Jar maker plays up plastic's benefits over glass and tin

RPC Containers Corby said the development of its new line of Classic jars was in response to demands from both the food industry and retailers for maximum safety, light weight and convenience in their packaging.

The jars, which can be used with any food products that are ambiently stored, are round in shape with squared shoulders to enable greater flexibility for labelling and sleeving, as well as easy handling, said the company’s sales and marketing manager, Vince Dean.

Shelf life​

The container’s multi-layer polypropylene (PP) structure with ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) provides effective protection against oxygen ingress to deliver a shelf life of up to 12 months or longer, without compromising on product taste or freshness, he continued.

Dean said that the PP structure means the jars can withstand temperatures of up to 120°C, allowing them to be sterilised and pasteurised during the filling process, continued Dean.

HACCP​

He added that due to their shatter resistance, plastics are beginning to replace glass in food preparation areas to ensure greater compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations, while also offering environmental benefits in terms of their lighter weight and thus reduced impact in the distribution chain.

He claims that even with the EVOH layer, the company’s Classic jars are regarded as PP, which means they can be recycled, and that they rate favourably in terms of cost in comparison to glass or tin.

“Tinplate prices are rising, and depending on product size and volume of production, plastic is frequently less expensive than glass. The other factor is that plastics’ light weight delivers ‘unseen’ cost savings against glass in shipping and cost of recycling.” ​​

Closures​​

Dean said the Classic range is available in fives sizes from 212ml to one litre, and can be capped with a variety of closures, including induction and conduction seals, depending on the different product requirements.

He added that the company can supply the jars Europe wide and it also able to advise food manufacturers on how to handle, fill or decorate jars, recommending appropriate partners where required.