WPP's IML Process Allows Label to Cover Round Edges
- Published: July 01, 2014
HOCKENHEIM, GERMANY | The new Monte desserts from Zott are simply ingenious and very tasty—and the packaging plays a key role. The flavor stays fresh thanks to the modern two-cup chamber system with folding seam that keeps the unique Monte cream—a combination of creamy milk, chocolate, and hazelnuts—and fruit or crispy ingredients separate until they are mixed just before eating.
The plastic container is manufactured using a thin-walled injection technique with in-mold labeling by the Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG). Perfect all-around labeling is achieved using the special Weidenhammer full-cover technique that enables the sides and bottom of the plastic container to be seamlessly processed without edges.
The new Monte dessert from Zott, a tradition-rich Bavarian company, stands out in two ways. Firstly, the four Zott Monte varieties, Cherry, Crunchy, Cappuccino Balls, and Shortbread, clearly meet consumer demand for a selection of different tastes. Secondly, the practical two-chamber plastic container enables quick enjoyment based on individual preferences.
The plastic container developed by Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging (WPP) has two separate chambers to hold the Zott Monte cream and another component. The two dessert components are mixed when the consumer bends the packaging at the fold line and mixes the ingredients just before eating. This enables the dessert to be partially or completely mixed, or eaten separately.
"Our two-chamber container is a key aspect of the overall product", explained WPP Sales Director Andreas Rothschink. "Above all, it offers consumers maximum convenience. Simple and practical handling enables them to easily create their own dessert according to individual preferences".
High quality packaging for on-the-spot eating pleasure
WPP started manufacturing the modern plastic containers late last year at its plant in Zwenkau, Saxony. Before this, approximately 12 months were spent on packaging development and testing. In cooperation with Zott, Weidenhammer experts worked on the design and the construction of the special container.
"For Monte desserts, it is extremely important to ensure that the cream remains separate from the other ingredients in the filling process", Rothschink explained. "This would significantly affect the shelf life of the product and ultimately its taste."
The result of the packaging development work takes all of these special demands into account. The container's two chambers are optimally spaced and, thanks to the integrated fold line, the contents can be mixed by consumers with a flick of the wrist. The packaging is practically unbreakable.
"The material is high quality polypropylene (PP), which is flexible, bends easily, and is ideal for refrigerated display cases," Rothschink said. Sealed with an aluminium membrane, the plastic container offers optimum product protection. This ensures that the product is always fresh at the time of purchase.
Full surface labeling using the full cover technique
WPP leaves nothing to chance when it comes to the design. The two-chamber containers are produced using the IML injection molding process that handles manufacturing and labeling in a single step. This guarantees high-precision, attractive plastic containers that clearly emphasize the high quality of the brand product.
WPP uses the full-cover technique for Zott Monte dessert containers. Specially developed by WPP, this IML technology process enables the sides and bottom of the plastic container to be seamlessly processed without edges.
"We are currently the only company on the market that offers this process", Rothschink explained. "The technique allows full surface labeling that covers even the rounded edges."
This not only gives the container a unique look and feel. Rounded edges offer another key benefit: consumers can spoon out the last bit of Monte dessert from the container. Just one more way the packaging enhances product enjoyment.
