Multi-pack

A multi-pack also known as multipack is packaging that combines or holds multiple items or smaller packages.

Functions

Multi-packs can be used to:

Combine several items for a larger unit of sale, often with a reduced individual cost
Provide a package handle to conveniently carry several items
Help prevent package pilferage
Provide a tamper indicating seal
Reduce environmental impact of secondary packaging^[1]
Keep items clean^[2]
Obscure the bar codes on the individual combined items and provide a new one for the multi-pack

Methods

A wide variety of materials and procedures are available to combine items or packages into a multi-pack.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6] This can include shrink film, pressure sensitive tape, paper overwrap, adhesives, paperboard carriers, plastic clips, etc.

Beverages

Beverage cans and bottles are sold in multi-packs such as six-packs, twelve-packs, and cases of 24.^[7] These can be paperboard baskets, paperboard overwraps and cartons, corrugated fiberboard boxes, HDPE plastic handles, six-pack rings, and shrink packs.

Other uses

A wide variety of items and packages are combined into multi-packs for sale.

Gallery

Shrink wrap used to form a 12-pack of cartons of tissue
Clip used to join two spray bottles and provide a handle
Shrink film wrap being applied to beverage bottles
Six water bottles in shrink wrap with tape handle.

References

^ "Leaner and Greener". Beverage World. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2011-10-19.
^ "Third Party Testing: 6Pak Can Carriers Provide 95-98% More Protection". PakTech. 2011-07-01. Archived from the original on 2011-11-14. Retrieved 2011-10-19.
^ US 5685428, Herbers, Dennis Michael; Erspamer, John Paul & Dirksing, William Paul, "Unitary Package", published 1997-11-11, assigned to The Procter and Gamble Co.
^ US 5409127, Stratford, James T.; Schoonveld, Alan H. & Weaver, David A., "Multi-pack container assembly", published 1995-04-25, assigned to Berry Iowa Corp.
^ US 5667070, Miret, Emili Requena, "Device for carrying containers", published 1997-09-16, assigned to Riverwood International Corp.
^ US 5788302, Barrash, Marshall J. & Ferguson, Earl B., "Bottle carrier", published 1997-09-16, assigned to The Coca-Cola Company
^ "Interest In Multipacks Picks Up". Food & Beverage Packaging. 2011-02-01. Retrieved 2011-05-02.

Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, ISBN 1-930268-25-4
Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6

[1] "Leaner and Greener". Beverage World. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2011-10-19.

[2] "Third Party Testing: 6Pak Can Carriers Provide 95-98% More Protection". PakTech. 2011-07-01. Archived from the original on 2011-11-14. Retrieved 2011-10-19.

[3] US 5685428, Herbers, Dennis Michael; Erspamer, John Paul & Dirksing, William Paul, "Unitary Package", published 1997-11-11, assigned to The Procter and Gamble Co.

[4] US 5409127, Stratford, James T.; Schoonveld, Alan H. & Weaver, David A., "Multi-pack container assembly", published 1995-04-25, assigned to Berry Iowa Corp.

[5] US 5667070, Miret, Emili Requena, "Device for carrying containers", published 1997-09-16, assigned to Riverwood International Corp.

[6] US 5788302, Barrash, Marshall J. & Ferguson, Earl B., "Bottle carrier", published 1997-09-16, assigned to The Coca-Cola Company

[7] "Interest In Multipacks Picks Up". Food & Beverage Packaging. 2011-02-01. Retrieved 2011-05-02.

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