What began as a collaborative project between Ardagh Group (ardaghgroup.com) and a talented group of students at the Dutch University of Twente has now been adopted by a leading international food manufacturer.

Eventually, the productive spirit of cooperation between Ardagh Group, the University of Twente and consultancy DéDutch, has enabled Emmi, one of Europe’s most innovative premium dairy producers, to launch its unique microwaveable fondue bowl.

The trail began when Ardagh challenged the students on the packaging design course to create a futuristic ready to (h)eat premium metal packaging concept for food and seafood. One of their designs was a cheese fondue bowl, which was presented to Emmi. In close cooporation with DeDutch, a food packaging and engineering consultant, Ardagh further developed the concept to meet Emmi’s requirements.

Woep Möller, chief commercial officer, Ardagh Group, Metal, says, “ We developed this exclusive microwaveable shaped bowl at our R&D Centre in Crosmieres, France, with our innovative prototyping and design techniques and utilising our extensive knowledge and experience in lacquering and printing performance”.

“Together with Emmi and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, we tested special food safe lacquers to allow the bowl to be heated either in a microwave or a traditional oven, and to be kept at the right temperature above a candle at the table. We added our patented printed Easy Peel® aluminium opening solution that gives the consumer an easy and quicker means of opening the bowl.”

The business case for Emmi was clear. Marcel Zbinden, global category head speciality cheese says, “Convenience and quick preparation have become a more important trend. This concept has it all, and it will delight fondue lovers worldwide. The All In One Fondü, with a metal bowl and ready-to-eat cheese fondue made of real Swiss cheeses, has simplified the preparation of this popular dish and is a perfect combination for a quick, easy and delicious cheese fondue at any time. “
The product has been launched at upmarket supermarkets in the US, Canada and the Netherlands.