Companies from various industries continually turn to product packaging companies to fulfill various contract packaging needs to help get their products out to their consumers. The key to having successful packaging is to select a packaging company that is capable of seeing the project through from initial idea to fruition, and ultimately finding its way onto retail shelves.

Due to the needs of each product varying greatly in size, shape and scope, flexible packaging solutions are required to ensure that the optimal return on investment is achieved. Therefore, it is imperative to find an effective packaging company that can help you to achieve the right packaging to complement your product, and appeal to consumers. So, what should you expect from a packaging company that will provide you with quality packaging solutions?

• Design Consultation: Product packaging plays a vital role. It not only protects products during shipment, and while sitting on store shelves.  It also serves as valuable marketing tool, calling and attracting the attention of the consumer. It is important for packaging materials to be current with modern trends, which can be achieved through the assistance of a design consultation provided by a reputable product packaging company. The material that is selected to be used, along with the overall structure, and graphic design of the packaging all work together to create a successful presentation while sitting on retail shelves.
• Innovative Solutions: Not only does the product packaging that you select serve to protect your product, it is also an extension of your branding. When done correctly, using the right materials, shapes, and sizes, you can effectively create a marketing tool with your packaging. Most packaging companies offer these options as you are working to design and create the right packaging for your products.
• Meet Packaging Guidelines: Different consumer goods fall under different regulations and packaging requirements that must be strictly adhered to. This is especially important when it comes to food packaging—food packaging must adhere to strict regulations and shelf-life concerns. Failure to comply with packaging regulations has catastrophic consequences, which can be avoided when you partner with a reputable packaging company.
• Turnaround and Responsiveness: One of the biggest features of working with an experienced product packaging provider is being able to coordinate fulfillment and the logistics for a packaging order.  Timelines will vary between projects, depending on deadlines and reordering schedules. Therefore, being able to coordinate fulfillment of orders and logistics is of upmost importance. This is where working with a packaging company can prove to be invaluable, as they will be able to coordinate all of the logistics required to get your product completed and out to stores on time.
• Dedicated Project Management: Having a dedicated project manager means that you have a direct point of contact.  They will be able to assist with midstream changes and answer any questions or address any concerns that you might have during the fulfillment of your order. Additionally, as they will have experience working with clients through the process, they will be able to anticipate any potential manufacturing pitfalls and prevent costly mistakes from happening, saving both time and money.  

Check out all that SouthPack offers when it comes to contract packaging, and other product packaging needs. As a leader in the industry, you can count on SouthPack to complete your packaging needs on time and on budget, every project, every time!

Radio frequency welding (RF welding), also known as high frequency welding or dielectric welding, is the process of bonding two materials together with the use of electromagnetic energy that creates a bond that is impenetrable and resistant to tearing. During this process, two electrodes create an oscillating electric field between the two materials that shift and move the polar molecules found within the materials. These molecules will move and orient themselves in accordance with the electromagnetic field. As a result, these molecules produce heat, which will eventually cause them to melt and bond with each other. During the process, no external heat is applied. To complete the process, and create durable product packaging, pressure is applied to the newly bonded area.

What Goes into Ensuring a Good Bond?

When determining what materials should be used to create a strong bond, factors such as tooling layout, weld thickness, material thickness and machine control should all be considered. While some materials may be more difficult to RF weld than other types of materials, or require a special process, SouthPack can confidently and expertly create a durable seal that will be strong and hold up.

Why Choose RF Welding?

There are alternative methods that will achieve similar results to that of RF welding, including sewing, gluing, or hot air. So, why should you choose RF welding over the other sealing methods?

• RF Welding vs. Sewing: Unlike sewing, RF welding creates an air tight seal that can’t break. When seams experience stress, the thread in sewn seams takes the pressure and eventually could break. RF seams evenly distribute the stress and pressure throughout the entire material, therefore, creating a stronger seam, without allowing for air, moisture, or debris to reach the product inside.

• RF welding vs. Gluing: Similar to RF welding, gluing does produce an air tight packaging solution, but is a much longer process. Often times gluing also involves hazardous solvents that can be harmful to the environment. Once the adhesive in the glue has worn out, glued seams often tend to fail.
• RF Welding vs. Hot Air: Similar to that of RF welding, hot air uses heat to create a seal on the product packaging. The hot air method is only effective up to a certain thickness of materials before it is no longer effective. This is because the hot air method heats the material from the outside in. As a result, thicker materials will not be able to fully melt and bond in the middle, as the outer layers are overheated or burned trying to achieve an air tight seal. RF welding heats the materials from the inside out, eliminating the risk of burning the material or not achieving an airtight seal.

SouthPack uses RF welding technology to create durable, air tight seals on various packaging needs. Contact SouthPack (860-224-2242) today to learn how RF welding can be used to create the packaging that you need for your products.

When checking out, whether at the grocery store or the clothing store, chances are you’ve seen the countertop display with a new, interesting, or useful item for sale. These items are strategically placed where they will be seen, and increase the chance of unsuspecting customers making an impulse purchase.

Most often these displays catch our attention almost immediately, and raises the question, “do I really need this?” Often times the answer is no, but we end up purchasing the item anyway. It is this mindset that needs to be considered when designing a countertop display that will make it nearly impossible for customers to ignore. Below are 5 tips to help you design an irresistible countertop display.

1. Be Distinct: When designing your display, it is important to use enticing graphics that will catch the eye and attention of your customers. Pay attention to the colors that are already in place around the counter, and be sure to select colors for your display that will stand out and not be overlooked. Most costumers will have already picked out and selected what items that are going to purchase by the time they reach the checkout counter. Therefore, it is important to have your small electronic, food, or cosmetic packaging be distinct and stand out from everything else on the counter.

2. Keep it Simple: Having creative signage is the first step to getting customers attention, but there is more. It is important to ensure that your messaging is kept simple; experts recommend that you have no more than 7 words on your display. You want your customers to be able to look at it and know immediately, if they want to make the purchase or not. If your customers have to spend time figuring out what your product is, or the messaging isn’t clear, this could be damaging to your sale.

Chances are if it isn’t an impulse decision to purchase, they won’t purchase it at all. An ideal countertop display will display items that customers may have forgotten to pick up when they were wandering around the store, or a new product that they want to try out. Remember, simplicity is key in designing the right countertop display.

3. Focus on One Display at a Time: Along with creating or designing a display that is simple, it is also recommended to only have one display at a time. Having multiple displays will cause distractions and take consumers attention away from the focal point. The more last-minute items that you throw at a customer waiting in the checkout line, the less likely they are to purchase any of them.
In addition, you are going to want to keep price in mind. The price should not exceed $20, but ultimately should be less than $10. If you have the perfect display of a high-end item, chances are you won’t get any sales as consumers will need to plan for a large purchase, where as they can splurge on a few $10 impulse purchases.

4. Select the Right Merchandise to Display: Not only is it important to stay within the recommended price range to see optimal results, this does not mean that your countertop display should double as a clearance rack. The level of success that you see with your countertop display ultimately depends on the merchandise that you place in them. You want to use this as an opportunity to display items that are low-cost, yet consumers actually want to purchase. If you have items that didn’t sell well when out on the shelves, chances are they won’t sell well as a countertop display either.

5. Change out Your Display: Keep your clientele in mind when you are designing your countertop display. You’ll want to display items that will appeal to the largest audience; select items that are relevant to various age groups and are gender neutral.

Change out your display bi-weekly as this will keep it fresh and continue to grab the attention of your customers. Additionally, repeat customers will be intrigued to see what new items you are selling at the checkout counter. Failing to change out your display will eventually cause your display to blend in, and you could lose out on sales, as customers who are likely to purchase those items probably purchased one when you first put them out on display.

Whether you are considering displaying small electronics, food, toys or other such items, remember the importance of having quality electronic, food, or cosmetic packaging. Be sure to find an item that will bring you the most return on your investment. Contact SouthPack today to get your customized countertop display created by product packing professionals, who know what it takes to get your products noticed and sold!

For those who are new to the product packaging industry, chances are you have questions about thermoformed packaging, and what is involved with the process. Below we’ve answered the 5 most frequently asked questions to give you a better idea of what thermoforming is and how it can be used to create the right product packaging for you.

Q: How does thermoforming work?

A: Thermoforming is the process of heating a sheet of thermoplastic material and forming it to the desired shape. The process is rather simple:

• Heat a sheet of thermoplastic material in an oven.
• Once heated, place the heated sheet on a mold.
• Vacuum will either pull the heated sheet against the mold, pressurized air or a plug assist will press the sheet into the mold, or all three will be used. When the mold is removed, it will create a 3D object.
• Once the heated, formed plastic cools and hardens, it is then removed from the mold and trimmed.
• Finished products can be painted, hot stamped, labeled, placement of an insert card, die cut, or enhanced in other ways if coloring and details were not achieved during the forming process (i.e., through the use of colored plastics or tooling.)

Q: What is the difference between plastic injection molding and thermoforming?

A: Both plastic injection molding and thermoforming can produce a final product that is of the same quality and detail. In fact, due to the same level of quality, it is often challenging to be able to distinguish between the two in a final product. Although they are very similar, thermoforming is often the preferred method for a few different reasons:

• More affordable: Tooling for a thermoformed part can often be upwards of 90% cheaper than tooling for an injection-molded part. This is due in part to the fact that molds for thermoforming are single sided, whereas molds for injection molding include both a cavity and a core part.
• Quicker turnaround time: Because the tooling required to create thermoformed parts is simpler, they are easier and quicker to get into production, and ultimately to market, than injection-molding.
• Easy to update: Thermoformed parts are easier to adapt and modify to reflect updates than injection-molding.

Q: Which is better, pressure forming or vacuum forming?

A:  There is no simple answer to this question. Ultimately, the answer will depend on the benefits that you are looking to get from your end product.

• Vacuum forming: This process is ideal for small production runs, and products with minimal details that and are simple. This method is preferred when trying to produce items quickly, and also for designing and building large items that need to have thin walls and to be lightweight.
• Pressure forming: This process is ideal when aesthetics is of upmost importance. For items that require detailed textures, crisp features, sharp corners, or formed-in logos, or other styling techniques.

Q: How do I know which plastic material is best for my application?

A: Different plastic materials have different physical characteristics that make the material suitable for different applications. If you are unsure what material will work best for your particular application, contact SouthPack today. We have years of experience and can help you determine the best material to meet your needs. We consider the thickness of the material, finish, durability, and rigidity of the material in determining the best material to use.

Q: Isn’t thermoforming only used for thin-gauge products?

A: No, thermoformed packaging is often used to create various product packages, including food trays, and long-lasting plastic products for various products and industries. The most common applications for thermoformed plastic is in toys, hardware, plumbing, household appliances, lawn and garden equipment, sports and leisure, office products, electronics, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, novelty items, displays and so much more! Thermoforming has universal applications.

The process of thermoforming can produce many different types of products. To name a few: Clamshells, Blisters, Vacuum formed trays, displays, etc. The options and industries are endless. You literally see examples of these products in every day of your life as you get a coffee, got to a retail store, go to the doctor, go to a sporting event, go to the movies, etc.

As you can see, thermoforming has many benefits and useful applications, and can be used to achieve various product packaging needs. We hope that you have learned more about thermoforming and how it can benefit you. If you are interested in learning more and how thermoforming can be a benefit to your next project, please contact SouthPack today at (860) 224-2242!

Thermoforming is the practice of heating plastic until it reaches a pliable state, and then forming the plastic into various shapes. Once the plastic has been shaped, it in then trimmed, creating precise product packaging. Thermoforming is used to create plastic clamshells,  packaging trays, blister packaging, and lidding film packaging.

Because there are so many diverse applications for thermoform packaging, there are also some huge benefits as well! We’ve outlined four of the biggest benefits that come from using thermoformed packaging for your product packaging needs.

1. Design Options: thermoforming provides manufacturers with an endless supply of options or ways to incorporate branding into the packaging. This allows for the product to stand out to consumers when its sitting on a retail shelf. Because thermoforming provides the ability to customize packaging, brand recognition is increased along with product visibility.  Thermoforming also provides space to include important information about the product, such as instructions, ingredients, or even nutrition information.
2. Protection for Products: Thermoformed packaging is a durable, resilient, and tamper-resistant packaging option. This offers protection not only during shipping and transportation, but also provides numerous sealing options that can help to extend the products shelf life. Other sealing options allow for easy access to the products inside. Food and pharmaceutical product packaging requires a strong and durable packaging and seal to protect the items inside against contamination.
3. Cost-effective: Due to the lost cost associated with thermoforming, this is a financially smart option for many companies. On average, thermoformed packaging can cost up to 15% less than packaging made from plastic injection molding. Another huge way that thermoform can save money, is that it is less labor-intensive, with a quick turnaround time, which saves on labor costs.
4. Sustainability: On average, about 52% of consumers make a purchase decision based on the eco-friendly nature of the packaging material. In fact, most consumers prefer to purchase products from a brand that is more inclined to make a positive social and environmental impact by using environmentally friendly packaging materials. Thermoforming can be highly sustainable in both production and materials. Most manufacturers use environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and using sustainable plastic materials in the production of product packaging.

When it comes to selecting the right product packaging for your products, there are many different options available. Keep your products safe in an attractive packaging option that uses thermoformed packaging technology!

It is not uncommon for producers, processors,and wholesalers to hire out their packaging needs to a packaging service provider to help package their products and get them to store shelves. Many brands are able to maximize their presence due to the innovative, turnkey, retail packaging that they are able to receive. The key to finding and having successful product packaging is to find and select a packaging company that can provide you with the packaging that you want and need, to achieve results, from start to finish.

Each project is going to have its own unique needs; therefore, it is important to find a company that offers flexible solutions to bring about the greatest impact. To ensure that you are entrusting your product packaging needs to a reputable company, there are a few things that you should consider and expect to receive to ensure that the job is done right the first time!

• • Design Consultation: product packaging plays many different vital roles when it comes to protecting your package. Packing not only needs to protect your product during shipping, but it also needs to be visually attractive. For retail products, the packaging needs to be trending and relevant. Guidance and support from packaging professionals will ensure that your product packaging is consistent with the industry which your product represents. This is where serious consideration to the material chosen, the structure of the packaging, and the graphic design features all play an important part.

• Innovative Solutions: your product, and by extension your product packaging, is a representation of your brand, and provides a valuable marketing opportunity. An experienced and successful packaging company will provide you with flexible options that will incorporate the latest strategies and state-of-the-art material to provide you with one-of-a-kind packaging for your product. Even if you have a unique size, shape, or combination packing requirements, most companies will jump at the chance to help you find the right solution.

• Packaging Guidelines: products are classified into various retail categories, each of which come with their own unique set of rules and regulations for packaging products. One of the most stringent categories is that of food packaging. All food packaging is subject to strict regulations and shelf-life concerns. Failure to meet the requirements for packaging food, can result in significant consequences. Trusting your food packaging needs to an experienced packaging company, will ensure that your packaging meets the demands and regulations set forth by the FDA and SQF auditors.

• Turnaround Time: To ensure that deadlines are met, it is imperative that you plan ahead. When coordinating with your packaging provider, be sure to discuss deadlines and what you can expect as far as fulfillment and logistics for meeting your deadlines. Working with a reliable company and establishing deadlines early on and prove to be invaluable.

• Dedicated Project Manager: Having a dedicated protect manager who is familiar with your product, needs, and request can help to prevent costly mistakes that will save both time and money. Also, knowing who your dedicated project manager is will provide you with a direct point of contact that ensures you know who to contact if concerns or issues arise during the fulfillment process.

Now that you know what you should be looking for in a product packing service, you’ll be sure to find someone that is reliable and will provide you with creative methods and uses the latest cutting-edge technology.

SouthPack is just such a company. With years of experience in helping customers find the right packaging to fit their needs, we guarantee that you’ll get an affordable packaging solution that will be attractive! At SouthPack we can help you save time and money with our dedicated professionals who work hard to come up with new and creative methods of packaging products for all industries.

There is a reason that everyone who shops at big club stores loves to shop there! Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s offer great deals to their members. But, how are these big club stores able to provide such good deals to their customers?

One of the biggest ways that club stores are able to save money, therefore, passing the savings on to their customers, is by having specially designed product packaging and food packaging. How can custom packaging options allow a company to offer discounted prices? When there is less excess packaging material, waste and handling costs cause the price of the product to go down. When the price to the store goes down, they are then able to pass those savings on to the consumer. As a result, club stores have stricter guidelines when it comes to their packaging than most other retail stores.

Each store has their own set of unique rules and requirements that must be met when designing packaging. If your products don’t make the cut, you might have to rethink your packaging so that you can get your products on to club store shelves. A quick summary of Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s packaging requirements are outlined below.

Costco: all packaging for Costco must be durable, and withstand the fast-paced shipping model that Costco runs on. All items are shipped directly from one of their depots to their stores the same day that the products arrive at the depot. Due to this fast pace, all packaging must be durable. If your product or food packing uses trays in any way, the trays must be designed to be practical and beneficial, meaning they will need to factor into the display some way. Costco will ultimately have the final say over the “look and feel” of the packaging, but they do still allow for you to have a significate amount of control over the overall design.

Sam’s Club: one of the biggest requirements that Sam’s Club has for their products, is that every item must be covered by liability insurance. Another big component of packaging for Sam’s Club is that they are focused on sustainable packaging. Similar to that of Costco, Sam’s Club also requires that all packaging be durable and withstand the rigorous shipping process, and work to display the product out on the store’s floor.

BJ’s: similar to that of Costco and Sam’s Club, BJ’s is especially strict on blister and clamshell packaging. It is important to remember that the FDA requires that all packaging and individual units of food be clearly labeled with the products expiration date.

Don’t be worried by the seemingly daunting rules put in place by club stores, you’re afforded more creative leeway that you might think! Here are three tips to help make your products stand out and make it to the shelves!

• Make your packaging efficient. This is another way of saying, make your packaging multitask. Your packaging should not only be strong and durable, but it should also advertise your product. Because club stores sell in bulk, you’ll have more room on your packaging display for text, graphics, and other fun, creative marketing ideas that are relevant to your product. Try to be creative and come up with a design that will entice customers to put your product in their cart versus your competition’s.
• Make sure it is safe. It is not uncommon for each store to have their own safety requirements for packaging, but it must also be able to withstand the hundreds of shoppers that visit the store every day. Pick a design that is durable and will not break if someone accidently bumps into it with their shopping cart.  
• Try the billboard technique. When it comes to designing club store packaging, graphics are extremely important, especially if they are a part of your brand recognition. Billboarding is a technique that is used when boxes and packages are designed to be stacked in bulk. It is important to remember that when using the billboard technique, that you make sure your design is visible from multiple sides, as most isles at club stores are see-through.

We hope that you have found this information to be informative and helpful. If you are ready to get started on designing your own custom food and product packaging, contact SouthPack today! We can help you design the right packaging to accurately represent your product, and get you into club stores!