Frito-Lay Tests 'Quieter' SunChips Bag

Frito-Lay is testing a quieter version of its biodegradable SunChips bag to address consumer complaints that its initial attempt was too noisy.

The snack giant, a unit of PepsiCo, introduced biodegradable packaging for the multigrain snack in April 2009. However, consumers were more annoyed with the loud rustling sound of the rigid bags made with polylactic acid (PLA) than they were impressed by its environmental benefits. Sales reportedly declined as a result.

In October 2010, Frito-Lay switched back to the original non-biodegradable material for five of its six SunChips varieties and kept the eco-friendly bag for its original plain flavor.

The quieter second-generation bag now rolling out at retail uses a different adhesive to bind the inner and outer layers of the material that reportedly makes the bag "twice as quiet as our last one," according to Frito-Lay.

The company is initially converting only its original SunChips brand to the new packaging, and asking consumers for feedback through social media sites before extending it across the brand.

Source: http://www.vendingtimes.com