Bag-In-Box: The Pure Solution For Spring Water

Liquid packaging and dispensing specialists Rapak and Worldwide Dispensers have created a 10 litre bag-in-box packaging solution that has enabled Norway's leading natural spring water brand, Imsdal, to be available in a new large convenience pack.

Imsdal, introduced in 1994 and produced by Norwegian drinks supplier Ringnes, became the first commercial spring water to compete directly with traditional soft drink brands. The natural spring where the water is bottled lies in a small valley close to Østerdalen and is recognised to produce the cleanest water in Norway. For this reason, it was imperative that any new pack format was able to ensure that the taste and purity of the water was maintained throughout its shelf life.

The Rapak solution uses the company's specially developed low taint films that prevent the polymers in the bags reacting with the water, a common complaint with more traditional bag-in-boxes. Furthermore, in
bag-in-box format, the bag collapses as the liquid is dispensed to hinder air getting into the product and helps to maintain the quality of the water, inhibiting bacteriological growth that can sometimes occur.

Oxygen ingress is further prevented by the use of the Vinitap™ press tap from Worldwide Dispensers. This incorporates a Lift N Peel seal to create an effective oxygen barrier, together with a precision-made valve that completely seals the outlet of the tap after use to prevent drips and ensure the water remains uncontaminated.

The introduction of the 10 litre bag-in-box pack for Imsdal has further widened the sales opportunities for the brand, providing a convenient bulk size ideal for use in boats, summerhouses, camping and outdoor activities as well as in the home. The pack fits easily into the fridge and the water will stay cold for a number of hours once removed from the cooler. The convenient Vinitap™ one-handed push button operation allows a carefully controlled flow of water by varying the pressure on the tap. A tear-away cap around the button and the Lift N Peel seal provide effective tamper evidence, ensuring product integrity.

In addition, the bag-in-box format is logistically cost-effective in terms of both storage and transportation, a vital benefit for a country like Norway where the population is scattered over a very wide area.

Rapak worked closely with Ringnes in the development and installation of the bag-in-box filling system.

"We wanted to offer our customers a full range of pack sizes to meet all their requirements and a 10 litre size was therefore an important addition to the range," explains Erik Bern of Ringnes, producer of Imsdal.

"At the same time, it was imperative that the water retained the quality and purity for which it is renowned. Rapak and Worldwide Dispensers have delivered a solution that delivers on both counts."