November 14, 2007
· Number 22
CONSUMER ANALYSIS: Virtue for Sale
Will customers pay more to do good? By Ray Fisman on www.slate.comA Slate Magazine article discusses research into whether packages or products that indicate fair-labor practices would sell better than products without that indication. The writer analyzes how much can be gleaned from the Harvard research study, and whether other “do-good” statements might also help sales. The complete article is here, and there is a link in the article to the research paper that is discussed.
DESIGN: Luzianne Coffee's Packaging Brings Southern Authenticity to GrocersThe Object 9 design firm recently designed Luzianne Coffee's new packaging for the brand's line of 100% premium Arabica coffee. Luzianne slow roasts their new coffee in small batches to ensure a bold taste without the bitterness typically associated with dark roast coffees.
Luzianne is the producer of the second leading tea brand in the country, which helped establish the brand's reputation of producing top quality beverage and food products. Along with the familiarity of the brand’s quality, these rich, warm package features work together to impact consumers' decision-making at point of purchase.
"Luzianne already has strong brand equity, so it was important that the new package design preserve the integrity of the product within the Luzianne family," says Jon Cato, Object 9 partner. "Our team created a contemporary look that generates a strong shelf presence, but also evokes Southern culture and heritage through the illustration of a traditional coffee farm and subtle fleur-de-lis placement."
Planet Canit Transports Silver Joe’s Coffee in an Adventurous DirectionPlanet Canit saw great potential with Silver Joe’s from the first moment they met them. They were mavericks looking to change the coffee game. Fortunately for Planet Canit, Silver Joe’s possessed the mission, vision, drive, and intestinal fortitude to think beyond the traditional coffee cylinder.
Silver Joe’s adventurous spirit and their relationship with the iconic Airstream brand necessitated that the Planet Canit team create a similarly unique packaging solution that pushed coffee tin design into uncharted territory. Riding in an Airstream is a uniquely multi-sensory and immersive experience; just as enjoying a great cup of Silver Joe’s is a multi-sensory immersive experience. Silver Joe’s revolutionary tin design is an articulation of an expertly crafted, uniquely personal experience that excites multiple senses.
IZZE Sparkling Juices Shine in New Silver Packaging for the HolidaysThis holiday season, select IZZE® Sparkling Juices will be donning cocktail attire. For a limited time, IZZE, in the four-pack of 8.4-ounce cans, will be swapping its brightly-colored packaging for a new, simply silver one, making IZZE a great choice for all holiday gift-giving needs.
IZZE Sparkling Juice is a blend of pure fruit juice and sparkling water with nothing artificial. It is delicious served chilled over ice in an elegant glass or for use as a mixer. IZZE’s limited edition, silver holiday packaging will be available exclusively at Target in the four-pack in five flavors. IZZE also has a philanthropic focus, partnering with the Global Education Fund, to improve people’s lives through education and to encourage literacy by providing books and educational opportunities to those in need.
WEBINAR: Designing for Sustainable Packaging Webinar
December 5, 2007, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
This special two-and-a-half hour sustainability webinar will feature up-to-date insights into the market forces affecting package design and sustainability. Package Design Magazine and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition will cohost the event.
This program will probe the real meaning of sustainability as it applies to package design professionals. We’ll explore the issues and concerns from several perspectives—the state of the industry, consumer perspectives, marketing strategies, regulatory issues, and spotlighted success stories. One highlight of the program will be a thorough discussion of “systems thinking,” where sustainable design really begins and ends, by Curt McNamara. Another highlight is the Package Design columnist and longtime sustainability advocate Wendy Jedlicka, who will tell you how to get the sustainable message out, and how to tie all your efforts together.
The first 300 individuals to register will have free admission to the webinar (after that, the cost is $89.99). All those who register AND attend the webinar receive the 104-page Design Guidelines for Sustainable Packaging (a $35 value, produced by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition).
Speakers include, among others: ANNE JOHNSON, Sustainable Packaging Coalition; MARTHA LEFLAR, Sustainable Packaging Coalition; DR. ELISE L. AMEL, University of St. Thomas; DR. CHRISTIE MANNING, Center for Global Environmental Education; DR. PAMM SMITH, University of Minnesota; GARTH T. HICKLE, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; CURT MCNAMARA, o2 Global Sustainable Design Network; WENDY JEDLICKA, Jedlicka Design Ltd.; SCOTT BALLANTINE, Microsoft.
MATERIAL: Iggesund’s Invercote Shows Off Seductive Paperboard for Chocolates and Chocolat“Seduced by Invercote” was the theme of Iggesund Paperboard’s participation in this year’s Luxe Pack. The theme primarily refers to Invercote’s abilities to convey a brand message in a powerful and convincing way.
Seduced by Invercote was developed by Iggesund to demonstrate Invercote’s possibilities. The starting point was a joint project with the French chocolatiers Valrhona. Iggesund created an elegant box that contains examples of exciting chocolate box designs plus an exclusive book about Valrhona’s chocolate making.
“We feel a kinship with Valrhona due to their extremely thorough control of their raw material and their obsession with quality,” says Guy Mallinson, business director of packaging at Iggesund Paperboard. “Our demands on our raw material and product quality are at the same level.” Mallinson says the seduction is perhaps especially strong when it comes to designers, who discover that Invercote gives them the opportunity to realize their creative ambitions with excellent color reproduction, formability, and creasing.
Wyborowa Vodka Breathes Red Fire over Blue Ice with Sleever ExpertiseThe well-regarded Wyborowa Polish vodka (a Ricard brand) is launching a new limited edition vodka and bottle at the end of this year. This edition is designed to propel the brand into an unusual, contemporary arena and to outline the distinctive character of the vodka.
The letter W refers both to the brand’s name and to the word, wodka, the Polish spelling of vodka. The limited edition bottle is draped in a full-length Sleever sleeve, whose metallic ice-blue shades set off the deep-red W. To top it off, the Seelcap sleeve will remain one with the top after opening.
Ricard wanted to remain true to the cold colors traditionally associated with clear alcohols while making the most of sleeve technology with a pioneering combination of a sleeve and a Seelcap fixed to the top by a special adhesive system. The result is a 360° shimmering array of metallic electric blues that draws the eye to the elegant claret-colored W of the Wyborowa brand, which burns as if encased in ice.
The sleeve was printed in nine-color helioengraving, including two metal silver shades to create the overall metallic effect that catches the light from every direction. There is also a narrow, transparent vertical window down the length of the bottle that reveals the alcohol within.
STRUCTURE: Rexam Provides Case for Signature Lipstick by Tom Ford for Estée LauderThe new Signature Estée Lauder lipstick designed by Tom Ford is one of the brand’s grand classics, now restyled for even greater chic and elegance in 100% brass. The lipstick is distinctive in an all-metal outer case enhanced with very fine flutes. Rexam combined different technology skills required for working on metal to achieve this structure.
This well-established lipstick from Estée Lauder was famous for its all-metal brass design with flutes from top to bottom. The new modern version is also in gold-colored brass, a material that gives a high quality feel and look owing to its cold touch and heavy feel. The restyled version gives the line even greater refinement thanks to very fine flutes that convey a chic-ness that sets out to reflect the brand’s new identity with Tom Ford.
Rexam rose to the challenge of the complexity involved in forming this piece. The lipstick case has fine and even flutes, high-precision polishing that “stretches” the flutes without unevenness, perfectly aligned flutes between the cap and the base and ferrule, a subtle logo engraving on top, and a supple closure system with a gentle click. The two components smoothly slot together in a consistently smooth and regular movement.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: MetalFX Announces Design and Printing Competition for Its SoftwareMetalFX Technology (a Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation subsidiary) has announced a design competition based upon use of its popular MetalFX software. Printers, graphic designers, and advertising agencies employing the process in a commercial product during 2007 are eligible to submit their designs and final printed products for consideration. MetalFX is a universal process and spot metallic color system that allows millions of metallic colors to be printed, all by adding only the one base silver ink to the usual CMYK mix.
Producers of the winning design will receive an engraved award and may use the official MetalFX award logo on their stationery, promotional material, and websites as an indication of their skill in use of the MetalFX technology. In addition, MetalFX will promote the winning design throughout the design and printing communities. Interested designers may obtain an entry form by emailing marketing@metal-fx.com.
Great Northern Corporation Announces Leadership SuccessionRobert W. Brown and J. James Davis, founders and co-chairmen of the board of Great Northern Corporation, announced that the company’s leadership succession plan will be implemented at the annual meeting in April 2008. At that time, John R. Davis will assume the position of corporate CEO in addition to his role as president of the Packaging Group. William A. Raaths, CEO since 2002, will become chairman of the board. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, Great Northern has more than 800 employees and designs, manufactures and distributes packaging solutions and point-of-sale display programs for industrial, commercial, and retail products.
Davis joined Great Northern in 1986 and has held several key positions including president of the Packaging Group since 2001. Under his leadership, the Packaging Group has expanded to four locations in Wisconsin and is a recognized national leader in point-of-sale packaging and point-of-purchase displays. Raaths joined Great Northern in 2002 as its Chief Executive Officer. Under Raaths leadership, Great Northern has doubled in size through growth in market share, acquisitions and new venture start-ups. Robert Brown and J. James Davis will remain on the Great Northern board as founding directors.
MeadWestvaco Expands Print Capabilities with Azuna 3D TechnologyMeadWestvaco Corporation announces it is expanding its portfolio of specialty print technologies by licensing a patented three-dimensional design and printing technology from Azuna LLC, based in Jenkintown, PA. Azuna 3D technology produces high-quality, four-color imagery with uniquely deep dimensional effects on recycled polypropylene plastic substrate.
MeadWestvaco will offer Azuna state-of-the-art specialty print technology through innovative consumer product packaging produced at its facility in Warrington, PA, for customers in the North American media and entertainment, beauty and personal care, healthcare, and beverage markets. For more information, contact Zane Peterson at 919-334-4105 or zane.peterson@meadwestvaco.com.
HCPC 2007 Compliance Package of the Year Competition Now OpenThe Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council has announced the opening of its competition for the 2007 HCPC Compliance Package of the Year Awards. Entries will be accepted from November 15, 2007 to March 15, 2008, and a total of $12,000 in scholarship funds will be contributed to schools of packaging by the HCPC and Canon Communications based on designations by the award winners.
The Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council is a not-for-profit trade association whose mission is to promote the greater use of unit dose blister and strip packaging due to its superior ability to improve patient compliance, as well as provide tamper evidence, protect efficacy, prevent poisonings, improve safety, and reduce counterfeiting. Complete competition guidelines are available on the Internet by visiting www.unitdose.org or by contacting the HCPC offices at 703-538-4030.
Univenture Inc. Acquires UniKeep LLC Membership InterestsUniventure Inc., a manufacturer of innovative specialty packaging, has acquired all of the membership interests of UniKeep LLC. UniKeep LLC is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of a unique system of products for digital and document storage, presentation and organization. Its patented wallets and binders molded from 100% polypropylene are sold through office products dealers and promotional products distributors. UniKeep LLC will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Univenture Inc.
"Univenture is positioned for expansion utilizing proprietary technologies, products and acquisitions in the markets we serve,” says Ross Youngs, Univenture's CEO. “Our plan is to grow in packaging and environmentally friendly products utilizing our unique technologies and systems for a competitive edge." Univenture is an industry supplier to the packaging, publishing and direct mail markets with a full range of specialty packaging, mailers, and automation solutions. Univenture's eco-friendly products are useful for a variety of applications across industries that are seeking environmentally sound packaging.
Brand Engine, 2005 Makeover Challenge Winner, Turns 10 Years YoungBased in Sausalito, CA, Brand Engine has been busy working on 80+ brands and 700+ projects with just one passion—building successful consumer brands that connect with their audience. Visit www.brandengine.com.
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