This is a tribute to the ColaLife packaging partners who, led by PI Global, have turned the AidPod concept into a practical and exciting reality.
In late 2011 when PI Global started work on the packaging for the Anti-Diarrhoea Kit (ADK) we had in mind, we had a cardboard model and a list of what the packaging might be.
Since then we’ve seen the AidPod (the packaging) become an integral part of the ADK in very clever ways. For example, one of the components of the ADK – the information leaflet – carries the branding for the whole package. Likewise the AidPod is an ‘active’ part of the kit, not something you simply discard. It acts as a measure to ensure that the Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are mixed correctly and are therefore effective. It acts as the mixing vessel and has a lid to help avoid contamination of the ORS from flies and dirt. The AidPod can also be used as a cup to administer the ORS solution. We also anticipate that the AidPod will support SODIS but we cannot claim this at the moment (or during the trial) but we will be sending AidPods for testing.
Here’s a summary of the packaging team:
PI Global
PI stands for ‘Packaging Innovation’ and they are the partner in the COTZ consortium. They are branding and packaging design specialists based in Notting Hill, London. A huge proportion of the products you see on Supermarket shelves in the UK and elsewhere were branded and packaged by PI Global. The suppliers to PI Global for the COTZ trial are:
Amcor
Amcor is the world’s largest packaging company, Amcor offers exclusive and innovative solutions that are at the forefront of the packaging industry. Amcor is supplying the transparent sealing film for the ADK.
Charpak Limited
Charpak are a specialist vacuum forming company and they will be manufacturing the AidPod and soap tray.
Packaging Automation
Packaging Automation is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of tray sealing and pot filling and sealing machines used in the food, medical and cosmetic sectors. Having been in business for nearly 50 years we offer a wealth of experience to anyone looking for tray or pot sealers. Our service and spares support team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with machinery breakdowns. We offer different financing methods to customers looking to install machinery including hire options.
PA was contacted by Eric Connolly from PI Global to provide a solution to heat seal the AidPod. Eric explained that PI Global needed a machine that was easy to use and required no compressed air. After a visit from Eric, the manually operated PA217 heat sealing machine was recommended as the most suitable solution. Subsequently, a meeting was held at PI Global with everyone involved in the project where the machine was demonstrated. The next step is to provide 100 trial packs for first distribution trials and possible stability testing.
Saunders & Dolleymore LLP
Saunders & Dolleymore LLP are a top firm of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys in the UK. They are the Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys that PI Global use and have given cost effective and efficient advice to ColaLife. As a result we now have UK Patent Pending on the AidPod (No 1201701.8) and the AidPod is a registered design.
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