9 Beverage Packaging Updates
By Steve Holtz on Sep. 18, 2019CHICAGO — Beyond being convenient and useful, beverage packaging is increasingly becoming a way to send a message. For some manufacturers, it's about showcasing a connection to a cause, while for others, it's embracing eco-friendly materials. Here's a look at nine drinks that recently updated their looks ...
1. Lifewtr
PepsiCo’s Lifewtr on Sept. 16 unveiled the latest round of artistic designs for its bottled water. Unconventional Canvas is the eighth U.S. series and will highlight how art can be appreciated in everyday objects such as clothing, furniture and even water bottles, according to the Purchase, N.Y.-based company. The series is made possible through the ongoing global partnership between Lifewtr and Frieze, a platform for contemporary art. Unconventional Canvas celebrates the perspectives of three artists: Lilian Martinez and Tofer Chin, both of Los Angeles, and Sarah Zapata of Brooklyn, N.Y.
2. Dasani
Dasani in August announced a robust pipeline of sustainable packaging innovations that are rolling out in support of The Coca-Cola Co.’s global World Without Waste goal to make bottles and cans with an average of 50% recycled material by 2030. New innovations include the HybridBottle, Atlanta-based Coca-Cola’s first U.S. package to be made with a mix of up to 50% plant-based renewable and recycled PET material; new aluminum cans (launching in the Northeast this fall and expanding to other regions in 2020); and new aluminum bottles (available in mid-2020).
3. Ever & Ever
All Market Inc. launched Ever & Ever, a new aluminum-canned water brand, this summer. Ever & Ever is a reverse osmosis water with added electrolytes for balance. It’s packaged in aluminum bottles that “are easily and infinitely recyclable when disposed of correctly in a recycling bin,” according to the company. The water is sold in 16-ounce Alumi Tek bottles from Ball Corp. for a suggested price of $1.99 each and in 12-packs for $23.99. New York-based All Market is the parent company of coconut water brand Vita Coco and organic energy-drink brand Runa.
4. Pura Still
Seven months after launching the first spiked still water, FIFCO USA is rolling out new 23.5-ounce single cans and a 12-can variety package for Pura Still in Blackberry, Mango and Mandarin Orange flavors. At 4.5% alcohol by volume, Pura Still is made with a splash of coconut water and subtle fruit flavors. It contains 95 calories, 1 gram of cane sugar and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, according to the Rochester, N.Y.-based company.
5. Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha
Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha is now available in new aluminum-can designs. The drinks come in seven flavors, including Alpine Lavender, Living Ginger and Strawberry Tonic, as well as new decaffeinated Lion’s Root. Rowdy Mermaid is a Boulder, Colo.-based beverage company producing botanically infused kombucha. Its goal is to make its entire drink lineup 100% glass-free before the end of this year.
6. Perrier
Perrier Carbonated Mineral Water has announced the return of Perrier ArtXrta, an arts initiative focused on supporting the contemporary artist community, with the launch of a yearlong collaboration with visual artists DABSMYLA of Los Angeles. As the official ArtXtra partners, DABSMYLA will reimagine Perrier's look with a vibrant new design for the brand's next line of limited-edition packaging. Perrier is owned by Nestle Waters, Stamford, Conn.
7. Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is celebrating what makes the United States great with its DEWnited States Collection, a limited-edition bottle series representing all 50 states. Each collectible bottle of specially marked Mountain Dew and Diet Mountain Dew features artwork unique to the state it represents. In addition, the brand, owned by PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, N.Y., has released Mountain Dew Liberty Brew, a blend of 50 signature flavors combined in this limited-edition drink.
8. Sparkling Ice
Sparkling Ice, made by Talking Rain Beverage Co., Preston, Wash., has released limited-edition case wraps specially designed to promote the Honor Flight Network, a nonprofit organization created to honor America’s veterans. The wraps are red, white and blue and feature illustrations of the American flag, military camouflage and silhouettes of soldiers saluting.
9. 14 Hands Winery
Washington’s second-largest winery, 14 Hands, based in Preston, launched its wines in a new, convenient format this summer: cans. The 14 Hands cans are available in four varietals: Pinot Grigio, Rose, Hot to Trot Red Blend and a sparkling wine labeled Bubbles. One 375-mL can, equivalent to half a bottle of wine, retails for $5.99.