EZ – Bacon

In creating a package for bacon, there were several goals that needed to be accomplished. Areas of focus included sustainability, the concept of giving consumers options, the convenience and utility of the package, and how the package will speak to the consumer with regards to the appearance.

Sustainability

The outer container for the bacon packaging will be constructed of post-consumer recycled paperboard. Using recycled material saves a large amount of water that is required for making virgin paper and it prevents the cutting of trees. The plastic tray inserts for cooking the bacon will be made from Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) coated paperboard. The CPET coated paperboard will be made from recycled materials thus reducing the energy consumption required to create a virgin plastic.

Consumer Options

The bacon packaging gives the user several options. Because the pound of bacon is separated into two pouches that have an oxygen scavenger barrier, the consumer can decide to cook half of the bacon at one time or the consumer can cook the whole package at once. Therefore, a single person does not feel compelled to cook a pound of bacon for themselves, leaving the rest in a package that cannot be resealed. This bacon package cuts down on product waste in that respect. Also, the consumer can use traditional methods of pan frying the bacon or cooking it in the oven. But what makes the new bacon packaging revolutionary is that included in the box is two molded CPET coated paperboard trays on which the consumer can microwave the bacon. These trays have slots in the bottom to allow grease to drain away from the bacon into the hollow part of the tray. This factor of convenience is what makes this new packaging truly unique.

Convenience

This bacon packaging is made out of a paperboard that has a perforation to allow for easy opening. The easy opening plastic that contains the bacon directly makes for less of a mess and less of a hassle. The most convenient features of this package design is the ability to cook half of the bacon (since it is in two half-pound pouches) and the ability to cook the bacon on the two plastic trays included in the box. This tray thoroughly cooks the bacon and drains the grease into the bottom of the tray. With the absence of grease, the bacon is healthier. Since the grease is contained within the bottom of the tray it will not spill and the whole tray can be easily discarded for easy cleanup.

Graphics

The graphics for this design go on the principle that bacon will sell itself. Two large windows on the front of the package will show the fatty, marbled bacon in all of its glory. A black and white color scheme creates eye-catching contrast that will appeal to consumers. The graphics will also include text that appeals to the environmentally conscious consumers, as well as easy cooking instructions and warnings for pork.