With their largest stand to date, Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG) is presenting a comprehensive portfolio of modern convenience packaging at interpack 2014 in Dusseldorf (March 8-14, Hall 9, Stand C 34 / D 31). Europe's leading supplier of durable, attractively labelled packaging solutions will be introducing important new developments and presenting traditional favourites.
These include composite cans and drums and high-quality plastic containers designed with In-Mould Labelling (IML) processes. One of the main attractions is WPG's extremely impermeable barrier packaging, including peel-off top composite cans and plastic trays produced with Weidenhammer's patented PermaSafe® technology. Weidenhammer will also be introducing the NaturalCan, a composite can produced using sustainable materials.
"Packed to Protect. Styled to Sell" is once again the Weidenhammer Packaging Group motto for its trade fair appearance at interpack 2014. The 200-square-metre stand is the largest in the company's history. One of the highlights of the Hockenheim packaging expert's presentation this year is their focus on packaging solutions that combine optimum product protection with maximum design freedom. WPG have developed an impressive portfolio in this area. "Over the last several years, we have made considerable investments in research and development for barrier packaging - for our composite cans as well as in our plastic packaging lines", says Ralf Wiedenhammer, CEO of WPG. "Now we're looking forward to presenting these innovations to an international audience. With industry experts in attendance from all over the world, interpack is the perfect location."
All-round protection meets wraparound design
Increased product protection and a variety of design options are among the most important characteristics of all WPG packaging solutions. This starts with the classic composite can, available in various formats - cylindrical, non-cylindrical and even oval - and sizes. It delivers optimum protection for moisture-sensitive dry bulk goods and boasts extremely eye-catching labelling for the POS. Products packaged in Weidenhammer composite cans range from foodstuffs like instant beverages, sauces, snacks and cereals to non-food products like tobacco, pharmaceutical and gardening products and pet food.
Alongside the EvoCan - the newest generation of composite cans - individual packaging solutions like the SnackCan for stacked chips will be on display at interpack. WPG will also debut the NaturalCan this year. A new development in packaging, the NaturalCan embodies WPG's response to a growing market with a particular focus on sustainable products and packaging solutions. The NaturalCan has a special emphasis on sustainable materials and is manufactured using 100% green energy. The NaturalCan is the perfect choice for manufacturers of organic and natural products. Environmentally friendly uncoated paper is used for the label, which also points to the sustainability of the packaged products.
Optimum brand management - bonus for clients
"Our composite cans represent convenience packaging par excellence! They are ideal for takeaway products and are easy to open and reseal. That's why they are so popular with consumers," explains Rolf Regelmann, Director of Sales and Marketing at WPG. This versatile WPG can offers retailers benefits in product and aroma protection, and as well as marketing benefits. With its wraparound labelling, this ready-made packaging means products no longer need to be decanted into other storage containers. Branding is visible to the consumer long after the product is opened. "In addition, special closures like shaker tops and dispenser lids can make the container more appealing to the consumer - which strengthens the brand image at the same time," says Regelmann.
Peel-off top composite cans: extremely impermeable for highly-sensitive goods
WPG's most recent development in their composite can range, the peel-off top composite can, is also extremely convenient. This can has been specially developed for dry bulk goods that are particularly sensitive to oxygen. These goods have always had to be distributed in metal containers - until now. "For the first time, we are able to offer a composite can which is equally as effective as a metal tin in terms of sealing properties and impermeability", says Regelmann. "Peel-off top composite cans are ideal for milk-powder products and baby food, as well as for goods that are particularly sensitive to oxygen, like coffee."
Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging: many solutions, one source
Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging (WPP), WPG's plastics division, also specialises in high-quality packaging with additional uses for the consumer. WPP's plastic containers are produced using thin-walled injection moulding technology and are labelled with modern In-Mould Labelling technology (IML).
Packaging manufacture and labelling are thus carried out in one step - and the customer also has the greatest possible design freedom in regard to format and size. The range extends from simple, round plastic trays to elaborately labelled portion packaging - always tailor-made for the individual product. "In order to guarantee this, we work very closely with the customer throughout the entire development process", says Andreas Rothschink, Sales Director at WPP. "You always receive the best service and consultation from one source. We find the perfect packaging solution for you."
In addition to packaging for sausage products, WPP is placing a special focus on dairy products at interpack 2014. WPP's product range extends from plastic trays for ice cream to specially designed containers for mozzarella balls, as well as a small butter container which WPP developed for DMK (Ravensberger brand) as a new IML container. A special visually appealing modern two-chamber container with folding seam for dessert products is also on display. The side and bottom labels are seamlessly integrated without edges for a perfect all-round design (full cover experience) - a WPP innovation that is only available to the European market. The container has a soft, rounded bottom edge and is pleasing to the touch.
"The advantage of our IML packaging is not just in the attractive look and feel", says Rothschink. "We are also continuously improving the sealing properties of our plastic trays." The newest developments from the PermaSafe® packaging range will also be on display at interpack 2014. Since its launch, the "reinvention of the metal can", developed by WPP especially for sterilised and pasteurised foodstuffs, has attracted numerous new clients. Practically impermeable to oxygen and steam, PermaSafe® guarantees high levels of hygiene and a long shelf life for delicate products like ready-to-serve food, sausage products and dips
