ERIE, Pa., July 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- At an early age, Karen Rzepecki began a lifetime fascination with the Mason jar. "I've always used them. I guess my starting point was catching fireflies during the summer as a kid. I'd poke holes in the lid and always had a favorite jar." These days, Karen is still catching fireflies in Mason jars, but with a twist and not by herself. Karen is the creator behind reCAP® Kids EXPLORE, a magnifying, glowing Mason jar lid with breathe holes, which was recently named CreativeChild Magazine's Product of the Year in the Educational Science Products category. EXPLORE isn't Karen's first Mason jar innovation. In 2012, this problem-solving mom turned inventor left a 30 year career with a Fortune 100 company to bring her ideas, and Mason jar passion, to life.
While shaking up homemade dressing, the idea came to her. "I seriously looked for a Mason jar lid that would let me shake, pour, and store all from the jar. I couldn't find one, so I thought, 'I can make that.'" And the rest is history – Karen's Original reCAP POUR received an award from Innovation Erie and was successfully funded on Kickstarter, which paved the way for the reCAP brand and the creation of Mason Jars Company.
Described by customers as the 'most multifunctional gadget in the home,' reCAP has been noticed by the likes of America's Test Kitchen, Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Better Homes & Gardens, and Real Simple. The brand has also strategically partnered with Classico® Sauces, Amazing Grass®, and 1% For The Planet. reCAP fits and repurposes Classico Riserva and 24 oz. Red Sauce jars, and the two brands will be launching a campaign this summer celebrating the "Art of Aperitivo." A series of how-to videos and other inspirational ideas will teach customers how to use jars to entertain guests and for everyday uses, like a reusable water bottle, fermenting kit, and storage container.
The Mason jar lid, made of BPA-free, FDA-approved plastic, is manufactured not only in the USA, but in Karen's hometown of Erie, PA. When asked why that's important, Karen responded, "Where possible, I keep work local. I enjoy meeting people face-to-face, and by minimizing transportation of goods, we keep costs down."
Earlier this year, Karen and her team unveiled new products with a warm reception at major industry shows, including reCAP FLIP at the International Home & Housewares Show and reCAP Kids EXPLORE at the Florida Parent Educators Association Conference. During the IHHS in Chicago, reCAP was featured in the PANTONE ColorWatch 2017 Exhibit, New Product Showcase, and the Inventor's Corner.
The Mason jar, which has seen a peak in popularity over the past couple years, has actually been around for over 150 years. "Trends may come and go, but the Mason jar is here to stay. There is no other container that has the versatility and sustainability." Learn more and shop for reCAP at MasonJars.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160725/392546
SOURCE Mason Jars Company