Frequently Asked Questions

As a result of our ongoing engagement and listening to your suggestions, responding to your patients’ and institutions’ needs, and addressing your challenges, Abbott Nutrition will begin transitioning its adult can product portfolio to the New ARC^™: Abbott Recloseable Container by Tetra Pak^®. This new recloseable container is easy to open and easy to use and compared to metal cans, has a lower environmental impact and in a recent focus group study, the ARC was preferred by healthcare professionals and patients.

• In a focus group study, the ARC was preferred over metal cans by both healthcare professionals and patients.
• The ARC is easy to open and easy to use.
• The ARC has no sharp metal edges.
• The ARC helps preserve unfinished formula and reduces product waste.
• ARC has a lower environmental impact than metal cans.
• BPA (Bisphenol-A) is not used in the manufacture of the ARC.
• The ARC case has a more efficient package shape which allows for fewer pallet configurations and streamlined pallet management.
• In transportation/distribution tests, the ARC sustained less damage compared to metal cans.
• In a focus group study, the ARC case provided easier handling (compared to metal cans).
• A simple, consistent “look” makes it easy to identify Abbott products.
• A uniform label design allows customers to quickly locate nutritional information and benefits.

ARC: Abbott Recloseable Container by Tetra Pak^®

ARC is a multi-layered material made of low density polyethylene, paperboard, and aluminum foil.

BPA (Bisphenol-A) is not used in the manufacture of the ARC.

Yes, ARC is recyclable. Please visit www.recyclecartons.com to confirm availability for carton recycling in your area.

In a focus group study, the ARC was preferred over metal cans by both healthcare professionals and patients.

Flavor, aroma, color and texture of products in ARC: Abbott Recloseable Container will be comparable to products in metal cans and plastic bottles. Some customers may observe the products are slightly lighter in color, or taste a little different. This is due to the more gentle heat treatment associated with the ARC manufacturing process.

There are no latex components in the ARC.

The closure is made of 2 plastic components. It can be introduced with the carton into the recycling stream at recycling center that processes cartons.

The inner foil seal isn’t visible but it remains attached just beneath the opening and doesn’t fall into the product.

ARC products are considered commercially sterile.

The cap has a foil-cutting feature built in. As the cap is twisted, a plastic cutter descends into the foil, piercing through to open.

A tamper evident ring is attached to the primary cap. If the ring separates from the cap, this means that the container has been previously opened.

It is a general guideline that ARC should be stored in normal room temperature conditions. The ARC should not be stored in extreme heat or in frozen conditions. It is not recommended to put ARC in a wet/ice environment such as a cooler for transport. The containers may be stored on their side but never on top/cap facing down.

The shelf life is product-dependent but will not change from the current can's shelf life. The USE BY date can be found on the top of the container.

The batch code, time stamp, and use by date will be coded on top of the container behind the cap.

Once open, reclose, refrigerate and use within 48 hours. When product is consumed directly from the container or through a straw, refrigerate the remaining product within 1 hour and use within 24 hours.

Products transitioning include all institutional can products, Ensure Clear from the current 6.8 oz container to the new 8.0 oz ARC: Abbott Recloseable Container. Institutional Ensure Enlive, Ensure Compact, Ensure Original, Ensure Plus and Ensure High Protein will continue to be available in the current bottle.

No, Ensure Clear will not be reformulated as we move to ARC. The label claims will increase slightly as more product will be in the container.

No, the ARC will be priced the same as the can. The only price change will be alternate site price for current Ensure bottles moving to list price.

The New ARC: Abbott Reclosable Container product transition will be phased over a 6-month period, it is estimated to begin mid-Q2 2017 and conclude in Q4 2017. If you purchase Abbott Nutrition products through a distributor, it is recommended that you work directly with them for guidance on timing. If you purchase products directly from Abbott Nutrition, please work with your Abbott representative or customer service.

The phased approach is driven by manufacturing capacity. This approach allows Abbott Nutrition to make sure each new SKU launches with adequate inventory build for the transition and limits the risk of short-dated product.

In collaboration with more than 300 healthcare professionals, Abbott Nutrition developed the new label design and system across its entire product line to make it easier to identify our products and to quickly locate nutritional information and benefits.

New labels/updates include all products transitioning to new ARC: Abbott Recloseable Containers and all ready-to-hang prefilled enteral feeding containers.

New labels were developed, tested, and refined with ~300 healthcare professionals to improve clarity and accuracy of use. Types of HCPs included Clinical Nutrition Managers, Registered Dietitians, ICU RNs and Intensivists.

The timing of the new labels will occur as the new ARC: Abbott Recloseable Containers are launched. The goal is to align the new labels for the ready-to-hang containers with the introduction of the ARC.

An overpack shipper will be required for all single parcel deliveries. Testing has shown there is an increase in damage to the ARC without use of the overpack.

Store the new ARC standing upright on shelf and line up product as wide and deep as your shelf will allow. Or, store the new ARC on its side (up to 5 containers high for best shelf stability, label facing forward), and line up product as wide and deep as your shelf will allow.

Cases can be stacked up to 8 high. This is the same as the number of layers on a pallet. The pallets cannot be double stacked. There will be a sticker placed on the front face of the pallet indicating no double stack.

Packaging does not recommend taping or banding cases together for shipment. The practice was eliminated for 8 oz. cans due to damage. ARC cases should be in overpack.

No. Each unit and case will have scanable UPC codes only.

Correct. The damage policy will remain the same.