Aptar Group turns to its network of suppliers following blaze

There were no reported injuries following the blaze at the factory, which makes anodized aluminum components for Aptar Group dispensing systems.

Confectionery, bakery, dairy, water & juice

The closure has affected 215 permanent and 50 temporary employees, according to reports.

The company, which is based in Illinois, US, manufactures pouch closures and spouts for confectionery, bakery, dairy, water and juice, sports and energy drinks, among others.

A company spokesman said the cause of the fire is under investigation and while repairs are underway, Aptar Group will source components from its network of suppliers and its anodizing facility in Brazil.

The firm said it is insured for the damages caused by the fire, including business interruption insurance.

Around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, which broke out about 1am in a 1,500 m² production unit. It was under control by 4.30am.

Michel Morin, site director, Aptar Annecy, said 50 employees were in the building at the time but were evacuated immediately. The plant will be closed for several months.

Daisy Brand Squeeze-Flexible Sour Cream Pouch Closure

The news will come as a blow to the company, as Aptar Food + Beverage recently won an AmeriStar refrigerated food award from The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) and it was a DuPont Diamond Finalist for packaging innovation for its Daisy Brand Squeeze-Flexible Sour Cream Pouch Closure.

Alan Sica, president, Aptar Global Market Development – Food, said it is ‘always looking to bring new, customizable, premium closure technology – like the Daisy Squeeze Sour Cream pouch, with Aptar’s SimpliSqueeze valve – to additional markets’.

The AmeriStar awards’ criteria is based on sustainability, product protection, economics, package performance, marketing and packaging innovation.

“The flip top closure (on the Daisy Brand sour cream pouch) features a valve that prevents messy drips and spills, enabling consumers to confidently dispense sour cream​,” said Jim George, director of education, IoPP.

Daisy Brand looked to Aptar for a customizable closure based on consumer packaged goods’ (CPG) consumer research, calling for a change in package design, functionality and shelf differentiation. Film laminate provider (Sonoco) and design and development partner (Continuum) contributed to the design.

David Luttenberger, a judge at the 2016 DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation and global packaging director, Mintel Group US, said it was impressed with the overall standard design and shelf appeal created by the Daisy Brand Squeeze-Flexible Sour Cream pouch shape and dispenser cap.

A custom-made ring-pull fitment and SimpliSqueeze Elastomeric Flow Control valve were created for product freshness and to meet Daisy’s product dispensing requirements. The same valve technology and fitment can be applied to other consumer packaged goods such as ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressing, spreads and toppings.

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