On the production line, beverage packages face multiple obstacles, such as chipped or broken glass, deformed plastic, mis-seamed cans, over- or under-filling, incorrect labeling, leaking, contamination, and misapplied caps and closures, to name a few defects. Despite these challenges, beverage packages are expected to represent a safe, quality product on the shelf.
“Today’s consumers are highly sensitive to quality issues,” says Mike Lawn, technical director for BBULL USA Inc., Oldsmar, Fla. “A single bad experience with your product may result in a decline in sales, especially if the media or social networking [sites] get involved. Poor presentation on the shelf may send the customer to your competition. In some markets, returns and re-select can have a major financial implication to the business.”