Report: Ultra lightweight packaging solutions for frozen pizza
- Date
- 30 June 2008
- Documents
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(1367 kb)
This report investigates potential packaging reductions in the frozen pizza category. The overall aim of the project was to assess the need for carton box packaging whilst delivering extra benefits for the consumer through improved freezer space.
Iceland trialled a new foil flow-wrap design for its own label 10 inch margarita pizzas which reduced overall packaging weight, taking into consideration secondary and tertiary, from 74g to 33g – a 55% saving in packaging overall. The box-less pizza also appealed to consumers who were keen to save freezer space.
The new design was subject to transit testing and consumer research, before being trialled in six Iceland stores over a period of eight weeks.
The packaging performed well in the transit tests and Iceland found it was possible to fit ten rather than six SKUs into a Shelf Ready Packaging (SRP) unit. This improved the overall product to pack ratio when primary and secondary packaging were combined and also the number of units per pallet.
Although the new packaging format was not selected for full production, the trial generated encouraging feedback from consumers. 61% said they preferred the new flow wrap design to the old format, while 67% said it was important to have packaging which saves space in the freezer and reduces waste.
Economics
- Reduced packaging and optimised shelf ready packaging has the potential for less road trips and fuel costs;
- Widespread introduction of the packaging format has the potential to save 41 tonnes of material for every million 10 inch frozen pizzas sold – saving an estimated 63 tonnes of CO2 ; and
- With over 333 million boxed pizzas sold in the UK each year, there is a possible 20,979 tonnes of CO2 which could be avoided.
