Where other books explore the "what?" and the "why?" of design, DemoGraphics: Packaging dissects the "who?". Through a huge selection of diverse examples, this unique book examines how packaging ...
Many consider it a patriotic act to buy American-made products, just as many consider it a responsible Earth-preservation act to buy sustainable goods and packages. While the packaging industry struggles to find a viable certification process to comprise the many facets of sustainable materials and practices, a certification for American-made products should, by comparison, be clear-cut.
And it is. The Made in USA brand certification mark, amazingly enough, is the only certification mark registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for identifying goods either made or grown in the U.S. When outsourcing jobs overseas is common in an era of 10% U.S. unemployment, placing this mark on a package could be a true selling point to consumers concerned about the foundations of the U.S. economy. In one year, the number of Made in USA brand-certified companies has grown from 15 to over 300.
Marcie Gabor, a principal at the branding firm Conrad Phillips Vutech, Columbus, OH, developed the concept only a few years ago based on the Federal Trade Commission’s regulations for complying with Made in USA origin claims. Gabor had assistance from the law firm of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn, Columbus, OH.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in buying local and purchasing goods made in America,” says Gabor, “because they associate them with higher quality and reliability than products made in other countries.” According to www.madeintheusabrand.com, studies show that 83% of survey respondents said they would buy “Made in America” products as their first choice if given the option. Accreditation standards can be found at www.MadeInUSAbrand.com/form/.
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