New tear tape promises easy opening for biscuit packs
The Communication Tab System includes a protruding U-shaped tab that extends beyond the seal area, which makes it easier for consumers to find and pull, said the company.
Payne, which is a global manufacturer of tear tape for the food industry, said it developed this new system in response to feedback from one of its big customers, UK-based United Biscuits.
“United Biscuits had run a series of customer feedback, and one thing they found was that people sometimes found it difficult to find the end of the tape, which may become stuck down during sealing. So they wanted something easy to find and easy to use,” said Michael Love, tear tape category manager at Payne.
How does it work?
The new tab cutter comprises two main components, the cutter mechanism and the tab save device.
The cutter mechanism clamps and cuts a horse shoe-shaped tab 12mm wide by 20mm long into the film during application of the tear tape. According to Payne, this is a compact unit that can fit most wrapping machines. It is supplied in three sizes (100, 150 and 200mm) to accommodate varying film widths, said the firm.
The tab save device, another compact mechanism, is designed to save the tab from being cut during the main film cut operation. It can be mechanically or pneumatically operated.
According to United Biscuits, the system was easy to integrate into its packaging line. The company has already launched its ‘Best Ever’ Cheddars cheese biscuits using the new packaging tab, and is considering its use on other brands of roll-wrap biscuits.
More tear tape innovation
Moving forward, Payne said it is working on developing tear tape concepts for bagged foods and shelf-ready packaging. This new project follows feedback from supermarkets, which have said they want to find an easy way for customers to open the food packs, said Love.
In addition, the firm is able to print on the tear tapes it produces, which can allow manufacturers to include branded communication or competition messages that appear only once a pack has been opened.
