Multipack Bundling

Bundling liquid cartons presents a unique challenge due to the aseptic brick size, weight and flexibility of the brick. However, there is an opportunity to replace stretch wrap and trays used to bundle four or six liquid cartons and use an innovation adhesive solution instead. Our team has developed specific solutions for the adherence of liquid cartons in multi-pack formation.

These multi-pack design options maximize pack stability and security, while offering an easy, intuitive release for each individual aseptic brick. The carrying handle is reinforced with our sustainable tape solution and the perforated board button offer a unique opportunity for branding and consumer engagement. This is a flexible and efficient equipment solution with low capital investment on your existing line.

We will work with you to develop a packaging solution that meets your goals. Our developers and technicians have significant application expertise and are true experts in this highly specialized application field. Plus, we can recommend a machine supplier familiar with our packaging design who will work closely with you to ensure the best design and functionality for your multi-pack configuration. Or if you prefer, we can work closely with your preferred machine supplier.

These truly sustainable packaging solutions reduce your excess packaging and carbon footprint. Contact us to discuss the best multi-pack configuration for your needs.

This packaging innovation holds cans and PET containers together with just a few dots of adhesive, which makes it one of the most sustainable types of secondary packaging on the market to date.

Working in close collaboration with KHS, our unique, scientist-designed adhesive is providing the adhesive power that enables brand owners to substantially reduce secondary packaging for six-pack aluminum cans and PET bottles. The design and strength options of PET bottles does mean that not every bottle design is suitable, but a small redesign can easily resolve this.

The adhesives from H.B. Fuller used in the KHS Multi-pack bundles system are specifically formulated for PET bottle and aluminum can surfaces. Applied using KHS Multi-pack bundles equipment, small, accurately-placed adhesive dots provide the strength required to maintain pack integrity from production to consumer. The adhesive has the strength to withstand the environmental extremes experienced during shipping and at retail outlets. The strength remains, enabling the consumer to conveniently carry the multi-pack home. And yet, once home, the multi-pack is easy to open.

With Multi-pack bundles, you need up to 85% less packaging compared to systems that use cardboard and also save up to 67% energy in production. A further plus is that the containers can continue to be recycled. The adhesive used in the system has also been certified by the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) for PET bottle-to-bottle recycling, and when recycling aluminum cans, the impact has been deemed as negligible.

Connected plastic rings and stretch wrap used for multi-packs of aluminum cans and PET bottles are being replaced with alternatives, such as adhesives, cardboard holders and other recyclable materials. Regardless of which multi-pack solution you choose, customized adhesives ensure excellent pack stability and easy separation of an individual can or bottle from the multi-pack.

Graphic Packaging International’s Keel Clip™ Paper-based Packaging Clip for Cans

Keel Clip™ is a rigid paper fastener that not only replaces plastic rings, tops and shrink wrap on aluminum can multi-packs, but also offers merchandising benefits that similar beverage packaging cannot offer. It’s the latest innovation from Graphic Packaging International in recyclable paperboard packaging – a minimal material solution, made of recyclable paper.

Working in close collaboration with Graphic Packaging, our unique, scientist-designed adhesive is providing the adhesive power that enables brand owners to substantially reduce secondary packaging for six-pack aluminum cans. The H.B. Fuller Advantra® hot melt adhesives are cleanly applied in a specific pattern to the rigid paper keel and the aluminum cans. As the packaging is closed, the Advantra adhesive secures the paperboard structure around the aluminum cans and then securely closes the packaging. These unique Advantra adhesives have the strength to withstand the environmental extremes experienced during shipping, right through to storage in chilled display cabinets. The adhesive strength endures, enabling the consumer to conveniently carry the multi-pack home. And yet, once home, each aluminum can is easy to remove with a simple twist, with the adhesives remaining on the board, not the can. Scientist-designed innovation in action!

Once the multi-pack is consumed, the Keel Clip paper-based packaging goes straight into the recycling bin. The H.B. Fuller Advantra adhesives remain on the paper-based packaging and have been proven to separate easily in the repulping process, without affecting the recyclability. The adhesives were tested and certified as excellent by the CTP institute in France.

To enable customers to easily assess the suitability of replacing their plastic multi-pack packaging, H.B. Fuller has invested in a Keel Clip test rig, located in our Adhesive Academy in Lüneburg, Germany. Customers can assess the Keel Clip performance without disruption to their production facilities by producing multi-packs in our Academy and then subjecting them to accelerated aging in our climate chambers. This pack has been commercialized in over 20 countries in Europe and the Americas.