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This year's Pack Expo Intl. show in Chicago offers plenty of options for industry professionals interested in flexible packaging.
Manufacturing companies must contend with shrinking margins, globalization, and shifts in consumer needs. Remaining profitable requires delivering innovative and value-added products and reducing environmental impact. It also requires keeping aware of new options. Attendees at PACK EXPO International 2010 (www.packexpo.com), October 31 to November 3 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill., can see first-hand how they can use packaging to accomplish these objectives. Amidst the wide spectrum of packaging on display at the show, flexible packaging professionals will find plenty of developments of interest. Flexible Packaging has selected some highlights for your consideration.
Paperboard-pouch hybrid
Some of the newest packaging designs meet demands for both shelf impact and environmental attributes. "Sustainability has to be part of the conversation today," says Neil Kozarsky, president of T.H.E.M. (www. them.net, Booth 4330). The Zipbox from T.H.E.M. is a good example: The pouch/folding carton hybrid combines the cube efficiency and stable, upright stance of a folding carton with the easy-open and -reclose and freshness-preserving features of a zippered pouch.
The process is compatible with a variety of materials including polycoated paperboard and poly/foil/ paperboard laminations for the carton and heat-sealable film with zippers for the pouch portion.
"Phase one targets grocery and convenience store applications in the less than 5-pound range while club store packs of products like pet food or other dry products in the 8- to 10-pound range appear to be right around the bend," says Steve Belko, T.H.E.M. vice president.
The Zipbox also offers sustainability benefits: Its rectangular or square shape fills gaps found between canister or pouch packs to allow at least 30% more product on a pallet than those formats.
"We're still collecting data, but with some Zipbox designs it may be possible to reduce or even eliminate corrugated distribution packaging," Kozarsky predicts.