Diamond Packaging Selected as a P&G External Business Partner of the Year

Diamond was ranked the #1 folding carton supplier in the world and named an “External Business Partner of the Year” by Procter & Gamble during P&G's annual External Business Partner Recognition Dinner on October 23, 2013.

Diamond was one of only 15 suppliers, out of more than 82,000, to receive P&G's highest honor. Suppliers achieved this distinction by consistently scoring the highest in broad-based quantitative and qualitative evaluations by P&G employees throughout the supply chain.

Diamond also received an Excellence Award for the fifth time in the last six years. Only about 0.1% of P&G's global suppliers received this distinction for consistent high performance. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Best of Show in 27th Annual Excellence Awards Competition

Diamond won three awards, including Best of Show, in the 27th annual packagePRINTING Excellence Awards Competition, the industry's only competition recognizing the highest level of printing quality and technical achievement across the full range of packaging segments – tags and labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated cartons.

Winners were chosen from hundreds of entries submitted in over 40 different categories. Entries were judged on print quality, functionality, and secondary converting and finishing attributes.

Diamond won Best of Show and First Place in the Technical Achievement category for its 2013 Carousel Calendar. The judges were impressed with the creative graphic presentation and the number of elements incorporated in the calendar. “It was impeccable and hit all the marks,” remarked Joe Hamway of Mark Andy Inc. “Everything was well put together—embossing, varnish, diecutting, and a great design,” added Bob Waddington, Nazdar. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Wins Three Awards in 64th Annual Premier Print Awards Competition

Diamond won three awards in the 64th annual Premier Print Awards competition, the graphic arts industry’s largest and most prestigious international print competition. Printing Industries of America (PIA) hosts the Premier Print Awards, which recognizes the creation and production of superior print communications. The event promotes excellence in printing and rewards companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media. Of the more than 2,800 entries received, Diamond's entries were among those chosen for exemplifying the highest standards in the printing industry.

Diamond won an Award of Recognition for its 2013 Carousel Calendar and Certificates of Merit for the calendar and L'Oreal's Professionnel Série Expert Holiday Box.

Winners will be featured on the PIA website and in the Premier Print Awards Supplement, which is distributed to more than 10,000 print buyers. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Four Awards in FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond won four awards in the 20th annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the industry's premier showcase for foil stamping, embossing, and other specialty effects. Awards were announced last month during the IADD•FSEA Odyssey in Nashville, TN.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country, Diamond earned recognition by winning one Gold Leaf award, one Silver Leaf award, and two Bronze Leaf awards. more

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Packaging

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in Brazil

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) recently held its annual meeting in São Paolo, Brazil, providing an ideal forum for its partners to review packaging industry and global market trends. The group also discussed ways to further support international brands with enhanced packaging solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

Representatives from each company shared the latest developments in their packaging operations, including equipment investments, value-added processes, green initiatives, and operating data for benchmarking. Members also provided commentary on current economic conditions in their respective countries, and the impact of the economy on packaging markets. more


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Packaging

The Independent Carton Group (ICG) Celebrates its 30th Anniversary

The Independent Carton Group (ICG), an association of 17 independently owned and operated folding carton companies, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a host of special events that unfolded over the past two days in Charleston, S.C., including the presentation of several esteemed awards. For three decades, the ICG has helped independent folding carton manufacturers successfully compete against large, integrated paper companies in the folding carton industry, and today, the 17 member companies in 11 states collectively represent over $700 million in annual sales and 1,282 years of packaging history. more

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Packaging

Diamond Packaging was featured today on 13WHAM-TV's "Made In Our Hometown" series.

Diamond is responsible for making some of the industry's most decorative boxes and packages – the kind that seem to jump right off the store shelves. 13WHAM-TV News Anchor Evan Dawson had a chance to go inside the Henrietta-based operation that has grown substantially over the past several decades.

Watch the video segment.

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Recognized as One of North America’s Leading Printers

Diamond Packaging has again been recognized as one of North America's leading printers following a recent survey compiled by Printing Impressions magazine. Diamond was ranked #91 based on sales in the most recent fiscal year.

Printing Impressions, America's most influential and widely read publication for commercial printers, serves the $163 billion commercial printing industry. Now in its 29th year, the Printing Impressions 400 is the industry's most comprehensive ranking of the leading printing companies in the United States and Canada. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Newsweek Issues Annual Rankings Revealing the Planet's Biggest Protectors and Polluters

For the fourth year in a row, Newsweek analyzed data on the largest 500 American companies, comparing their environmental footprint, corporate management and transparency, to find which are the most eco-friendly. To conduct the study, they partnered with two leading environmental research organizations, Trucost and Sustainalytics. The methodology was developed in consultation with an advisory panel of corporate sustainability experts. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Fragrance Carton Case Study

As luminous and fresh as the fruity notes of lemon, rosewood, orange blossom, mandarin, bergamot, melon, and sweet peach used in Elizabeth Arden’s Sunflowers Eau De Toilette Spray Naturel are new carton graphics for the brand, skillfully converted by Diamond Packaging of Rochester, NY. Switching from a carton primarily printed in a golden yellow hue, with a white sunflower graphic, the new carton employs a mostly white background, with a stylized sunflower depicted in yellow on the front and back, with a deeper yellow shade used for the side panels. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Seven Awards in National Paperboard Competition

Diamond Packaging won seven awards in the 69th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Awards were announced last month at the PPC Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference in Las Vega, NV.

The competition, sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by a jury of packaging professionals, industry experts, professors, and magazine publishers, is a celebration of the industry and its creative potential. It is also an affirmation of paperboard as the clear and intelligent choice for packaging in today’s eco-conscious world.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning three Gold Awards and four Excellence Awards. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning three Gold Awards and four Excellence Awards. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

The Art and Science of Sustainable Packaging

Tune in to Package Design's Sustainable Package Design webinar: "The Art and Science of Sustainable Packaging", to be held Wednesday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

With a focus on corporate social responsibility at this brand’s core, Aveda brings a sustainable packaging approach that’s based on both technology and design. During the Package Design Sustainable Package Design webinar to be held Wednesday, November 14 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, industrial engineer and manager of package development at Aveda, Nicole Call, and Aveda’s director of packaging design Jason Troutman, who has worked across packaged good verticals for brands such as Best Buy, General Mills and Honeywell, discuss how Aveda uses science and art to create eco packaging worthy of a luxury brand. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Recognition in 2012 Excellence Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won two awards in the 26th annual packagePRINTING Excellence Awards Competition, the industry's only competition to highlight outstanding printing achievement across the full range of packaging segments – tags and labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated cartons. Entries were judged on print quality, functionality, and secondary converting and finishing attributes. Of the hundreds of entries submitted in 47 different categories, Diamond's entries were among those chosen for exemplifying the highest standards in the packaging industry.

Diamond won a first place award for Elizabeth Arden’s Sunflowers carton in the Folding Cartons – Offset category, and a third place award for its 2012 Calendar in the Specialty Category for Technical Achievement. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins 2012 P&G External Business Partner Excellence Award

The Procter & Gamble Company recognized Diamond Packaging as one of its top performing external business partners during an awards ceremony last night at its annual External Business Partner Summit. The summit brings together leaders from P&G and about 400 of P&G’s most strategic external business partners for two days of planning and recognition. This year’s theme was Partnering to Win, and multiple P&G business leaders shared insights about P&G’s renewed focus on delivering the business to win in market.

“This summit came at the perfect time for us to clearly communicate our external business partners our growth strategy of “40-20-10” and the priorities we’re focusing on to fully bring it to life,” said Dimitri Panayotopoulos, P&G’s Vice Chairman, Global Business Units, referencing the Company’s emphasis on its top forty country/category business combinations, top twenty innovations and top ten most important emerging markets. “P&G has a renewed energy and it’s these business relationships that will help propel us to winning where it matters most.”

Read the full press release or visit Diamond's website for more information.

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Five Awards in International Print Competition

Diamond Packaging won five awards in the 63rd annual Premier Print Awards competition, the graphic arts industry’s largest and most prestigious international print competition. Printing Industries of America (PIA) hosts the Premier Print Awards, which recognizes the creation and production of superior print communications. The event promotes excellence in printing and rewards companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media. Of the more than 2,800 entries received, Diamond's entries were among those chosen for exemplifying the highest standards in the printing industry.

Diamond won Certificates of Merit for its 2012 Calendar, Green Chic™ “Four Seasons” promotional packaging, and Elizabeth Arden's White Diamonds Gift Set. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition. more

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in India

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA), a worldwide consortium of medium-sized, independent packaging manufacturers, plans to strengthen its cooperation in the field of packaging design and development for global brands. Diamond Packaging (USA) and Kumar Printers (India) are now joining forces with Masterpack (South Africa) and Colorpak (Australia) in adopting the brandpack concept developed by the rlc | packaging group. Created in 2007, brandpack is the rlc center of excellence for complete packaging design.

At the annual GPA meeting recently held in New Delhi, India, management representatives from the nine member companies discussed the different market conditions in the worldwide network based on sustainability and quality of life issues. In the emerging countries, for example, the current trend toward plastic film packaging poses a serious problem for environmental protection. This is primarily due to the underdeveloped recycling systems in these regions. At the same time, there is a demand in these markets for sustainable packaging solutions and high-quality design for global brands. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Launches Kitting Solutions Website

Diamond Packaging today announced the launch of a new website to promote the company’s comprehensive kitting services. The site, www.diamondkittingsolutions.com, focuses on Diamond’s broad range of kit building and procurement services for biotech/pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and central laboratories.

Development of the site began in 2011 when Diamond signed an exclusive agreement with VWR International, LLC to exclusively provide an array of kit building services, including just-in-time material procurement, assembly, full service inventory management, requisition printing, finished kit quality inspections, and direct-to-site distribution through its newly-formed Diamond Kitting Solutions division. Diamond provides the labor, materials, and infrastructure necessary to create clinical trials packaging, diagnostic specimen collection kits, and medical device recovery kits. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

QR Codes 101 (video)

Kim Guarnaccia, Director of Marketing and Communications of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), has produced an excellent video that explains what QR codes are, summarizes the purpose of putting them on packaging (or marketing material), and provides simple instructions on how you can begin creating your own QR codes.

Check out the QR Code 101 video now available through Adobe Connect.

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Two Awards in 2011 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won two awards in the 2011 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the industry's premier showcase for foil stamping, embossing, and other specialty effects. Awards were announced during the FSEA•IADD Joint Conference at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country, Diamond earned recognition by winning one Gold Leaf award and one Silver Leaf award. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Earns Highest Possible Score in P&G’s New Environmental Sustainability Scorecard Analysis Tool

The Procter & Gamble Company today announced that its environmental sustainability scorecard analysis tool would be made freely available for use by any company. The Excel-based tool enables companies to measure and interpret key environmental sustainability metrics across their supply chains and identify progress as well as opportunities for improvement. By providing this tool for free, P&G hopes to enable other companies to more purposefully focus on improving their environmental footprint without investing in the development of analysis software. The scorecard and analysis tool are available here.

“We’re taking every step we can to help others make their supply chain more sustainable,” said Larry Loftus, Director of Purchases Capability & Strategy and lead designer of P&G’s scorecard. “We believe we have a useful process and tools, and we want others to benefit from that.”

The Scorecard Analysis Tool is the latest publicly available component of P&G’s Supply Chain Environmental Sustainability Scorecard (supplier scorecard), which was designed to improve the environmental footprint of P&G’s supply chain, fuel innovation, and encourage suppliers to make environmental improvements in their own supply chains. The scorecard measures absolute or intensity improvements in nine key metrics including energy use, water use, waste disposal and greenhouse gas emissions on a year-to-year basis. It also assesses P&G’s external business partners’ sustainability innovation ideas and promotes collaboration. Its results affect a supplier’s rating, which can impact future business with P&G.

The scorecard is just one aspect of a robust, productivity-driving sustainability effort across P&G that the Company estimates has led to nearly $1 billion in bottom-line operational savings from reductions in energy, water, waste and CO2 at its own facilities over the past ten years. P&G has encouraged others to adopt or adapt the scorecard for their needs since its launch in 2010.

The scorecard has also resulted in improvements and increased innovation and collaboration within its supplier network. Some specific changes it has catalyzed P&G and its suppliers to make include deleting plastic windows on a brand’s cartons, reducing manufacturing scrap waste, replacing petroleum-based materials with certified Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) material, and identifying opportunities to more efficiently transport products and reduce the quantity of trucks used.

Diamond Packaging was recognized as one of only 17 companies that earned the highest possible score. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Report: Packaging Consumers Keen to Go Green

In the most recent research conducted by Perception Research Services, shoppers demonstrate that they are interested in choosing environmentally-friendly packaging. Significantly more shoppers state they would like to choose environmentally friendly packaging compared to 2010 (36% vs 28%), with fully half still willing to pay more (despite the economy). This is especially true of younger (under 40) shoppers. Over half (59%) of our sample state that seeing environmental claims on packaging positively impacts their behavior (to either buy more of the brands they usually do, or switch to others).

Ironically, while shoppers continue to notice environmental claims at a high level (roughly half state seeing more of them in the past 6 months, just as in 2010), they are increasingly frustrated by the information provided. Significantly more report there isn't enough environmental information (26% vs 20%), that they are confused by all the different environmental claims (20% vs 12%), and that they don't know which packages are best for the environment (22% vs 17%). more

From Biodegradable to Recyclable: Packaging Choices for Beauty Brands

It’s a given that today’s consumers have grown to expect eco-friendly packaging to envelop their sustainably sourced beauty products. And, in an increasing amount of countries, it’s becoming a requirement. “Consumers in India, Japan and Taiwan have strict regulations and bans on plastics and other pollutants compared to other regions of the world due to the limited space and challenges they have been confronted with from the impacts of pollution,” says Patti Aragoni of Green Bag Company, an eco-conscious bag and packaging supplier based in San Francisco. Moreover, many European countries—notably Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Austria—have eco-conscious behavior deeply rooted into their culture, and consumers expect the disposability of their products to be simple and environmentally responsible.

However, a brand should keep in mind that there are many ways to promote a green message through packaging: It can be composted or biodegradable; it can be tossed in the recycling bin; or it can be refilled or reused. A savvy brand owner will carefully weigh the benefits of each kind of green packaging solution when implementing changes. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Commits to Buy Renewable Energy Through 2017

Diamond Packaging, The City of Austin, Texas, Southern Oregon University, the Bank of Georgetown (DC and MD), Stevens Pass, and Sandy Alexander are the first to sign the Renewable Energy Markets Association (REMA) “5 Year Renewable Energy Pledge.” The national program recognizes organizations that make a long-term commitment to voluntarily purchase renewable energy for at least the next five years. The official REMA-led program launch is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership, Center for Resource Solutions, and the founding companies, organizations, and municipalities.

“Voluntary purchases of renewable energy contribute significantly to our nation’s renewable energy infrastructure and deployment of new renewable generation,” said Jay Carlis, REMA President. “In 2009 alone, U.S. consumers voluntarily purchased over 30 million megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy above and beyond government mandates, but more can be done. With federal renewable energy policy fading away, long-term demand for green power from voluntary customers can step in to catalyze renewable energy development in the absence of federal policy drivers. That’s what the Pledge seeks to stimulate.” more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Video Clip from National Paperboard Competition Now Available

A video clip of a PPC judge commenting on Diamond Packaging's award-winning 2011 Centennial Calendar is now available at: http://www.diamondpackaging.com/multimedia/diamond-calendar-jim.wmv.

Diamond earned five awards in the 68th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, including Gold and Eco Excellence Awards for its calendar. This year's centennial-themed calendar is the company's most ambitious to date, featuring twelve layouts: one for each decade that Diamond has been in business along with a futurevision layout and a 9-11 tribute. Each decade depicts memorable moments from that time period supporting Diamond's message that “We Were There”. The distinguished calendar cover protects the piece, which also serves as a capabilities book.

The calendar was decorated with the latest in package printing technologies, including specialty coatings (emboss, pearl, textured, soft touch), MiraFoil® environmentally-friendly coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects, foil stamping, and multi-level embossing.

Diamond introduced several of its new specialty coatings (DiamondEmboss, DiamondPearl, DiamondTexture, and DiamondTouch) on the cover and several of its layouts. The goal was to produce unique decorative effects through an in-line process without requiring a separate stamping or embossing pass, thereby reducing material and energy usage.

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Five Awards In National Paperboard Competition

Diamond Packaging earned five awards in the 68th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Awards were announced at the PPC's Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference at Disney World.

The competition, sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by industry leaders and designers, is a celebration of the industry and its creative potential. It is also an affirmation of paperboard as the clear and intelligent choice for packaging in today’s eco-conscious world.

Entries in the General category were evaluated on three criteria. First was an examination of the package itself, taking into consideration the entry’s development objectives, materials, and design, printing, and converting processes. The second measured the package’s impact on production, manufacturing, distribution, storage and warehousing; economics (material substitutions, cost reduction, line efficiency); and brand enhancement and marketing. Finally, the package’s impact on the retail store shelf was considered.

This year's Eco category entries were evaluated on a carton's use of paperboard—or how paperboard replaced a less-sustainable substrate—to create an eco-friendly package. Environmental stewardship, material and energy savings, and clean production processes were also assessed.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning two Gold Awards and three Excellence Awards. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Introduces Green Chic™ Sustainable Packaging

Diamond Packaging today announced its new Green Chic™ packaging, a significant advance in the field of sustainable packaging design. Upscale or luxury brands can now support environmental concerns without sacrificing identity.

As a natural evolution of Diamond’s greenbox initiative, the company is applying its tradition of innovation to green packaging design. Diamond's new Green Chic™ packaging delivers “Beauty without Compromise” by capturing the essence of luxury brands through more sustainable converting methods.

Green Chic™ incorporates multiple technologies, all applied inline:

TruCOLOR™ expanded color gamut (ECG)

Specialty coatings

Effects and decorations (e.g., MiraFoil™ metallic coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects)

In addition, all components are manufactured using 100% renewable wind energy.

Diamond's new “Four Seasons” carton series demonstrates these technologies in beauty-inspired packaging representing each of the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). All of the samples were created utilizing its unique Synergy (tapered tuck and seal end) structure. The cartons also incorporate a QR code which, when scanned, directs users to Diamond's green website. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Designing for a Greener Future

Since the inception of Earth Day in 1970, consumer interest in the environment has grown to include concerns about packaged goods. Join sustainability experts from Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever as they provide up-to-date insights into how large packaged goods and food service companies are approaching package design and sustainability. Discussion points in this 60-minute webinar include new sustainable packaging materials and package-design initiatives, as well as the processes, advancements, and regulatory issues affecting the package design industry. Plus, they’ll each discuss their company’s green initiatives and how that translates to their bottom lines. In just one hour, you’ll uncover dynamic, new strategies that protect people, the planet, and profits. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Wins P&G Corporate Supplier Excellence Award

The Procter & Gamble Company recognized Diamond Packaging as one of its top performing external business partners during an awards ceremony last night at its Business Partner Recognition Dinner. The objective of the annual event is to recognize and celebrate those key contributors who have demonstrated partner excellence. This year about 80 supplier and agency partners were represented at the awards dinner.

“We have tremendous partnerships with our external business partners around the world,” said Bob McDonald, P&G’s chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. “These partnerships are powerful because they are focused on a common purpose &emdash to touch and improve people's everyday lives.”

Diamond received P&G’s Corporate Supplier Excellence Award for performing consistently at high levels within P&G's internal performance management system. more

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Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

New packaging recovery label system to debut in 2012

Sustainability nonprofit GreenBlue has released a new report, "Labeling for Package Recovery," and has announced details for a 2012 national pilot of the new Packaging Recovery Label System, a voluntary label developed by the organization’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to communicate to consumers how to recycle a package after its use.

Among the companies that have agreed to implement the label on select packaging nationwide starting in 2012 are ConAgra Foods, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, REI, and Seventh Generation.

The goals of the labeling system are to reduce confusion for consumers with clear instructions on how to recycle a package after its use, and to develop a consistent, accurate labeling system for companies that adheres to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Green Guides” and uses nationally accurate recyclability data. more

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

GreenBlue® Reports on Sustainability of Decorative Processes on Paperboard

GreenBlue®, a non-profit organization developed to equip businesses with the science and resources to make products more sustainable, has recently released a suite of reports that provides technical guidance on how to design packaging to be compatible with common recovery methods. Separate reports have been developed for aluminum, steel, glass and paper packaging.

Closing the Loop: Design for Recovery Guidelines for Paper Packaging (the Guidelines) provides information that is necessary to assess the potential recyclability of a new type of package before it is released into the marketplace. According to GreenBlue® Project Leader Elizabeth Shoch, “The goal of the Closing the Loop project is to improve the overall recovery of packaging materials, primarily by connecting two parts of the supply chain that rarely interact: packaging designers and recyclers. The hope is that if designers are aware of the impact they have on packaging recovery, they may change their practices and design with the end in mind.”

Shoch further explained that specifically for paper packaging, the Guidelines’ primary purpose was to examine the various treatments that are applied to paper packaging, assess their purpose in packaging and try to determine how each treatment impacts the recycling or composting process – the two beneficial end-of-life options for paper packaging in the US. “To our knowledge,” said Shoch, “this information has not been previously collected anywhere.” more

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Three Awards in 2011 Gold Ink Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won three awards in the 2011 Gold Ink Awards competition, the industry’s most prestigious print competition.

Competing against more than 1,000 entries from around the world, Diamond won recognition for packaging produced for Coty's Beyoncé Heat and McGraw Silver fragrances, and for its own 2011 Centennial Calendar. Winning pieces were chosen based on print quality, technical difficulty, and overall visual effect.

Diamond created striking new packaging for Beyoncé Heat, a sensual, sexy, and sophisticated fragrance that embodies the soul of Beyoncé's persona.

The overall presentation imparts unusual depth and distinction through innovative design, material selection, UV gloss spot coating, foil stamping, embossing, and debossing. more

Diamond Packaging
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Case Study Featured in Brand Packaging Magazine

A new case study on the recent launch of the Gillette Fusion® ProGlide™ shaving system will be featured in the August edition of Brand Packaging magazine.

The article, titled "Innovative Designs, Sustainable Results", details how Gillette and Diamond Packaging collaborated on using the latest materials and decorative techniques to create packaging that met cost objectives yet still delivered a high premium appearance. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Highest Honor For Its Centennial Calendar

Diamond Packaging won its first ever Benny Award in the 62nd annual Premier Print Awards competition, the graphic arts industry’s largest and most prestigious worldwide printing competition. Printing Industries of America (PIA) hosts the Premier Print Awards, which recognizes the creation and production of superior print communications. The event promotes excellence in printing and rewards companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media. Of the more than 3,200 entries received, Diamond’s entries were chosen for exemplifying the highest standards in the printing industry.

Diamond won the coveted Benny Award for its Diamond 2011 Centennial Calendar, and in recognition will receive the “Benny”, a bronze statuette of Benjamin Franklin. The Benny is awarded to the most outstanding entry in each category. To win, an entry must be flawless. Given this high standard, the judges do not always award a Benny in every category.

Diamond also won Certificates of Merit for the Beiersdorf Mini Gift Set and for the Diamond 2011 Centennial Calendar. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition.

“We are thrilled to have won the Benny Award,” said Karla Fichter, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Packaging. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the industry as a company that produces best-in-class packaging.” more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Seven Awards In 2010 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won seven awards in the 2010 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the industry's premier showcase for foil stamping and embossing designs and techniques. Awards were announced last month at the IADD•FSEA Odyssey in Nashville, TN.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country, Diamond earned recognition by winning two Gold Leaf awards, four Silver Leaf awards, and one Bronze Leaf award. The total represents the highest number of awards Diamond has ever won in this competition.

Diamond won a Gold Leaf award in the category of “Most Difficult Application of Foil Stamping/Embossing on a Folding Carton” for packaging created for Coty's Beyoncé Heat, a sensual, sexy, and sophisticated fragrance that embodies the soul of Beyoncé's persona. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in Hong Kong

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) recently held its annual meeting in Hong Kong, providing an ideal forum for its members to review industry trends and the latest developments in packaging innovation and sustainability. The group also focused on ways to further support international brands in growth markets.

GPA members opened the meeting by discussing packaging trends in their respective markets and sharing the latest developments in their packaging operations, including equipment investments, technical advancements, process improvements, new materials, and operating data for benchmarking.

The agenda also included a review of market developments in the Middle East and India with the possibility of adding a company to the GPA’s current network in these regions. With this in mind, the next GPA annual conference is scheduled to take place in India in early 2012. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Marks 100th Anniversary with Purchase of Second Custom-Configured Speedmaster XL 105 UV Press

Just in time for its 2011 centennial celebration, Diamond Packaging, a high-end printing and packaging company based in Rochester, N.Y., has installed its second state-of-the-art, 8-color Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 in a special double coating configuration with initial flexo dispersion coater, four modular deliveries, and full interdeck UV capability.

The company, which acquired its first Speedmaster XL 105 LYY-8+LYYL one year ago in a bid to attract additional package decorating business, has seen the market for complex, high-end work with inline finishing and specialty coatings take off over the past 12 months, as customers learned that Diamond had gained the capability to perform an impressive range of high-gloss applications with dispersion or other coatings, in addition to metallic, pearlescent and other special effects. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Paperboard Packaging to Benefit from Recyclable Logo

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has introduced a recyclable logo to be used on paperboard packaging now that it is recycled in the majority of American communities.

According to recent guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), something can only be advertised as recyclable if it can be done so easily by the majority of consumers.

PPC has said that paperboard packaging is now being collected for recycling in over 60 percent of communities in the US, which the FTC has said represents a substantial majority. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Produces Centennial-Themed Calendar

Diamond Packaging continues its annual tradition of producing a corporate calendar, a popular promotional item given to customers and suppliers.

This year's centennial-themed calendar is the company's most ambitious to date, featuring twelve layouts: one for each decade that Diamond has been in business along with a futurevision layout and a 9-11 tribute. Each decade depicts memorable moments from that time period supporting Diamond's message that “We Were There”. The distinguished calendar cover protects the piece, which also serves as a capabilities book.

The calendar was decorated with the latest in package printing technologies, including specialty coatings (emboss, glitter, pearl, textured, soft touch), MiraFoil™ environmentally-friendly coating, Cast and Cure holographic effects, foil stamping, and multi-level embossing. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

FTC Proposes Revised Green Guides

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed revisions to the guidance that it gives marketers to help them avoid making misleading environmental claims. The proposed changes are designed to update the Guides and make them easier for companies to understand and use.

The changes to the “Green Guides” include new guidance on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, “renewable energy” claims, “renewable materials” claims, and “carbon offset” claims. The FTC is seeking public comments on the proposed changes until December 10, 2010, after which it will decide which changes to make final.

Read the article that appears on PackagingDigest.com.

Read the Green Guides Summary of Proposal.

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Featured in packagePRINTING Magazine

Diamond is featured in the September 2010 issue of packagePRINTING magazine.

The article, titled "Diamond Shines", documents how the company leverages a long tradition of quality and innovation to be successful in the packaging arena.

Click here to read the article.

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Three Awards In International Print Competition

Diamond Packaging earned three awards in the 61st annual Premier Print Awards Competition, the graphic arts industry's largest and most prestigious international printing competition. Printing Industries of America hosts the Premier Print Awards, which recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of superior print. The event promotes excellence in print communications and rewards companies and individuals who produce the best in printed media.

Diamond competed against more than 3,200 entries from printing and graphic arts firms around the world and received Certificates of Merit for its 2010 corporate calendar, the Godiva 2009 Halloween Collection, and the L’Oreal USA / Matrix 2009 Holiday Collection.

Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, notes, “Each year, the field of entries brings impressive work from some of the best printers in the world. Only a small number of companies receive any award. The craftsmanship and hard work of Diamond Packaging enabled them to produce multiple award-winning pieces in the face of some very strong competition.”

Diamond was recognized for its contributions to sustainable packaging by winning in the Environmentally Sound category for its 2010 corporate calendar, a popular promotional item given to customers and prospects. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in Europe

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) recently held its annual meeting in Europe. With members convening from all over the world, the yearly event provided an ideal forum to discuss global market and technology trends.

GPA members spent the first half of the week in Germany and had the opportunity to tour rlc | packaging group’s general and pharmaceutical packaging facilities in Berlin. Members also exchanged views over new technologies and production processes and explored manufacturing and materials options that address requests of global brands to reduce the carbon footprint of their products.

“Know-how-transfer and experience exchange within the GPA network provide us and our customers a decisive competitive advantage – even when it comes to the development of sustainable production methods,” said Hans-Christian Bestehorn, manager of rlc | packaging group and president of the GPA. “Marketers want to support ecological causes, but do not want to sacrifice packaging refinement, for in the end it is essential for brands to communicate a high quality image and command attention at the point-of-sale." more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Six Awards In National Paperboard Packaging Competition

Diamond Packaging earned six awards in the 67th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for all that is new and outstanding in paperboard packaging design and technology. Awards were announced at the 2010 Outlook & Strategies Conference in Cincinnati, OH.

The competition, sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), is a celebration of the industry and its creative potential. It is also an affirmation of paperboard as the clear and intelligent choice for packaging in today’s eco-conscious world.

Entries in the overall competition were evaluated on three criteria. First was an examination of the package itself, specifically an explanation of the package’s development objectives, materials selection, and design, printing, and converting processes. Second was a measure of the package’s impact on production, manufacturing, and distribution, including logistics and supply chain (storage, distribution, warehousing), system economics (material substitutions, line efficiency, cost reduction), and brand enhancement and marketing. Finally, the package’s impact on retail and consumers was evaluated, including merchandising and retail strategy effectiveness, performance and functionality, product protection, sustainability, and shelf differentiation.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning two Gold Awards and four Excellence Awards. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Highland Lilac Wins Packaging Award

Diamond Packaging and Highland Lilac of Rochester today announced that its new packaging for the renowned Highland Lilac™ perfume won an award in packagePRINTING’s 23rd annual Excellence Awards competition. The folding carton redesign won Second Place in the competition’s new Sustainability category.

The competition, sponsored by packagePRINTING magazine, is the industry's only competition that recognizes the highest level of printing quality and technical achievement across the full range of packaging segments – tags and labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated cartons. Entries were judged on print quality, functionality, and secondary converting and finishing attributes. Sustainability entries were also judged on the use of sustainable materials (inks, substrates, etc.) with additional consideration for the use of sustainable processes.

“We're excited to partner with Diamond Packaging in this green initiative,” said Charles Morgan, president of Highland Lilac of Rochester. “It’s great to be able to combine an attractive package with sustainability. It certainly is a win-win.”

Both Diamond and Highland Lilac have deep roots in the Rochester community. Dan Morgan first designed, developed and manufactured Highland Lilac™ perfume 40 years ago, and partnered with Diamond to package the product for its initial launch at that time. Today, Highland Lilac™ is one of America's finest perfumes, winning numerous national awards and international gold medals, and having been presented to 11 first ladies of the United States. It has also been featured on The Martha Stewart Show and in several national magazines, including Shopping Etc. and Affluent Lifestyles. The company debuted its new packaging during the 2009 Lilac Festival. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Four Awards in 2009 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won four awards in the 17th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the premier showcase for the most creative, brilliant, and technically difficult works in the packaging industry. Awards were announced last month at the FSEA National Convention in New Orleans, LA.

The competition, sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes top quality craftsmanship and expressions of excellence in the areas of foil stamping, embossing, specialty effects, and design. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the world, Diamond earned recognition by winning two Gold Leaf awards, one Silver Leaf award, and one Bronze Leaf award. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Sustainable Packaging: The Beauty Industry’s Perfect Storm?

Eco-conscious consumers are demanding greener packaging to help save the planet, and corporate boards are requiring increased sustainability measures to boost the bottom line. Add in new global standards and growing retail requirements, and there may be a perfect storm gathering in the beauty world. Read on for the latest forecast.

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Installs Custom-Configured Speedmaster XL 105 UV Press

Diamond Packaging today announced the installation of a state-of-the-art, UV-capable, 8-color Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 in a special double coating configuration with initial flexo dispersion coater and three modular deliveries. The company acquired the new press in order to service existing customers, attract new business, and grow revenues and employment. The new machine joins a pressroom lineup that already boasts a 7-color Speedmaster CD 102 UV press and a 6-color Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102 UV press with double coater.

“Packaging is a very capital intensive business. Our customers are continually demanding new technology, faster turnaround, increased service, and greater flexibility and capability,” said Karla Fichter, CEO of Diamond Packaging. “Investing in new technology is a long-standing tradition at Diamond and allows us to satisfy the demands of our customers and grow organically.”

“This acquisition is exciting in that it represents the state-of-the-art in package printing technology,” said Kirsten Werner, president of Diamond Packaging. “Our new press will provide Diamond with an unprecedented combination of cost innovation and sustainability.” more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Sustainable Packaging Market to Reach $170 Billion by 2014

Packaging for a variety of consumer, commercial, and industrial goods continues to grow rapidly, fueled largely by the increase in demand for consumer goods in developing countries. According to a recent report from Pike Research, worldwide packaging industry revenues will increase from $429 billion in 2009 to $530 billion by 2014, representing a growth rate greater than that of the global economy itself. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

SPC Introduces Framework to Gauge Metrics in Packaging Sustainability

The SP Metrics Framework is the outcome of an 18-month project that involved extensive research, stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive review process. Its indicators and metrics are organized into eight categories related to material use, energy use, water use, material health, clean production and transport, cost and performance, community impact and worker impact. Each module explains why the measurements should be made, defines each indicator as it relates to packaging, specifies the metric to be used, defines terminology and provides recommendations for what to measure and what not to measure, including references to applicable international standards and protocols. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Survey Shows Bright Future for Sustainable Packaging

A survey of top retail- and manufacturing-related companies reveals that more than 65% of companies have some type of sustainable packaging policy in place, while 28% are currently developing a policy.

The report, developed by Tompkins’ Supply Chain Consortium, states that for 79% of companies, packaging sustainability impacts their strategic direction in the area of energy and material costs, and 76% see an impact in environmental and economic concerns. At the same time, executives see less of an impact in the areas of increasing competitiveness and access to new markets, indicating that sustainable packaging may be more about “hard” savings rather than “soft” benefits. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Empire State Development Announces More Than $1 Million in Upstate Regional Blueprint Funding for Finger Lakes Region

Empire State Development today announced that Diamond Packaging has been awarded $700,000 in Round 1 of the Upstate Regional Blueprint Funding. Diamond will retain 90 existing jobs and create 100 new jobs with this investment. The announcement of $17.5 million in Round I of Upstate Regional Blueprint funding was made today by Governor David A. Paterson. More than $1 million in funding was awarded to the Finger Lakes Region.

The Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund was designed to finance business investment, infrastructure upgrades and downtown redevelopment that will advance New York’s economic vitality. The $120 million Fund, announced by Governor David A. Paterson in May, supports projects that help provide a framework for future growth in regions with stymied development.

Diamond Packaging is a high-end printing and packaging company that will invest in a new multi-million dollar printing press to service new and existing customers. This investment will ensure that the company retains its largest customers, as well as assist in attracting new business. In addition to the Blueprint funds, Diamond will be financing the acquisition with SBA 504 funds approved through the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, bank financing, and cash equity. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Four Awards In FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition

Diamond Packaging won four awards in the 16th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for foil stamping and embossing designs and techniques. Awards were announced at the annual awards banquet, held in conjunction with the 2009 IADD•FSEA Odyssey in Atlanta, GA.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria including design, execution, and level of difficulty. Winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement.

Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country, Diamond earned recognition by winning two Gold Leaf awards, one Silver Leaf award, and one Bronze Leaf award. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

EPA Recognizes Diamond Packaging For Leading Green Power Purchase

Diamond Packaging announced today that it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) new Top 20 Printers List of the largest green power purchasers in the commercial printing business. Diamond Packaging is purchasing more than 6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use. Diamond Packaging is buying a utility green power product from RG&E.

The Top 20 Printers List, which debuted on July 27, is one of nine Top Partner Lists that EPA releases quarterly, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. Diamond Packaging currently ranks No. 7 on EPA’s Top 20 Printers List. All of EPA’s Top Partner Lists are available at www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists.

This purchase also qualifies Diamond Packaging for EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded EPA’s minimum purchase requirements. Green Power Leadership Club members must purchase ten times the partnership’s minimum requirement organization-wide. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Yau Bon Achieves FSC Certification

Yau Bon Offset Printing Ltd. today announced that they have earned Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification. This certification reflects a growing trend to enhance the development of forest certification in China, create synergies between the regional and international forest certification systems, and encourage public involvement in the process of forest certification through seminars, training and publications.

China is growing at a dramatic rate positioning itself as the ’manufacturer of the world’. As the most populous country sporting a remarkable two-digit economic growth for a number of years, it is calling for large and ever increasing amounts of energy and resources.

Given China’s role in the world’s timber markets, the development of an FSC accredited National Initiative (NI) in China presents truly global opportunities for creating incentives for better forest management both in China and in some of the world’s most threatened forests. At the same time, significantly more responsibly produced wood products should become available on the North American and European markets. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Diamond Packaging Wins Four Awards in 2009 National Paperboard Packaging Competition

Diamond Packaging earned four awards in the 66th Annual National Paperboard Packaging Competition, the industry’s premier showcase for all that is new and outstanding in paperboard packaging design and technology. Awards were announced at the 2009 Outlook & Strategies Conference in Atlanta, GA.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), is a celebration of the industry and its potential. It is also an affirmation of paperboard as the clear and intelligent choice for packaging in today’s eco-conscious world.

Competing against entries from around the country, Diamond received recognition by winning two Gold Awards and two Excellence Awards. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging

Sustainable Packaging Trend Gathering Pace

A new report from independent market analyst Datamonitor identifies sustainable packaging as a growing consumer issue, revealing that, although sustainable packaging is not yet a primary motivator of purchases, it is becoming a consumer expectation.

"Sustainable packaging has the potential to become the new breakthrough consumer issue of its time, in the same way as organic food or fair-trade products a decade or so previously," Matthew Adams, consumer analyst at Datamonitor and author of the report, told Manufacturers' Monthly last week. "Consumers' relationship with packaging in many ways is complex because few will admit to its importance because it is often taken for granted, but increasing consumer concern about ecological matters means packaging is an issue that is rising to prominence. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Diamond's greenbox initiative
Packaging