Key Questions To Ask Your Packaging Supplier

The Independent Carton Group (ICG) recently published a study titled Pressing The Issue. It details how packaging buyers can create opportunities by asking a few questions about press technology.

Click here to read the study.

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

GPA Holds Annual Meeting in Japan

The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) held its annual meeting in Nagoya, Japan during the week of January 23, 2006. With members convening from all over the world, the yearly event was a much-anticipated chance to discuss strategies and goals, and provided an opportunity for alliance members to evaluate potential partnerships to supply the world’s second-largest economy. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

RFID To Change The World

An new article titled "Changing the World" appears in the April 2006 issue of Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News. It discusses how the FDA and others at RFID World are convinced that RFID can thwart counterfeiters and ease inventory tracking.

Randall Lutter, FDA’s associate commissioner for policy and planning, who was the event’s keynote speaker, said “RFID is feasible by 2007.” more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

Diamond Named Best Workplace in America

Diamond Packaging of Rochester, NY has again been recognized as “Best of the Best” in the 2005 Best Workplace in the Americas awards competition, sponsored by the Printing Industries of America (PIA) and Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). The program is designed to recognize graphic arts companies for their outstanding human relations efforts in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, which contributes to a successful workplace. This year marks the fifth year in a row that the honor was bestowed on Diamond Packaging. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

The Allure of Plastic: A Look at APET

In a previous post we examined the characteristics and applications of polyvinylchloride or PVC.

This month we highlight another popular plastic substrate, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, otherwise known as APET.

APET’s amorphous composition uniquely combines structural strength with glass-like clarity for a substrate that looks good and performs well for a wide range of applications.

APET resists cracking and does not whiten when flexed or bent. It is easily thermoformed (more quickly and economically than PVC), and its crystal-clarity makes it an ideal selection for attractive packaging with maximum product visibility.

In addition to its visual appeal, APET also offers superior barrier protection, keeping products safe from external liquids and gases, and promoting retention of product flavor and aroma. APET is clearly durable, tolerating temperatures from -40C to +70C. Because it is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and can be sterilized by ETO and Gamma radiation, APET is well-suited for disposable food and medication packaging.

Advances in printing techniques have elevated APET to the arena of premium products. The application of custom colors and foil stamping greatly expand your options for creative packaging that simultaneously protects and reveals the beauty of what’s inside.

The Gillette Company chose APET versatility for several of its high profile product launches, including Gillette for Women Venus™ and MACH3 Turbo.

The Venus plastic banner card was converted from .012 APET and features six different inks printed on one side of the substrate while the logo and other design elements were stamped with specially formulated foils on the other. The translucent nature of the plastic substrate evokes an elegant look and feel, allowing the beauty of the razor handle to show through.

APET uniquely retains product integrity while promoting customer interaction, making it a clear choice for applications as diverse as:

Consumer goods

Health and beauty items

Pharmaceutical and medical products

Food and confectionery

Point-of-purchase (POP) displays

Electronics packaging

Apparel

Toys

Single-use products

Gifts and novelty items

Plastic has added a whole new dimension to packaging, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. As you can see, however, choosing a substrate is more complex than simply asking “paper or plastic?” Choosing a folding carton supplier with experience and expertise in converting plastic is just as important to the decision making process.

In a future issue we’ll explore polypropylene, another popular plastic substrate. In the meantime, consider the advantages of plastic for your next package design.

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

Box Clever: Lifting the Lid on Today's Packaging Innovators

With more people working longer hours and the decline of the traditional family unit, manufacturers fast caught on to the fact that consumers wanted quick, easy-to-use products that could slot conveniently into their hectic lifestyles.

However, despite these products making life easier for consumers, consumers aren’t making life any easier for the suppliers. Brand competition, price wars, health concerns and diet fads are just some of the drivers in convenience products. And the packaging industry is being squeezed from both sides. Consumers want smaller and more disposable packaging but the marketers want more packaging for less money. They also want instantly eye- and wallet-catching designs that can incorporate free buying incentives such as toys, coupons and collectibles. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

IoPP to Tour Diamond Packaging

The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) will be taking a tour of the Diamond Packaging carton plant and Diamond Contract Manufacturing (DCM) contract packaging plant on Tuesday, January 10, 2005. Diamond designs and manufactures innovative paperboard and plastic packaging, counter-top displays, physician sample packaging, blister cards, stretch cards, and dispenser cartons.

The tour will be followed by dinner at Rick's Prime Rib and a presentation by Harry Voss, Chairman of Diamond Packaging, regarding "How Diamond is dealing with Global Customers and working in the Global Market Place".

Visit the IoPP website for more information or to register online.

Reaching Consumers on an Emotional Level

Coty Inc., one of the world’s largest and most successful beauty companies, recently introduced Shania by Stetson, an irresistible fragrance that captures the beauty, spirit, and independence of the renowned star. Diamond Packaging was chosen to design and manufacture the cartons and gift sets for this exciting product launch.

Coty’s expertise in developing products that resonate with consumers is enhanced by aligning themselves with celebrities who are involved with the entire creative process. Diamond worked closely with the Coty design team from the beginning, ensuring that the packaging reflected the celebrity’s personality and style.

The design is an excellent example of how packaging can connect with consumers on an emotional level. It is this emotional connection that helps build brand loyalty over time. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

The Allure of Plastic: A Look at PVC Folding Cartons

Plastic has traditionally been recognized for its functional capabilities. It is strong, resilient and at least semi-impermeable, making it a sensible choice for packaging perishable or environmentally sensitive liquids like milk, detergent and other cleaning agents.

However, over the last five years plastic has steadily gained favor for its aesthetic properties, and is now recognized as a clear winner in the competition for shelf appeal. Plastic packaging is available in a variety of elegant finishes and effects that allow the beauty of your product to show through. Clear, lined and frosted versions can be matched to almost any color for maximum brand exposure and custom product design.

Additionally, plastic converters have mastered techniques once reserved for paperboard, such as printing on plastic, spot coating, foil stamping and embossing, making plastic as attractive as it is functional.

It is this unique combination of beauty and durability that makes plastic ideal for versatile product packaging and point-of-purchase (POP) displays. more

Dennis Bacchetta
Packaging

Packaging Students Win Honors in Packaging Competition

Students from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) earned top honors in the Paperboard Packaging Alliance's (PPA) first annual Student Design Challenge competition. The competition challenged students to create a promotional piece showcasing the functionality of paperboard packaging.

The winning entry, titled "Build Innovation", was designed by Jennifer Farrin (senior), David Lickstein (senior), and Robin Matusik (senior).

The structure was constructed with a push-out tray and windowed sleeve that features the "Build Innovation" message when closed, and reveals the PPA website address as the tray is pushed out of the sleeve. The tray top opens to reveal 10 slotted "building" cards that describe paperboard attributes such as "renewable", "promote", "protect", "versatile", and "recycle."

“Paperboard is versatile material coming from renewable and recycled resources and serving markets from pharmaceuticals/healthcare to software, candy to cosmetics, and beverages to food,” said Deanna Jacobs, RIT professor of packaging science. “Creative uses of material will ultimately save resources and energy and continue to meet the demands of the supply chain.”

The RIT team was mentored by Bill Wynkoop ’87 (packaging science) of Lazer Inc. and Lesley Bates ’89 (packaging science) of Diamond Packaging. Both are adjunct professors in packaging science.

For more information, visit the Paperboard Packaging Alliance website.

Dennis Bacchetta

Colorpak Launches New Packaging Solution to the Pharmaceutical Industry

Colorpak, a major supplier of pharmaceutical cartons, has launched an innovative packaging service to Australia’s pharmaceutical industry, where a suite of packaging elements can be sourced, certified and delivered in one complete solution.

Colorpak has named the new service PharmaKit, and Managing Director Alex Commins sees the development as a critical step forward in assisting pharmaceutical clients to greater business and manufacturing efficiencies.

With PharmaKit, pharmaceutical companies can access a complete packaging kit of cartons, printed blister foils, self adhesive labels, flexible packaging and leaflets – one batch, one pallet from one fully certified supplier.

Read the complete article that appears in the May 2005 edition of Packaging News in Australia.

Dennis Bacchetta

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2005

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2005, billed as the largest and most comprehensive packaging show in the Western Hemisphere, focuses on the latest cutting-edge packaging and processing solutions.

Show highlights include:

Contract Packaging Pavilion

Packaging Security Pavilion

RFID Pavilion

Showcase of Packaging Innovations™

Containers and Materials Pavilion

The RFID Pavilion is new to this year's event. It promises to bring together all of the necessary technology to implement RFID package coding. RFID technology providers and integration specialists will be available to offer practical and logistical solutions for a variety of RFID challenges.

Dennis Bacchetta

New White Paper Published on CTP Technology

A new white paper titled "What Packaging Buyers Need to Know About Computer to Plate Technology" has been published by the Independent Carton Group (ICG).

Topics include:

Basics of CTP technology

Benefits of CTP to packaging

The changing face of proofing

What it means to packaging buyers

Click here to read the entire report.

Dennis Bacchetta

Integrating RFID Into Your Packaging

Market forces such as the RFID mandates from Target, Wal-Mart, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have many manufacturers and suppliers focused on RFID simply as a compliance tool, overlooking the significant additional benefits of automatic identification technology.

In fact, by design, RFID enables superior supply chain efficiency and inventory management, resulting in increased productivity and accountability, decreased shrinkage, and a more robust bottom line.

A packaging supplier who is knowledgeable about evolving RFID technology and applications is a valuable resource to help you maximize ROI with your RFID integration. more

Dennis Bacchetta

Smart Labels USA 2005

Smart Labels USA 2005, billed as the world's definitive RFID smart labels event, will take place June 27-30, 2005 in Baltimore, MD. more

Dennis Bacchetta

EPCglobal US Releases New Value Model

As companies consider whether or not to implement RFID technology, ROI is a primary concern.

EPCglobal recently introduced the EPC Value Model to help businesses evaluate potential costs and benefits of implementing RFID or another Electronic Product Code (EPC) system.

The spreadsheet model considers company-specific data such as annual revenue, profit margin, average inventory level, and key areas of concern, to generate an analysis of ROI over time.

The following companies participated in the formulation of the Value Model: CVS, The Gillette Company, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Metro (Germany), Wal-Mart and Yuen Foong Yu (Taiwan).

Click here to read the press release.

Dennis Bacchetta

Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA) Launches New Website

The Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA), a joint initiative of the American Forest & Paper Association and the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), have launched a new website at www.paperboardpackaging.org.

The PPA's primary goal is to increase favorable paperboard packaging and products awareness among priority target audiences. Visitors to the website can access topics such as technical information, benefits, and a product showcase sorted by industry.

Dennis Bacchetta

Choosing the Proper Coating For Your Packaging

Choosing the proper coating is an essential step in designing and producing quality packaging. Why are coatings important? For some of the same reasons that packaging is important. While packaging protects and enhances the beauty of what’s inside, coatings help protect and enhance the appearance of the package itself. Because coatings are dually decorative and protective, they are an economical way to extend both the appearance and the lifespan of the package. more

Dennis Bacchetta

The Power to Protect - Three Steps to Protection Against Counterfeiting

The Rob. Leunis & Chapman Group will be presenting anti-counterfeiting solutions and applications at the Interpack Packaging Fair 2005 in Duesseldorf, Germany.

In the battle against product and brand piracy the Rob. Leunis & Chapman Group (RLC Group) has formed a task force team called “Product and Brand Protection” that has developed a new three-phase customer counseling concept, and intensified cooperation with leading suppliers of security technology and organizations such as “Association German Economy Against Product and Brand Piracy” - the German equivalent of Scotland Yard in the UK. more

Dennis Bacchetta

RFID Journal LIVE! Pre-Conference on Packaging and Printing

RFID is going to have a profound impact on the packaging and printing industries. Packaging companies must develop new methods of integrating tags directly into their products, while printing companies certainly will print antennas for RFID tags with conductive inks. The April 10, 2005 pre-conference explores the changes that are in store. Speakers will address the specific issues that packaging and printing companies need to understand to meet the challenges ahead.

RFID Journal LIVE! formally opens with a keynote address by Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, who will address the importance of technology in protecting the homeland.

Visit the RFID Journal LIVE!for the complete agenda.

Dennis Bacchetta