Liberty Intercept Blog

We've discussed here before the notion that manufacturers and distributors of packaging take a beating in the press, particularly from those who (rightfully) would have us be "greener" or more "eco-friendly". The fact is, the packaging industry makes changes to implement a more environmentally friendly focus daily. New materials, processes, waste elimination, recycling and upcycling capabilities and more are always in progress, coming to a grocery or factory shelf near you. More discussion is given in the mainstream press about retail packaging, however, the same eco-friendly mindset is being established within all industries, not just those to which the consumer has direct access.

We think the invention of the Intercept Technology packaging product line makes for a pretty nifty story. Like so many inventions, Intercept packaging materials came from a project that was started to solve a problem otherwise unrelated to its current use, which is to eliminate the challenges of rust, corrosion, and ESD on metals and electronics.

A recent article in Packaging News prompted me to consider our role in the packaging industry as innovators and promoters of more efficient materials and processes. Rather than consider ourselves the victims of "wrap ragers" or "packaging bashers", we in the industry must be arbiters of change.

I read an article in Packaging News this week admonishing people within the packaging industry (specifically food packaging, but it could apply to all) to stop playing the victim. That phrasing took me by surprise briefly, but I understand. Packaging, particularly in the retail realm, is often thought of as wasteful and unnecessary. According to this article, at the Ardagh Group’s sustainable packaging event in Paris, Professor Dr. Michael Braungart told Packaging News, "the packaging industry is saving more lives than any other industry, by protecting food and ensuring longer shelf-life for food." He went on to accuse the packaging industry of "guilt management", for example, "we were 100% bad and now we are 90% bad and our goal is to minimise our impact".

Liberty Packaging enjoys long-term affiliations with some first class innovative organizations. We've been involved with NDIA New England, IEEE, and ThomasNet (formerly Thomas Register) for many years, and more recently have joined forces with both SME and Women in Packaging.

Anyone who has attended a trade show understands that exhibitors are there to woo potential clients who will be impressed enough to purchase their wares. It's about sales. Two weeks ago, I attended IMX 2011 – “The Interactive Manufacturing Experience” in Las Vegas, a new type of manufacturing-centered trade show, focused on educating the attendees. The over-arching message there was one of a promising future for American manufacturing. Of the exhibitors and attendees I met, all said their businesses had largely recovered from the mess of our economy, and each was there to participate in discussions about innovation moving forward. With about 5000 registered attendants, and exhibitors representing large and small manufacturing concerns, this IMX 2011 provides a good compass for our manufacturing future here in the U.S.

Sustainability concerns with the use and disposal of plastic sandwich bags have apparently not hindered their sales too greatly, for a variety of reasons, particularly in schools. A story entitled "Despite Sustainability Concerns, Sandwich Bags are Sticking Around" in Plastics News this week indicates that even in school districts where children qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program, the use of plastic sandwich bags continues. Elementary school teachers often request one or two packages of sandwich or zipper bags from their students' use in the classroom, along with the other typical supplies children would use.

There are 313 patents under the name "Apple" that include Steve Jobs' name on the inventor list. Including patents for packaging, according to a recent New York Times article by Shan Carter.

Are you surprised?

I asked Simon Twilley of Pack TV to supply me with a blog post topic. His quick answer was this: "Protective Packaging, the unsung hero of Consumer Packaged Goods, or Fast Moving Consumer Goods". While his alternative title, "Why All That Arty Farty Brand Stuff Would Never Get To The Shelf Without Protective Packaging" was a bit tongue-in-cheek, the topic is valid, as new materials, converting methods, printing, and labeling flood the consumer marketplace.

A recent article from retail packaging powerhouse and fellow Twitterer Nashville Wraps (@NashvilleWraps on Twitter) brought home the real value of good customer service. Their article "Relaxed Customers Spend More Money" includes a list of the categories that matter to customers.