Packaging - More than Meets the Eye

Packaging is what catches your eye in the cereal aisle at the grocery store. It's the reason you gravitate to those great headphones in the big box electronics store or that geegaw on the checkout counter at the 24-hour shop near your office. Packaging, or more accurately, packaging design, when well thought out and executed, speaks to you, the target audience, and draws you in. Colors, brand names, materials, fonts, inks, logos, taglines, and mission statements, often more than what the product actually is or does, will dictate your purchase.

Wikipedia's page for Packaging and Labeling provides an all-inclusive definition of the science, art and technology of packaging.

The materials used in packaging design are undergoing close scrutiny - unless you're growing all of your own food, you see evidence of this in the market every day. Sensible use of materials is being demanded by consumers and their advocates and in some countries mandated. Packaging designers and engineers must now consider the whole life of both the product and its packaging when proposing how that product will go to market - food, electronics, appliances, automobile parts, medicines - everything that is in-process, shipped, stored, consumed, exchanged, imported, or exported.

Items packaged safely, but with a minimum of packaging, are gaining popularity because of environmental considerations. Smart packaging is key and changes are being made daily. For amazing and innovative retail packaging ideas, head straight to The Dieline. Manufacturers of electronics and metals where corrosion or field defects may be a concern should consider the benefits of Intercept Technology Packaging as a solution. For cogent discussion on where packaging is headed, read The Packaging Diva's "Packaging News You Can Use" blog and join the discussion.

Intercept Technology™ Protective Packaging Prevents Corrosion on Mining Equipment

Intercept Technology™ Protective Packaging Prevents Corrosion on Mining Equipment

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Bell Labs: John Franey on its low-static, eco-friendly packaging technology

Liberty Packaging and Xtend Packaging Announce New Product for Evidence Protection

Liberty Packaging Co and Xtend Packaging Announce New Product for Evidence Preservation and Weapons

Climate Change - Control of the Green

Guest blogger Joe Spitz, my partner in the Liberty Packaging Co., as well as in life, chronicles a recent debate with a friend on the subject of climate change:

My friend might be labeled a “climate-change denier”. He maintains it’s more accurate to call him “a proponent of the scientific method”. In our ongoing debate, he has some interesting points:

--> Man’s contribution to the trace gas carbon dioxide and its levels is insignificant compared to the entire workings of the planet and solar system.

--> CO2 is not an enemy; it is a building block for plant life and this planet.

--> For the climate, what are most influential are the natural earthly and solar cycles, climate changes are inevitable and man’s presence does not influence them. The earth and sun are always in motion.

--> Leaders of the “green” proponents are “control zealots” that want to control social norms and governments with their self importance.

--> He believes that the ‘green” movement is a money grab for some.

--> It has become a one sided debate with the science community, governments, and most importantly the media; anyone opposing the common belief of climate change is ostracized and/or ridiculed. Where is the discussion for all issues?

--> Because of the alleged doctoring of temperature statistics by a leading climate research organization, my friend has strengthened his position in our debate.

--> The rest of us are brainwashed by the media and academia.

There are many members of the scientific community on the internet with similar opinions.

There may be some truth to his rationale as to how scientists can accurately predict the future with something as vast as our planet and solar system. With that said, isn’t it wonderful how all of us in this country and the world can rally around a focal point? Shouldn’t we always be looking for more efficient methods? Many generations of Americans have used resources carelessly and this “green” movement has made us more conscientious with our environment. Cause and effect; isn’t this a good cause?

Companies now want to be on the “green” side and do the right thing. Elaine and I have been marketing and selling the truly “green” Intercept Technology™ packaging for years with resistance from certain organizations, often because change is difficult for some businesses. But now, leading companies are finding that lowering their carbon footprint is good for them and good for all. They experience an advantage to be publically recognized for their efforts for a better planet and not for polluting it like the disgraceful negligent and hazardous stories we would so often hear in the past. In the Intercept case studies, companies saved a ton of money; green can be less expensive.

Back to the debate with my friend: does it matter what the motive is when we work as a community to be better and leaner? My position is to find the balance so that we do not “throw out the baby with the bath water”. I hope our legislators do not compromise our industrial base by grandstanding to the environmental issue. We need good manufacturing jobs in order for our economy to prosper. But if we can all concentrate on things in our lives and jobs that are more efficient and friendlier to our fellow workers, our companies, and community, then embracing green practices is smart and sensible.

Bio-Burden on Electronics Can Spread Infection

Microscopic yucky stuff grows all around us. I think I can speak for my fellow germophobes when I say this is something we'd rather not even consider.

In fact, a study of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection conducted by Dr. Eddy Weir in the UK showed significant bio-burden load on equipments’ circuits and boards coming in from Asia. These bio-burdens (i.e., germs) can then easily be spread when the board is inserted into a system and the cooling fans turned on. The study showed the cause of the growth on the boards to be food residue left during manufacturing; fingerprints and/or tape adhesive are also known to be a cause. The simple act of installing and using these boards can easily result in the spread of various microbes in the work place, or in hospitals, wherever the boards and systems are being used. See example of bio-burden on circuit board above, courtesy of Dr. Weir.

Pretty disgusting, right? I'm happy to report that help is readily available. In 2008,the EPA approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys with public health claims. These claims acknowledge that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killing harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. Copper is the first solid surface material to receive this type of EPA registration, which is supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing.

A revolutionary source for abatement of these bio-burdens is Intercept Technology™ Packaging, which is a Bell Labs invention, made with plastics and copper. The copper is reacted into the polymer matrix where it cannot migrate or slough off. The Intercept packaging’s initial purpose was to provide short and long term corrosion protection and permanent electrostatic discharge protection. With these newly published studies, backed by testing of Intercept in Singapore, Intercept packaging materials can be considered a passive mildewcide and an active anti-microbial agent able to eliminate dangerous bacteria and spores.

Manufacturers should note that copper-based Intercept Technology packaging for circuit boards is an easy fix to ensure better health in hospitals, nursing facilities and the workplace.

Naturally, I must mention that, as President of Liberty Packaging Co., Inc., with Intercept Technology™ Packaging as our flagship product line, I have a personal stake in spreading this good news. Liberty Packaging Co., distributes packaging on the East Coast of the United States.

Keep your products clean and safe. Call us at 800-776-5756.

Intercept Technology™ Packaging Helps VW Win “Green” Award

Intercept Technology™ Packaging Helps VW Win “Green” Award

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Mr. Spitz Goes to Washington

Joe recently spent a few days in Washington D.C. for a conference and enjoyed some sightseeing time.

Here are some of his recollections:

On his nighttime automobile tour, my friend and business colleague in the Intercept Technology Group, Keith Donaldson, who has spent many air miles in his world travels, commented: “We have a capital in this country that we can all be proud of; it is a beautiful city - I can’t think of a more beautiful capital anywhere else in this world.” Keith’s tour brought us first to the front of the Capitol Building, awash in light, accenting the strength and beauty of the building. We traveled between the Supreme Court and the Capitol, near the White House, by the Ford Theater and the home where Lincoln died; around the Washington and Lincoln Monuments, then to Keith’s favorite, the Jefferson Memorial. Keith is right, at night or any time, our nation’s Capital is an architectural and historical marvel.

The next morning I had breakfast in the Rayburn building’s cafeteria, the House of Representatives' offices. I was thinking I might see a legislative celebrity but instead viewed vibrant young people buzzing about with coffee cups in their hands. Security is everywhere and all entrances to all government buildings require scans; so the “bad guys” get us on that one. What the heck; it is better to be safe at the expense of that small loss of freedom.

My own walking tour led me across the street to the Capitol and Library of Congress. E Pluribus Unum - one from many; what a grand experiment this country is. What a storied history filled with courageous heroes, many making extreme sacrifices in their duty to our country. Speaking of which, why doesn’t our great patriot John Adams from Braintree, Massachusetts, merit statues or memorials in his honor in Washington D.C.? Besides George, is there any greater person that influenced the independence of and the framework to our United States? A Sam Adams statue represents MA in the Capitol; good beer, valuable instigator, but his cousin John was the man.

The Library of Congress has the prettiest rotunda I have seen, on a level with the amazing Vatican Map Room and Sistine Chapel. The Library of Congress houses Jefferson’s books; an extensive collection from a well read man.

Prior to World War I, societies were governed by kings, queens, emperors, religious leaders, etc. and a compassionate one versus a selfish one depended on the times and the integrity of the generational leader. Whether or not they were good leaders didn’t matter as much as that this form of governance offered continued stability for its people.

In contrast, standing in front of words on parchment representing the ideas that are the basis of our government and security is quite moving. The National Archives has on display, along with many other important documents, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and The Constitution of the United States for all citizens and visitors to view. There are many school groups touring Washington and in the “Charters of Freedom” rotunda there is a hush among visitors as they view the founding documents of these United States. If you haven’t experienced this lately (or ever), make the journey. You’ll have a newly refreshed appreciation of our country and its history.

An American in Germany

This blog has been written by guest writer, Joe Spitz, VP of Sales and Marketing for Liberty Packaging - yes, he is my husband. Here, Joe talks of his recent trip to Germany:

“You must order the white asparagus soup,” insisted my hosts, Frank and Peggy Krökel. This was the start of my infatuation with this delightful vegetable. The selected restaurant for my first night in Germany, located in Eisenach, served the soup and the white asparagus dish in a butter or hollandaise sauce. I chose the butter and it was quite delicious. May in Germany is a perfect season to indulge in this unique dish.

The white asparagus discovery was certainly a pleasure, but back to business. My Germany visit allowed me to participate in an Intercept Technology™ team building event for representatives and distributors from all around the globe. Organized by Frank and Peggy’s company CompTrade (European Intercept Technology Dealer), the event included a spirited off-road team competition in which teams of participants drove rugged vehicles through obstacle courses (see pictures) and also a day of sharing Intercept sales situations and packaging solutions from all attending parties.

Applications stories varied, but what was quite evident is that automobile manufacturers all around the world are accepting and appreciating the corrosion protection that Intercept packaging offers. Many wide-ranging tiered parts for the major manufacturers are being transported from diverse locations to assembly sites safely in Intercept, including engine blocks, drive shafts, manifolds; there are very few limitations. The groups’ creative packaging ideas utilizing Intercept were proficient such as bulk packing to save costs, and eliminating protective oil application and removal. Implementation of these ideas saved their customers money on packaging materials and labor, but the big savings came in costs associated with reducing reworks and returns.

It was a joy for me to visit beautiful Germany with its rolling hills, quaint villages, castles, fine cuisine, and friendly people. I am so appreciative of my CompTrade hosts for this experience. It was also illuminating for me to meet people from different parts of the world and who speak different languages that are as passionate about the revolutionary Intercept Technology™ packaging as I am. Intercept is truly worldwide. For more about Intercept Technology packaging, please visit Liberty Packaging Co., Inc.

Disruption Leads to Change

A friend recently talked about her small child disrupting plans, as small children are wont to do. My friend wasn't really put out by this, but noted that flexibility is a requirement for being a parent. Truer words were never spoken.

Examined more closely, disruption requires flexibility which leads to change on many fronts - that can be good news, if you let it happen. If we were never interrupted, and left to our own devices 24/7 without contact from the world around us, we'd likely continue on our merry way without noticing that there may be a better way to look at things, accomplish things, treat people, reach goals, live dreams.

In the business world, a disruptive technology or disruptive innovation is defined by Wikipedia as an innovation that improves a product or service in ways that the market does not expect. A good example of disruptive technology would be Intercept Technology corrosion and static protective packaging. Intercept is a composite of plastic and copper - the copper acts as a sacrificial for any corrosive gases within the package, thus protecting whatever is inside that package from degradation/corrosion/rust. Intercept is disruptive in that it works like no other packaging. It does not outgas or particle shed, it is generally not necessary to vacuum air out of the package, it does not leave an oily film on the product it protects.

I could go on, but will end with this: the world of manufacturing could be completely changed by this disruptive Intercept Technology packaging; Liberty Packaging is where to find more info.