Flexible packaging is no longer just for food and personal care. In a bold move that’s reshaping the automotive industry, Prestone has partnered with ZACROS to launch a cutting-edge flexible pouch for its coolant products, now featured in Packaging World’s September issue.
Why This Matters
The Prestone pouch marks a pivotal shift in how automotive fluids are packaged. Traditionally dominated by rigid containers, the sector is now embracing flexible formats that offer:
- Sustainability: Reduced plastic usage and lower carbon footprint
- Convenience: Lightweight, easy-to-pour design
- Shelf Impact: Sleek, modern look that stands out in retail environments
This transformation is not just aesthetic shift in packaging. As consumer expectations evolve and brands seek to differentiate through innovation, flexible packaging offers a compelling solution that aligns with both environmental goals and market demands.
Designed for the Modern Driver
The new Prestone pouch is a direct response to consumer feedback. According to the article, research revealed strong preferences among millennials and Gen Z for quick, do-it-yourself solutions, and among female consumers for lighter, more manageable formats. The 1-quart pouch delivers on both fronts.
Eco-responsible coolant packaging is increasingly important to both brands and consumers. For topping off coolant, a full gallon is often unnecessary. The smaller format addresses this need with a more sustainable, user-friendly solution that aligns with modern consumer demands.
Rethinking Recyclability in Automotive Packaging
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most common types of packaging used for B2C automotive related products. While PET packaging is technically recyclable, its real-world recovery is far more complex especially in the automotive sector. According to the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition1, residual contamination from motor oil, lubricants, and antifreeze often renders these containers non-recyclable in practice. Many recycling facilities reject automotive fluid containers due to health and environmental risks, despite the packaging material itself being recyclable.
One promising solution to this challenge is lightweighting through flexible packaging, like the new Prestone 1-quart pouch. By reducing the overall material used, flexible formats minimize plastic waste while maintaining the performance needed to protect the product.
Final Thoughts
The Prestone pouch is a signal of where the industry is headed. ZACROS’s role in this transformation underscores its leadership in sustainable innovation and its ability to deliver high-performance solutions across diverse markets.
Want to learn more or explore how flexible packaging can transform your brand? Contact ZACROS today and be part of the packaging revolution.
Source:
- National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC), Driving Circularity: Transforming the Recycling Challenges in Transportation and Industrial Packaging