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.

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.

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.

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.