First Glance: Innovative Converted Packages

Published: December 01, 2007

Old West, New Winner

Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY, earned a Certificate of Merit in the 2007 Premier Print Awards Competition, sponsored by the PIA/GATF, for the Coty Stetson Gift Set. The entire front panel of the French straight tuck carton was stamped with gold foil prior to printing and embossing. The embossed paisley pattern and Stetson logo above the die-cut window combine with a micro-embossed pattern around the perimeter of the carton to create what is said to be a unique visual and tactile presentation, suggestive of the rugged individualism of the American West. Printing was offset with UV black, one Pantone color, and UV metallic gold ink inline with UV gloss coating. Metallic ink was printed over foil to complement the micro-embossed pattern around the perimeter of the carton.

I Want That Product!

Brand promotion in retail sites takes a leap forward with shelf-ART from FLEXcon, Spencer, MA. The system, designed to decorate a variety of retail shelving tops and sides, can promote a brand even when the product is not on the shelf. Company says product will adhere to standard painted metal shelf surfaces; its adhesive system will last the life of the promotion and remove cleanly for up to a year; and overlaminates are resistant to product contents and are very durable in a retail environment. The 10 — 12.5-mil combination of base and overlaminating films reportedly allows system to be installed easily with few wrinkles by retail employees or distributors.

Telling Time

If it's important to know how old a product is, think Timestrips. These smart labels from UK-based Timestrip Plc can be supplied as external labels or integrated into the packaging or even into the product. Each label contains an edible oil which, when activated, travels across it at a consistent rate, enabling consumers to see how long a product has been open or in use. The labels are calibrated to meet different “period-after-opening” time frames and temperature conditions. The technology is recommended especially for products with critical-use time frames, such as contact lens solutions, eye drops, and baby food.

Did you produce a cool converted product? Send details with a picture to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..