James Sanfilippo
- Published: September 01, 2010
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President and CEO of Clear Lam Packaging shown holding PrimaPak, one of the Project EarthClear Lightweighting Technology initiatives
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How did you get into the converting business? We started out over 40 years ago as a small regional plastics converter with limited product lines. Since then we have invested significantly in research & development and manufacturing capabilities to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of rigid and flexible packaging materials.
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What is the biggest threat to the converting industry right now? Losing sight of customers' needs. We're at an exciting time in our industry, with many new materials and technologies to help improve packaging design for today and tomorrow. But it's important that we maintain our focus on providing high quality engineering to meet and exceed the standards set by our clients. We're doing that at Clear Lam through rigorous testing and follow up to assure maximum performance.
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What makes you proud in your business? As a family-owned business, we believe in not only being good product stewards for our customers but also in being good stewards of the environment. This is what's driving our commitment to Project EarthClear, our desire to create a positive impact on our society.
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What do you most enjoy about your job? Imagining all of the possibilities ahead for our industry. Every day there is a new discovery, and we're finding new ways to apply science and technology to provide our customers with innovative packaging solutions.
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What sustainability efforts has your company made? We employ a closed-loop manufacturing process at our plants to ensure scrap is reused, and our air-conditioning system is powered from heat that is generated from internal manufacturing practices.
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What is the key to growing a business in a bad economy? Innovation is the key. We're doing that in large part through our development of new technologies and packaging materials that are better for the environment, part of our Project EarthClear initiatives. These include the use of renewable raw materials, not oil, the use of recycled content whenever possible, and the use of new and innovative lightweighting technologies.
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What does your company do for your customers that makes them want to come back and do business with you again? We believe in building long-term relationships with our customers. We do this by demonstrating honesty and integrity in our work and a commitment to excellence. We believe what we're doing with our Project EarthClear initiatives represents the next frontier for packaging, and we're excited to see many of our loyal customers joining us on this transformational journey.
About Clear Lam Packaging
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1950 Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; 847-439-8570
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Founded 1969; 7 manufacturing facilities; 750 employees
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Specialization | Environmentally friendly materials; extruder/thermoformer of renewable plant-derived plastics
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