Box-like bag blends strength, resealability

Nordenia North America's new FlexBox™, available in Europe since February, '02, is now enabling U.S. marketers to package their products in a flexible bag that acts like a box. Introduced in Germany by Nordenia Intl. A.G., the consumer-friendly FlexBox "was created to meet a need in the marketplace for cube-efficient packaging, driven by the major retailers and clubstores," says Joe Fiore, vp of sales and marketing for Nordenia North America.

The first customer in the U.S. to embrace the FlexBox, Nestl´ Purina PetCare is using the package for an 18-lb version of its Friskies Chef's Blend® dry cat food, as well as for a 20-lb dog food package. Fiore relates that Nestl´ Purina selected the format to ensure "product integrity and freshness, and for features such as reclosability, the easy-carry handle and enhanced graphics." The pet product supplier also was impressed by the FlexBox's cube-efficiency for palletization and in-store display, he adds.

Made of a polyethylene terephthalate/PE lamination, the box-like bag is a side-gusseted, standup pouch with a built-in carry handle and a reclosable seal that helps contents stay fresh longer. The handle is made from a pressure-sensitive patch adhered to the flexible pouch material and die-cut into a "pickle-shape," for durability and strength.

The Lift & Lock seal, applied during pouch converting, allows the bag to be resealed after opening. For ease in filling applications, the FlexBox uses a diagonally welded seal to square up the bag bottom. The square bottom also adds strength to the package and allows it to stand up on the retail shelf for display, as well as to safely stack and ship, even in rigorous handling conditions.

For greater product presentation, the FlexBox can be printed on all four sides. In the case of the Chef's Blend bag, its four sides were gravure-printed in seven colors for stunning shelf presence.

Introduced in the fall of '02, the 18-lb Friskies bag is available in Sam's Club warehouse clubstores, and in Kroeger and BI-LO retail grocery stores. According to Fiore, Nestl´ Purina is "very positive" about the new packaging and may consider using it for some of its cat litter products.

More information is available:

Pouch converter: Nordenia North America, 573/335-4900. Circle No. 270.