With its innovative WindowCan packaging solution, Sonoco Europe combines the advantages of composite cans with those of plastic packaging and enables a clear view of foods such as muesli or confectionery thanks to the integrated viewing window.
The round can, which was first presented as a prototype at interpack 2017, is made of plastic and is produced in the In-Mould Labelling (IML) process. However, it is decorated with a paper label that can be printed on both sides, which is reminiscent of a classic composite box in terms of feel and design. The highlight here is the freely customisable, clear Viewing window, which gives consumers a clear view of the product at the point of sale and thus provides additional impetus to buy. The WindowCan can be used for a wide range of applications: Thanks to its water vapour barrier and reclosure, the new packaging solution is particularly suitable for dry foods such as oatmeal, muesli or sweets.
Visibly packaged food whets the appetite and creates trust: Consumers can convince themselves of the quality of the food before they buy it. Until now, however, it has not been possible to attach viewing windows to composite cans, or only at great expense. „Composite cans are extremely popular packaging with consumers and food manufacturers alike. They are practical, fully decorated and suit a wide variety of lifestyles. What they have lacked until now, however, is a viewing window, as is standard for plastic packaging,“ explains Séan Cairns, Vice President and General Manager at Sonoco Consumer Products Europe. „The WindowCan now combines the advantages of composite cans and plastic packaging in one packaging solution - including a clear view of the product.“
Clear view and paper haptics thanks to IML
Sonoco manufactures the WindowCan using the IML process at its Zwenkau site. Sonoco places the pre-cut paper label, which has been specially developed for the application, into the mould of the packaging. The heat of the injection moulding process melts it into the packaging material. The feel of the paper label is retained, which is reminiscent of Sonoco's classic composite cans and provides an attractive contrast to the smooth plastic window. The label on the inside provides a visual contrast: its paper can be printed on both sides, which creates an additional visual effect. internal design made possible.
Customised to the product and brand
The viewing window is cut into the WindowCan label using a laser. Customers can design the shape in almost any way they like. For example, a window in the shape of sweets or chocolate lentils alludes to the contents. Stylised windows can also support brand communication by depicting a logo. The window not only offers a clear view of the product, but also alludes to the transparency of the ingredients, for example. Naturally designed paper labels also emphasise a brand's affinity with nature.
Different WindowCan formats make it possible to select the optimum product size for specific consumer situations and target groups. One Water vapour barrier ensures a long shelf life for the products. Before opening for the first time, the contents of the can are also protected by a Sealed Safe® membrane or a ring-pull lid - depending on whether products are poured out of the packaging or whether consumers remove them directly by hand. Once opened, consumers can close the packaging securely again thanks to the snap-on lid. In contrast to the process used for classic composite cans, Sonoco produces a can with a base using the IML process. The customer can then fill the WindowCan on existing systems and attach the lid to conventional can seaming systems.
