Intelligent cans at the interpack 2005

More service for consumers, that is a benefit offered by an intelligent container which Ball Packaging Europe will be presenting at this year's interpack (21 to 27 April): The communicating beverage can informs the consumer whether its contents are already at the optimal drinking temperature or whether the can should remain in the refrigerator a little while longer.

More service for consumers, that is a benefit offered by an intelligent container which Ball Packaging Europe will be presenting at this year's interpack (21 to 27 April): The communicating beverage can informs the consumer whether its contents are already at the optimal drinking temperature or whether the can should remain in the refrigerator a little while longer. This intriguing effect is brought about by pigments in the printing ink, whose colours change as the temperature changes. The intelligent can, coated with "thermochromic" printing ink, will make its debut on the United Kingdom market this spring: A brewery there will be offering consumers extra convenience and highlighting the quality of its brand by using this new can from Ball Packaging Europe. Other innovations which Ball Packaging Europe will be presenting at the trade fair enable beverage producers to develop new products for the growth segments health, wellness and sport drinks. One example is the "Fresh Can", a beverage can with an integrated plastic capsule (wedge technology), in which sensitive ingredients such as vitamins can be stored in a dry environment and are not mixed with the beverage until the can is first opened. Nutritional additives which were previously only available to consumers in powder or tablet form can now also be sold as a beverage. A hitherto unique shape characterises the "Sleek Can" from Ball Packaging Europe which will be launched initially on the French market in the spring 2005 by a well-known soft drinks producer and a large brewer. The Sleek Can has the standard 330 ml volume but is significantly slimmer in shape. The slender silhouette visually demonstrates the trend towards low-calorie beverages, making the can ideal for "light" and wellness drinks. One consumer survey carried out in France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, confirms that consumers associate the Sleek Can with high quality, low-calorie beverages.