Packaging Sustainability

Eco friendly multipacks a hit with brewery

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The brewery adopted ITW's BrandPak, a packaging collaboration from ITW Hi-Cone and ITW Auto-Sleeve, as the multipack of choice for its 12-oz bottles. A sleeving system from PDC Europe applies the bands.

The package is produced in a two-step process. First, a double-thick Hi-Cone photodegradable low-density polyethylene top-lift ring carrier is applied to the glass bottles. Next, a wraparound band from ITW Auto-Sleeve made of 4-mil LDPE film is stretched around the six-pack to secure the bottles and prevent them from hitting against each other. It also provides a high-impact billboard effect as it is flexo-printed in seven colors plus varnish.

Max Pigman, owner of Lewis and Clark Brewery, said, "This unique and exciting package is helping us launch our Miner's Gold brand quicker and more economically than with paperboard carriers.

"We also know that our customers appreciate the environmental benefits of the new packaging. It's a minimal design that generates less waste than paperboard carriers."

Improves production flexibility

Pigman also added that the format permits greater production flexibility because Lewis and Clark can use generic cases to receive the bottles. The company packs only what is needed, instead of storing preprinted, product-specific packaging, and can then pack the BrandPak into the generic cases and apply a label for shipment.

Lewis and Clark plans to convert its other brands including Lewis and Clark lager and Yellowstone Beer over into this format starting early this year.