New packaging saves 50 percent plastic
Hochwald switches fresh dairy and mixed milk beverages to Pure-Pak® cartons from Elopak.
Hochwald Foods GmbH is to fill their fresh dairy and mixed milk beverages into Pure-Pak® gable top cartons from Elopak. For this switch Hochwald is depending on filling technology that is as flexible as it is robust and, for the Bärenmarke brand, on the Pure-Pak carton which has around 50 percent less plastic content compared to the previous packaging.
In addition to the Bärenmarke bear brand, the changeover also affects the regional brands “Hochwald” and “Tuffi”. Four Elopak filling machines have been installed at the Hungen site, and the first products in the new packaging are already available in stores.
Hochwald has switched its Bärenmarke brand to the Pure-Pak® cartons, which is the most popular fresh milk packaging in the German market. The significant reduction in plastic compared to previous packaging, and a ten percent higher proportion of renewable raw materials, help the company to reduce CO2 emissions and position itself more sustainably. For end consumers, the gable top carton is also easier and more space-saving to dispose of thanks to the easy fold line. All cartons carry the Pure-TwistFlip 34i tethered closure, which delivers a high level of user-friendliness when opening, resealing and pouring.
Michael Oppenheimer, Market Unit Manager Elopak Germany“Consumers perceive packaging with less plastic as more environmentally friendly,”
“The new beverage carton helps consumers avoid plastic. At the same time, the reduced CO2 footprint supports our customers in achieving their climate protection and plastic reduction targets.”
The change at Hochwald follows an independent consumer survey in which Elopak’s Pure-Pak® carton achieved the highest willingness to buy at 77 percent.
All fresh dairy and mixed milk beverages produced and bottled at Hochwald will benefit from the changeover. For the Bärenmarke bear brand, are fresh milk in the 1000 ml size in fat levels 1.8% and 3.8%, fresh cocoa and two fresh iced coffee varieties. In addition, fresh whipped cream and fresh cocoa, which is particularly aimed at the on-the-go market, are filled in the 500 ml Pure-Pak® carton.
“With its many years of experience in the systems business, Elopak is the ideal partner for the relaunch of our fresh product range in carton packaging,” says Daniel Birker, plant manager of the Hochwald Hungen site. “The cooperation is highly professional and we appreciate the pronounced customer orientation of the project team. We were looking for a system solution that was not only robust and reliable, but also impressive with flexibility and intuitive operation. The new packaging also significantly reduces our plastic consumption and helps us to reduce CO2 emissions.”
Shikoku’s installed machines deliver 95 percent line efficiency, can fill up to 14,000 cartons per hour, and allow different sizes and carton variants to be used on one machine. Format changes or design changes work at the touch of a button; maintenance, cleaning and service cause minimal downtime, which is reflected in high cost efficiency.