Category Archive: Uncategorized

World renowned McMaster University Hospital teams up with Printex Transparent Packaging to design a more protective plastic face shield

Posted by Jane White on February 4, 2021 9:00 pm | Comments Off

BURLINGTON, ON, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ – The Diagnostic imaging team at McMaster University Hospital was concerned about the ultrasound technologists’ lack of protection whilst sitting to the side of patients. Regular Face Shields exposed the sides of their face and neck as the patients were lying down and looking up at them. They wanted a better Face Shield with more protection.

Printex Transparent Packaging-World renowned McMaster University

Printex Transparent Packaging-World renowned McMaster University

The Ultrasound team at Hamilton Health Sciences’ Hamilton General Hospital developed an extended face shield in partnership with the McMaster Manufacturing and Research Institute and Printex Transparent Packaging for better protection against COVID-19. Left to right: Dr. Michael Colapinto, Radiologist Lead for Ultrasound, and ultrasound technologists Lisa Billone, Kaylana Parente, and Sarah Allred. (CNW Group/Printex Transparent Packaging)

The McMaster Manufacturing and Research Institute (MMRI) set about designing an oversized face shield to protect the chin, neck, and sides of the head. When the prototype was proposed to the Hamilton Health Science (HHS) PPE Task Force for approval, “it turned out that the Anesthesia and Medical Reprocessing team at HHS was interested in similar protection”. This PPE Innovation then became a wonderful example of how groups of experts in their fields can work together to rapidly innovate and manufacture a product.

Brian Herechuk, Director of Quality and Value Improvement at HHS helped get the extended face shield project moving along. “I reached out to one of our vendors, Printex Transparent Packaging, who were already providing standard face shields for us and asked if this was something they would consider producing,” Herechuck explains. “They jumped right on it. They developed a prototype within a day of me sending them the drawings.”
PTP Long face shield

Dave Tassé, Sales Manager at Printex Transparent Packaging, was more than happy to get involved. “I’m a Hamilton guy. My wife works in a nursing home, so this project was really exciting to me,” says Tassé. “At the time we got the request, we were designing a new face shield for children. I noticed we could utilize some innovations from that project and put it into the extended face shield for HHS. I asked Bryan if he liked it, and he said yes. So, we used that innovation, with slight modifications to their design, and brought the second prototype to HHS and that was it. We had a new comfortable, lightweight, extended coverage, clear plastic face shield ready for production.” PTP long face shield for HHS

Steve Remilli (from MMRI) says this project is a great example of collaboration between various areas of expertise. “This really shone a light on how groups of experts in their fields can work together very quickly. Everything came together so naturally.”

About Printex Transparent Packaging — Brand owners first choice for clear plastic folding cartons. PTP has manufacturing facilities in both New York and Montreal to serve North America. Printex Transparent Packaging focuses on the specialized non-paper packaging converting business including applying clear PET windows to paper folding cartons. Products: Clear folding cartons, point of purchase Powerchutes, shelf flags, literature holders, clear rigid windows for sbs cartons, set box covers and clear sleeves.

5 Things Your Product Packaging Says About Your Brand

Posted by Jane White on October 14, 2020 3:57 pm | Comments Off

Stand Out on the Shelf with Transparent Packaging

Great packaging is essential to engaging and building your target customers, not only for your product, but also your brand, and your company.

Brand Recognition

It only takes 3 seconds for a consumer to form an opinion of a product. Standing out on the shelf is important. Use a logo, a unique shape, transparent windows and other branded imagery on your packaging.

Brand Positioning

You need to know your marketing message and your demographic. For example, younger audiences prefer brighter colors, with block fonts and bold shapes. Consumers of upscale products prefer colors like black and gold with elegant fonts. Colors can help convey your brand identity as well. Design your packaging for your target audience.

Emotional Connection

The more the consumer relates to, the more likely they are to purchase it or recommend it to others. People can find a connection with packaging in different ways, such as comfort, consistency and even the shape of the box. Colors draw in the customer; so, match colors with feelings such as happy yellows, serene blues, or sensual reds. Color improves brand recognition by 80%.

Show What You Do

People love stories, so tell your story. Are you committed to sustainability? 80% of consumers are likely to switch to brands similar in price and quality to one that supports a cause they favour. You can probably think of a few brands that do very well telling their story with an inspiring blurb on their packaging.

Transparent Packaging

“Don’t hide what’s inside!” Customers like to see what they are getting. Whether it’s a clear box, a window box, or a printed clear PET (clear plastic) box with clear areas. Showcasing your product increases interest. Transparent packaging shows a product’s credibility and trust.

Packaging Done Right

Good product packaging doesn’t have to be expensive. Great product packaging is about creating a lasting impression on the shelf and in the minds of your customers. Returning customers’ spend an average of 67% more than first time customers, investing time into thoughtful packaging is well worth your effort.

Contact our team of specialists today to get started customizing your packaging solution.

The Effectiveness of Plastic Face Shields

Posted by Jane White on September 29, 2020 6:12 pm | Comments Off

Here at Printex Transparent Packaging, we want our customers to stay as safe as possible in these very difficult times. That’s why we offer plastic face shields as a way to protect against the spread of COVID-19. There are a few benefits to plastic face shields over masks. In this article, we will look at the effectiveness of plastic face shields.

Eye Protection

One of the major downsides of simply using a cloth face mask is that it does not cover one’s eyes. Eyes have a larger part to play in the spread of viruses than you might initially think. A cough or sneeze that may be blocked by a face mask from entering the mouth or nose could still enter the body through the soft tissue around the eyes. Plastic face masks are useful when the immediate risk of eyes encountering small particulates of the virus is high, such as in healthcare facilities.

Combination With Masks

The most effective way to lower your chances of transmission, besides regular hand-washing and social distancing, is to wear both a face mask and a face shield over the top of it. In this way, the face shield and the mask work together. The mask becomes more effective at blocking airborne pathogens because fewer particulates are making their way into the mask with the presence of the face shield.

Reduction in Face Touching

Perhaps one of the most annoying things about face masks is their tendency to not always fit properly over individual noses and mouths. This can lead to constant readjusting of the face mask, introducing anything that may be on your hands into the mask itself. Even worse, adjusting the mask can allow particulates to slip around the side of them. A plastic face shield reduces the need to put your hands anywhere near your face, thus reducing the risk of transmission.

If you are going to utilize face shields for protection, then it is important to understand the effectiveness of plastic face shields. Printex Transparent Packaging is more than just clear box packaging, and we want to make sure that you and those you care about are safe throughout these changes to our lives.

Face Shields vs. Masks for Protection From COVID-19

Posted by Jane White on September 22, 2020 12:50 pm | Comments Off

Since safety is everyone’s top priority right now, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of stopping, everyone is still wondering how best to protect themselves. One of the more heated arguments is whether face shields are more effective than face masks, or vice versa. Here we’ll explore some of the key differences between them and help determine the qualities of face shields vs. masks for protection from COVID-19.

Face Shields

Disposable plastic face shields can be effective against spreading COVID-19 if used properly. One of the best parts about a face shield is that it protects the entire face, including the all-important eyes. The eyes are a vulnerable point of entry for the virus, so the face shield’s ability to protect this area is key. Disposable plastic face shields offer full coverage of the nose, mouth and eyes. But they also prevent you from touching your face, are comfortable to wear, are reusable and are almost impossible to wear wrong.

One of the problems with disposable plastic face shields is that the virus often spreads through very small particles that can sometimes find their way past the shield. The open sides and bottom of face shields do not effectively protect the mouth from any stray virus transmission. However, a 2014 cough simulation by the National Library of Medicine found that a face shield can reduce a person’s viral exposure by 96% when worn within 18” (45.7cm) of someone who is coughing. Also, Dr. Amesh Adala, a Johns Hopkins Infectious Disease Expert, does not believe that the open areas of a shield are a major risk for transmission since respiratory droplets are gravity-dependent. In fact, he believes that the openings around the face shield make it easier to wear and easier to comply with. The benefits of not touching your face and protecting your eyes outweigh any deficiency anyone may pose against face shields.

Face Masks

We all know how important face masks are to preventing the spread of COVID-19, but they are not without drawbacks as well. Face masks are useful because the most effective ones fully cover the mouth and nose, blocking the virus’s most common pathways into the body. It is important to ensure that the mask creates a seal around the mouth and nose so as not to let any viral particles slip through.

On the other hand, face masks do not solve the problem of exposed eyes the way that face shields do. One of the other downsides of face masks is that many people do not have the approved N95 masks and, therefore, use homemade masks or surgical masks that do not create a solid seal on the face. Plus, people often touch their faces more while wearing a mask, as they tend to be uncomfortable and prone to slippage.

Conclusion

After weighing the pros and cons, the answer to whether face shields or masks are better protection from COVID-19 is that neither of them is perfect. If you are heading out into the public, a face mask should be the absolute minimum required for doing so. However, if you are in a highly trafficked area or a field such as the medical or delivery fields, the best answer would be to wear both, as this will give you the highest chance to prevent the virus from spreading to or from you. If you are in the office and are distancing, a face shield will likely feel more comfortable.

PVC vs. PET Plastic Packaging

Posted by Jane White on July 13, 2020 9:13 pm | Comments Off

pvc vs pet packaging There are numerous plastic materials used to produce packaging, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have become exceptionally popular for packaging solutions in recent years. Each type of plastic packaging has its own unique advantages and applications in various industries.

At Printex Transparent Packaging, we offer a variety of plastic packaging options for our customers and can assist in selecting the ideal material. This blog post provides an overview of PVC and PET plastics and offers a comparison of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

What Is PET Plastic?

PET is undeniably the most common thermoplastic resin of the polyester family due to a high-strength barrier that resists elements and outside tampering. PET is extensively used in the production of fiber for clothing and thermoforming for manufacturing. It is also widely used in the manufacture of containers for liquids and food items. PET is a strong and inert material that doesn’t react with food and beverages, making it ideal for packaging food items.

What Is PVC Plastic?

PVC is arguably one of the most commonly used plastic polymers after PET and polypropylene. PVC is a plastic made through a process known as suspension polymerization. This process produces hard, rigid structures that withstand harsh impacts and extreme temperatures. These properties make PVC useful in the manufacturing of cables, roofing materials, pipes and hoses, faux leather clothing, flooring applications, and commercial signage.

PET Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons

Some of the advantages of PET for packaging include:

PET is 100% recyclable and one of the most recycled plastics globally. This makes PET environmentally friendly and a sustainable product for packaging.
PET has the ability to take on colorants very well and demonstrates excellent adherence qualities for external printing
PET is safe for storing food.
PET plastic boasts increased durability, this makes it suitable for almost all thermoformed packaging designs.
PET plastic packaging is lightweight, transparent, and shatterproof. Though lightweight, PET is still strong enough to withstand outside elements for a myriad of applications.
PET plastic offers more versatility because it can be thermoformed for a variety of applications

PET also has a few disadvantages:

PET plastic has a lower heat resistance.
PET plastic is partially derived from crude oils.

PVC Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons

Here are some pros of PVC plastic packaging:

PVC features excellent tensile strength and good resistance to chemicals and alkalis.
PVC ranks well for hardness and durability.
PVC boasts exceptional versatility, facilitating a multitude of shapes, designs, and product types.
PVC is compatible with most shrink-wrap machinery.

PVC also has some drawbacks to consider:

PVC emits hydrogen chloride when burned, which can pose health hazards.
Most U.S. municipal authorities do not accept PVC in consumer recycling programs.
Clear PVC often has a light blue tint compared with Clear PET which is virtually clear.

Plastic Packaging From Printex Transparent Packaging

PVC and PET are two types of plastic packaging used frequently in manufacturing. Although these two types of plastic may often appear identical to an untrained eye, several differences set them apart. If you need help choosing the best material for your specific application, don’t hesitate to contact Printex Transparent Packaging. We are committed to helping you select the ideal material for your needs and walk with you from initial conception and design through final delivery.

To see how our plastic packaging capabilities can benefit your operation, please contact us today or request a quote.

Ways to Make Your Product Stand Out

Posted by Jane White on June 26, 2020 6:50 pm | Comments Off

make your product stand out

Ways to Make Your Product Stand Out

Catching consumers’ attention is no easy task, particularly in industries that are already overrun by many different companies and products. Your product must stand out and make a statement. The easiest way to do this is through an expertly designed product package that employs vibrant colors, window box packaging, and overall memorable imagery. Because product packaging serves as the customer’s first introduction to the product itself, the packaging itself must make a good first impression. Choosing design elements that complement each other and push the envelope without going too far can help your products stand out among the competition. This guide explores three different ways to make your product stand out and catch consumers’ eyes.

Vibrant colors

One of the most effective ways to make your product stand out is through the use of vibrant colors. Color plays a far larger role in purchasing decisions than many people realize. Even the consumers themselves do not always notice the emotional connection they may have to certain colors. As a result, vibrant colors not only serve to catch the consumer’s eye but also to keep them engaged for the duration of the shopping experience. Bear in mind that certain colors are better for advertising certain types of products. When choosing the colors for your product packaging, be sure to consider how they may impact your company’s identity and image as a whole. The human eye is instinctively drawn to certain colors and finds specific combinations more appealing than others. Use this knowledge to your advantage when selecting colors and see your products fly off the shelves in no time.

Uniquely shaped packaging

The shape of product packaging may seem inconsequential, especially in markets that are overrun by boring boxes and bags, but it can have a rather large impact on a product’s overall shelf appeal. Deviating from the norm and packaging your products in a unique shape helps set your items apart from the competition. The human brain is inclined to look for patterns in everyday life and is therefore drawn to anything that disrupts those patterns. Therefore, changing the status quo in this manner and packaging your products in a unique shape can help draw consumers’ eyes easily. Choosing unique packaging materials can help distinguish your products from competitors even further. Implementing transparent elements into your packaging design, perhaps through window box packaging or shaped acetate boxes, adds additional distinguishing features to your product that will help differentiate it from the competition.

Recognizable imagery

Brand identity plays a large role in the overall success of a product. Consumers can form very strong loyalty to brands and on some occasions may be able to recognize a brand simply by the images and font that is used on their product’s packaging. Including recognizable imagery in your product’s packaging is therefore instrumental. This memorable imagery, whether through words, fonts, or a product’s window box packaging, helps consumers quickly and easily distinguish your products from those of your competitors. When placed alongside multiple similar products, this instant identification becomes all the more important. Through very few words, this imagery assures your loyal customers that they can trust your company and your products, making the entire shopping process much quicker and more efficient.

Importance of Product Packaging in the Food Industry

Posted by Jane White on May 22, 2020 5:38 pm | Comments Off

High-quality product packaging is important in every industry. However, it’s perhaps the most important in the food industry. Manufacturers must ensure that their food products are kept safe and free of contamination at all stages in their journey from manufacturing facility to retail shelf. The packaging must be equal parts durable and eye-catching, as it also must serve as in-store marketing for the product itself. This guide explores the importance of product packaging in the food industry as it pertains to both security and marketing.

Avoids contamination and damage

The importance of product packaging in the food industry often stems from safety and security. Food products must remain free of contamination and damage at all points in the retail process. Therefore, product packaging must be durable enough that the food items will not be damaged as they are shipped from the manufacturing facility to stores, and again as they are transported from the store to a consumer’s home. Clear product packaging, as with polypropylene cartons or plastic window boxes, is very beneficial in this respect, as it is quite durable and allows the consumer to properly view the item prior to purchase to ensure that it has not been damaged in any way. Durable packaging is also crucial as it helps protect against moisture and cross-contamination. If moisture or air penetrates the packaging, it can spoil the food item and make it unfit for sale. Avoiding cross-contamination is also crucial, particularly in products that contain nuts, dairy, or other common allergens.

Displays crucial information

Product packaging not only ensures the safety of the consumer by decreasing the potential for moisture and cross-contamination, but also by clearly displaying crucial health and safety information on the package. The CDC requires that all food products display a list of the ingredients used in their products, as well as the accompanying nutritional facts. Though some shoppers may disregard the list entirely, it is still a crucial element in the packaging of food products. This information is especially important for consumers with dietary restrictions, allergies, or other health concerns. In addition to this information, food products must also clearly display an expiration date on their packaging. The addition of this crucial information ensures that all shoppers know exactly what they are getting before purchase.

Promotes in-store marketing

Product packaging plays a much larger role in marketing than many consumers realize. Food products with eye-catching packaging are much more likely to be purchased over competitors with a more generic design. The more unique a product’s packaging is, the more likely it will be noticed by consumers. When used in tandem with the concept of shelf appeal, expert product packaging can help increase the sale of food items significantly.

Advantages of Clear Product Packaging

Posted by Jane White on April 27, 2020 1:49 pm | Comments Off

Advantages of Clear Product Packaging

When it comes to designing products, a company must consider various factors, leaving no stone unturned in the process. Even factors that are seemingly inconsequential to consumers must be taken into account by the manufacturer. Product packaging is one such factor that often goes unnoticed by consumers, despite the fact that it can influence their purchasing behaviors in very significant ways. As such, product manufacturers spend ample time discovering which types of product packaging are most successful. Time and again, clear product packaging has proven to yield more successful sales. The results speak for themselves—below are just a few of the many advantages of clear product packaging.

Promotes product visualization

Product visualization is very important for consumers and is often a driving factor in a product’s final sale. Consumers like to envision how a product will impact their life. Seeing an image of the product is one thing, but actually seeing the product itself makes this visualization much more realistic. With clear product packaging, consumers can see the product’s size, shape, color, and intricate details. While some packaging may gloss over a product’s finer features, clear packaging allows the consumer to see all the little details for themselves. This provides a sense of realism to the visualization process, which increases the likelihood of purchase in the long run.

Guaranteed product safety

One of the most important advantages of clear product packaging for both consumers and manufacturers alike is the added level of security this form of packaging brings. Clear plastic packaging is extremely durable and can be trusted to protect a product during its journey from the manufacturing facility, to retail shelves, to a consumer’s home. In addition to being durable, clear plastic packaging can also be designed to incorporate additional safety measures. When used in the health and beauty industry, for instance, clear packaging is often outfitted with additional tamper-proof or tamper-evident closures. These features provide the consumer with peace of mind and ensure that their product has not been tampered with in any way.

Versatile design options

Retail shelves are flooded with an abundance of different products and catching the eye of consumers can sometimes be quite difficult. Manufacturers must design their product packaging in a way that grabs a customer’s attention immediately and holds it for the long haul. Clear product packaging is often the perfect way to do just that. Clear packaging materials offer a wider range of design options than many other packaging materials. Not only can they be shaped into various forms, including clear folding boxes and window boxes, but they can also be printed with different patterns, images, and colors. Clear plastic packaging can be customized using silkscreen, die-cutting, or embossing services. Each method offers a unique way to customize the product packaging and, because the images are printed on a transparent medium, the color and design will never appear obscured or discolored.

This Year’s Product Packaging Trends

Posted by Jane White on April 8, 2020 6:06 pm | Comments Off

The marketing industry is ever-changing and companies must constantly be aware of fluctuating consumer desires. In order to remain present in the eye of consumers, companies must regularly adapt their brand and their products to suit recent trends. This is sometimes easier said than done, as trends can often shift in the blink of an eye. However, while certain trends may come and go quite quickly, some have stood the test of time for several years and continue to impress consumers today. The following list of this year’s product packaging trends are some of the most popular on the market.

Recycled materials

Due to the increased importance of environmental consciousness in recent years, many companies have since shifted toward using more sustainable materials in their product packaging. This trend emerges in a variety of different fashions, from biodegradable packaging to materials made entirely from recycled goods. The technology used to create sustainable packaging is now so advanced that, in terms of appearance, items made from recycled goods are virtually identical to those that aren’t. Products are able to maintain their same great look without creating undo harm to the environment. In addition to utilizing materials made from recycled goods, many companies are now also ensuring that their product packaging can be recycled itself. For instance, there has been a recent shift toward PET plastic packaging because it is 100 percent recyclable, indicated by the resin identification code on the packaging itself. This small fact may seem insignificant to some, but as more and more consumers become aware of the effects their shopping habits can have on the environment at large, this trend will only continue to grow in importance.

Transparency

Trust is a major factor in many consumers’ purchasing decisions. The consumer must feel that they can put their faith in the products and the company as a whole. As such, transparent product packaging has become increasingly popular. The influence of transparent product packaging is often quite subtle and works on a mainly subconscious level. The ability of consumers to view a product in its entirety prior to buying helps instill a bit more faith in the product itself. Transparent product packaging leaves little to the imagination and consumers are less likely to feel tricked by the company. Utilizing clear box packaging enables the company and the consumer to form a stronger bond with each other, one that’s built on trust and transparency. When a consumer feels they can trust a brand, they are more likely to put their faith in their products and become loyal customers.

Playful designs

Companies are always on the lookout for something new and exciting that will set them apart from the competition, and oftentimes color is the perfect addition. Color and whimsy have always been popular product packaging trends but have become even more so in recent years, thanks in part to advancements in graphic design technologies. New technologies allow companies to design their product packaging with stunning designs and vibrant colors, all without ever sacrificing efficiency and integrity. Methods such as embossing, die cutting, and silk-screen printing offer far more variation in design and can be completed much quicker than outdated technologies such as typeset printing.

Plastic Folding Box Shipments & COVID-19

Posted by Jane White on March 18, 2020 7:18 pm | Comments Off

Ensuring business continuity:

Printex Transparent Packaging will continue to manufacture domestic clear folding cartons in our Long Island NY and Montreal Canada facilities. Both plants can take on production from the other, in the event of a disruptive outbreak in either plant. Significant additional hygiene and cleaning process’ have been implemented at all locations. We also have multiple suppliers for our key raw materials.

Safety:

We will protect our workforce. We strive for both the physical and mental well-being of our workforce, while supporting our broader global community and the safety of our customers. All health and safety standards guidelines set are followed.

Partner with industry peers & supply chains:

We are the largest clear folding box manufacturer in North America, and we will ensure that our North American customers can continue business as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Supporting our People:

We understand that our employees face challenges as parents with children who will be at home, hourly workers who may need sick leave or time off or have questions and concerns. We recognize that mental well being is a very real issue. Our company culture has always been and will continue to be to support each other so that we can continue to support you, our customer. While we face challenging times managing this global situation, what we learn will benefit our companies for the years to come. Our hearts go out to those who have been affected and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities and governments around the world who are on the front lines working to contain the virus. In turbulent times like this – we’ll get through this together.