5 Jul 2010 --- Rexam, the global consumer packaging company, has created new plastic containers for the Tulip Food Company, Denmark's leading supplier of pork based meat products.

The purpose of launching the plastic pack is to extend Tulip's range of ambient products and to offer the consumer alternatives to the metal can.

The containers, two sizes of high-barrier plastic heat-sealed cups, were designed by Tulip and produced using Rexam's unique Rotary ThermoForming (RTF) technology. The containers, formed in the melt-phase so there is no in-built stress, have superior retort and barrier performance. The cups are sealed with a high-barrier film over which an injection moulded lid is placed. The packs are filled on a new line installed especially for the project. Both sizes (200g and 340g) are decorated with high-gloss shrink sleeves providing vibrant shelf-appeal.

Jorgen Skaarup, Tulip's Supply Chain Director, said ‘‘This is a most important development for Tulip and we are very pleased to be working with such a professional company as Rexam. Both companies have invested a considerable amount of time and expertise in bringing these exciting packs to the market. As the leading producer of pork luncheon meat in Denmark, exporting to countries throughout the world, we need to ensure we keep ahead of the competition, so wanted new packaging that would create real differentiation in the market-place. Throughout numerous consumer surveys, we have learned that our consumers find it difficult to open and empty regular metal cans, therefore it has been a specific target for us to develop a much more convenient packaging solution.  The plastic packs are easy for the consumer to open and the design allows the meat to be simply removed from the container. Many customers are pleased that with the extra lid, they also have the possibility of re-closing the pack.  The plastic containers have a shelf life of at least two years, even under the hot and humid conditions experienced in some of the countries we supply.''

Rexam's European Sales and Marketing Director for food containers, Nick Brewin, is very pleased with the development. He said: ‘'We are delighted to be working with well-known and respected companies such as Tulip, as they seek to grow their market positions and develop tomorrow's packs for high-quality, ambient foods. Tulip and Rexam have taken a traditional format and converted it into a modern and convenient pack, which is highly distinctive on retailers' shelves''.

The new Tulip packs have already been launched in Carrefour in France and are now listed with a number of leading British retailers.