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Kate Bertrand Connolly | Sep 22, 2015

Food packaging continues to target the needs of on-the-go consumers with features that provide not only spillproof portability but also mess-free dispensing. The packaging design for Nestlé's Coffee-mate 2GO concentrated coffee creamer is a prime example, featuring a custom dispensing closure engineered to suit the viscous product formulation and stay securely closed when not in use.

Nestlé collaborated with Zeller Plastik, a unit of Global Closure Systems (GCS), to design the flip-top polypropylene closure. The closure's silicone valve subassembly enables straight directional dispensing, product flow control and clean cut-off, for no-muss, no-fuss dispensing. Full-body shrink-sleeve labeling adds on-shelf appeal and tamper evidence to the package.

Because the "creamer is a thick product, GCS evaluated the product formula and came up with a proposed valve system," says Martin Bull, dispensing systems development manager and global valve systems expert at GCS. "It was submitted to Nestlé for dispensing testing and approval." The diameter of the valve is 9.5 millimeters.

The purse- and pocket-friendly Coffee-mate 2GO container holds 90 milliliters (3 fluid ounces) of triple-strength creamer. The product, which launched in late 2014, comes in four flavors: Extra Sweet & Creamy, Hazelnut, French Vanilla and Peppermint Mocha. The product does not require refrigeration, so consumers can take it with them wherever they go.

To dispense the product, consumers open the glossy red flip-top closure and squeeze the HDPE container. The hinged lid opens a full 180 degrees, which helps ensure that the creamer squirts into the coffee cup, not into the flip top.

"The 180-degree, full-open position provides a clear view of the target for product dispensing, with less risk of lid interference during dispensing," says Ron Kieras, product development director, R&D, GCS Americas. When the consumer closes the flip top, it emits an audible click, confirming it's securely closed and not at risk of spilling.

Another convenience feature, Kieras says, is that "the specific shape of the bottle and closure lends itself to one-hand operation." So consumers can talk on the phone or hold their kid's hand while prepping an on-the-go cuppa. Sweet!

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