Customers of contract manufacturers want to know the exact location and condition of their products at all times. This has led to increased customer expectation for reporting, which in turn has made electronic data interchange (EDI) a necessity for new companies hoping to make an impact in contract manufacturing.
Reading the business tea leaves in a post-recession period is a tricky proposition for any industry, packaging included. But as the economy sputters back to life, all signs point to at least one major theme for 2011: packaging that answers consumer demands for convenience in all of its permutations.
Welcome to another edition of Contract Manufacturing & Packaging magazine. This issue marks a change of pace for the publication and the content within. When I first came aboard this magazine, I told you that it was my intention to create a magazine that would cater to you and your company’s needs. I feel that with this issue we are one step closer to achieving that goal.
As some of you may know today is the 41st annual Earth Day, an event that affects everyone in the industry. Whether you are in packaging, manufacturing, retail or management the idea of keeping our Earth clean hits close to home.
Environmental quality, along with social and economic considerations,
all vie for superiority in the hierarchy of inputs affecting the
manufacture, distribution and supply of products.
Although
customers are demanding green purchasing options, they are often not
willing to pay a premium for them. What this means from a
designer/developer /producer of such products is that the total cost of
ownership must be engaged from the start. To do this, providers of
sustainable, green products must complete life cycle analyses (LCA) of
their own products from cradle (manufacture) to grave (disposal phase).
by David P. Walsh | February 14, 2011 | Comments (0)
Welcome to a brand new year. As we enter 2011, contract manufacturers
and those in the packaging industry face challenges unheard of even a
few years ago. The difference is, unlike in years past, those in the
industry are now equipped with the technology to handle hard times.
by JordanBrandes | February 11, 2011 | Comments (0)
We’ve all been there. Someone did something so egregiously wrong it’s time we give him or her a piece of our mind. Either it’s a spur of the moment righteous dressing down or it’s one of those things you stew about for days, musing about just the right thing to say and how. Neither scenario is something that any of us relish. It’s why so many people just can’t stand confrontation. It is just so unnecessary.
by Michelle LeBrosse | January 26, 2011 | Comments (0)
Pack Expo provided attendees a behind the scenes look into the packaging and manufacturing world. As a newcomer to the show I was excited and thrilled to learn more about food packaging and manufacturing.
Pack Expo 2010 made its way through Chicago this week showcasing the biggest names in the packaging and manufacturing industry. As a first time attendee I was fascinated by the set-up of the show. It seemed as if every aspect of the industry was covered and had its own dedicated section. At least this way if you are a retailer or manufacturer looking for something specific you could get in and get out with a hassle. If your taste is a little more general than there are four buildings worth of booths and exhibits to keep you busy.
by JordanBrandes | November 3, 2010 | Comments (0)
DayGlo Color Corp, a Cleveland, Ohio based company is breaking into the food industry with bright colors. The company unveiled new color pallets for use in applications with direct food contact at the Pack Expo. The demand for unique, high impact package design continues to grow, says the company. For food and beverage application the new GloPrill fluorescent and Gem-Tone conventional colors allow brands to introduce new products or refresh packaging formats with new colors that are safe for food and beverage.
by Ashley Phillips | November 2, 2010 | Comments (0)
One of the highlights of the Pack Expo in Chicago this year is the Brand Zone. The unique exhibit focuses on innovations in containers and materials that increase visual impact. As manufacturers and packagers, our industry is dependant on capturing the attention of the consumer the right package can make or break that goal.
by JordanBrandes | November 2, 2010 | Comments (0)
Siemens Industry Inc showed off its new innovative technology that
combines motion control, safety and standard tasks in one device during
the Pack Expo this week.
by AshleyPhillips | November 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
Our industry is currently experiencing a push/pull relative to who within the value chain is responsible for buying raw materials/components and/or selecting suppliers who provide raw materials/components. For many years, the CPG trend has been a move toward turnkey, i.e. the supplier is responsible for procuring materials needed to produce a finished good.
It’s that time of year again, when manufacturers and packaging companies gather to show off their products at the Pack Expo. As a newcomer to the show I’m excited about walking the exhibit hall and checking out the new products that will be showcased at the McCormick Place, here in Chicago.
by AshleyPhillips | October 29, 2010 | Comments (0)
Pack Expo 2010 is almost upon us. Kicking off this weekend, the event will showcase new products and innovations from thousands of retailers from all over the world. With more than 1,600 exhibiting companies in attendance this weekend the show gives many retailers a chance to see what the future holds.
by JordanBrandes | October 29, 2010 | Comments (0)
Some retailers – the minority, at the time – talked of aspirations to be better than NBE, to stand on their own as a strong, independent brand. And some were successful at this – but not most.
It’s amazing what a difference a day makes. The mood and tone of the Private Brand Movement conference seemed to change overnight. What started out as a way for the big dogs to get into a barking contest Tuesday turned into a highly intellectual dissection of the creative branding process Wednesday.
The Private Brand Movement conference held in Chicago this past week brought together some of the biggest names in the industry. Each came with a passion for the private label movement and what it represents. The second day of the show kept its focus on introducing new products and discussing the inner workings of each company.
by JordanBrandes | September 30, 2010 | Comments (0)
If you’re hoping to produce the next better-for-you snack product that will become a mass market hit with American consumers, don’t get too excited just yet. Healthy snacks seem predestined to remain niche products that CPG companies offer more to deflect political pressure around the obesity issue than to create mega-billion-dollar sellers, according to a recently released report from research firm Mintel International.
Avoid end-of-the-month anguish, understand how trade terms work, how they can be used to even out cash flow, and what you can do to gain access to trade terms, or similar tools.
