Packed to protect Styled to sell Weidenhammer at Interpack 2011

The Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG) is looking forward to Interpack 2011 in Dusseldorf. From 12 to 18 May the specialist for sturdy, attractively labeled consumer packaging will be presenting solutions including its highly acclaimed new peel-off top for composite cans designed for oxygen-sensitive bulk products. Trade visitors to the Weidenhammer display in Hall 9, Stand D-31 will be able to see the uniquely-shaped OvalCan along with a variety of innovative plastics packaging solutions in attractive formats aimed at making products stand out at the point-of sale. Weidenhammer will also be introducing gourmet food manufacturer Appel at Interpack. This new customer recently started selling products in PermaSafe, Weidenhammer’s reinvention of the can.

Focusing on the theme "Packed to protect – Styled to sell," Weidenhammer is presenting a complete portfolio of packaging solutions at this year’s Interpack in Dusseldorf. CEO Ralf Weidenhammer is looking forward to interacting with visitors at the world’s leading packaging trade show: "Interpack is an absolute highlight for us. It offers us a perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with our customers and business affiliates, as well as with potential new customers and show them our latest packaging concepts, product quality and services." Weidenhammer is presenting a wide range of products in Dusseldorf, including composite cans, plastic containers, and closures with added benefits. The company is also highlighting its ability to work in close cooperation with customers on all aspects of packaging development.

Peel-off top: airtight and easy to open
As a standard element across many different packaging segments, the composite can is characterized by stability, resealability and maximum consumer convenience. Composite cans can be used for everything from instant drinks, soups, and sauces, to snacks, cookies, or tobacco products. Weidenhammer works continuously on developing this packaging solution for new market segments. One of the company’s latest innovations is the peel-off top. This closure with an easy-to-open membrane and ring pull or flat tab is similar to the solutions currently on the market for metal closures. Both versions are easy to open for the consumer and ensure excellent gas and oxygen impermeability. "We work continuously on the advanced development of solutions," explains Rolf Regelmann, in charge of WPG sales. "With the oxygen-impermeable peel-off top closure we have expanded the scope of composite cans for dry goods. This gives our customers a new, intelligent packaging concept that is also suitable for powdered milk and other oxygen-sensitive food products."

Quality and food safety play a crucial role in products for babies and young children. This is why the production of composite cans for milk powder products is subject to very strict guide¬lines at Weidenhammer. Regelmann explains: "We produce composite cans in clean room conditions to ensure maximum food safety." A composite can with peel-off top offers the same sealing properties and oxygen impermeability as conventional tinplate or glass packaging. "However, by comparison, composite cans offer two key advantages: They cost less and are more environmentally compatible," says Regelmann.

Special formats, lids and designs
Featuring a unique format, the OvalCan is one of the latest additions to the Weidenhammer product portfolio on display at Interpack. This packaging solution sets itself apart from the competition and attracts consumer attention with its ergonomic oval shape. The OvalCan is ideal for dry goods or moisture-sensitive foods. On the shelf, this composite can supports branding with an eye-catching elliptical shape that clearly differentiates it from competing products.

A wide variety of plastic caps ranging from snap-on lids and overcaps to shaker tops creates added benefits for manufacturers and consumers. WPG closure solutions offer optimal protection and seal-in freshness thanks to a tamper-proof membrane and resealing cap. Consumers benefit from the added convenience: two component, injection molded shaker tops ensure accurate dispensing and make the powdered sugar mill and other composite cans ideal as ready-to-use packaging solutions.

Focusing on benefits that can be used in marketing, the Weidenhammer Group develops tailor-made product closure solutions that integrate seamlessly into the overall packaging design. Numerous options, including multiple colors, transparency or high-quality branding with in-mold labeling techniques offer plenty of creative freedom when it comes to packaging design. "The closure plays a key role in the success of a product," says Regelmann. "We provide innovative packaging solutions along with engineering expertise, service and support all from a single source. This is the best way to develop a package designed to meet the needs of the product and the customer."

Plastic solutions with maximum convenience
Visitors to the Weidenhammer stand at Interpack will also discover a variety of new plastic packaging solutions. The containers manufactured by Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging are not only ideal for refrigerated and frozen foods. This packaging is based on in-mold labeling technology in which the plastic container and labeling are created in one manufacturing step. Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging designs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from basic round plastic containers, to elaborately labeled single-portion packaging. "We develop our packaging solutions in close cooperation with the customer," explains Andreas Rothschink, in charge of sales at Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging. "This results in unique convenience packaging shapes that stand out on the supermarket shelf and give products a fresh image that appeals to new consumer target groups." One example is the Mühlen Würstchen sausages manufactured by Rügenwalder Mühle. This product is now sold in handy plastic containers developed by Weidenhammer. The sausages are packed upright without water – a solution that clearly stands out from the competition and has also helped reposition the product as a snack food.

PermaSafe, Weidenhammer’s "reinvention of the can", offers a unique brand presentation. Virtually impermeable to oxygen and water vapor, PermaSafe guarantees maximum hygiene and a longer shelf life for processed foods, meats, dips, and other perishable products. These benefits convinced gourmet food manufacturer Appel. Following in the footsteps of Muller’s Heideverführung home-style meat spread, Appel recently started selling its fish specialties in attractive PermaSafe packaging.