xian says, singling out the machine’s multilingual communication capabilities as particularly helpful feature for her operation.

“Our technicians and controllers all CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

speak Chinese,” she says, “so we switched the program to Chinese so that they can easily understand what all the different instructions mean.

“The program is set up really well,” she adds. “I can pre-set programs for our different products, and there is plenty of memory capacity in the equipment to enable us to store hundreds of recipes.

“I have run it for 10 to 12 hours a shift without stopping,” she extols.

Notably, the R105 thermoforming packaging machine’s forming and sealing dies can be equipped with drawer systems that enable the die bottom section to be pulled out from the side of the machine—offering superior ergonomics and easy access.

According to MULTIVAC, the machine’s drawer systems enable time savings of more than 60 per cent per format changeover.

“The machine is equipped with two dies,” says Crozier, “so it allows for a greater range of products to be packed with a minimal amount of packaging material.”

For her part, Xian says she enjoys the fact that MULTIVAC Canada’s headquarters is located in fairly close proximity to her own production facility.

“They are close to us with an office in Brampton,” she says, “so I can go there and see their equipment any time.

“It’s very convenient for us.

“They also have very good customer service as well,” she adds. “Whenever I have a problem, there’s a number I can call, and they will talk to us or FaceCANADIANPACKAGING.COM

Above left Meal kit contents vacuum-packed on the R105 thermoformer.

Above right MULTIVAC Canada’s National Sales Manager Phil Crozier poses alongside Wing Xian in front of the R105 thermoformer.

Right SIHE’s welcoming reception area.

“We sold all our products to Asian supermarkets at the beginning, but later expanded to the big stores like No Frills, Loblaws, Sobeys, and Walmart.”

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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PACKAGING FOR FRESHNESS

The HACCP- and SQF-certified 50,000-squarefoot processing plant operated by SIHE International Group in Markham already offers more then 40 different retail SKUs while still operating at only half of its maximum manufacturing capacity.

Please see a video of the MULTIVAC R105 thermoforming packaging machine in action at the SIHE International production facility in Markham, Ont., on Canadian Packaging TV at www.canadianpackaging.com 28

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

Time us to try to fix the issue.

“They also have a local technical support team,” she adds, “so if I have an issue, they can have someone come over and have it fixed in one day.”

By investing in the R105 thermoforming packaging machine, SIHE International Group has also invested in a more sustainable operation, according to Xian, since the reduction in repacking also means less packaging materials being wasted.

“We try to use less of materials for our bags and bowls, and we try to use more sustainable materials like recyclable packaging,” Xian says. “The automated process definitely generates less waste than manual processes.”

With orders of the Chef Shuo brand on the rise at major grocery retail chains across Canada and the U.S., the company expects to take full advantage of its 50,000 square feet of available production space in the future.

“Right now, my company is using half of our capacity, half of our production area,” she says. “In two to three years, we want to use the full capacity, producing two to three times more products.

“We’ll need more equipment to do that, especially on the packaging lines, to facilitate that expansion,” Xian notes.

“We’ll also probably need multiple kinds of packaging products and systems—vacuum packs, bowl packaging lines, and other different kinds of packaging technologies.

“We don’t have anything specific in mind right now,” Xian concludes, “but when we establish some new products that meet market needs, we will definitely need some more high-quality packaging equipment to increase production.”

SUPPLIERS MULTIVAC Canada

CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

BEVERAGE PACKAGING

PET Habitat PET plastic containers coming into their own as a preferred packaging choice for aseptic beverage manufacturing

By George Guidoni, Editor s the global beverage industry continues to serve up more innovative products to meet growing consumer demand for healthier, tastier and longer-lasting hydration options, there probably has never been a better time to be in the aseptic processing and packaging business than now.

Developed as an alternative to the traditional hot-filling beverage production process, aseptic cold-fill technology offers a plethora of consumer and environmental benefits that are simply too good to ignore or downplay, including extended product shelf-life, no need for refrigeration, lower energy consumption, and gentler processing to protect the quality of the ingredients’ flavors, textures, appearance and health benefits without the use of preservatives.

As such, aseptic packaging is rapidly becoming a preferred choice in the production of all types of liquid dairy products, juices and nectars, isotonics, iced tea and coffee, and many other shelfstable beverages requiring optimal protection from microbiological contamination, light, oxygen and temperature extremes.

According to market research from Mordor Intelligence, the global market for aseptic packaging is expected to grow to an estimated US$105.2 billion by 2028 from US$63.9 billion this year, representing CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of just over 10.4 per cent during the forecast five-year period.

While China and the Asia Pacific markets will account for the largest share of that growth, accounting for over 20 per cent each, those regions will be

A

CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

closely followed by double-digit growth across North, Central and South America, driven by factors that include: • Growing consumer demand for convenient and functional drinks, such as RTD coffee and tea, energy drinks, and other beverages that can be consumed whenever and wherever they need a boost.

• The increased demand for nutraceutical and “functional” beverages and products containing healthy ingredients such as vegetables and fruits, along with rising global demand for milk-based drinks and plant-based dairy alternatives.

• The increasing demand for instant energy drinks that provide mental and physical stimulation among fitness enthusiasts.

•

The growing health-and-wellness trend driving demand for juices, and other functional beverage requiring cost-effective packaging solutions in the beverage segment, according to Mordor Intelligence.

Having already established a sizable marketplace worldwide, the ranks of aseptic packaging producers have attracted some of the world’ largest beverage processing and packaging suppliers competing in that space, including the likes of Tetra Pak, Amcor, Sealed Air, SIG, Elopak and Sidel, among others.

And while all these companies are locked in intense competition for market share, the aseptic beverage packaging sector is also characterized by an uncommon level of collaboration and partnerships rarely found in other food December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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BEVERAGE PACKAGING

Above Leading Italian mineral water and functional beverages producer Ferrarelle Società Benefit chose Sidel’s aseptic Combi Predis bottling technology to produce its new range of ice tea products at the company’s production site in Boaria, which can run t speeds of up to 18,000 bottles per hour.

Left Attendees taking in one of several informative presentations at Sidel’s recently-held Aseptic Seminar 2023 symposium at The Royal Sonesta Downtown hotel in Chicago, drawing over 150 participants from across the aseptic packaging supply chain.

and beverage sectors—often working together for the bigger cause of making aseptic packaging technology more mainstream, versatile, cost-effective, environmentally-friendlier and, above all, more appealing to the consumers.

This penchant for collaboration was vividly underscored during last month’s two-day international symposium on aseptic PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic aseptic packaging hosted in Chicago by Sidel.

Attracting over 150 representatives from supplier companies comprising Sidel’s aseptic packaging supply chain, the informative forum made a convincing case why PET is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the traditional paperboard drinking cartons that have dominated the aseptic beverage packaging market to date.

While the aseptic beverage cartons 30

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

popularized by Tetra Pak, SIG and Elopak have been able to gain considerable market share by being early adopters of the aseptic packaging process, their market dominance will be challenged in coming years by PET bottles, according to Sidel’s vice-president of packaging Vincent Le Guen, by a new generation of lighterweight, easily recyclable, and attractively designed PET bottles offering similarly effective shelflife and product protection benefits as the cartons, with arguably a lesser carbon footprint.

For one thing, the much-lauded recyclability of beverage cartons is not as straightforward as generally portrayed because these cartons are actually multi-material containers combining paperboard with thin layers of plastic and aluminum foil that all must be separated at the end of life to enable true full recyclability.

This results in a much more complex and energy-intensive process than with the monomaterial PET containers, which have the advantage of being compatible with most existing mechanical recycling streams across North America and Europe.

Moreover, PET offers a critical ad-

vantage of significant reduction in material use through lightweighing, according to Le Guen, whereby a standard empty PET bottle weighing 19 grams in 1990 now weighs only 6.5 grams, without any notable degradation in quality or performance.

And thanks to ongoing technological advances, aseptic PET bottles can incorporate up to 50-percent recycled content (rPET) to offer a more attractive environmental profile backed up by numerous LCA (life-cycle analysis) studies— making them a highly attractive packaging option for facilitating plastics circularity.

In terms of shelf impact, PET bottles also offer virtually limitless possibilities in terms of shapes and sizes to help brand-owners achieve maximum product differentiation on the shelf level, often rivaling the appearance and performance attributes of premium glass packaging.

With its 2018 acquisition of the Gentlebrand design agency in Mexico City, Sidel has made full use of its new formidable in-house packaging design expertise to create hundreds of attractive customized bottle designs for brandowners all over the world to market their CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

Above Swedish-based sauces and condiments producer Orkla Foods has made a switch to aseptic PET packaging containers, offered in various sizes and capping options, to meet growing consumer demand for healthier ketchup with less sugar, salt and preservatives, while using only responsibly-sourced ingredients.

Left An overview of the busy PET bottling line running at the Orkla Foods ketchup facility in Fågelmara, in the southeast of Sweden, which produces about 30 million ketchup bottles a year with 20 different recipes.

product more effectively, while drastically reducing their time-to-market.

As Gentlebrand’s business area manager for the Americas region Shantal Alfaro explained, “We are a very unique design agency in the sense that other branding agencies typically approach their product packaging design only from an aesthetic branding and marketing perspective.

“Of course, it’s vitally important to take these marketing aspects into consideration for new product development,” Alfaro acknowledged, “but we also keenly focus on the technical and structural aspects to make sure that whatever we design is going to be a feasible solution on the customers’ packaging line and all the way through their supply chain to the marketplace.

“As such, we can accompany our customers from design to the actual new CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

product launches—from concept to industrialization,” Alfaro stated.

To do all this, Gentlebrand employs highly skilled and talented multidisciplinary design teams based in Italy and France to develop “tailor-made solutions that help customers convey their message to the final consumer.

“The idea is to create real meaning to packaging design,” she said, “in order to capture the consumer’s attention during the few seconds it takes them to make their purchasing decision at the retail shelf level.”

As Alfaro divulged, “In the traditional process, brand-owners separate their marketing teams and their technical teams, whereby it’s usually just the marketing teams that approach design agencies to execute their creative inspirations.

“But often, that new design can fail in the real world because they may have overlooked the fact that they don’t have sufficient number of physical packaging lines to execute that design effectively, or there may be some obstacles in their supply chain to prevent them from implementing that design,” she said.

That usually means going back to the drawing board, Alfaro pointed out, re-

sulting in significant delays to the product launch or extension.

“With our process, we optimize our creativity phase database alongside our engineering phase and run them in parallel right from the kickoff of the project,” Alfaro stated.

This synchronized approach ultimately results in significantly shorter time-to-market, according to Alfaro.

“It has been proven time and time again that delaying the launch of a new product can really have an adverse impact on revenue opportunities, market share and customer satisfaction,” she said.

“With more and more product entering the market, consumers are continuously looking for new innovations, be it in the decorative pattern, the package size, ingredients, flavors and so on, “ she summed up, “so the idea is to not only to make that launch faster, but to make that launch more effectively.

“And although we work with many other materials other than PET, she concluded, “PET allows us to be very flexible in terms of package design possibilities—allowing us to create different unique solutions that will have a real positive impact for both our customers and the final consumer.”

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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PRE-SHOW REPORT

LET’S MEAT UP AGAIN! The world’s largest integrated meat industry showcase on track to meet and exceed visitor expectations or North American meat industry professionals, there is no show quite like the annual IPPE (International Production & Processing) exhibition in Atlanta, Ga., with its upcoming next edition promising to set new benchmarks for trade show excellence.

To be held at the Georgia World Convention Center in downtown Atlanta from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2024, the 2024 IPPE extravaganza will treat visitors to the world’s largest annual display of technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry, and those involved in feed manufacturing.

With more than 593,500 square feet of exhibit space and 1,245-plus exhibitors, the 2024 IPPE is on track to be one of the top three largest shows in the Expo’s history.

Made up of three integrated trade shows—International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo and International Meat Expo— the IPPE is the world’s largest annual meat, poultry and animal food trade show, jointly sponsored, respectively, by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI).

According to IPPE show management, “IPPE’s extensive range of solutions draws industry leaders worldwide that are committed to business development, implementing best practices, updating operations and remaining competitive.

“We look forward to welcoming our domestic and international attendees to the 2024 IPPE.” The 2024 IPPE will offer attendees the opportunity to build relationships, find new suppliers and vendors, and connect with colleagues from around the

F

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CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

world in one place, at one time.

The 2024 IPPE trade show floor will showcase the newest solutions, technologies, research, processes, services and products that the global animal food and protein industries have to offer.

Moreover, more than 80 hours of world-class education programs will also be presented throughout the week, along with numerous on-floor attendee activities and networking opportunities.

Through Jan. 12, 2024, the Members to Atlanta (M2A) program allows qualified attendees from member-companies of all three associations engaged in the production of poultry, eggs and meat for consumption, production of feed, and for pet food manufacturers to attend complimentary.

The program is supported through the sponsorship of elite IPPE exhibitors, which include Aviagen, CEVA Animal Health, Cobb-Vantress, Inc., Elanco Animal Health, Georgia Poultry Equipment Co., Heat and Control, Huvepharma, Jamesway, Kemin Industries, Inc., Soybean Meal Information Center, Vetagro and Zoetis.

As always, the upcoming 2024 IPPE will feature a wealth of educational opportunities with highly informative seminars, workshops and conference sessions—both paid and free admis-

sion—on each day of the show, featuring something for everyone.

PAID PROGRAMS International Poultry Scientific Forum

Monday, Jan. 29, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $95 early bird, $155 after Jan. 12 Sponsored by the Southern Poultry Science Society, the Southern Conference on Avian Diseases and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the forum presents information on industry CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

topics such as environmental management, nutrition, physiology, pathology, processing and products and avian diseases. Students with a valid student ID may register complimentary on-site.

Price includes admission to the IPPE show floor.

Food Safety Design Principles Workshop

Monday, Jan.29, 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $299 This workshop will provide an in-depth overview of the 10 Principles of Food Safety Design, and how to apply these principles in processing facilities.

The Food Safety Design Principles were expanded in 2021 by the Food Safety Equipment Design Task Force (FSEDTF), a group of representatives from equipment manufacturers with insight from meat and poultry companies. The expanded principles encompass all aspects of food safety—focusing on foreign material mitigation.

This workshop will do a deep dive into the 10 principles to allow for hands-on application of knowledge through equipment demonstrations, and provide a comprehensive overview of checklist scoring that processors can take back and apply to their facilities.

Program registration includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday.

Latin American Poultry Summit

Monday, Jan. 29, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $250 early bird; $350 after Jan. 12 The Latin American Poultry Summit will focus on leading technical topics covering live production and processing issues of greatest priority to Latin American poultry and egg producers and processors. The content focus will focus on a variety of areas for broilers and layers.

The summit will bring together key researchers from universities and leaders from genetic companies, suppliers, integrators, and commercial companies to learn, discuss and network.

Pet Food Conference

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $105 early bird/$150 after Jan.12 The American Feed Industry Association’s Pet Food Conference covers a variety of topics from regulatory and technical aspects of production to product claims, marketing, and nutrition.

The conference attracts more than 300 attendees from pet food manufacturing to ingredient suppliers covering all ingredient categories, offering an excellent opportunity to network with a CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

diverse audience. Program registration includes breakfast and lunch.

Feed Mill of the Future Conference

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $95 early bird/$125 after Jan. 12 The half-day Feed Mill of the Future Conference brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed industry trends and new technologies that will impact how animal feed is manufactured in the years ahead.

Feed milling professionals will leave with a better understanding of how innovation and early adoption will help their business achieve its sustainability, productivity, and profitability goals. The conference is organized and presented

by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines.

Worker Safety Workshop – Control of Hazardous Energy Training with Design Safe

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration fee: $299 Worker safety is one of the most important aspects for large and small companies across the globe, especially as it relates to food processing and equipment manufacturing environments.

This training will explore best practices as it relates to safety within the workplace, specifically geared toward food and equipment manufacturing companies.

Don’t miss a chance to sign up for this impactful training that will allow you to bring this important knowledge back to your facility after 2024 IPPE. Program registration includes lunch.

Feed Your ESG: How Feed Will Help Hit Sustainability Targets

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration fee: $65 early bird/$85 after Jan. 12 Feed additives, particle size and overall formulation of feed affect the environmental footprint of the animal enterprise.

This symposium will explore how the animal feed industry can help achieve corporate ESG and sustainability targets.

USDA-APHIS a Dialogue and Digest

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $270 early bird/$350 after Jan. 12 USDA-APHIS is joining us again at IPPE for an in-depth behind-the-scenes discussion of how policy discussions are made, how they work with countries to create health certificates, and more.

Meet and hear directly from APHIS headquarters staff and field staff. This

opportunity will cover a wide range of topics and options for small group interactions with APHIS staff.

International Rendering Symposium

2024 IPPE SHOW HOURS Tuesday, Jan. 30 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 31 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 2, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: $250 Rendering is an integral and often invisible aspect of animal agriculture’s economic and environmental sustainability. This program will discuss rendering’s contributions, impact, and the future of the industry.

FREE PROGRAMS Animal Agriculture Summit

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Fee: FREE (included with trade show admission) An ever-increasing population, coupled with a changing agricultural workforce, has compelled the animal agriculture industry to make sustainability its top priority. Each animal agriculture sector has initiated an industry-driven program to define sustainability and measure its commitment to become more sustainable.

Representatives of the meat, poultry and animal feed industries will share details on the development of industry programs or tools to advance their aspirations of producing more protein in a sustainable fashion.

December 2023 · CANADIANPACKAGING

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PRE-SHOW REPORT

EVENTS

2024 JAN. 9-11 Dubai, UAE: Gulf Print & Pack, commercial and package printing exhibition by Tarsus Group Limited.

At the World Trade Center. To register, go to: www.labelexpo.com JAN. 15-17 Orlando, Fla.: A3 Business Forum, annual meeting and conference of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). At the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

To register, go to: www.automate.org JAN. 30 – FEB. 1 2024 IPPE Atlanta, Ga.: (International Production and Processing Expo), global meat industry exhibition and conference.

At Georgia World Congress Center.

To register, go to: www.ippexpo.org JAN. 31 – FEB. 1 Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Future of Chemical Recycling 2024, Conference by ACI Europe. To register, go to: www.wplgroup.com

In addition, the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners will be announced at the event.

AFIA Feed Education Program

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

The American Feed Industry Association’s production compliance committee is hosting the annual Feed Production Education program again in 2024.

As regulatory requirements for the feed industry continue to evolve, this training session will update participants on any recent changes from several federal agencies including DOL, DOT, EPA, FDA, and OSHA. In addition, the Feed Mill of the Year winner for the commercial feed category will be announced.

Poultry Market Intelligence Forum

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 9:00 a.m. –

34

MARCH 5-7 Munich, Germany: LOPEC 2024, global exhibition and conference for printed electronics by Messe München GmbH. At Messe München Convention Center. To register, go to: www.lopec.com 12:00 p.m.

A leading industry economist and industry experts will provide insights on how the domestic and global economies are continuously improving performance and how regulatory issues impact the poultry and egg industries. They will identify challenges facing the industry and discuss how the U.S. and international industries are positioned to move forward.

WMIN Panel: Mentoring Matters

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join WMIN for a panel discussion highlighting the importance of building a cross-industry mentorship network. Hear about the upcoming launch of WMIN’s mentoring program, and how you can be part of the inaugural cohort set to launch in early 2024.

For more information and to register for 2024 IPPE, please go to: www.ippexpo.org

CANADIANPACKAGING · December 2023

MARCH 10-12 Boston, Ma.: Seafood Expo North America, exhibition and conference

by Diversified Communications. At Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. To register, go to: www.seafoodexpo.com MARCH 11-14 Atlanta, Ga.: MODEX 2024, manufacturing and supply chain technologies exhibition and conference by MHI. At Georgia World Congress Center. To register, go to: www.modexshow.com MARCH 12-13 Bogotá, Colombia: Label Summit Latin America 2024, exhibition and conference by Tarsus Group Limited. At Agora Bogotá Convention Center. To register, go to: www.labelsummit.com MARCH 18-20 Philadelphia, Pa.: PACK EXPO East, packaging technologies and

materials exhibition and conference

by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. At Pennsylvania Convention Center. To register, go to: www.packexpo.com

MARCH 19-22 Cologne, Germany: Anuga FoodTec 2024, global food and beverage technologies exhibition by Koelnmesse GmbH. At Koelnmesse Fairgrounds. To register, go to: www.koelnmesse.us MAY 6-9 Chicago: Automate, robotics and automation trade show and conference by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). At McCormick Place.

To register, go to: www.AutomationShow.com MAY 6-10 Orlando, Fla.: NPE 2024: The Plastics Show, global plastics innovations showcase by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). At the Orange County Convention Center.

To register, go to: www.plasticsindustry.org MAY 14-15 Porto, Portugal: European Food & Beverage Plastic Packaging, conference by ACI Europe. To register, go to: www.wplgroup.com MAY 28 – JUNE 7 Düsseldorf, Germany: drupa 2024, global trade fair for printing technologies by Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. At Messe Düsseldorf fairgrounds. To register, go to: www.drupa.com SEPT. 8-12 Orlando, Fla.: SuperCorrExpo 2024, international corrugated manufacturing exhibition and conference by TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) and AICC, The Independent Packaging Association.

At the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). To register, go to: www.supercorrexpo.com NOV. 3-6 Chicago: Pack Expo International 2024, global packaging technologies exhibition and conference by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. At McCormick Place fairgrounds. To register, go to: www.packexpo.com CANADIANPACKAGING.COM

PLAN TO ATTEND!

PRESENTED BY:

CANADA’S ONLY BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS BAKING EVENT

MAY 5 - 6, 2024 I TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE

Join Canada’s baking industry professionals from bakeries (artisan, retail, wholesale, commercial, in-store, pizzerias), grocery and foodservice outlets at Canada’s ONLY Business-to-Business Baking Event!

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Enticing packaging for picky teens with attitude / Naomi Hiltz

A

h, the joys of being the culinary director for a household of teenage taste buds on a perpetual rollercoaster ride! My son, the gourmet, eats very few foods. At the same time, he is s bottomless pit, whose typical dinner consists of three Beyond Meat burgers, a Caesar salad, a dozen cheese sticks, a couple of peanutbutter-and-jelly sandwiches, and ice cream for dessert. My daughter, on the other hand, is the undercover food critic who prefers the real deal in the meat department, while dabbling in pasta and moving things she doesn’t like around like the Picasso of plate rearrangement.

Pleasing both does not come easy, but thanks to some outstanding product packaging at my local grocer to pique their interest, it can be done.

The Main St. Bistro’s Signature Mashed Potatoes offers a symphony of tastes crafted from fresh potatoes, real milk, butter, and a dash of black pepper to deliver an upscale dining experience at the home dinner table. Offering a diverse range of flavors—from Buttermilk & Sour Cream to Red Sea Salt & Black Pepper Potatoes— the brand’s diversity is capably backed up by high-quality packaging highlighting commitment to quality, while reinforcing the premium nature of their product.

With the brand’s bold logo on top and sides of the paperboard sleeve arranged like a street sign, the appetizing display of sumptuous product photography and neatly arranged product attributes, recipe and ingredient information, and a callout to the all-natural ingredients like real milk and butter, are all conveyed via a thick font to accentuate the authenticity of Signature’s creation. The promise of easy, five-minute preparation completely seals the deal, as does the culinary booklet on the back sharing foolproof cooking instructions for both stove maestros and microwave wizards.

Clockwise from top The Old Fashioned Wild Blueberry Pie box with shellshaped seethrough cutout window; the ready-to-eat Fresh Attitude Spring Mix salad kit; a tray-pack of Fresh Market Atlantic Salmon Portions; a sleeved tray of Main St. Bistro’s Signature Mashed Potatoes.

packaging allows the consumer to view the actual product inside through a transparent plastic film on the front, alongside the prominently embossed “Old Fashioned” brand logo and vintage-inspired color palette honoring the timeless quality and recipe authenticity of the pie, reinforced with the “always baked, never fried” callout. The plastic window cutout aside, the packaging is made of 100-percent recycled paperboard with a perforated side wall to accommodate for easy tear-away opening.

With my son being a picky fish sceptic, and my daughter mysteriously dropping salmon from her favorite foods list, I tried to reverse the trend with a tray of the Fresh Market Atlantic Salmon Portions.

Boasting a succulent rich flavor profile that captures the essence of the pristine waters from which they hail, the salmon’s natural, mild sweetness is complemented by subtle notes of umami, creating a harmonious balance that caters to discerning palettes. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, the inherent freshness of these ‘portions’ shines through, making them a delectable choice for seafood enthusiasts seeking a premium dining experience. The Fresh Market Atlantic Salmon Portions combine a visually appealing design with essential information, reflecting a commitment to delivering a premium seafood product. The packaging is fully transparent, which provides

The Old Fashioned Wild Blueberry Pie is an enticing tribute to the cherished tradition of home-made excellence.

Evoking a sense of nostalgia and comforting taste of a bygone era, the transparent

the consumer a chance to view the product inside. The brand’s logo and name are prominently displayed on a wraparound band attached to the top seal of the tray, which incorporating shades of blue to project a close connection with the ocean. The portions are meticulously prepared and vacuum-sealed on a recyclable tray to ensure optimal freshness and flavor—complemented by the on-pack assurance of the product sustainably sourced, including the on-pack Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification label.

The packaging for the Fresh Attitude Spring Mix salad kit bowl a vibrant blend of aesthetics, information, and practicality—making it an appealing choice for consumers seeking a convenient, authentic and visually delightful salad option.

Packing natural wholesome ingredients in separate internal compartments, the bowl’s colorful lid instantly grabs the eye with crisp images of diced apples, dried cranberries and roasted almonds arranged inside, with the easy-pull corner tab in the bottom right corner also deserving full marks for optimal consumer convenience. In addition to tantalizing imagery, the packaging goes the extra mile by suggesting serving ideas, inspiring consumers to combine the spring mix with other ingredients for a fully satisfying salad experience. The primary salad container doubles as a convenient bowl for tossing the salad together, and once you’ve savored every last bite, both the tray and packaging can be easily recycled—making it a win-win for freshness, convenience, and the environment.

NAOMI HILTZ is a freelance photographer living in Vaughan, Ont.

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