Evergreen Packaging, a leader in refrigerated beverage carton manufacturing, introduces SmartPak Cartons in a new cross-section with 40 ounce, 48 ounce, 52 ounce and 59 ounce size options. This new product line, designed to meet rising demands in the market for different sizes, provides benefits for brands in the areas of branding, sustainability, transportation and storage efficiencies.

“Evergreen Packaging SmartPak Cartons provide advantages in shelf space optimization, product differentiation and distribution efficiency while also tying into current consumer trends of smaller households, growing beverage options and increasingly eco-conscious shoppers,” says Greg Otto, Evergreen Packaging VP of sales. “We are committed to being a resourceful partner to our clients by introducing new products like SmartPak Cartons that benefit processors, retailers and consumers alike.”

Consumer Benefits

In recent years there has been an increased demand for variety in packaging sizes. In fact, the average number of people per household is declining according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with more than half of households made up of only one or two people. As households shrink, beverage options are on the rise. More than 4,000 new beverages are introduced in the U.S. every year, according to Mintel. As household size declines and beverage options rise, the need for more size options on the retail shelf also rises.

The design provides good pouring control for all ages and easily stores inside the refrigerator door and top shelf. Like all of Evergreen Packaging’s cartons, the SmartPak carton helps protect product flavor, nutrients, and vitamins. SmartPak Cartons are part of Evergreen Packaging’s FreshHouse line of cartons, designed to offer advantages in renewability, recyclability and reliability. Evergreen Packaging’s cartons are over 70 percent paper, which comes from a renewable resource: trees. The trees used in FreshHouse cartons are from forests where responsible forestry practices are used and where overall growth exceeds harvest. FreshHouse cartons help ensure product freshness by protecting flavor, nutrients and vitamins, and cartons are recyclable for over 58 percent of U.S. households. 

Processor Benefits

The four new sizes add flexibility for positioning and promotional activity while also offering opportunities for lowering product and case costs. Additionally, the new line is designed to help maximize product portfolios and increase product differentiation. The high quality graphic real estate on the four sides of cartons allows brands to tell their story in a compelling way and engage consumers effectively. Evergreen Packaging also offers a one-time conversion for processors using certain half gallon filling machines, allowing the flexibility to change between any of the 40 ounce, 48 ounce, 52 ounce and 59 ounce sizes.

Retailer Benefits

SmartPak Cartons’ sleek design optimizes space on the existing retail shelf and promotes shelf turn. The four sizing options add flexibility for pricing and promotional activity. In fact, the four-sided panels’ process print graphics creates bold shelf presence that is an excellent choice for store brands looking for differentiation.