Zip-Pak

London, UK (September 13, 2007) - Consumers are willing to pay a premium price for a resealable slider closure on their flexible food packaging. This is the conclusion of an independent quantitative research project funded by Zip-Pak, the world leader in resealable packaging technology, that aimed to explore consumers’ views on packaging convenience. According to the study, consumers would like to see more slider technology on their product packaging for easy opening to access package contents and easy closing to enhance freshness.

When asked to compare different types of resealable packaging, consumers expressed a clear preference for the ZIP-PAK® Slider™, which was described as most convenient, more robust and easier to use. In addition, 83% of respondents said they had complete confidence that the slider would stay closed to better protect the contents of the package, keeping products fresher for a longer period of time.

The research also found that 88% of respondents prefer to buy their food in flexible packaging featuring a resealable slider, while 71% of respondents would pay a higher premium for a resealable closure of any type on their food packaging.

According to the study

• 78%-79% of the respondents would like to see slider technology on cheese and salad packages,

• 56% on flexible packaging for meat,

• 53% on fish products,

• 46% on confectionery packaging,

• 35% on pet food pouches.

From an environmental perspective, it was noted that consumers also expressed their willingness to reuse slider packages.

The study was developed and administered by an independent research company that works with major European brand owners, including Procter & Gamble, Sainsbury's and Boots Healthcare International. One-to-one interviews were conducted with a cross section of 200 primary household grocery shoppers in two locations in the United Kingdom. It is the first in a series that Zip-Pak is planning for Europe.

“Zip-Pak commissioned the studies to better understand consumer preferences in the European market. This series of research studies will explore consumer attitudes towards packaging convenience,” says Robert Hogan, Director of International Sales and Marketing for Zip-Pak.  “This quantitative research – unique for a packaging supplier and a first for Zip-Pak – reinforces our belief that a resealable closure on packages not only refreshes the look of a brand, but can also drive sales.”

One of the conclusions Zip-Pak has drawn from the research is that European brand owners will need to more closely consider resealable slider technology.

Hogan continues, “in the North American market, Zip-Pak slider technology is firmly established as a value-added feature that drives sales and improves market share.  There’s no doubt in my mind that the first brand owners adopting this closure method in Europe are likely to take a significant leap ahead of their competition, simply by giving consumers the convenience they want.”

“Our research indicates that resealable zippers operated by a slider clip constitute the next generation of resealable flexible packaging for consumers – and they are willing to pay more for it,” concludes Hogan.

 
About Zip-Pak

Zip-Pak, celebrating over 20 years of resealable packaging innovations, offers seven distinct technologies that provide the framework for more than 200 patented zipper profiles and sliders. A global leader for resealable packaging solutions, Zip-Pak is an Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Company. World headquarters are located in Manteno, IL, USA. In Europe the company has manufacturing facilities in the UK and The Netherlands.

For further information on Zip-Pak, please visit www.zippak.com or contact Elizabeth Sheaffer at + 1-815-468-6500 or elizabeth.sheaffer@zippak.com.

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