Reporter Clips
- Published: December 01, 2001, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Narrow Web Converting Industry News
Label Graphics' Packaging Helps Grow Weeds
LITTLE FALLS, NJ, USA—Label Graphics Inc. has helped in a national launch of two new lines of all-natural personal care products from Sag Harbor Soap: The Sag Harbor Soap luxury aromatherapy line and “Weeds,” a personal care line based on essences extracted from weeds.
Using only natural ingredients, pure essential oils, and simple shoeboxes for molds, Sag Harbor soaps were first produced in micro-batches in the kitchen of founder and owner Melinda Novak. The final molded product was cut into chunks, hand-wrapped in wax paper, and given as gifts to friends and neighbors. The soaps were so popular they eventually found their way into a local shop where they caught the attention of shopper Martha Stewart, who began to offer them through her magazine. From that point, the Sag Harbor Soap Co. has developed an almost unstoppable momentum.
The wide appeal of Novak's first aromatherapy line recently inspired the development of the Weeds collection, personal care products made exclusively from essences of herbs and weeds.
“As unlikely a source as they may seem,” says Novak, “weeds actually reflect the best part of our personalities: They are adaptable, and they thrive. They are the unsung heroes of nature.”
Despite their success, the innovative products until recently were being offered in packaging only slightly refined from their original hand-wrapped wax paper beginnings.
Recognizing the need for a more polished look, Novak met with designer Elizabeth Williams and together they developed a highly individual approach to the packaging. After developing preliminary designs, Williams did extensive research to find the appropriate label manufacturer. That was Label Graphics.
For both lines, Label Graphics used a PP label for durability in the high humidity of the bath and for a high-end, all-natural image.
“We used a matte film laminate for a soft finish to communicate an ‘earthy’ image,” explains Label Graphics' sales director Jake Ritz. “We wanted to stay away from shine, opting for a more natural look. The PP also has a high-gloss white iridescence that comes through the flexographic ink and creates a subtle finish that looks really sophisticated.”
TLMI Meeting Informs and Boosts Spirits
SCOTTSDALE, AZ, USA—A southwestern setting was the backdrop for the Annual Meeting of the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute Held October 7-10 at the beautiful Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, the event enticed more than 300 attendees, PFFC included.
Barry Asmus addressed global economics, stressing “The planet is now your market.” He added that despite all the technical advancements of recent times, a new technical revolution is around the corner, noting, “You haven't seen anything yet!”
Dennis Ephlin covered e-commerce with a well-organized, informative presentation. His underlying theme: “E-business is business.” I.e., the same principles that apply to all good business apply to e-business. Dot.coms that failed, said Ephlin, did so because of bad business practices, not because there is inherently anything wrong with e-business.
Motivational speaker Michael Fortino addressed the group twice, offering a look into some eye-popping technology of the future and offering up advice on productivity and sales leadership. He agreed with Ephlin that dot.coms, despite recent problems, are a dynamic and growing form of business.
Avery Dennison rolled out RollXchange.com at a press breakfast. The web site offers sellers the opportunity to post surplus rolls with initial ceiling and 60-day floor prices. It will validate sales and e-mail confirmation to buyer and seller. Avery explains the site is not only for Fasson-brand products; stock from any manufacturer can be posted. The event was cosponsored by Maratech International/Channeled Resources Inc., who will be offering a percentage of its regular “B” grade materials on the RollXchange.
The 2001 tag and label awards were announced at a banquet. (See PFFC, October 2001 for coverage.)
With a number of fall events cancelled or postponed due to the September 11 attacks, just the fact that the TLMI meeting went on as scheduled was a positive note. Add to that the information presented, diversions such as golf and river rafting, great weather, and beautiful surroundings, and it's no wonder there were smiles all around. And those have been in short supply lately.
Label Show Spans the Spectrum
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Labelexpo Europe 2001 show took place September 26-29 at its usual venue, Brussels' Parc des Expositions. While there were empty stand spaces in some of the halls, and visitor numbers were not as great as expected — a natural result of the international effects of the September 11 events — the show was pronounced a success by sponsor Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing Ltd., with exhibitor companies generally more than satisfied with the outcome.
Exhibitors spanned the spectrum of converting and label printing disciplines. Leading label press manufacturers and international label stock manufacturers were there in force. Release liners, silicones, inks, dies, variable information printing equipment, and label applicators were also well represented.
The exhibition was supported by a series of popular seminars on industry topics, including narrow web folding cartons and a digital users' forum.
Labelexpo USA 2002 will be held in Rosemont, IL, September 10-12. For information visit worldoflabels.com/usa.asp.
