The Amcor FlexCan has broken into the big brand league in its second application with KP Foods snapping up a mini-version for its new Hula Hoops Shoks snacks.

The patented stand-up flexible container from Amcor Flexibles Europe is providing a radical new pack format for the quirkily design-ed snack sub-brand. KP has a UK exclusivity deal on the mini FlexCan until the end of 2002.

Available in three ‘funky’ flavours – Full-On Onion, Bigtime Saucy and Totally Cheesy – the boldly coloured packs are made from a 65 micron laminate of two OPP-based films, one metallised and the other with unique tear characteristics to provide an easy open feature. The packs are flexo printed six colours. With the FlexCan’s square shape, the products can stand up and be stacked on top of each other optimising use of shelf space and shelf appeal.

Barry Pamplin, head of packaging technology for United Biscuits, says: “We believe this to be the most exciting packaging innovation to hit the UK snacks market in the last 10 years.”

At present, the FlexCan concept is suitable for powders, granules and semi-moist products but Amcor’s future development plans include a liquid products version.