Alcan Packaging Cumbria has been selected by Nestlé Rowntree to supply the packaging for the new KitKat Kubes. The bitesize variant of the UK's number one confectionery brand, which hits the shelves this month, is the biggest launch ever for Nestlé Rowntree.
Nestlé's brief was to produce a differentiated packaging solution that would combine innovative protective packaging while reflecting the strong KitKat colours and branding. Alcan Packaging Cumbria worked to develop a suitable material that provided sufficient protection as well as facilitated easy and quick access to the bitesize pieces.
"We are delighted to have been involved in this exciting launch of the new KitKat Kubes," said Patrick Manning, Alcan Packaging's account manager for Nestlé UK. "We have worked closely with the customer to create a pack that will maximize the impact of the new product."
The smaller of the two packs is a surface gravure printed metallised OPP with coldseal, providing an easy-open unsealed area at the top of the pack to allow the pack to be peeled fully open. The larger hanging pack is a heat seal surface gravure printed metallised Hicor laminated to clear, acrylic coated OPP.
The specification of the hanging pack provides an easy open cross tear that overcomes the traditional difficulties of opening hanging bags with slots in the top seal for hanging on display racks. The design also ensures full compatibility between the inks and the pressure sensitive label used ensuring that the label does not lift ink from the body of the pack.
Alcan is a multinational company and a global leader in aluminium and packaging, as well as aluminium recycling with 2002 revenues of US$12.5 billion. The group employs 54,000 people and has operating facilities in 42 countries.