Method to develop a new packaging product (106)

Every day, the industry is looking for new ways to attract new consumers and retain the old ones. Therefore the packaging innovation is a challenge they have to face. Some companies prefer to develop their own projects in house and others look for external resources for innovation. Packaging research centers and universities have been acting as an external source. The objective of this study was to design a new framework, to help the research center to develop a new protocol for product innovation; this was inspired in the TRIZ methodology. The main goal was to develop a new device which can be patented to give the company the differential they are looking for to position theirs product in the market. We present a case study where the method was used and the results are being documented to be presented to the Intellectual Property Office. The research method we use to develop an innovative product was based in the market product review, as well in the patents that had been registered. This methodology consists in four steps: 1 - Get to know the goals, expectations and desires of the company to define the premises of the project. Review the state-of-the-art of the devices used in the market and the competency; analyze them to avoid any similitude. 2a- Look for all the patents of similar devices in the market used for the competitors, and other devices which have the desired functions even if they are used for another proposed or had never been in the market. For this research a not time limit was given. 2b- Analysis of all the devices founded, 17 in the market and 177 patents; where they were divided by characteristics to have an holistic view of the options. The attributes of the devices were condensed and classified to have conclusions on the ways the product could be developed. Start the creative process and evaluate every step. The result was a packaging/product for Mondelez International Co. and the methodology used proved to be adequate for developing new products.