If you wanted to see the biggest packaging event in the country on Monday, Las Vegas, Nev., was the place to be. Food Dive arrived at Pack Expo 2013, and we kicked off the week by scouring the exhibitor hall in search of new packaging solutions and designs.
From tetrahedral packaging designed to keep produce fresh to edible packaging, here are the most innovative (and unexpected) food and beverage packaging solutions and designs at the convention:
1. THE POP UP CUP
Company: Consapack
What it is: The Consapack Pop Up Cup is a single portion, disposable cup that literally pops up. Food manufacturers can customize the packaging into a cup or a bowl, which is then filled, compressed and sealed. "Then, when the consumer opens it, boom! It pops up," Orrin Addis, founder and CEO of CP Group, maker of the Pop Up Cup, told Food Dive. The food, he noted, is only at the base, making it a perfect delivery device for powders that require liquids, such as whey protein powder, soup, hot chocolate and instant coffee. When asked what the appeal is for consumers, Addis quickly replied, "There's nothing like it."
2. VIVOS EDIBLE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Company: MonoSol
What it is: Made by MonoSol, the Vivos Water Soluble Edible Delivery System is a polymer film that encases food. The film then dissolves as soon as it comes into contact with an aqueous solution.
Food Dive spoke with Matt Scearce, manager of media and communications at MonoSol, who said the film is "completely" safe to eat. The pouches have been Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are being used in the manufacturing process for the delivery of colors and flavors. MonoSol is currently looking to bring its edible packaging into food service and retail products.
What's the advantage of an edible packaging? "It allows for pre-portioned amounts" and it's sustainable, Scearce noted. The edible packaging does, however, require a secondary package to protect it. What do you put in it? "Anything that requires water or an aqueous solution," Scearce told Food Dive.
3. SMART CAP
Company: Orcas Customized Products
What it is: Made by Orcas Customized Products, the Smart Cap by Cliqloc can seal any beverage cap. Once the cap is on, bugs can't get in, the drink can't spill, etc. Even better, the sealing system will keep the beverage fresh and holds fizz in sodas for 30 days. Food Dive spoke with Orcas Managing Director Markus Korndoerfer, who said the product has just launched in the U.S. Korndoefer stated the Smart Cap can be sold through retailers and as a promotional item.
4. PATTRUSS Z
Company: Pattruss
What it is: Created by Japanese company Pattruss, the Pattruss Z packaging design comes in the shape of tetrahedron. Using about 1/10th of the plastic of clam shell packaging, the Pattruss Z's unexpected yet simple design allows produce to be stored more efficiently without damage. The design protects the produce using air inside the package, preventing it from getting crushed and extending shelf life.
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