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A Legacy in Every Can

In the 1960s, Fredric J. Baur, a chemist and food storage technician, was given an unusual challenge by his employer, Procter & Gamble. The task: to create a snack that would solve two major complaints about traditional potato chips—their tendency to break and the excessive air in the packaging. Baur’s solution was revolutionary: a carefully shaped, stackable chip packed in a cylindrical canister. This invention would soon be known to the world as Pringles.

The Pringles can itself became iconic, both for its innovative design and its association with the uniquely shaped, stacked chips inside. Baur's invention not only solved the issue of broken chips but also established a new, efficient way of packaging snacks.

Pride in Innovation: A Life Dedicated to the Pringles Can

Fredric Baur poured years of research and testing into developing Pringles. The product was as much about design as it was about flavor and texture. He even went as far as to invent the saddle shape, technically called a “hyperbolic paraboloid,” to ensure the chips would stack perfectly while remaining crisp and break-resistant.

Although Baur worked on many projects over his career, Pringles became his legacy. He was so proud of this creation that, even in his retirement, he often shared the story of how Pringles came to be and displayed the famous can in his home.

The Final Wish: A Pringles Can as a Memorial

Fredric Baur’s pride in Pringles extended into his final wishes. Before he passed away in 2008, he made a request to his family: he wanted part of his remains to be buried in a Pringles can. This unusual wish might seem quirky to some, but for Baur, it was a meaningful symbol of his life’s work and creativity.

After his passing, his family honored his request. They went to the store, bought a can of Pringles, and placed a portion of his ashes inside. According to his family, choosing the right flavor was a lighthearted moment that felt fittingly humorous—after some debate, they decided on the original flavor, a tribute to the classic taste that started it all.

A Lasting Tribute to Creativity and Dedication

Fredric Baur’s decision to be buried with part of his ashes in a Pringles can isn’t just a quirky anecdote; it’s a testament to his passion and pride for his invention. Baur’s story highlights how our contributions to the world can become an integral part of our identities, even to the point of shaping our legacy. His innovative spirit and dedication serve as reminders of how creativity and hard work can make a lasting impact on culture and industry.

The Pringles Can: A Design That Endures

The Pringles can has been studied and admired for its engineering and packaging innovation. Its compact, stackable design became an icon, proving that sometimes, innovation isn’t just about the product but also how it’s presented and preserved. Today, millions of Pringles cans are sold worldwide each year, with flavors ranging from classic original to unique options like pizza and BBQ.

Did You Know?

1. A Scientist’s Approach to Snacks: Baur was a trained chemist, and he approached Pringles from a scientific angle, experimenting with different shapes, flavors, and packaging materials.

2. Pringles Aren’t Technically “Potato Chips”: Due to their unique processing method, Pringles are technically a “potato crisp,” not a chip. They’re made from a mixture of dehydrated potato flakes and other ingredients, shaped into their distinct saddle-like form.

3. The Can’s Environmental Impact: While Baur’s design was ahead of its time for packaging efficiency, the mixed materials of the Pringles can (cardboard, metal, and plastic) have sparked discussions on environmental sustainability, and today, some companies are exploring more eco-friendly versions of similar packaging.

Final Thought

Fredric Baur’s life story is an example of the deep connection we can feel to our creations. While not everyone would choose a snack container as a final resting place, Baur’s decision reflects the joy and pride he felt in his life’s work. It’s a reminder that true passion and dedication can give even the most everyday objects a unique, enduring significance.

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