METALLIZED FILM HELPS COOKIES SHINE ON SHELF, STAY FRESH

HALLIE FORCINIO

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- A stronger shelf appeal and longer shelf life convinced Sunshine Biscuit Co. here to switch from a clear co-extruded laminate film wrapper to a metallized laminate for its Hydrox and Vienna Fingers cookies.

The new overwrap and graphics are used with 16- and 20-ounce polystyrene trays and single-serving packages of regular and fat-free cookies, the latter identified by a white background.

"We are in the process of updating the look of all our packaging," said Alex Nichols, vice president of sales and marketing. "Not only does the metallized PMX [film] give us superior barrier performance, lengthening our products' shelf life, but it also allowed us to develop a new graphic look that really jumps off the shelf. In a competitive market, appearance can definitely sway a buying decision." The trayed cookie overwrap is made by Pacquet Oneida, a converter based in Clifton, N.J. The company extrusion-laminates reverse-printed clear oriented polypropylene (OPP) to 70-gauge Torayfan PMX metallized OPP, both from Toray Plastics (America) Inc., North Kingstown, R.I. The single-serving wrap is a lighter adhesive lamination of a clear OPP from Toray, Torayfan F61W, and PMX.