All Eyes On the Can - Ball's Latest Technologies at BrauBeviale
Advancements made both in and outside the can provide consumers with a premium drinks experience
At this year's BrauBeviale, beverage can producer Ball Packaging Europe is slated to showcase its most recent advances in the field of can customization. Situated in hall 4, booth 111, Ball will welcome visitors to explore its latest additions to its range of on-shelf differentiators. These new technologies deliver impressive effects inside and outside the can, helping brands deliver a powerful punch at the point-of-sale. The consumers' drinking experience is not one to be soon forgotten.
Expect the Unexpected
Looking for a "magical" can experience? Ball is pleased to present "Strawster," an integrated straw solution exclusive to the slim can. This unprecedented technology offers consumers a 'wow' effect upon opening and from a practical perspective, a spill-proof solution for on-the-go refreshment. Polish based Sulimar brewery was the first company to offer its flavored beer "Cornelius Grapefruit," in a 25 cl "Strawster" slim can. "Cornelius Grapefruit is one of the most popular drinks among our consumers. Because of this, we thought to further brand visibility by launching our product in the integrated straw cans," says Mariusz Supady, owner of the Sulimar brewery. "We hope that the convenience and innovative character of the can will appeal to our main target group - women, as well as the men who often convert to flavored beers as a refreshing summertime drink." The handy drinking aid further offers additional advertising space for logos, simple images and messages, which can be lasered directly onto the exterior of the straw.
Mass customization for every occasion
Ball's recently unveiled Dynamark Effect enables the printing of up to 24 different designs in a single production run. This groundbreaking technology comes in three different varieties allowing for different degrees of detail. The initial version - Dynamark Effect 1.0 - enables the printing of simple, single-color messages on the metallic color or white base coat of the can. The next version, launched earlier this year, is Dynamark Effect 2.0 which adds to the appeal of on-can design by reproducing slogans, simple images and signatures either in the same or a different color than the background of the can.
"The launch of Dynamark Effect, is a clear response to the growing demand for customized products which we see as an ongoing trend in today's beverage industry. Our customers are equally keen to quickly adapt their product design to time-sensitive events like music festivals and sports competitions and with Dynamark Effect, it's easily done," says Antti Laakkonen, business manager (product) at Ball Packaging Europe.
The latest version of the technology is Dynamark Effect 3.0 which gives realism a big boost with the on-can printing of monochrome high-resolution images. "The technology we have introduced here takes the concept of customized printing significantly beyond our previous expectations and the value proposition of Dynamark to the next level," says Antti Laakkonen.
Bright details that make a difference
Splashy designs boost the can's overall appeal but a bright end gives it the final touch: welcome to the new color assortment of ends from Ball. To further brand visibility beyond the existing range (gold, silver and black), pink, orange, blue, green and yellow are now commercially available for end diameters 200 and 202, alongside four new tabs in yellow, green, orange and magenta. "When pulling a can from the retail shelf and discovering its end, customers are in for a colorful surprise. Details such as colored ends and matching tabs help carry the brand message and truly make a difference at the POS," Antti Laakkonen emphasizes.
