Quick product recognition

IN 2015, Milacron introduced a clear can packaging, a plastic alternative to metal packaging that also uses the same filling, seaming and retorting machines as metal cans. This innovative packaging is now being used in S&W Fine Foods International’s products marketed in Korea and China. S&W, a Del Monte Pacific Ltd company, is the first company in the world to offer tropical fruit in a clear plastic can.

S&W uses Milacron's Klear can packaging for fresh fruit products sold in China and Korea

The Klear Can is a patented co-injection molded, polypropylene EVOH plastic can, which can be cooked and seamed, meeting all industry standards. The can is BPA-free for safe food contact, recyclable, and is fully microwavable. It is designed to withstand standard retort pressures and temperatures (up to 130° C).

The product uses a single standard metal can end, and uses the industry standard can end double-seam process. Rigorous internal and third-party testing has verified the Klear Can seal integrity is approved and proven safe and reliable. In addition, while the packaging is lightweight, it is also stackable and dent-resistant through all aspects of the manufacturing and transportation process. Steve Morris, president of Milacron Systems, said, “We’ve gained a tremendous amount of in-house technical knowledge during the development of Klear Can, which allows us to support our customers and the industry in the adoption of this ground-breaking technology. Klear Can is a natural extension of Milacron’s industry-leading co-injection molding expertise.”

Easy to adopt into existing business models

Brands, co-packers, converters and retailers can easily integrate the Klear Can product line into their existing global business model as was the case for the S&W brand. Co-packers are able to easily integrate the one-piece body into existing production streams and require minimal customization or tooling additions. Converters are able to take advantage of the co-injection molded can with its repeatable and proven process using materials that are available globally. And finally, the Milacron Klear Can provides retailers with an attractive final product that is easily promoted, easily displayed, stacked and merchandised.

When compared to extruded three-piece “clear” plastic cans, the Klear Can’s clarity is far better, claims Milacron since extruded cans suffer from die mold streaking which affects clarity.  The Klear Can is also IML (In Mold Label) compatible, using the same industry standard can ends, filling, seaming and retorting machinery as metal cans. As such, minimal downstream investment is required and the final product is stackable. Klear Can allows manufacturers the flexibility to mold cans at the filling site (i.e., via ‘through-the-wall’ supply operations), which offers operational efficiencies.