UFP Technologies a packaging company most well known for producing the award winning packaging design used by Pangea Organics bar soap has recently developed a process to provide custom sustainable packaging solutions to lower volume clients.
This news will be of great interest to many new green companies looking for more sustainable packaging solutions. Here at SISG we've received numerous emails and messages over the years from business owners seeking recommendations on packaging companies who will work with small businesses.
Many small businesses who desire sustainable packaging solutions for their products often find themselves frustrated when they learn most packaging companies are unwilling or unable to work with them due to volume restrictions. Its often not profitable for packaging companies to work with clients who need a smaller volume of packaging.
UFP's Tom Fitzgerald told SISG, "I know last time we conversed you had mentioned some disdain from companies and individuals you referred to us due to our high minimum quantities."
"Molded Fiber (a UFP brand) recently added high speed die-cutting operations that allow us to create custom packaging solutions for lower volume quantities (5,000 parts instead of hundreds of thousands)," said Fitzgerald.
"The new packaging is a lay-flat folding carton solution made out of 100% recycled fiber board. We have created solutions for transporting wine and CD packaging (for country artists Big Kenny) in which we embedded wildflower seeds, similar to our soap packaging for Pangaea Organics."
The die-cut recycled fiber board can be manufactured for packaging solutions suitable for health and beauty products, apparel and other retail and consumer goods. One such solution Molded Fiber has created is a “wine tote” folding carton that holds a single wine bottle.
For the past 18 years Molded Fiber has created molded pulp protective packaging solutions requiring relatively high tooling costs and in most cases minimum orders of hundreds of thousands of parts. The addition of high-speed die-cutting to Molded Fiber’s manufacturing capabilities provides the flexibility to run smaller volume projects. Minimums for die-cut recycled fiber board solutions are 5,000 units.
Similar to some of Molded Fiber’s standard protective packaging solutions, the fiber board material can also be embedded with flower seeds. This innovative solution gives the consumer control over how to dispose of the packaging. The fiber board packaging can be placed in a recycling bin, or planted directly in the ground where the packaging will biodegrade and the seeds will grow into flowers. Molded Fiber can utilize a variety of seeds with selection often based on the season.
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Small companies are often innovative while price sensitive and that is a tough combination. At Package Machinery, we like working with small companies and have developed wrapping machinery with smaller volumes in mind. Our machines work with various sustainable and compostable films as well as paper.
Posted by: Kate Putnam | January 29, 2010 at 11:40 AM