Metallized makeover freshens butter product packaging

When Arla Foods decided the Spreadables tubs were in line for a makeover, they had a checklist of requirements for the new design: it had to provide product protection, sustainability and shelf appeal. Danish packaging outfit RPC Superfos stepped up; they designed injection-molded PP tubs using in-mold labels with metalized paper from Belgium-based AR Metallizing.

Custom creation​

AR Metallizing’s director of business and product development Joseph S. Formosa told FoodProductionDaily.com the product was specifically designed for this specific market.

“Injection iIn-mold label decoration has some unique requirements,” he said. “AR Metallizing worked from raw materials throughout the converting chain to create a unique paper, specialty coatings and supported modifications to converting equipment in order to facilitate this success.”

Upgrades beyond the surface​

According to RPC Superfos representatives, the resulting package improves upon the original thermoformed packages with an appealing silvery look. The updated graphics use the eye-catching nature of the metallic finish to entice consumers to buy the Lurpak Spreadables.

Further, Formosa added that beyond the aesthetic benefits of the new packaging, the metallized labels also offer significant functional benefits.

“Our metallized paper provides excellent radiation protection (visible light as well as UV and IR) – this extended the shelf life of the product within the tub,” Formosa said. “The other important function AR Metallizing metallized paper serves is the fact that ARM's metallized paper is fully recyclable so this new package is also environmentally friendly,” he said.