Gatorade de Mexico introduces innovative new PET packaging

Gatorade de Mexico recently launched a newly designed PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container into the market. The container development was a joint project between Gatorade and Amcor PET Packaging, which manufactures the container. Introduction of the 20-ounce PET containers began in February 2004. Consumers have obviously been impressed with the new container as sales are increasing on a daily basis.

Gatorade de Mexico recently launched a newly designed PET (polyethylene terephthalate) container into the market. The container development was a joint project between Gatorade and Amcor PET Packaging, which manufactures the container. Introduction of the 20-ounce PET containers began in February 2004. Consumers have obviously been impressed with the new container as sales are increasing on a daily basis. Gatorade de Mexico chose Amcor PET Packaging as a partner in the development project because of the solid relationship between the two companies. Amcor has supplied Gatorade de Mexico for over three years from two locations – a plant located in Tlazala, near Toluca, and an operation located on-site with Gatorade in Guadalajara. “Innovation is an important driver for our business”, says Miguel Angel Lopez, Quality Assurance and Innovation Manager for Gatorade de Mexico. “We wanted to take advantage of the leadership in innovation demonstrated by both Gatorade and Amcor. We were confident in Amcor’s design and production capabilities.” The new PET container is used for both Gatorade and Fierce. Distinctions in label and closure differentiate the two brands and reinforce the Fierce image. The original concept for the container came from a bottle designed for the European market. However, the European bottle is used for a cold-filled application. The Mexican bottle would need to be capable of hot filling. At that same time, Amcor PET Packaging introduced its panel-less heat set technology, which eliminates traditional vacuum panels with a flexible design approach. The new panel-less technology allowed Amcor to provide the look Gatorade de Mexico desired while at the same time acommodating the demands of the hot-filling environment. The new bottle is designed with two vertical pillars, which provide stability and showcase the embossed Gatorade brand name on opposite sides of the bottle. Two panels positioned between the vertical pillars are embossed with the Gatorade logo and provide vacuum absorption while reinforcing the brand image. “We kept the profile of the concept bottle, but added vacuum features to accommodate the hot filling process, “ says Carlos Montoya, Director for Custom Business, Amcor PET Packaging de Mexico. “The container design displays the brand name of the product as well as provides for container integrity. Vacuum created during hot filling is also accommodated by the proprietary base design.” The project was a collaborative effort that also included representatives from other divisions of PepsiCo, Tropicana and Pepsi-Cola. “It was the best project I have ever been involved in,” says Lopez. “Because of the efforts of all the people involved, we were able to deliver on our commitment to innovation.