RPC Bebo Nederland and RPC Containers Halstead launched the pack format as a joint effort. The package features a thermoformed cup and injection-moulded overcap.
The two sister companies designed the format for processors looking to enter the convenience food market, which generally has higher margins. The new plastic packaging is lightweight, easy opening and microwaveable. RPC Bebo Nederland makes the container and RPC Containers Halstead makes the lid.
The container is co-extruded and thermoformed in polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) to offer significant barrier protection.
This ensures, in combination with processing, that the soup has a shelf life comparable to traditional packs, the companies claimed yesterday in a press release.
The cup's rounded design allows it withstand high filling temperatures, and is compatible with standard in-car cup holders so that soups can be drunk conveniently on the move.
The recloseable lid is injection-moulded in PP and features a drinking spout, a sip hole cover.
When combined with a suitable tamper-evident film the lid ensures a water-tight seal for product safety. To use, the consumer lifts the lid, removes the film and then replaces the lid before microwaving.
The cup design has a large sleeving area for on-shelf impact. Both cup and lid are available in a wide range of colour and decorations.
In the UK the retail market for soups grew by 9.9 per cent at current prices between 1995 and 2000, with most of this growth due to fresh chilled soups, according to a Research and Markets report.
Fresh chilled soups accounted for 14.4 per cent of retail soup sales in 2000, compared to 61.5 per cent for ambient wet, mostly canned soups, and 23 .6 per cent for dry soups.