Aaron Bates

Multipack takes home President's Award in 62nd National Paperboard Packaging Competition sponsored by Paperboard Packaging Council, Alexandria, VA, as well as Silver Star in 2005 National Packaging Competition organized by Packaging Association of Canada, Toronto, ON. "The package was designed to appeal to consumers in a hurry and integrated several features such as a plastic handle and bag liner to further enhance the on-the-go convenience of the pack," says Aaron Bates, director of Global Packaging Development, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems.Follow-up: Tony Rozmes, segment manager, packaging, MeadWestvaco, +1 843-745-3051, ar12@meadwestvaco.com; Link: www.meadwestvaco.com.

"The TAILGATE'R incorporates all the needs of a sports fan into a compact and easy to carry package," says Aaron Bates, director of Global Packaging Development, MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems.

Aaron Bates, manager of carton design at MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, described design elements that distinguish the FridgeMaster carton from competitive styles: "First, the carton is designed with a lower profile to fit comfortably within shelf space allowed in the refrigerator.This means the pack can go from the grocery shelf directly into the fridge for simpler home storage convenience," he said.

According to Bates, a second and very clear difference is in the can-catching opening and dispenser feature.The FridgeMaster design allows a more comfortable grasp on the can than competitive dispensers.As cans roll forward from inside the pack, the patent-pending design catches and holds each can one-by-one.The can-catcher is shaped lower at the corners than in the middle so you can firmly grip the top and bottom of the can with your thumb and fingers to lift it easily from the pack.

Bates also explained that the FridgeMaster dispenser pack includes innovative Duo-4 corners composed of opposing arcs rather than the typical straight score line.The new structure eliminates side bowing, often caused by stacking weight compression, to maintain a snug fit around the cans and provide a tighter carton that reduces end-panel pops and lowers non-saleable product counts.This is value-adding for bottlers.

"We are excited about the potential of the FridgeMaster package.Innovative solutions like this bring a new energy to the industry in all design categories and stimulate more productive mind-sharing between suppliers and their customers.That's the best outcome of this achievement," concluded Bates.

The Paperboard Packaging Council is a U.S. trade association, based in Alexandria, Virginia, representing the paperboard folding carton industry.Thousands of products sold every day are packaged in efficient, attractive and environmentally-responsible paperboard cartons that help transport, protect and promote their contents.Since 1943, the PPC has honored outstanding packages for their ability to meet and surpass the needs and expectations of both consumer product companies and consumers.