Q&A with CCT: Building Successful Brand Partnerships

Jim and Brandon Bach of CCT

Since its inception in 2019, CCT has brought the revolutionary EEASY Lid to 600+ stores and counting. The company’s growth can be attributed to its successful partnerships with brands and manufacturers across the globe.

In this interview, we sit down with CCT President Brandon Bach and CCT Managing Partner Jim Bach as they discuss how the company builds strong relationships, navigates potential challenges, and helps brands bring accessible packaging solutions to consumers.

Q: CCT has made significant strides in securing partnerships for the EEASY Lid. When it comes to building successful partnerships, do brands typically seek you out, or is CCT more proactive in initiating conversations?

A: It’s a combination of both, and it’s evolved over time. While we’re still actively pursuing potential customers, our public relations efforts have led to more inbound interest, especially at trade shows. For example, a big-name grocer approached us at the Fancy Food Show after seeing a blog post about the EEASY Lid. So while we still reach out, we’re seeing more engagement organically as awareness grows.

Q: What are the key factors you look for when forming partnerships with other brands or manufacturers? How do you determine if a potential partner is the right fit?

A: Building a successful partnership starts with understanding a brand’s “why.” Are they simply looking for the cheapest lid, or do their values align with ours? We prioritize shared goals and trust. Some partners want to differentiate themselves or raise brand awareness. The most effective partnerships are those that showcase our capabilities and help us grow our network among other brands and fillers.

Q: With the EEASY Lid now adopted by six brands and more partnerships on the horizon, what do you find are the most attractive attributes of the lid for both manufacturers and brands?

A: It’s really a mix of things – sustainability, accessibility, and production efficiency all play a role. Brands can tailor the value of the EEASY Lid to their own customer pain points. For instance, Michael Anderson, owner of Chilau Foods, saw that many of his customers were older and appreciated easier-to-open packaging.

To ensure the filler’s confidence, the lid has been rigorously tested at over one million proof points. A six-month study conducted by Cornell University resulted in a peer-reviewed white paper, affirming the lid’s durability. The lid has proven its strength throughout the entire supply chain – from the closure manufacturer to the filler, through the product distributor’s warehouse, to the grocery store shelf, into the consumer’s cart, during the bagging process, and finally, in the consumer’s cabinet. CCT’s consistency and supporting data give partners confidence when choosing the EEASY Lid.

Q: What are the biggest concerns companies have when considering the EEASY Lid?

A: The top concerns typically revolve around manufacturing adjustments and cost. We reassure partners that we work closely with them to mitigate costs. Some worry consumers won’t notice the push-button functionality, especially with tight shelves or stacked products. Others have branding concerns around logo placement on the lid.

Production schedules can also be a barrier, as line testing must be scheduled around existing production timelines and lid contracts. For example, one of our international partners had their line test initially delayed because they were in full production at the time. Additionally, we’ve conducted extensive testing on the EEASY Lid, but some companies may desire to complete their own testing, including 30-, 60-, or 90-day test packs.

Q: CCT provides a full-service program to help companies adopt the EEASY Lid. Is that a major selling point?

A: For many, yes. Some partners value this support, while others already have in-house capabilities. Being new to the industry, we’ve found that offering hands-on support builds trust. It gives companies the confidence that we’ll be there throughout the process. It’s all about creating a comfort level that encourages long-term collaboration.

Q: The EEASY Lid has gained traction both in the U.S. and overseas. What are the main challenges when expanding to international markets, and how does CCT navigate those hurdles?

A: One of the biggest challenges is meeting region-specific regulatory requirements. These compliance steps can be rigorous, but interestingly, some international markets move more quickly through the adoption process once those boxes are checked. Our team is proactive in navigating these hurdles by staying ahead of global regulatory trends and adapting our product and processes accordingly.

Q: What advice would you give to other companies looking to innovate in the packaging industry? How can they foster partnerships that lead to long-term success, like the one CCT has experienced with the EEASY Lid?

A: The packaging industry has changed significantly. There was a time when packaging was an afterthought, but now manufacturers are held accountable for how their products are presented and accessed. To build meaningful, lasting partnerships, companies need to align on shared goals that ultimately serve the consumer.

Transparency and open, effective communication are crucial. While virtual meeting tools like Zoom are helpful, we’ve found that in-person meetings are often more impactful, especially when demonstrating how the EEASY Lid works. Innovation requires persistence, and instead of walking away when things get tough, successful partners work through the problems together. Building two-way trust and maintaining a constant feedback loop is essential.

It’s also important to acknowledge that no one company knows everything. We may be the closure manufacturer, but we rely heavily on outside experts. For example, we work with Cornell University for independent testing and Uproar by Moburst for marketing strategy.

Lastly, we recommend actively networking through industry associations – but choose wisely, as membership costs can add up.

Q: How should companies get in touch with you if they are interested in learning more about the EEASY Lid?

If you have a product that would be a good fit for the EEASY Lid or want to ask about CCT’s technical capabilities, reach out to me, CCT president Brandon Bach, at 937-387-9244 or via email at Brandon.Bach@cctclosures.com. You can also visit the contact page on our website.

Packaging Innovation Roundup

The consumer goods landscape is undergoing a major shift, driven by heightened environmental awareness and a growing emphasis on inclusivity. Traditional packaging methods, which often rely on non-renewable resources and pose challenges for individuals with disabilities or age-related limitations, are increasingly under scrutiny.

This has sparked a wave of innovation in the packaging industry, with a clear focus on creating solutions that are both sustainable and accessible. The integration of these two priorities is now a core consideration in the development of next-generation packaging.

Here are some of the latest and greatest packaging innovations making an impact:

Source: ITP

Accessible and sustainable packaging innovations like these are crucial for improving user convenience, especially for individuals with disabilities or age-related limitations, while also reducing environmental impact.

Contact us today to up your packaging game today.

Future-Proofing Packaging with the EEASY Lid

There is no doubt that the future of packaging is sustainable.

A growing wave of new regulations and policies focused on reducing packaging waste serves as a wakeup call for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to future-proof their packaging by adopting sustainable designs that support a circular economy.

Today, the European Union’s (EU) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and an increasing number of extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in cities and municipalities across the United States are reshaping how packaging is designed, manufactured, used and disposed of.

The PPWR, which went into effect on February 11, 2025, will impact any brand doing business in the EU, regardless of where the company is headquartered in the world. According to the EU, the new measures further tackle the environmental challenges caused by excessive packaging and “will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and environmental costs in the packaging industry.”

The regulation applies to all forms of packaging and packaging waste distributed throughout the EU market and requires all packaging on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. While PPWR’s phased implementation gives businesses time to adapt to new requirements and align their packaging to meet the EU’s ambitious sustainability goals, companies should not delay in transitioning to environmentally responsible packaging.

In the U.S., EPR laws are gaining momentum. EPR laws hold manufacturers and brand owners accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal. In effect, these laws transfer the responsibility for funding post-consumer packaging collection, logistics, and recycling from local governments to the companies that produce the products. Currently, five states including Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Minnesota have EPR laws for packaging waste and 11 other states have introduced EPR legislation this year.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, brands that future-proof their packaging by adopting sustainable solutions will not only remain compliant but will be well-positioned to capture more market share in a competitive landscape shaped by environmental awareness.

The EEASY Lid is a readily available solution for brands looking to future-proof their packaging.

Made of recyclable aluminum, the EEASY Lid is designed to comply with current and future sustainable packaging regulations, and its user-friendly design perfectly aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable and convenient packaging options.

The future of packaging is sustainable. Discover how the EEASY Lid can future-proof your brand packaging. Contact us today.

The Power of Sustainable Packaging: Celebrating Earth Day and Reducing Waste

April 22, 2025, marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a day dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, education and action. Across 192 countries, more than one billion people are expected to participate this year, with many engaging in environmental conservation and awareness events, organizing cleanups, planting trees or leading recycling efforts.

Source: earthday.org

Earth Day also serves as an important call to action for brands to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. The staggering 96 million tons of annual packaging waste in the U.S. highlights the critical need for a widespread shift to sustainable packaging to reduce this massive amount of refuse.

By rethinking packaging strategies and transitioning to more sustainable options, brands have a significant opportunity to reduce their environmental impact. Moving to more sustainable packaging allows companies to contribute to a healthier planet while also meeting evolving regulations and appealing to increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

Innovations like the EEASY Lid offer a readily recyclable packaging option that directly contribute to these environmental and consumer-related benefits.

The world’s first aluminum lug jar lid, the EEASY Lid is recyclable after use. Lightweight, yet durable, this innovative packaging solution also helps brands reduce transport costs and lower the carbon emissions linked to transportation.

This Earth Day, it is estimated that 7,500,000 pounds of garbage will be removed through the Great Global Cleanup. By proactively adopting sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions, brands help ensure their packaging avoids contributing to the millions of pounds of waste collected during initiatives like this.

Protecting the planet is a responsibility we all share, every day, not just on Earth Day. Brands can do their part by adopting the EEASY Lid to minimize waste, lessen their environmental impact, and support a circular economy.

Contact us today to discover how the EEASY Lid can help your brand tap into the power of sustainability to better protect our planet.

No More Jar Opening Struggles: Carmine’s Sauces Featuring the EEASY Lid Debut at Wyckoff ShopRite

Carmine’s signature sauces now featuring the EEASY Lid debuted at the Wyckoff ShopRite on March 28. The debut, celebrated with an in-store event, gave customers the opportunity to try the accessible EEASY Lid and taste the award-winning sauces from the legendary New York City family-style Italian restaurant.

Shoppers at this event experienced the perfect pairing for both taste and convenience with the winning combination of Carmine’s highly acclaimed signature sauces and the innovative, accessible EEASY Lid.

On hand at the Wyckoff ShopRite event were the Carmine’s team, including Chef Glenn, and the CCT team.

Carmine’s is the latest company to use the EEASY Lid on its products. CCT’s EEASY Lid is the first jar lid innovation in 80 years. It reduces the amount of effort needed to open a jar by up to 50%, allowing customers to just push, twist, and open their favorite jarred foods without the struggle.

Carmine’s signature sauces topped with the EEASY Lid are now available at ShopRite grocery stores located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with rollouts in additional grocery stores coming soon.

Enjoy the photos below which offer a visual recap of the successful launch of Carmine’s sauces featuring the EEASY Lid at the Wyckoff ShopRite:

CCT In the News: Coverage Headlines and Highlights

CCT and the EEASY Lid continued to make headlines in the first quarter of 2025, appearing in specialty food publications and a broad range of packaging trade publications.

Read on to discover the headlines and article highlights in this edition of CCT In the News.

 

 

PLMA Attendance Reflects Popularity of Store Brands

Consumer Convenience Technologies introduced a convenient product called EEASY Lid, the first jar lid innovation in decades.

It allows consumers to vent a jar by pressing the button on the lid, which opens a tiny slit that breaks the seal.

 

 

Packaging innovations: 2 brands boost accessibility
Laundry detergent brand All and Carmine’s Italian foods introduced different accessibility solutions.

No twisting arms

The technology reduces the amount of force needed to open the lid by up to 50%, CCT said in a news release. The lid also can be screwed back onto the jar to preserve any leftover sauce.

 

 

 

Carmine’s Adopts Accessible Packaging Lid for Pasta Sauces

New York City-based Italian restaurant chain Carmine’s is adopting a lid that makes opening pasta sauce jars easier for a wider range of consumers.

Carmine’s, a family-style New York City Italian restaurant, has partnered with Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT) to adopt the EEASY Lid, a product that helps meet consumer demand for inclusive and sustainable packaging.

CCT’s EEASY Lid is designed to help brands provide greater accessibility to jarred food products. For Carmine’s, this means consumers of its pasta sauces sold across over 300 retail locations can have an easier time opening the brand’s jars.

“With accessible packaging like the EEASY Lid, we’re making sure no one gets left behind,” states Brandon Bach, president of CCT. “More than one in four adults in the U.S. struggle with some sort of disability, and that doesn’t even consider people who have weakened grip strength for other reasons.”

 

 

 

Consumer Convenience Technologies partners with Italian-style restaurant to enhance sauce packaging accessibility

Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT) has announced a partnership with New York City-based family-style Italian restaurant Carmine’s to evolve its line of sauces through accessible packaging innovations and expanded retail availability.

Sustainability is another key advantage of the EEASY Lid. Made from recyclable aluminum, the lid provides a lightweight and durable alternative to traditional tin plate lids. CCT manufactures these lids at its Dayton, US, technology center, which has the capacity to produce more than 250 million aluminum lug lids annually.

Jeffrey Bank, CEO at Carmine’s, says: “Carmine’s was created to bring people around the table for simple yet delicious meals for the whole family. Now, with the EEASY Lid, we hope to make that experience even more convenient so that people can recreate the Carmine’s experience at home with ease. We want consumers to be able to access our sauces effortlessly.”

 

 

 

Carmine’s partners with CCT to provide accessible packaging for signature sauces
CCT’s EEASY Lid cuts vacuum-sealed jar opening effort by up to 50%, making it more suitable for those with physical disabilities.

The EEASY Lid allows for the effortless opening of vacuum-sealed jars, reducing the torque required by up to 50%.

The solution is particularly beneficial for individuals with physical challenges such as carpal tunnel or tendonitis and those recovering from surgery. The lid’s design incorporates an aluminum lug, offering a recyclable alternative to traditional tin plate lids, furthering Carmine’s commitment to sustainability.

“CCT president Brandon Bach said: ‘We’re proud to soon have the EEASY Lid in 300 Shoprite stores atop Carmine’s delicious signature sauces – with more availability to come in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

New York’s iconic Carmine’s adopts EEASY Lid for signature Italian sauces
Carmine’s, a well-known family-style Italian restaurant in New York City, has partnered with Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT) to introduce the EEASY Lid on its line of signature sauces. The move aligns with the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and sustainability as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.

The EEASY Lid is designed to assist those with limited hand strength or mobility issues and is made from aluminum, offering a recyclable alternative to traditional tin plate lids.

 

 

 

 

Chilau Foods’ Stew Base Has Its Roots in Florida Street Food

As Chilau Foods products roll out with the EEASY Lid (as old stock sells out), Anderson is making his delicious stew base line accessible for all—including his 90-year-old grandmother.

“My previous jars, if someone isn’t there to help my grandmother open the jar, that would be an issue. But now with the EEASY Lid, I can send her jars in the mail and be confident that she can open the jar and not need any assistance,’ he says.”

We’d love for you to read and share these articles. Check back frequently for the latest EEASY Lid updates!

What’s New in Accessible Packaging

Despite the critical need for accessible packaging among millions of people with disabilities and conditions that weaken grip strength, many products remain frustratingly difficult to open. That’s especially true when it comes to traditional jar lids. Jars ranked among the top five most difficult packaging types to open in Arthritis Australia’s 2024 ‘That’s a Wrap’ campaign and are a repeat offender in this category year after year.

The results of surveys like this show that progress is still critically needed to make more packaging universally accessible.

Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility and are actively transforming their packaging for universal ease of use. Some of the brands recently making news for this transformation include:

Source: Nestlé Confectionery

Source: all®

Is your brand packaging accessible? It can be. The EEASY Lid transforms your packaging, ensuring ease of use and improving the customer experience.

Contact us today to learn more.

Industry Trends Heating Up the Pasta Sauce Market

The pasta sauce market is heating up across the globe. The global pasta sauce market is projected to reach $11.5 billion by 2032, up from $8.32 billion in 2024.

The introduction of new flavor profiles, consumer preferences for convenience, and increased consumer focus on health and wellness are all factors boosting sales of pasta sauce.

New flavor profiles

Source: SAUZ

One of the key drivers of the growing pasta sauce market is the introduction of unique and interesting flavors to satisfy consumer demand for new taste experiences. SAUZ, a new entrant in the pasta sauce market, is innovating in this area with the introduction of Hot Honey Marinara, Summer Lemon Marinara, Creamy Calabrian Vodka, and Wild Rosemary Marinara. Food Navigator reports that SAUZ intends to “disrupt” the pasta sauce aisle with novel flavor combinations and locally sourced ingredients.

Unique flavor profiles like these appeal to evolving consumer tastes and attract a growing number of shoppers seeking more variety in pasta sauces on store shelves.

Convenience

Demand for pasta sauce is rising in tandem with consumer preference for convenient, time-saving meal prep options.

According to a consumer grocery shopping survey by Deloitte, 52% of respondents said they value convenience now more than they did in the past.

Ready-to-use, easy-to-open pasta sauces facilitate quick meal prep which today’s busy consumers value more and more in the kitchen. FMI research notes that quick meal options, particularly those preparable in under half an hour, have grown significantly in popularity over the last four years. FMI data revealed that 32% of shoppers spent less than 30 minutes preparing meals at home in 2024, up from 18% in 2020.

New packaging formats like the EEASY Lid, the first jar lid innovation in 80 years, are helping brands increase sales by delivering on consumer demands for convenient products that help make meal prep faster.

Pasta sauce brands like Guglielmo’s Sauce, Boyer’s Food Market Pasta Sauce, Sixth City Sauce, and Carmine’s transitioned their packaging to the EEASY Lid to offer consumers a more convenient and accessible product experience. With these EEASY Lid topped sauces, a simple press of a button and twist of the lid allows consumers to quickly access their favorite pasta sauces and whip up a great meal in no time.


Health and wellness

Health conscious consumers today are searching for healthier pasta sauce options including low sugar, low sodium, gluten-free, and organic options. They are also looking for products that are healthier for the planet.

A survey by NCSolutions (NCS) revealed that more than half of Americans (55%) say they’re more likely to try a new product if it’s marketed as being aligned with a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. The survey also found that 42% of Americans say their overall positive perception of the brand is enhanced when its marketing of healthy and sustainable products aligns with their values and preferences.

Brands offering healthy pasta sauces topped with the sustainable, durable EEASY Lid are attracting the increasing number of consumers who value health and sustainability and capturing more share of wallet in the growing pasta sauce market.

Grow market share for your brand with the EEASY Lid, a packaging innovation that combines convenience, accessibility, and sustainability. Contact us today to learn more.

The EEASY Lid Hits More Store Shelves atop NYC’s Legendary Carmine’s Sauce

Pasta sauce lovers across the Northeast rejoice! The EEASY Lid is now available on jars of Carmine’s signature sauces in 300 ShopRite grocery stores located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with rollouts in additional grocery stores coming soon.

Carmine’s, the legendary family-style Italian restaurant and beloved New York City institution entering its monumental 35th anniversary year, has teamed up with CCT to bring its award-winning sauces into home kitchens with a lid that makes opening jars a breeze.

The EEASY Lid allows consumers to simply press a button on Carmine’s jar lids to reduce the amount of effort needed to twist off the lid by up to 50%. It’s as simple as push, twist and open. That means no more time wasted struggling to open stubborn jar lids or searching the internet for jar opening hacks.

This partnership is a winning combination for today’s pasta sauce loving, convenience-minded consumers. Busy consumers are increasingly searching for convenient, time saving options like these easy-open, delicious pasta sauces for meal preparation. A YouGov survey found that the majority of Americans (60%) prefer to spend less than 30 minutes cooking dinner.

Commenting on the partnership, Carmine’s CEO Jeffrey Bank said: “Carmine’s was created to bring people around the table for simple yet delicious meals for the whole family. Now with the EEASY Lid, we hope to make that experience even more convenient so that people can recreate the Carmine’s experience at home with ease.”

The EEASY Lid was designed with people of all ages and abilities in mind. While opening stubborn jars is a minor inconvenience to some, it can negatively affect the daily lives of the 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. who struggle with some sort of disability. With the EEASY Lid topping more and more jarred products, the struggle associated with opening traditional jar lids will become a thing of the past – and that’s great news for everyone!

Not only is the EEASY Lid easier to open, but it’s also better for the planet. The innovative aluminum lug lid is recyclable and durable – providing a sustainable alternative to the traditional tin lids.

Jarred sauces from Carmine’s topped with the EEASY Lid are currently available in Marinara, creamy Vodka, fresh Tomato-Basil, and spicy Fra Diavolo varieties.

Contact us today to learn more.

What’s New in Sustainable Packaging

Consumers are putting pressure on brands to reduce the environmental impact of product packaging. As shoppers become more and more environmentally aware, they are looking for brands that prioritize sustainability.

Recent research from Nova Chemicals Corp. and Schmidt Marketing Research revealed that consumers consider recyclability, creation of the least waste, and functionality to be the most important attributes of packaging material.

Brands are responding to consumer preferences by reimagining how they package their products. To address environmental concerns and build deeper connections with eco-conscious consumers, brands are transitioning to sustainable packaging.

Here’s a look at some of the latest news on companies making the shift to sustainable packaging:

Source: Energizer Holdings, Inc

These are just some of the brands making news for transitioning to more eco-friendly packaging.

Is your brand packaging sustainable and accessible? It very easily can be.

If your brand is looking for sustainable, accessible packaging that gives products a competitive edge – look no further than the EEASY Lid. Made of recyclable aluminum, the EEASY Lid is a jar lid innovation that reduces the environmental impact of packaging while enhancing overall user experience.

Contact us today to learn more about how the EEASY Lid can help your brand tell a stronger sustainability and accessibility story.