Greiner Packaging equips Henkel’s Somat detergent caps with easily-separable cardboard-plastic tubs

15 Jun 2021 --- Henkel is using Greiner Packaging’s easily-separable cardboard-plastic tubs for its Somat brand of detergent products. The solution contains 50 percent post-consumer recycled polypropylene (rPP) from end consumer households. 

“Our long-standing customer Henkel was looking for an innovative, end-to-end packaging solution for the new Somat Excellence 4in1 caps, which are dishwasher detergent capsules containing both powder and three solid gel chambers,” says Andreas Auinger, global senior customer projects manager at Greiner Packaging. 

“An effective seal to prevent moisture from getting into the packaging was especially important, and Greiner Packaging delivered an ideal solution by providing both the tub and lid.”

“The main challenge in developing this packaging was the product inside, as the 4in1 caps are extremely sensitive to moisture. So the key requirement for the packaging was to ensure a perfect seal during both transport and storage,” Auinger adds.

A positive environmental impact
Thanks to its patented tear-off system, the cardboard wrap and plastic tub can be easily separated for household recycling, the company highlights.

The cardboard wrap and the plastic tub can be easily separated and recycled due to its patented tear-off system.Moreover, the wrap is made of cardboard consisting of nearly 100 percent recycled material. 

Greiner Packaging uses a two-stage production process for the plastic tub. The inside of the plastic tub is made from white virgin material, which guarantees an optimal color contrast with the colorful 4in1 caps. 

Meanwhile, the packaging’s outer coating contains 50 percent rPP obtained from end consumer households. This layer’s gray color has no impact on the packaging’s look as it comes wrapped in an attractively printed cardboard sleeve.

Precision lids
Greiner Packaging is also supplying the lids for Henkel’s new packaging for Somat Excellence 4in1 caps.

The team developed a special concept for Henkel, featuring a sealing film built into the lid to provide an “outstanding” seal. 

In addition, the opening of the tub is calibrated ahead of time so it fits with precision while the lid and tub fit together seamlessly. 

A challenge in developing the packaging was the product inside, as the 4in1 caps are sensitive to moisture.

These two lid characteristics guarantee optimal protection for the caps along with a top-class seal to prevent moisture from getting in.

“The new packaging for the Somat Excellence 4in1 dishwasher caps stands out not only thanks to its sustainable properties and premium shelf appeal but also because of its high degree of technical functionality,” notes Carsten Bertram, senior manager for international dishwashing packaging development at Henkel.

“Based on our experiences with other similarly designed packaging solutions, we already know this type of packaging is a big hit with consumers. Besides the Somat Excellence 4in1 caps, we also use the same packaging principle for the Somat Gold dishwasher tablets.”

Logistical innovations with K3
K3-F cardboard-plastic combinations also deliver logistical benefits. The lids, plastic tubs, and folded cardboard wraps are delivered separately to Henkel.

Greiner Packaging’s long-standing joint venture partner, Cardbox Packaging, supplies the wraps, which are then folded and slipped over the tub directly before filling at the company. This ensures a high degree of flexibility in production and keeps stocks to a minimum.

Previously, Henkel’s Beauty Care arm added 100 percent recycled aluminum tubes to its Hair Coloration packaging portfolio. 

Greiner Packaging recently held its first-ever virtual Packworld trade show. The Innovation Days event featured 19 live sessions over two days, focusing on packaging environmental sustainability and product innovation.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou