O-I unveils latest glass jar innovation to minimise food waste
The VersaFlip (pictured) is a faceted jar specifically made for salsas and dips allowing it to tilt so consumers can dip out the product with less mess compared to typical rounded openings.
The jar is being piloted at Walt Churchill's Market in Northwest Ohio, just like the VersaFlow glass, and will soon follow the other Versa products into wider global commercialization.
O-I said the lug closure, designed by Silgan, can be easily removed for serving and reapplied for storage like any other jar and contains no intentional bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates.
Feedback influencing design
Stephanie Johnston, director of global commercial strategic planning, told FoodProductionDaily.com that feedback is influencing future iterations of the design that are focused on enhancing functionality and convenience.
“In terms of feedback from the trials, we're getting a very enthusiastic response to the products and this feedback is influencing the ways in which we adjust the specific executions of the innovations in various sizes, shapes and formats.
“The newly launched VersaFlip pilot will be shorter than our previous tests, given the interest in the market.”
Limited trial
Johnston added that only 1,000 VersaFlip jars are on the market in this pilot.
“We're actively in discussions to bring the product to new markets across the globe in the coming months. At least two additional Versa products are in development and are moving to market quickly. Given the enthusiasm for this product line, we're considering some alternative testing markets in communities across the globe.
“Thanks to a strong internal team and great partnership with Silgan, we were able to move relatively quickly from concept to reality with the VersaFlip jar. We've been working our way through our original vision for the Versa platform, launching at least one new product per quarter for the past year. We look forward to continuing at this pace in 2013 as we expand into other categories.”
The smaller VersaFlow jar, four years in development and launched late last year, is currently on the shelves at German retailer Edeka.
When asked how the R&D center for glass melting and forming was progressing, she added: “Work on the new R&D center is progressing nicely. We are on track for completion by the end of 2013. This new center will play a critical role in helping our teams test new manufacturing and product concepts in real time for seamless deployment globally.”
