Knick Knack Double Pack, USA

RPC Containers (RPC Bebo Plastik) has developed a double-pack food container for Unilever's half-fat Latta im Frischeduo margarine product, which can be split down the middle along a pre-perforated area, allowing one half to be freshly stored for a later date.

Rather than a customer purchasing a large container, which will remain open for a long period, this concept allows the same economy to be achieved by buying the larger pack with one half left unopened until needed. RPC believes that the double-pack concept will provide convenience for the growing number of single households where a large container may be unsuitable.

The two sections are labelled ‘knick’ and ‘knack’.

RPC BEBO PLASTIK

The new double-pack contains two 100g portions that are separated by the breakable perforation.

The new pack was developed in polypropylene incorporating the brand’s graphics. RPC Bebo already produces other larger sized tubs for the Latta brand and Unilever has an existing packaging line, so part of the development of the new pack required the use of existing packaging equipment.

DEVELOPMENT

The development of the design required that the tubs were still convenient for filling by Unilever. The double-pack was designed to fit the cell plates for the regular 500g tub and this meant it could be filled on the existing Unilever filling lines.

RPC Bebo was able to design a method for creating the required perforation moulding using the thermoforming tool. This was difficult to achieve using the polypropylene material chosen for the tub.

The tub is decorated with adhesive labels and the lids are printed using a patented Bebo print technique. The printing and decoration is carried out in the same way for similar tubs in the range.

Latta im Frischeduo was launched in February 2008 and was supported by a major advertising promotion from Unilever highlighting the healthy properties of the half-fat spread, along with the added convenience of the double-pack for people with busy lifestyles. Depending upon how this is received the concept could be used for a whole range of food products such as dips and spreads and prepared salads.