Sonoco's self heating containers.

Global packaging company Sonoco has signed an agreement with OnTech, LLC, to manufacture and assemble self-heating plastic containers. The containers will be used for packaging coffee and teas.

This is the first time self-heating plastic container technology has been available for consumer product applications in North America. The contents of the package can be heated to 145[degrees] F within minutes at the press of a button.

Says OnTech c.e.o. Jonathan Weisz, "We are extremely pleased to have such a strong partner as Sonoco on board as we commercialize this exciting new technology. Interest has been extremely high among companies that want to capitalize on the 'on-the-go' eating habits of today's consumers. It was critical that we have a partner that complemented us from both a technology and manufacturing perspective," he said.

OnTech currently has three contracts with national consumer products companies for more than 20 million units. The first product is expected to launch in fourth quarter 2004, with the second following soon after.

Sullivan says the partnership with OnTech is a natural fit for both companies. "Sonoco is a packaging solutions company that is very much technology-driven. With OnTech, we are able to leverage our expertise in materials science, food processing and manufacturing to give OnTech the momentum needed to bring this technology to market and satisfy the growing demand for convenient, ready to eat foods and beverages."

Headquartered in San Diego, OnTech is a California Limited Liability Company, which has 102 approved utility patent claims on its disposable, self-heating beverage container in the U.S. covering all aspects of the technology.

Sonoco, 1 North Second Street, Hartsville, S.C. 29550 USA. Tel: [phone], Website: www.sonoco.com