Halstead soup-eriority keeps a lid on it

Stylish lids designed and manufactured by RPC Containers Halstead have ensured consumer convenience and product integrity for the new range of microwaveable soups from Heinz.

Stylish lids designed and manufactured by RPC Containers Halstead have ensured consumer convenience and product integrity for the new range of microwaveable soups from Heinz. Designed to meet the busy ‘on the go’ lifestyles of modern consumers, the range – comprising Cream of Tomato, Chicken &Golden Sweetcorn, Sundried Tomato &Basil, and Forest Mushroom flavours – retails in supermarkets and other outlets such as petrol stations. When ready for use, the consumer lifts the lid to remove a tamper-evident lidding film, then replaces the lid before microwaving. The lid from RPC Halstead combines microwaveable properties with a convenient drinking spout. The lid design ensures a water-tight seal for product integrity, whilst providing easy opening and recloseability for the consumer. RPC faced a significant technical challenge in that, because each soup flavour is sterilised according to its ingredients, the differing techniques cause a variation in the level of pot shrinkage. RPC worked closely with Heinz and the pot manufacturer to ensure that the lid is flexible enough to accommodate each variation. Injection-moulded in PP, the lid is embossed with the Heinz logo and a safety message, and is supplied in both red and cream to match Heinz’s branding considerations. “A convenient yet sturdy lid design is crucial to the success of the microwaveable soup range,” comments Richard Reichinger of Heinz. “RPC Halstead’s design meets all of our requirements to ensure easy, ‘on the go’ drinking.