Packaging

RPC devises classic alternative to glass and tin

RPC Containers Corby is responding to market demands from both the food industry and retailers for maximum safety and convenience in their packaging with the introduction of a brand new range of multi-layer plastic jars.

Friday 13. February 2009 - RPC Containers Corby is responding to market demands from both the food industry and retailers for maximum safety and convenience in their packaging with the introduction of a brand new range of multi-layer plastic jars.

The new Classic jars offer both extended shelf-life and the ability to be pasteurised and sterilised, along with plastics’ traditional benefits of lightweighting, easy handling and shatter resistance, to provide a viable alternative to both glass and tin for a wide variety of food products.

The unique ‘squround’ design of the new jars – a predominantly round shape with squared shoulders – means the jars have the strength to withstand high temperature processing while being able to run down existing filling lines. Equally important, the straight sides of the jars enable product to be more clearly visible and provide greater flexibility for labelling and sleeving.

The Classic range is currently available in five sizes – 212ml, 610ml, 700ml, 830ml and 1 litre. The jars can be specified with a choice of closures to suit different product requirements, including Induction and Conduction seals, Ideal and Bapco.

The jars feature a multi-layer polypropylene structure with EVOH providing effective protection against oxygen ingress to deliver a shelf life of up to 12 months or longer. PP can withstand temperatures up to 120°C, allowing products to be sterilised and pasteurised during the filling process.

Increasing regulation in recent years in the foodservice sector – for example HACCP rules regarding safety in food preparation areas – has already seen plastics replacing glass for catering jars. This trend is now continuing into the retail sector where plastics offer environmental benefits in terms of their lighter weight and resulting reduced impact in the distribution chain, as well as convenience and ease of use.

“We are able to offer a comprehensive support service, covering handling, filling and decoration, to enable customers to take full advantage of the Classic range as a genuine alternative to glass and tin,” comments Vince Dean, Sales and Marketing Manager, RPC Corby.