General Mills seeks material/equipment packaging solutions

• Package or packaging process with low residual oxygen without sacrificing equipment speedsTypically, packaging with low residual oxygen requires either slow line speeds in a horizontal form/fill/seal format or additional scavengers to achieve and maintain low residual oxygen. We are looking for solutions that provide increased throughput and efficiencies to eliminate the need for extra steps or extra components.

• Reduction in packaging material, such as cartonsTypically, individual units are produced, packaged and then inserted into a secondary container, such as a carton. These cartons provide grocery stores with easy stocking of shelves, good appearance and easily found by consumers. A breakthrough in technology would allow combining individual units into groups that reduce or eliminate the need for the secondary container while still meeting the needs of the grocery store.

• Package printing online to provide multi-color, detailed graphics on packaging film or cartonsTypically, printing of generic packaging can be used for simple differentiation (1 color, minimal text). We are looking for technology that allows for creating multicolor, detailed product-specific packaging online on packaging film or cartons.

• Alternative materials to polyethylene-coated paperboard for food contact packaging in freezer environmentSeeking a novel technology, advancement or unique existing application enabling use of materials in a direct food contact, freezer environment (0 deg F or lower) that are an alternative to polyethylene-coated paperboard while maintaining strength.