Check out this packaging concept for Axe. [source]

I made pancakes a couple weekends ago, which reminded me that using a spoon to scoop batter and drip it into a frying pan is a messy, and imperfect process!

Welcome The Batter Blaster, a pressurized can filled with organic pancake mix, where you can point the can to the grill and shoot batter, to create perfect pancakes every time!

British Greenbottle has developed biodegradable, plastic packaging, which is made from corn starch.  The inner-bladder is protected by fully recycled cardboard, in an innovative two-part system.

British Greenbottle has developed a patent-pending, biodegradable, plastic packaging, which is made of corn starch.  The biodegradable inner-bladder is protected by fully recycled cardboard, in an innovative two-part system.

I just purchased a Mead notebook, and have spent 30 minutes trying to remove the sticker on the cover, and as you can see, there is still a lot of sticker left! Why do companies torment consumers with such stickers! I also had a sticker representing the dealer where I purchased my last car on its windshield, and I never could get it completely off!

Plastic packaging used for numerous electronic products also irritates me! It’s impossible to open with your hands, and even difficult with a knife or scissors! When you do cut it open, you still have to tear the package open to remove the product, and can easily cut your fingers on its sharp edges! Also, good luck returning the product with the plastic packaging ripped apart!  There must be a better way to prevent theft, or deter returns, which I’m sure is its intent.

JavaVoo has developed and patented a disposable Ready-To-Pressure-Brew cup of Espresso, or other hot beverages, using any standard microwave. Utilizing proprietary Micro-Brew technology, the Micro-Brew Personal Barista replicates the same pressure brewing process as an expensive Espresso machine. It’s a completely self-contained package, which comes complete with all necessary ingredients including water, ground coffee, cream and sugar. An additional benefit: no clean up! The cost is less than a medium cup of Espresso or Latte at Starbucks.

Siemens is developing paper-thin display technology, which is composed of a polymer-based photochromic material, and capable of displaying digital text and images. The power source is based on commercially available, ultra-thin batteries, and the images are stored by electronic memory strips.

In less than two years, Siemans says that electronic display technology will be so inexpensive it could be used on everything from milk cartons to cereal boxes.

[Thanks, Wired]

The Netherlands has introduced a “video stamp,” which utilizes a sophisticated variation technology to the simple three or four framed disney characters on a ruler who moved, depending on the angle it was held, which we had when we were kids. The technology can be applied to business cards, vending machine signs, billboards etc. — and potentially packaging. For more information, visit Lenticular.

Tempra Technology has developed proprietary technology for a self-refrigerating can, which lowers the temperature of a can by a minimum of 30 degrees in just three minutes via an environmentally safe process. When activated, the all natural desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container, and it’s this patented vacuum-power, which lowers the temperature so dramatically and quickly. The company is commercializing the technology and Miller Beer will be introducing Tempra cans by mid-2007. There will be, of course, a price premium, but it’s an incredibly great product offering for camping or fishing, for example.

[thanks, Ilya Vedrashko]

Once cans leave manufacturing facilities, the distribution, storage and retail conditions present opportunities for can tops to become soiled. I have often thought there should be a way to ensure sanitary enjoyment of soda from cans, and in the near future, this may be a reality. Cali St. John, an entrepreneur from Florida, has patented an inexpensive, consumer-removed, thin, clear and flexible plastic film that’s completely biodegradable. In addition, the film can be printed on, which presents merchandising, or promotional opportunities for beverage manufacturers. 300 billion cans are produced worldwide each year, so this a potentially huge opportunity.

Massachusetts-based IPIFINI has developed an innovative, choice-enabled bottle, which contains flavor or other additive buttons, so consumers can select various flavors. For example, a programmable cola bottle with buttons for lemon, lime, vanilla, and cherry flavors as well as a caffeine button allows for 32 combinations of soda. A PDF overview is available here.

[via Gizmodo]