Kraft seeks packaging that can stop chocolate melting

Confectionery giant Kraft is looking to make melting chocolate bars a thing of the past after launching a search for a new chocolate packaging material.

The group, which has bought Cadbury earlier in the year, http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/978178/Cadbury-agrees-improved-Kraft-takeover-bid/?DCMP=ILC-SEARCH has appointed a US-based consultancy to launch a tender to find an innovative material that can stop chocolate melting at temperatures of up to 40 degrees celsius.

Nine Sigma, based in Cleveland, Ohio, has published the tender document on its website https://www.myninesigma.com/sites/public/_layouts/RFPs/NineSigma_RFP_60119.pdf  and has set a deadline of 10 September for submissions for the material.

It is looking for packaging developers to come forward with materials that “minimise or prevent melting of chocolate bar confections in warm or hot climates”.

The material, the tender document says, should perform at temperatures between 24 and 40 degrees celsius and through multiple changes in temperature.

It should also be “only incrementally larger” than existing packaging, be “compatible with consumer pricing” in full production runs and be “single-use, disposable and environmentally friendly”.

The document states that the solution could involve “novel” insulating materials, phase change materials, “thin film approaches that can store energy and repurpose it” or packaging technologies that are triggered by temperature or light.

The tender states: “Kraft Foods seeks novel materials or approaches to packaging that can protect single serve chocolate bars from medium term exposure to warm ambient conditions. These products frequently experience multiple cycles of exposure to controlled and uncontrolled climates.

“Product may be shipped in controlled and uncontrolled conditions, sold by the retailer in an air-conditioned setting and consumed sometime later after having been carried on the person or in a handbag.

“Although current technology can provide a solution to the problem, the resultant packaging is both cost prohibitive and excessively bulky.”

A spokesman for Kraft told The Daily Telegraph that the company was “complementing our traditional R&D” by looking for external partners.

“We’ve worked with outside partners to develop easy re-seal closures for Milka molded bars. And our unique “Snack ‘n Seal” resealable packaging for Oreo and Chips Ahoy! was developed with the help of an outside supplier,” the spokesman said.