| Amcor PET Packaging today introduced the new Amcor Big Mouth™, a high-performance wide mouth PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container. The industry leader for hot fill applications, Amcor’s newest product is designed for pasta sauce, apple sauce, jams and jellies, salsa and other food products filled at temperatures up to 195° F. |
“Big Mouth PET containers offer an ideal answer for food processors squeezed by rising glass prices and supply limitations, as well as energy costs and other factors that also impact distributors, retailers and consumers nationwide,” said Lisa Petersmark, Business Director, Food and Marketing, for Amcor PET Packaging.
“It certainly is one of the lightest weight PET jars in the marketplace. Big Mouth also avoids problems that processors tell us have occurred with other PET jars in hot fill food lines, particularly capping and seal integrity issues.”
Proprietary design, unmatched Amcor PET experience address special demands
Dr. Terry Patcheak, Amcor Senior Scientist, said “Dimensional consistency in the container finish area is absolutely critical for proper closure performance, and existing blow-trim package designs make achieving this extremely difficult. It can be done. We do it daily for numerous hot fill beverage customers, as well as other food product applications.
“However,” added Patcheak, “considering the unique demands posed by hot fill foods, our experience in hot fill and blow-trim technology drove us to a new, patent-pending design. Unlike traditional PET jars, we developed a process which ensures consistent finish dimensions on every single jar.”
Unique ‘blow-trim-plus’ process provides superior cap-landing area
In addition to its proprietary finish design, Amcor’s version of blow-trim technology is enhanced, too. Other manufacturers simply trim off the top after blow molding the jar, which leaves a relatively slim and sharp landing area for cap application.
“We add another step in the process,” Petersmark points out, “which gives Big Mouth jars a flatter, smoother and wider surface that allows for improved seal technology.”
Results from Big Mouth hot fill trials have confirmed the success of the Amcor design, technology and process advances. The company reports there have been no issues with closure application or removal.
“In our latest unit trials,” Patcheak adds, “independent data loggers verified performance through the filler, the cooler and all the way to pack-out. We held the seal throughout the entire line process.”
Barrier options and smooth Big Mouth jar panels for wrinkle-free labels
Petersmark and Patcheak also noted that Amcor’s Big Mouth patented panel design provides a smooth surface for full-wrap or shrink labels without potential wrinkling that could occur on ‘ribbed’ PET containers.
“If labels are applied when hot-filled packages are still warm as the product cools further, some wrinkling could occur as the ribs collapse. That would not happen with our jar,” Patcheak said.
For processors whose products call for special shelf life needs, Amcor can incorporate additional barrier material into Big Mouth formulations.
“The quality and reliability of our service is recognized throughout the industry,” Petersmark added.. “Whether setting up a line, addressing a customer problem or maintaining on-spec, on-time, within-budget deliveries, Big Mouth and our support system are production ready now.”
Consumer studies show preference to Big Mouth containers
Recently conducted consumer focus groups provided a hearty endorsement for Amcor’s newest product. The studies showed that consumers highly approved of the unbreakable design, the see-through factor and kid-friendly attributes. They also liked the environmental advantages of a lightweight and recyclable jar.
“When consumers in the groups were shown the Big Mouth container, their immediate response was favorable,” states LaTricia Fry, Marketing Manager at Amcor PET. “Big Mouth out-ranked every package now available in the market, and the participants liked the idea that an alternative to glass would be available in their favorite food categories.”
| Latricia Fry Phone: +1 734 302 2802 Phone: +1 800 666 7741 latricia.fry@amcorpet.com |
