Sensory Technologies and Point of Purchase Displays

With the immense amount of competition in the retail space, capturing a consumer’s attention is becoming increasingly difficult. Advertising tactics are changing every day, and companies looking to compete have to develop new methods to try and attract attention and garner sales. Point of purchase displays have come to play a major role in this task.

Point of purchase displays have become an effective way to influence shoppers in the aisle and at the cash register. These displays need to grab the attention of your target customers, and a well-executed display will not only draw interest, it can also go a long way as far as influencing impulse purchases – which can be important for both the sale of new to the market products and current products that need a boost.

However, a standard point of purchase display may no longer be sufficient enough to attract the notice of a shopper as they traipse down the aisle. At the most basic level, purchases are shaped and influenced by the experience of a shopper. This is where sensory technology comes into play – interaction, even just the addition of sound, can go a long way at drawing a customer’s attention away from their ‘usual’ purchase and convincing them to engage with your product.

So how can you achieve this interaction? Interactive touch-screen displays, ones that invite a consumer to interact, or even just sounds or moving images that draw on other senses all go that much farther at creating interest and enticing that individual to engage or consider your product for purchase.  By allowing a consumer to be drawn into the advertisement, especially with something inspiring or thought-provoking, means better ROI for you.

Experiencing more than just a standard visual cue can help to cement brand recognition and increase brand loyalty. Creating the mental reminder by creating a display that leads to positive memories can mean big gains for repeat purchases. Establish a strong initial, emotional connection and it will last longer.

Point of purchase displays have come to play a crucial role in many marketing campaigns, but like everything else in the marketing world, their usefulness declines if new trends and developments are not adopted. By introducing further stimuli in the form of sensory technology, your point of purchase displays can stay relevant and signify an important purchase-influencing tool.

For more about implementing sensory technology into your marketing strategy please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Corrugated Packaging: A Sustainable Industry

The sustainability conversation is one that is being had in boardrooms across the county. Environmental consciousness has become quite the buzz phrase, especially when it comes to packaging, and more and more companies are striving to offer eco-friendly packaging, especially since consumer demands continue to require it. But what exactly is sustainability?

Some, mistakenly, understand it to mean packaging products in recyclable materials – even when those materials may not be recyclable everywhere, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.  Sustainable means far more than just offering recyclable packaging.

Sustainability starts with design. Before the manufacturing process even begins, design should consider how to minimize material but maximize performance. At the drawing board, designers should be looking at how to use less paper, recyclable labels, environmentally-friendly inks, etc. And sustainable packaging shouldn’t compromise strength. The entire design process should take into account how to use less and achieve more.

Sustainability means a focus on manufacturing that has less impact. From water waste treatment, to using flexo water-based inks, to ensuring all suspended solids remain well below government regulations, your supplier’s manufacturing process should consider all aspects of sustainability. Using less energy through a variety of different means also makes a huge difference.

Sustainability is about the materials used. Again, this is not just recycled or recyclable. Corrugated board materials should be 100% renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Liners and mediums should also be considered – manufactured using recycled paper sourced from local mills.

Sustainability means continuing to recycle the same material over and over and over again. When a sheet of corrugated board is created, what happens to the leftovers? Are they just thrown in the recycle bin or are they reused as fibre for recycled paperboard, thereby cutting down on transportation waste? Even simple things such as this make a huge difference when it comes to sustainability.

The real goal of sustainable packaging is to protect and package while having the least impactful effect on the environment. To be truly sustainable though, this needs to be done with far more intent than just being sure that your materials are recyclable in most areas. Make sure that your supplier focuses on every aspect of sustainability – not just one.

If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint at the source, Packaging Technologies Inc. has you covered. Our focus on sustainability means big gains for you and the environment. Contact us today by calling 1-800-303-5883 or visit www.ptibox.com.

Lightweight Containerboard and Packaging Trends

We are always keeping an eye out for packaging trends and innovative new concepts in the packaging industry in order to provide the most innovative and effective technology and packaging solutions to our clients. One of the most exciting trends in the packaging industry is lightweight containerboard; it is predicted to continue to have some major impacts for companies in many ways.

Is this a new trend? No – there has been talk about creating lighter corrugated materials for several years, but significant inroads have been made in the last few – with European manufacturers leading the pack. But North America, until recently, seemed to be lagging behind as far as adopting the new technology to make this possible. North American corrugated producers seem to now comprehended the massive impacts of this trend, and are developing their own methods to ensure that their products meet the needs of consumers while maintaining the industry standard.

So, what is lightweight containerboard? In the most basic sense, lightweight is a lighter containerboard. It is a corrugated board with a base weight of less than 26 lbs/thousand square feet. The manufacturing of lightweight containerboard involves a different corrugating process than regular corrugated board. With lightweight, fibres are tighter together, resulting in a higher fibre content, but at a reduced weight. This means the same or greater strength, but a lighter container.

So what does this innovation mean for you? Is it just a new type of box? No, it is way more than that, and the benefits to your business can be significant.

Firstly, as mentioned, lightweight containerboard is lighter, but stronger – meeting the same Edge Crust and Mullen Test standards as traditional corrugated products. Performance should never be compromised by innovation, and with lightweight, it isn’t.

Secondly, there are significant cost savings to be realized with the use of lightweight containerboard products. Since it is lighter, and you pay freight charges based on weight, you save on shipping costs, without having to decrease the amount being shipped or pay more for labour.

Additionally, since less is used, and what is used is made from recyclable materials, lightweight containerboard products also contribute to your sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint. This is a major plus for both your business image and consumer demands.

For more information about the benefits to your business of lightweight containerboard products, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883 or visit us online at www.ptibox.com  

Working Relationships: Principles of Collaboration

When you begin a relationship with a supplier, some of the most common problems arise because of issues with collaboration. Even within an individual team, when certain principles of collaboration are not adhered to, problems can quickly arise. Collaboration means different things to different people, but no matter the relationship, firmly embracing common principles is the most effective way to ensure success.

Common principles of collaboration can be hard to nail down – but the concept is so important to grasp when in a partnership both within your own team and with another company. Here is our list of the top principles of collaboration, and how taking these seriously can result in an effective and fruitful relationship.

1.     Communication – arguably the most important aspect of collaboration. If the lines of communication are closed, problems are inevitable. Listening and offering opinions is critical to teamwork that yields results.

2.     Participation – in order for any relationship to work, there needs to be participation from both sides. And make sure to promote it – after all, two heads are better than one. Encouraging participation helps to broaden perspectives and will result in more free-flowing ideas. 

3.     Trust –trust is another essential element of collaboration. Being transparent with information is crucial if that is to be achieved. Make sure that all debates are had in the open and that the entire group has access to the latest information.

4.     Respect – for both team members within a company, and for companies working collaboratively, respect is key. Each person within this partnership has something of value to offer, and this needs to be recognized and appreciated. 

5.     Feedback – communication isn’t just about hearing others’ views/ideas/opinions; it is also about taking those ideas and opinions and making changes. Feedback, no matter the relationship, is crucial. If there are perceived problems, the only way to make improvements is to learn why these issues exist. 

6.     Independence – learn when to step out of the way and let someone run with an idea. Micro-managing or trying to have a hand in everything won’t prove beneficial. Understand that collaboration doesn’t just mean listening and working together – it also means knowing when someone needs some freedom to move. 

7.     Persistence – finally, you have to be persistent. A consistent application of these core principles shows that you are concerned about results, and reassures teammates of their importance.

 

Collaboration can be tough, but when approached the right way, can yield huge results. When it comes to a working relationship with another company, remember to communicate, respect, and trust the expertise of those you’ve chosen to work with.

PTI understands how important collaboration is. To get a relationship started, contact us today by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Common Misconceptions about Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability is a huge buzz word no matter where you go today. No longer seen as a passing trend, being environmentally conscious means far more than just looking for ways to be eco-friendly. No matter the industry, for many, sustainability has become a much more important aspect of everyday business activities. And if it hasn’t, there are likely consequences that have far reaching impacts.

When it comes to business, there are two major misconceptions surrounding sustainability. In an effort to dispel these myths, here is a look at both of them, and what is problematic with these assumptions.

o   Myth #1: Recyclable means sustainable.

Many individuals still seem to fall prey to the misunderstanding that if something can be recycled, then it is sustainable. This is a huge misconception, not only in the business world, by society as a whole. The truth is, sustainability is so much more than an object being recyclable. 

In an effort to be perceived as more earth conscious, many companies strive to package with recyclable materials, without a clear understanding or focus on sustainability.  Sustainability encompasses the entire process, from design, to manufacturing, to packaging, to shipping. For example, when a manufacturer focuses on sustainability, less paper may be used throughout the process, and the process itself likely uses less energy. Less packaging, and sustainable packaging, will be the end result – but with the same structural integrity.

o   Myth #2: Being business savvy doesn’t necessitate a focus on the environment.

The argument that green output won’t lead to green intake is another problem when it comes to misconceptions about sustainability. But think about it this way, when you work with a packaging manufacturer focused on providing sustainable packaging, you end up with less packaging overall – which means less storage room required, lower shipping costs – less fossil fuel, etc. It actually makes prefect business sense. Furthermore, with social expectations continuing to move towards more eco-friendly living, the perception of your company as one with an eye on the earth is a benefit in and of itself.

The right sustainable packaging should accomplish a number of different goals: protect, showcase the product, and be recyclable everywhere. That being said, it should also be made in a facility where there is an emphasis on using the right materials and processes that facilitate sustainability. To truly call your product sustainable, it needs to meet certain standards that go far beyond just being recyclable.

For more about the business benefits of sustainable packaging please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. today by calling 1-800-303-5883 or visit www.ptibox.com.

Innovation Awards - Why We Love Them

Innovation awards serve a number of important purposes, both within an organization, and for that organization’s clients, and PTI is excited to announce the first annual awards for “Innovation in the Workplace.” With the goal to continuously improve, these awards give employees that chance to showcase their ideas, both for new or improved products and services, which is great not only for the company, but for our partners as well!

Within an organization, innovation awards are a great way to recognize achievement. When a team member feels appreciated, this goes a long way in building confidence, while at the same time delivering those improvements that help a company remain competitive. The awards are a great way to show that ideas are appreciated. A focus on the customer, and their needs and wants, informs the process, ensuring that a company is meeting and exceeding expectations.

Engagement is also achieved through innovation awards. When employees can see that the company is interested in their ideas, that their future with the company and the work they do is valuable, performance will always benefit. And who better to express ideas and designs than those that handle customer requests and manufacturing on a daily basis?

By far, the most important purpose of innovation awards is to promote innovation! In order to stay relevant, to ensure that we are meeting the expectations of our clients, and keeping up with demands, adaptation and innovation is critical. The implementation of these ideas can have significant results as far as enhancing services, adopting new technology, or embracing the newest trends and making them our own. Remaining static is a sure way to hinder success, and continued innovation is the best way to combat standing still.

So how does this benefit a client? The implementation of these innovations helps to ensure that a company is able to offer products and services that take into account the most recent and effective trends within the industry. Within the packaging industry, this may have to do with trends surrounding sustainability, or even with the newest technology and products, such as lightweight containerboard. No matter the changes, when we adapt, we grow – and clients are the ones to reap the benefits.

At PTI, we are interested in both our growth and yours! For us, this is one of the best ways to achieve this growth!

For more about PTI’s first annual awards for “Innovation in the Workplace” and how you can benefit, please contact us by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Online Grocery Shopping Impacts: Packaging Solutions

It is no surprise in today’s digital world to hear about the rise of online shopping and how many stores are continually trying to adapt and maintain a hold on their in-store sales. A consumer’s ability to jump online whenever they want, from wherever they are, has had many an impact on various businesses – and there have been significant changes as a result. But what about online grocery shopping - what impact is it having?

Perhaps just as predictable, it seems as though the convenience of purchasing a book or a new jacket online just doesn’t translate the same way when it comes to grocery items. When it comes to buying online, grocery continues to lag behind – the trend still seemingly to buy in-store when the need arises.

So, knowing this, does that mean then that online shopping really doesn’t impact consumer behaviour when it comes to the CPG industry? Not quite. Just because most are not, doesn’t mean that all are not. So the question then is not if it is impacting (since it clearly is), but rather how.

There are a number of impacts – most notably the decreasing reluctance to buy online, especially those items than are non-perishable and can be stored for weeks on end. But consumer behaviour in store has also changed, and those in the CPG industry have had to change as well. So is the online shopper the newest objective, or is the consumer shopping in-store still the most important target?

The in-store shopper still needs to be a main focus – and the best way to do this is with effective packaging solutions. Ok, you get that, but the same old, same old, just won’t work as well when it comes to beating out the competition. And smart packaging can also mean huge ROI when it comes to impulse purchases – great packaging that sparks interest or draws a customer in can mean huge results for your bottom line.

What about those purchasing online? Does packaging matter here? Absolutely! Smart packaging solutions in this case means taking advantage of the free advertising by turning a boring old shipping box into an eye-catching, thought-provoking container for goods.  Think about the route that package takes from warehouse to consumer – there is a market here that continues to go untapped!

When it comes to the impact of online shopping on the grocery industry, most will readily admit that these have not been as visible – but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be cognizant of them or taking advantage with custom packaging that gets attention.

For more intelligent packaging solutions please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883 or visit www.ptibox.com.