Innovation Zone Snapshot – four new packaging inspirations and more
Welcome to this week’s ThePackHub Innovation Zone snapshot.
As always, we have picked out four interesting packaging innovation examples for you to peruse. We upload around 100 new innovations every month and now have 1,290 packaging innovations on the database. That’s a lot of innovations all in one place and a great source of packaging inspiration.
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#1 Order your Malibu refill without going back to the bar
Absolut owned coconut flavoured alcohol brand Malibu has recently launched a smart packaging solution that allows bar goers the ability to order a refill without having to go to the bar. The internet enabled Coco-nect cup is able to communicate to bar staff. Drinkers can place their next order by simply twisting the base of the cup. Their exact location in the venue is then communicated to bar staff. A light on the bottom of the cup changes colour to communicate that the drink is being prepared, which then starts flashing to help the bars staff udentify the right person when the drink is ready. The cup uses a combination of WiFi and RFID technology and is in principle similar to another innovation we have recently reported – Smart ice-cube detects when drink is nearly finished.
#2 Benefits of water pack is clear
The benefits of the Glinter Mineral Water range are clear. Available in various shapes and sizes, the pack meets a 
consumer requirement to see the contents inside as well as ensuring a great way to distinguish the pack in the competitive marketplace. One of the semiotic rules of the wine category is that te contents are usually visible and the packaging see-through, so this solution allows the brand to meet this need in a ‘can’ format. We have seen moves for content visibilty in many other categories notably in the food can market – Plastic alternative to metal food can is clearly different is a recent example.
#3 Water bottle’s spiral shape reduces it to half its size
A new water bottle design aims to improve consumer convenience as well as encourage pack reuse. The design may create structural design opportunities for the on-the-go beverage packaging market. The leak-proof and shockproof Que Bottle is made from silicone and its spiral shape allows it to be collapsed to around half of its original size. As well as carrying water, it is also able to store hot liquids up to 60°C.The Que Bottle comes in two sizes and is currently aiming for expansion funding via Kickstarter.
#4 Cups made from 100% renewable materials can be recycled
Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wood and paper. The business 
has introduced a new board grade for cups called Cupforma Natura PP. The cups come with a coating that is able to withstand being heated in the microwave. The advanced construction of the board delivers a lower pack weight. Another format from Stora Enso is the Cupforma Ice that can be used for ice cream products. The sugarcane-based PE-Green coating packages made of Cupforma Ice can be made from 100% renewable raw materials. Packs made from Cupforma Ice with PE-Green coating can be recycled with other fibre-based cartons.
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Until next time. Happy innovating.
