In early August, Germany-based cheesemaker Goldsteig began selling its Bambini Mozzarella in a stay-fresh cup manufactured by Weidenhammer Plastic Packaging (WPP), Kansas City, Mo. What makes the oval-shaped packaging special is the seamless in-mold labeling (IML) produced in one simple step. Unlike conventional IML packaging, the cup has a soft contoured underside with the label covering the entire surface. Previously, this was only possible with thermoform containers and sleeve labeling.

That’s why Goldsteig opted to strengthen its brand by re-packaging its Bambini Mozzarella product. Together with Weidenhammer, they developed a high-quality plastic cup that has proven to be the ideal packaging for cheese. Ideal for quick-and-easy salads, the mini mozzarellas arrived on supermarket shelves in early August.

Small cup, big impact

Weidenhammer uses its unique IML technology for the Goldsteig mozzarella packaging. Side and bottom labels are seamlessly integrated without edges in a single step, giving the cup a soft, rounded underside with a nice look and feel for consumers.

Weidenhammer is continuously improving its special IML process, which was first used for Rügenwalder Teewurst (sausage spread) packaging. The mozzarella cup attracts attention as an extremely high-quality, full-cover packaging version that was previously only possible using thermoform technology with a sleeve label.

"A realistic, three-dimensional image of mozzarella on the cup was extremely important to our client," says Andreas Rothschink, sales director for WPP. "Thanks to our expertise in the in-mold labeling process, we managed to meet these requirements and develop a solution that makes the product stand out from the competition at the point-of-sale."

Freshness and flavor guaranteed

The new packaging solution for Goldsteig not only looks good and feels pleasant to the touch, but it also meets the client's requirements for safe and reliable mozzarella packaging. The polypropylene cup is sealed with a composite film and is completely gas-tight. This keeps the mini mozzarellas fresh and aromatic. And, a salt brine prevents the cheese from drying out.

Weidenhammer manufactures 225-gram stay-fresh cups for the Goldsteig Bambini Mozzarella product in Zwenkau, Germany.