When you think of packaging innovation, you might not immediately think of what’s in your fridge or under your bathroom sink, but maybe you should. For over four decades, PTI has been quietly shaping the way products are packaged, protected, and presented on shelves around the world.
From game-changing formats to engineering breakthroughs, our “Wall of Fame” showcases more than just products. It represents pivotal moments in consumer experience, brand evolution, and packaging performance.
The Origin Story: From Glass to PET
It all started with a bold challenge: help Coca-Cola transition from glass to PET. This foundational project paved the way for PTI to become a leader in rigid packaging innovation. It was the first of many moments where science, strategy, and sustainability came together to transform an entire industry.
Design That Performs: The Mountain Dew Sidekick
One standout on our Wall of Fame is the Mountain Dew Sidekick, a 20 oz bottle that took home the Institute of Packaging Professionals Award for Innovation. The challenge? Create a high-pressure carbonated soft drink (CSD) package that stood out to the brand’s core audience: 18 to 30-year-old males.
We achieved this by combining rugged shelf appeal with structural functionality. Every detail, from the ridged grip to the petaloid base, was engineered to handle up to 280 PSI. For context, your car tire holds around 37 PSI. This wasn’t just a marketing win—it was an engineering triumph.
Beyond the Label: Functional Aesthetics
Designing for CSDs and hot-fill applications requires more than visual appeal. Our Gatorade packaging shows how function drives form. Each bottle is structured with strategic paneling beneath the label, allowing it to manage the pressure from hot filling and maintain its integrity. When you open a Gatorade and hear that signature release, that’s precision packaging at work.
Everyday Icons, Engineered Here
The Wall also features some of the most familiar shapes in your home, from the first inverted ketchup bottle to Sodastream’s dishwasher-safe bottles and packaging for brands like Fairlife and Mountain Dew. Chances are, PTI has touched a product you use every day—and probably more than one.
What It All Means
Packaging isn’t just about containment. It’s about communication, convenience, and consistency. Our legacy isn’t just technical; it’s human. It’s built on the daily interactions people have with the products they trust.
So the next time you twist a cap, squeeze a bottle, or hear that telltale hiss when opening a drink, know there’s a good chance PTI had a hand in making that moment possible.
