An alternative to paper-based nut canisters

Packaging company introduces a plastic snack container that’s easier to recycle

A consultant’s study for Ring Container Technologies showed that mono-material PET containers have the advantage over composite canisters for recyclability.

Photo courtesy of Ring Container Technologies

The maker of Fisher nuts wanted recyclable snack canisters to replace paper-based, multi-material cans that often end up in the trash and are rising in cost.

John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., which also makes Orchard Valley Harvest nuts and mixes, worked with Ring Container Technologies on a lightweight PET snack container called SmartCAN. PET has broad acceptance in curbside recycling programs, is readily reprocessed and easily incorporates post-consumer resin, reducing the need to create new material.

“At Ring Container Technologies, this distinction between recyclable and recycled is essential,” the company’s announcement says.

Plus, the plastic canisters have the added benefit of showing off the product inside.

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Rose Shilling is a previous managing editor of Food Engineering Magazine. She wrote feature stories on a variety of topics and tracked the food packaging industry. A journalist with an editing background at news services and newspapers, she also has driven editorial projects in health care and higher education.