From instant drinks, snacks, soups and sauces, to milk powder, cereals, sausage, cheese and ice cream – Weidenhammer has the right packaging for practically any product.

At Interpack 2008 (Hall 9, Stand D-31), the Weidenhammer Packaging Group – Europe's leading supplier of composite cans, composite drums, luxury tubes and IML plastic containers – will be presenting new concepts for composite cans, including the EvoCan. Weidenhammer will also be displaying a full spectrum of novel ideas in shape, sealing and convenience, including the first oval composite can. Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging will be presenting the new PermaSafe packaging solution for pasteurized and sterilized food. Furthermore, they will be exhibiting packaging for sausage, gourmet foods and ice cream, enhanced by high-grade in-mould labelling technology which provides the decisive difference at the point of sale.

Every three years, the packaging world enthusiastically looks to Dusseldorf where the industry presents the latest technologies and innovative packaging solutions in an impressive trade exhibition. "For us, Interpack is by far the world's most important packaging event," confirms Rolf Regelmann, Executive Director of Marketing and Sales at Weidenhammer. "Interpack gives us the opportunity to present a wide range of packaging and important new developments to an international trade audience. It also gives us a chance to discuss the advantages of our solutions with existing customers and new prospects." And this customer group continues to grow. Weidenhammer now has plants in Germany, Europe and the United States, recently established subsidiaries in the UK and Russia, and sales agencies in South America (Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile). All will be represented this year for the first time at the Weidenhammer stand.

At this year's Interpack, Weidenhammer is focusing on the variety and appeal of the company's packaging solutions. Launched at Interpack 2005, the Weidenhammer EvoCan has captured vast market segments. Instant drinks, including cappuccino specialties, grain coffee, salty snacks, pastries and tobacco products are now marketed in this new-generation composite can. Key features of the EvoCan are its refined sealing technology and outstanding secondary sealing that ensure maximum convenience for consumers. Despite its success, the “Evolution Can” has remained true to its name and been continuously enhanced over the past three years. With further material improvements (ecological advantages) and innovative sealing systems, the focus at Interpack will be on its pioneering role in the field of composite packaging. This also demonstrates the company’s clear ambitions to capture additional market segments, such as milk powder products, candy and cereals.

Innovation: Oval-shaped composite cans

Composite cans are as modern as ever and now come in a new shape. The oval-shaped composite can is the latest addition to the range of attractive packaging solutions which will premier at Interpack. This newcomer to the Weidenhammer portfolio offers all the advantages of round and non-round composite cans – including stability, sealed-in freshness and aroma, optimal label options, differentiation from the competition and maximum convenience (easy peel and reseal) – combined with simple shelf care and ideal promotion possibilities. On top of these benefits, the new, unusual shape of the oval composite adds an extra accent to grab shoppers’ attention. The added convenience of a hinged lid makes it the ideal solution for cereals and other bulk products that can be kept fresh and crispy. There is no need store them in separate containers.

Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging, a division of the Weidenhammer Group, has also set its sights on the point of sale. The company will be presenting a full range of new, attractive packaging solutions at Interpack. Trade show highlights include PermaSafe, a new Weidenhammer product development that offers the advantages of plastic packaging to the processed food industry. PermaSafe is specifically designed for sterilized and pasteurized products, including baby food, ready-to-eat meals, sauces, dips, canned fruit, vegetables and pet food.

PermaSafe: Added value for processed food In contrast to standard metal or glass packaging, the Weidenhammer solu¬tion offers a wide variety of shapes and silhouettes – ranging from round and oval, to angular – making it ideal for individualized brand presentations. Virtually impermeable to oxygen and water vapor, PermaSafe guarantees maximum hygiene and shelf life – even with sensitive products. Modern IML maximizes design options with an exceptional look and feel.

Excellent finishing quality, individualized design and remarkable convenience are also hallmarks of the other new Weidenhammer plastic packaging innovations. Weidenhammer offers high-quality packaging solutions for ice cream, a transparent dish with a new two-component injection-molded lid, mustard jars and sausage products. All are produced with a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. The tray lip and lid of these thin-walled injection-molded packaging solutions are produced using IML technology. Each one has been developed by Weidenhammer to meet the needs of the specific product. “Working in close cooperation with the cus¬tomer, we precisely coordinate the individual elements of the packaging," explains Andreas Rothschink, Sales Director at Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging. "The advantage for the customer is clear. Instead of simply supplying plastic trays, we offer comprehensive services and expert advice from a single source. This is our way of making sure the customer ends up with an absolutely perfect packaging solution.”