Tuesday, 30 December 2014

The Year Ahead: Creative Packaging Trends 2015

We are getting close to the end of the year, and that means it is time to make our annual predictions for the year ahead. 2014 was a big year in the packaging industry, both as far as new, emerging trends and the continued importance of some old-time players.
Check out our list for creative packaging trends for 2015!
Multi-function. Is your box just a box, or does it also serve a unique purpose? One of the coolest trends in creative packaging right now is functionality. Packaging that serves as more than just a container has become the leader – have you thought about ways in which your product packaging serves more than one purpose? If not, it might be time to start!
Innovative Design. Along the same lines as our multi-function trend, the trend that sees your packaging stand out thanks to an innovative and unique design is also receiving a lot of positive attention. A great way to differentiate yourself is by leveraging the knowledge and ideas of a packaging company with the experience required to carry off a packaging design that doesn’t look like everything else on the shelf.  
Sustainability. This is one for the ages. Not a new concept – but one that continues to grow in importance, especially as far as the consumer is concerned. It is no surprise that consumers are more concerned than ever with earth conscious materials, and so ensuring that your packaging is eco-friendly is essential. But it goes even farther than that. Now it isn’t just the end product that needs to be recyclable – the entire manufacturing process needs to be done with sustainability in mind. A packaging manufacturer that is committed to the smallest carbon footprint possible, one with a focus on the environment and maximizing usage while reducing waste, will really get you noticed.
Digital Revolution. Not only has online shopping become a huge source of competition in the consumer packaged goods industry, digital has created competition when it comes to in-store displays and product packaging. This can be something as complex as digital marketing on your POP display to something as simple as QR codes on all packages. And although QR codes may seem like ‘so 2014’, in actuality it seems as though this simple bridge between print and digital isn’t going anywhere. It is an effective way to encourage further exploration of your brand – and a great way to increase interest.
2015 is set to be another big year in the packaging industry, and staying ahead of the curve by adopting the most recent packaging trends is the only way to remain competitive.
For more about creative packaging trends that will make a difference please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today at 1-800-303-5883.

Wednesday, 17 December 2014

Happy Holidays from Packaging Technologies Inc!

It is that time of year again!  The gifts are wrapped, the turkey is waiting in the freezer, and all the fixings are ready for the table. Friends and family will gather together this week to celebrate the season, and ring in 2015.
At Packaging Technologies Inc., we are getting ready for an exciting start to the New Year, but we also want to take a moment to say thank you everyone for such a wonderful 2014! This has been a fantastic year for us, and we hope that it has been for you as well!
We wish you all the best this holiday season and a healthy and happy 2015!
Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Automotive Product Packaging: PTI at AAPEX 2014

Back in November, members of the Packaging Technologies team headed to Las Vegas for some fun in the sun and to take in everything that was the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo – an amazing 3 day event featuring the latest and greatest trends in the global aftermarket auto parts industry.
According to the Expo’s organizers, “service professionals attend AAPEX every year for the opportunity to see the newest products and latest technology, gain industry knowledge and management tips and network with industry leaders” – and we wholeheartedly agree! Many of our clients deal in aftermarket auto parts, and as such we are committed to staying in touch and up-to-date with what is going on in the industry in order to provide the best possible service.
Here are some of the great things we took from the Expo, as far as what objectives should be considered in winning package design:
Economics: The best material and design need to be used to create the maximum graphic representation and structural strength required for a project to not only be effective, but economic as well. The newest technology needs to be utilized to help maintain the most cost-effective campaign possible.
Environmental Impact: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, and the entire design and manufacturing process should reflect this concern for the environment. In what ways does the manufacturing process reduce the environmental impact? Water-based inks, environmentally friendly energy sources, recycled waste – these all contribute to improving the entire process. Also, how does the design optimize smart shipping and fossil fuel reduction?
Innovation: Does the design create a disruption in the traditional marketing landscape? Are we bringing a new design to the market that hasn’t been seen before? And innovation isn’t just about the package design – we are also talking about ease of assembly and the use of new materials. Can we be innovative when it comes to marketing, helping customers stand out on the shelf?
These are major considerations that help us to target our campaigns from the very beginning, allowing you to get the absolute most from your creative automotive product packaging.
For more about AAPEX or product packaging for your automotive goods, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Omni Channel Marketing – A Revolution in Retail Marketing


Anyone operating within the retail sphere, especially in the consumer packaged goods industry, knows that competition is intense – now more so than ever. Your need to increase sales and draw in new, loyal customers, is as strong as ever – but so too is your competitor’s. Innovative retailers are adopting a variety of new and trending methods for point of sale – and the popularity of omni channel marketing has grown exponentially.

What do we mean by omni channel marketing? Rather than adhering to one or two main avenues for exposure, those companies now turning to omni channel marketing are employing a variety of different marketing tactics, including innovative and creative packaging, eye-catching point of purchase displays, various forms of in-store marketing, even catalogs and print. 

A recent Shopper Engagement Study done by POPAI, the Global Association for Marketing at Retail, found a wealth of evidence to back this up! Their research found that, even with the growth of online marketing, in-store purchases are at an all-time high.

In the printing/packaging world, this growth is clearly visible in the numbers:

-       The business of printing for indoor point-of-sale/point-of-purchase signage generates $37 billion globally.
-       Inkjet is the predominant print technology in POS/POP, with almost 13 billion in revenue, and flexography is also growing in popularity ($2.6 billion).
-       Print is changing – a decline in traditional brochure production has been countered by an increase in interest in POS/POP and specialty catalogs and books.
-       Spontaneity - impulse buys are not just influenced by price – POP displays have been shown to be a huge motivating factor when it comes to making unplanned purchases (up to 24%).

If you are thinking about adopting an omni channel approach to your marketing strategy, what should you be thinking about?

-       Creativity – thinking outside the box, going against the grain –these are great ways to ensure that your marketing stands out. This is critical when it comes to both your product packaging and POP marketing.
-       Emotional connections can be a huge boon when it comes to creating interest, especially with a POP display.
-       Tech savvy – integrating technology into your marketing is also another sure way to gain the attention of potential customers.

Omni channel marketing is something that presents real value –but you have to go about it the right way. As mentioned, creativity has become essential, but quality is also key.

At Packaging Technologies Inc., we know that staying ahead of the competition is critical in the consumer packaged goods industry, and we have the means and the experience to ensure that your omni channel marketing strategy goes off without a hitch.

For more about PTI or how we can help you adjust and adopt the newest food packaging trends, call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

Thursday, 27 November 2014

Packaging Industry: Paper Facts and Fiction



Here at Packaging Technologies we always strive to stay ahead of the game by continually keeping up with what is going on in the packaging industry. Much of this comes from attending events across North America to get the latest on packaging trends new methods, and making important connections.

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of attending PPEC’s (The Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council) Paper Facts and Fiction, an amazing event featuring a number of well-known speakers within the industry, including the council’s very own executive director, who spoke about the current challenges and opportunities for the coming months, as well as dealing with some of those common myths that seem to be prevalent within the industry.

We also heard from Dan Lantz, COO of Green by Nature, and his information on sustainability and recycling and recovery has helped revitalize thoughts on going green!

The packaging industry is fraught with competition, and as such we believe that in order to stay relevant we need to be current. We use the knowledge we are always obtaining to provide you with the best service, the most current methods, and the most earth-friendly packaging solutions available!

This prompted us to consider the new studies done by the University of Guelph regarding the dangers with reusable plastic shipping – and the presence of E.coli in these often unsanitary crates. Check out this article for more information: http://www.paperadvance.com/index.php/blogs/john-mullinder/3532-re-use-is-not-always-the-better-alternative.html.

Recognizing that reusable isn’t always the best alternative, and knowing that sustainability, specifically related to packing material, has become such a crucial consideration for many companies, we ask the question “how do you then ship with a concern for the environment AND ensure that products arrive as you want them to”?

When sustainability (and we are talking complete sustainability) is a concern for you, the only real alternative is recyclable paper packaging – packaging that takes into consideration all the relevant specifications required for shipping, ensures safe and clean shipping, and is created in a way that not only protects your products but also protects the environment.

For more about the Paper Facts and Fiction event, or what we took away from it, or for more about sustainable packaging, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883 today.

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Back to Bricks and Mortar – Creative Packaging Trends

Over the last few years, in response to the growing popularity of online shopping, many retailers seemed to be downsizing and moving more into the online world rather than dealing with bricks and mortar locations. The lure of being able to comfortably shop in your pajamas without having to worry about people wondering if you are sleepwalking has tempted many to turn to their computer screens when in need of something. But wait – apparently this trend isn’t as completely change-inducing as originally thought. Apparently bricks and mortar locations are making a come-back!
According to a recent LA Times article, some exclusively-online retailers are now seeing the value in bricks and mortar locations, opting to branch out and open locations on the ground to cater to both those looking online and those who want a more hands-on shopping experience.
It has long been the assumption that within a few years most stores will phase out a number of their bricks and mortar locations in exchange for a great online initiative – but this seriously discounts the desire of shoppers (and there are many) who don’t want to do the majority of their shopping at the click of a mouse.
Don’t just take our word for it. A recent study done by Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) found that 76% of buying decisions are happening in-store, up from 70% a few years ago. Clearly there is still something to be said for trying before buying.
So, knowing that bricks and mortar stores are making a come-back, how then does this impact you and your marketing strategy? There is significant value in investing in unique and innovative creative packaging that grabs the attention of those customers visiting a retail location.
Think outside the box: does your packaging speak for itself? Does it make use of colour psychology (what’s that?)? Are displays mixing technology and interaction to make customers stop and think? What about print quality – does the colour stand out? Is the image striking and clear? These are all things that you should be considering when it comes to print design and marketing strategy in order to compete.
What if you are just moving into the online space? Although the trend might be to take advantage of bricks and mortar, this doesn’t mean that online is no longer relevant. Make sure that even if your customer isn’t shopping in store, their package is attracting attention all the way to their door!
At Packaging Technologies Inc., we use our years of experience and innovative ideas to help you create the most successful campaign with creative packaging that will get you noticed. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Great Time at Pack Expo International – 2014 – Chicago

PTI is excited to have attended the Pack Expo International last week in Chicago! This amazing event, which included vendors from around the globe, gave us the chance to meet with others in our own industry as well as others from similar industries, talk shop, and gain from the knowledge that keeps each industry growing year after year.          

According to the Pack Expo website, “Only PACK EXPO focuses on processing and packaging solutions while at the same time introducing you to technologies and ideas from all different industries. It’s the one place you can discover innovations you didn’t know existed and truly see what is possible.” We whole-heartedly agree – and we learned so much and met such amazing people!



With an impressive number of interesting and informative information sessions held during this 3 day event, we left with some great new ideas for both our business and yours. With virtually every industry represented, from food and beverage to chemical and household, volume printing to electronics, this conference offered something for everyone. There is literally no better place to learn more about the current trends regarding efficiency, energy and engagement than this all-encompassing event! Annual attendance for us is a no-brainer!

For more about this event or everything that Packaging Technologies Inc. learned and can offer you, please call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

Thursday, 6 November 2014

Good Customer Service: 5 Things Customers Want



We all get it. When it comes to their interactions with you, customers want certain things, and if they don’t get those things they are likely to turn to someone else. This is not news to us (or at least it really shouldn’t be). For most companies, good customer service is something that requires constant attention, and is often a common pain point that team members have to deal with on a regular basis.

So what is it exactly that customers are looking for when it comes to dealing with you? Here are the top 5 things people expect when it comes to good customer service.

1.     Customers want you to meet their expectations. Making promises that never materialize? Customers notice, and with the rise of social media, they are not keeping quiet about it anymore! Meeting customers’ expectations is critical in today’s competitive marketplace – no matter the industry. It is far too easy to just hop online and search for a company that can offer exactly what you do. Maintaining customer loyalty is incredibly difficult, and when you are not meeting (and exceeding) expectations, you are really just giving clients an excuse to find a new supplier.

2.     Customers want to be able to contact you in different ways. Some people want to be able to pick up the phone and speak to you. Others would rather pick up their mobile device and shoot off an email. Still others, although this is probably a very small minority, continue to rely on snail mail as their preferred method of communication. Giving people a variety of options as far as getting in touch with you helps give each person what they want.

3.     Customers want to hear back from you today, not next week. When a customer calls or emails you, they are probably expecting to hear back from you in a reasonable amount of time. Sure, not all calls or emails can be answered right away – just don’t wait too long. Again, this is just giving someone an excuse to contact a competitor.

4.     Customers don’t want to be treated like a number. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 clients or 100 clients – every single one of them wants to feel as if they are the only client. Providing personalized service, rather than canned responses, is the best way to let customers know that you care about them.

5.     Ultimately, customers want you to solve their problems. Unfortunately, very rarely will a client call you to say that you are doing a great job. Most times, those attempts at contact are in response to a problem that requires a solution, and that client is looking to you to provide it. Listening to the issue at hand, and then finding a solution, is the best way to keep that client happy. 

Although it can take a bit of effort, good customer service is the best way to achieve brand loyalty and recognition. At PTI, we are committed to providing the highest level of customer service, in a timely fashion. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883.