Spam container project shows can-do spirit: Hormel's processed-meat icon switched to a two-piece aluminum can for easy opening and more label flexibility - Operations: problem-solving case history

Food & Drug Packaging, Jan, 2004

IN A NUTSHELL

Goal: Update packaging for Spam luncheon meat

How: Switch to two-piece aluminum can

Results: Cans open more easily and can use wraparound labels

Since 1937, Hormel Foods has produced more than 5 billion cans of Spam luncheon meat, with more than 100 million cans added every year.

Working together since the conception of this respected product, Silgan Containers has provided container solutions to match the evolution of Spam. When Hormel Foods sought to modernize Spam with a revitalized look and easy-open package, Silgan helped develop an innovative two-piece container with a large-tab pull top.

The relationship dates back 66 years to when American Can Company, acquired by Silgan Containers in 1995, started supplying hermetically sealed cans to Hormel. When Hormel rolled out a spicy ham called Spam luncheon meat, American Can Company was on hand to package the product in a handy 12-ounce can. In the first year of production, Spam grabbed 18% of the processed meats market.

Today Spam boasts two sizes (7 and 12 ounces), numerous varieties and recipes, recognition in more than 100 countries, and is sold In almost every grocery store in America. In the latest packaging project, Hormel Foods turned to Silgan to invigorate the look of the traditional Spam container and develop a two-piece, easy-open container.

Silgan designed a modern two-piece can with a two-finger tab in the lid corner that dramatically enhanced ease of opening, especially for Spam luncheon meat's older customers. With the addition of vertical sidewall beads to the familiar rectangular can, Silgan's design improved container strength for distribution.

After designing the two-piece container, Silgan joined Hormel Foods in producing the secondary packaging the new container needed. Silgan helped analyze and test more than 41 variations of secondary packaging. The result was an "egg crate" tray that would cushion the container in transit.

One benefit of this new Spam container is easier application of the wraparound label. With many different product formulations and more than 60 domestic and international labels, the container design allowed Hormel to convert to wraparound labels instead of stocking many variations of lithographed cans.

Silgan's perseverance in the Spam revitalization project as well as other Hormel Foods initiatives has been rewarded. In 1993, Silgan was granted the first Hormel Foods' "Spirit of Excellence" award for outstanding service in these five categories. In 2003, Silgan celebrated its 10th consecutive year of winning the excellence award.

For more information

Silgan Containers Corp.

818-348-3700;

www.silgan.com/metal.htm