Sonoco logo. (PRNewsFoto/Sonoco) HARTSVILLE, SC UNITED STATES

    HARTSVILLE, S.C., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When ACH Food
Companies found that the existing container used for its private label Bake
Rite(R) shortening didn't work well in a new secondary tray pack, the
company leaned on Sonoco to provide a new plastic technology option.
    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991006/SNCLOGO)
    The solution, a unique, lightweight, thin-wall injection-molded plastic
can, has now become the preferred standard container for the private-label
shortening category. Made of high-density polyethylene, each can holds 42
ounces of solid shortening and is sealed with a membrane and a plastic
overcap.
    Sonoco Senior Account Manager Mike Anderson said the process of
creating the can required extensive testing, and Sonoco technology teams
tried a number of options before determining that injection molding was the
best way to make the can. When they finished, they produced a can with
excellent axial-load performance, superior flange design and dimensions
that fit perfectly with the secondary packaging, a nine-count tray pack.
The customer also found that the new plastic can's overcap stayed put
during shipping and in-store stocking.
    "As additional customers have adopted this container, they have found
it to be extremely cost effective as well as a better performing package,"
said Anderson. "We didn't set out to make this the category standard, but
it's rewarding that our teams have seen their talent and dedication pay
off. They worked hard and were able to create a package that meets the
changing needs of the customer and consumers."
    Customers have described the conversion process as "efficient" and
"seamless." They noted that of tens of millions of cans produced to date,
not one product shipment had been missed - an especially important factor
in this very competitive private label category. Sonoco provides a full
range of support during all elements of the conversion process, from
filling, sealing and labeling to packing and distribution.
    About Sonoco
    Sonoco (NYSE: SON), founded in 1899, is a global manufacturer of
industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with
more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in 85 nations.
For more information on the Company, visit http://sonoco.com.
    About ACH Retail Brands Group
    ACH Retailer Brands Group is one of America's leading suppliers of
store brand cooking oils, shortenings, olive oils, pan sprays, corn syrup,
and non- dairy creamers, including flavored creamers. ACH branded business
includes Bake Rite oil and shortening products and Mrs. Tucker's oil,
shortening and margarine products.

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