Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG), one of Europe's leading suppliers of composite cans, composite drums and plastic containers, has brought a new generation of impermeable containers to the market. According to the company, these can be used to safely package perishable products and oxygen-sensitive bulk goods. A key component of the peel-off top composite can is its special metal closure, which is similar to the one used on standard tin cans. Along with its barrier properties and consumer convenience, the composite can with peel-off top is intended to offer marketing advantages. Wrap-around labels can be customized to create an eye-catching product presentation at the point of sale. In Italy, the company H. J. Heinz is already successfully marketing itsPlasmon and Nipiol milk powder products in the Weidenhammer solution.

Composite cans have been used as standard packaging for decades in many segments of the food market, including snacks and instant beverages, soups and sauces. Stores and consumers appreciate the convenience as well as the protection of product aroma and freshness. According to WPG, these benefits can now be applied for the first time to highly perishable and oxygen-sensitive bulk products. A special metal closure is designed to make the can extremely gastight. Attached directly to the body of the can, it looks like a standard tin can closure and is used in the same way. 

U.S. food manufacturer Heinz, best known in Germany for its tomato ketchup, is already convinced by the Peel-off Top solution, says WPG. Since May 2013, Heinz has been selling its Italian Plasmon and Nipiol milk powder products in Weidenhammer large-size composite cans with peel-off tops. The two brands are sold on the market in two sizes. The spiral-wrapped can has an aluminum lining and a tinplate base to protect the sensitive product from external influences. These cans are sealed gastight with a flat tab peel-off top, which is similar to other standard can closures and can be easily, intuitively opened. A resealing plastic overcap provides product protection after the first opening.

Peel-off top cans are used for baby food and many other food products that were once packaged in tin cans. WPG has recently introduced its peel-off top can developed for ground coffee. 

WPG reportedly left nothing to chance in the packaging development phase. A specially commissioned study evaluated all of the key features of an ideal coffee can. The study focused on coffee aroma, freshness and shelf life. Two different coffee blends were tested, a 100 percent Arabica coffee and a 50/50 blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The peel-off top can was developed based on the research findings.

"The result is a composite can that is 100 percent gastight to protect the coffee aroma, taste and freshness," says Rolf Regelmann, executive director of marketing and sales at WPG. Regelmann. "Our packaging solution offers maximum protection across the entire product life cycle and increases the shelf life of the coffee even after it has been opened." The composite can is available with an optional valve to degas the coffee.