Greiner Packaging International (GPI, Kremsmünster / Austria; www.greiner-gpi.com) has announced it can offer an alternative to sleeve technology for the decoration of cups and specially shaped products. The global packaging specialist said its Swiss site in Diepoldsau has developed a technology which deforms cardboard wrap in the third dimension allowing any cup shape with a diameter range of 68-75 mm to be decorated.

According to the company, “K3D”, or cardboard plastics combinations, combines all of the benefits of GPI’s traditional K3 packaging while adding a high degree of shape flexibility. Division K head Kenneth Boldog explained that customers in the dairy industry in particular will profit from the innovation as they will be able to stage manage their products at the point of sale.

Utilising up to six colours for each side, carton wrap can be imprinted through offset printing in the new K3D process. The inner side of the cardboard wrap can be used for marketing communication or for additional product information. In addition, the surface of the cardboard material has been described as being “warm to the touch” and feeling “comfortable”, which GPI feels complements the visual benefits of cups with special shapes.

The company’s standard K3 packaging – “Karton-Kunststoff-Kombinationen” as it is known in German – is realised using renewable raw material or recycled cardboard, making it not only energy efficient during transport, but also having a low intrinsic weight.

In 2012, GPI had annual sales of almost EUR 473m and employed nearly 3,240 individuals in 34 locations.