The temperature-sensitive inks are suitable for all drink types and Ardagh is currently in negotiations to take the product to market.
Beer & soft drinks
Nikola Kerkhoff, product manager, Ardagh Group, told BeverageDaily, the announcement is the next stage of Thermo Impact, where thermo ink lets one image/message appear when the can is cooled. Reveal Impact now lets a message appear when the can is cooled and a second one when the temperature changes while drinking.
“We have seen thermo inks applied to communicate temperature on beer cans, but also on soft drinks. The possibilities and benefits are endless for all beverage types to engage customers at the point of consumption,” she said.
Kerkhoff added it is always a challenge to innovate and commercialize something different.
“These challenges can sometimes be heightened in such a high-volume business-to-business industry as ours. But we work closely with our customers to understand what they are seeking to do with their brand and their business so we can innovate and create together a package and process, from conversion to filling to distribution to retail display, that delivers on their objectives,” she said.
“It’s not about just launching a new product. For us, it’s about a thought-out package that addresses a consumer need and builds customer business.
“That is the beauty of thermochromic and reveal inks, customers can choose what areas on the can will change color and are completely free during the design phase.
“All our customers have a message to communicate and what better way is there, than on the packaging directly. Reveal Impact enables this communication and makes it interactive.”
Promotional slogans
The way the ink works on the can is the combination of two different colored thermos inks.
The inks not only indicate the beverage’s temperature but once the can gets warm again, one color disappears quicker than the other, revealing a hidden message to the consumer.
The revealed message surprises the consumer and supports targeted marketing activities, such as promotional slogans, a moment of suspense during parties or social events.
John Reed, product application manager, Ardagh Group, added alongside its customized printing, embossed and interactive packaging, it wants to take the sensory experience to a new level.
“We are continuously expanding our range of beverage can finishings to enhance our customers’ design opportunities,” he said.
“Reveal Impact comes as a logical addition to our portfolio, as it ensures compelling packaging at the POS thanks to the latest ink developments that command consumers’ attention.”