Subtle - yet convincing - packaging make-over

After 15 years in the same packaging, Forssan salads from Atria Finland now look better than ever in a new bespoke pack from RPC Superfos. The weight of the packaging is considerably lower than it used to be, reducing the amount of packaging waste.

It is a delicate matter when you decide to change the pack for a traditional product with a well-known brand. However, it can be done successfully, as food producer Atria Finland has just proved.

Packaging upgrade
Janne Hautala, Packaging Development Manager, Atria Finland Oy, explains:

“Our premium salad series sold under an almost iconic brand, Forssan, simply needed a new packaging solution after almost 15 years in an unaltered pack. These products have been popular in Finland for decades, so we did not want to do anything to jeopardize its status. We were looking for an upgrade, not a complete change.”

Atria conducted consumer studies which revealed that the end-users liked the shape, the size and the overall type of the packaging they were used to. Based on this important feedback, the new bespoke pack was developed in close cooperation between Atria, their design agency and RPC Superfos.

Has a better shelf appeal
Before, all the tubs in the Forssan series were identical and only the lid matched the actual content. Now the tubs are also printed according to the salads inside and an eye-catching indent on the corner of the lid indicates easy opening and re-closure.

“The result is very good. We appreciate the bigger opening corner of the lid and the better shelf appeal. Our customers seem to like the new pack, too,” says Janne Hautala contentedly.

New pack has reduced weight
Previously, Atria Finland also used injection moulded plastic packaging, however the former pack was heavier than the new one. The bespoke solution means a weight reduction of almost 20% – a remarkable benefit. In addition, the new pack works wells on the existing filling line with Atria experiencing improved functionality, including faster filing and elimination of breakages.

An attentive packaging supplier
The business cooperation gets a positive evaluation from Janne Hautala:

“We are impressed with the way RPC Superfos has handled the project and with their level of expertise. The logistics worked out well including on-time-delivery.” He adds:
“Though we have come across some minor issues along the way, these have been solved rather quickly, and we’re pleased with the attentiveness and service which we’ve received from RPC Superfos. Indeed, we feel that the packaging supplier listens to us.”

Atria Finland is a first time customer at RPC Superfos. Atria Finland opted for RPC Superfos mainly because of its reputation as a specialist in the field of injection moulded packaging solutions.