Category Archive: Uncategorized

PVC vs. PET Plastic Packaging

Posted by Jane White on July 13, 2020 9:13 pm | Comments Off

There are numerous plastic materials used to produce packaging, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have become exceptionally popular for packaging solutions in recent years. Each type of plastic packaging has its own unique advantages and applications in various industries.

At Printex Transparent Packaging, we offer a variety of plastic packaging options for our customers and can assist in selecting the ideal material. This blog post provides an overview of PVC and PET plastics and offers a comparison of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

What Is PET Plastic?

PET is undeniably the most common thermoplastic resin of the polyester family due to a high-strength barrier that resists elements and outside tampering. PET is extensively used in the production of fiber for clothing and thermoforming for manufacturing. It is also widely used in the manufacture of containers for liquids and food items. PET is a strong and inert material that doesn’t react with food and beverages, making it ideal for packaging food items.

What Is PVC Plastic?

PVC is arguably one of the most commonly used plastic polymers after PET and polypropylene. PVC is a plastic made through a process known as suspension polymerization. This process produces hard, rigid structures that withstand harsh impacts and extreme temperatures. These properties make PVC useful in the manufacturing of cables, roofing materials, pipes and hoses, faux leather clothing, flooring applications, and commercial signage.

PET Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons

Some of the advantages of PET for packaging include:

PET is 100% recyclable and one of the most recycled plastics globally. This makes PET environmentally friendly and a sustainable product for packaging.
PET has the ability to take on colorants very well and demonstrates excellent adherence qualities for external printing
PET is safe for storing food.
PET plastic boasts increased durability, this makes it suitable for almost all thermoformed packaging designs.
PET plastic packaging is lightweight, transparent, and shatterproof. Though lightweight, PET is still strong enough to withstand outside elements for a myriad of applications.
PET plastic offers more versatility because it can be thermoformed for a variety of applications

PET also has a few disadvantages:

PET plastic has a lower heat resistance.
PET plastic is partially derived from crude oils.

PVC Plastic Packaging: Pros & Cons

Here are some pros of PVC plastic packaging:

PVC features excellent tensile strength and good resistance to chemicals and alkalis.
PVC ranks well for hardness and durability.
PVC boasts exceptional versatility, facilitating a multitude of shapes, designs, and product types.
PVC is compatible with most shrink-wrap machinery.

PVC also has some drawbacks to consider:

PVC emits hydrogen chloride when burned, which can pose health hazards.
Most U.S. municipal authorities do not accept PVC in consumer recycling programs.
Clear PVC often has a light blue tint compared with Clear PET which is virtually clear.

Plastic Packaging From Printex Transparent Packaging

PVC and PET are two types of plastic packaging used frequently in manufacturing. Although these two types of plastic may often appear identical to an untrained eye, several differences set them apart. If you need help choosing the best material for your specific application, don’t hesitate to contact Printex Transparent Packaging. We are committed to helping you select the ideal material for your needs and walk with you from initial conception and design through final delivery.

To see how our plastic packaging capabilities can benefit your operation, please contact us today or request a quote.

Ways to Make Your Product Stand Out

Posted by Jane White on June 26, 2020 6:50 pm | Comments Off

Catching consumers’ attention is no easy task, particularly in industries that are already overrun by many different companies and products. Your product must stand out and make a statement. The easiest way to do this is through an expertly designed product package that employs vibrant colors, window box packaging, and overall memorable imagery. Because product packaging serves as the customer’s first introduction to the product itself, the packaging itself must make a good first impression. Choosing design elements that complement each other and push the envelope without going too far can help your products stand out among the competition. This guide explores three different ways to make your product stand out and catch consumers’ eyes.

Vibrant colors

One of the most effective ways to make your product stand out is through the use of vibrant colors. Color plays a far larger role in purchasing decisions than many people realize. Even the consumers themselves do not always notice the emotional connection they may have to certain colors. As a result, vibrant colors not only serve to catch the consumer’s eye but also to keep them engaged for the duration of the shopping experience. Bear in mind that certain colors are better for advertising certain types of products. When choosing the colors for your product packaging, be sure to consider how they may impact your company’s identity and image as a whole. The human eye is instinctively drawn to certain colors and finds specific combinations more appealing than others. Use this knowledge to your advantage when selecting colors and see your products fly off the shelves in no time.

Uniquely shaped packaging

The shape of product packaging may seem inconsequential, especially in markets that are overrun by boring boxes and bags, but it can have a rather large impact on a product’s overall shelf appeal. Deviating from the norm and packaging your products in a unique shape helps set your items apart from the competition. The human brain is inclined to look for patterns in everyday life and is therefore drawn to anything that disrupts those patterns. Therefore, changing the status quo in this manner and packaging your products in a unique shape can help draw consumers’ eyes easily. Choosing unique packaging materials can help distinguish your products from competitors even further. Implementing transparent elements into your packaging design, perhaps through window box packaging or shaped acetate boxes, adds additional distinguishing features to your product that will help differentiate it from the competition.

Recognizable imagery

Brand identity plays a large role in the overall success of a product. Consumers can form very strong loyalty to brands and on some occasions may be able to recognize a brand simply by the images and font that is used on their product’s packaging. Including recognizable imagery in your product’s packaging is therefore instrumental. This memorable imagery, whether through words, fonts, or a product’s window box packaging, helps consumers quickly and easily distinguish your products from those of your competitors. When placed alongside multiple similar products, this instant identification becomes all the more important. Through very few words, this imagery assures your loyal customers that they can trust your company and your products, making the entire shopping process much quicker and more efficient.

Importance of Product Packaging in the Food Industry

Posted by Jane White on May 22, 2020 5:38 pm | Comments Off

High-quality product packaging is important in every industry. However, it’s perhaps the most important in the food industry. Manufacturers must ensure that their food products are kept safe and free of contamination at all stages in their journey from manufacturing facility to retail shelf. The packaging must be equal parts durable and eye-catching, as it also must serve as in-store marketing for the product itself. This guide explores the importance of product packaging in the food industry as it pertains to both security and marketing.

Avoids contamination and damage

The importance of product packaging in the food industry often stems from safety and security. Food products must remain free of contamination and damage at all points in the retail process. Therefore, product packaging must be durable enough that the food items will not be damaged as they are shipped from the manufacturing facility to stores, and again as they are transported from the store to a consumer’s home. Clear product packaging, as with polypropylene cartons or plastic window boxes, is very beneficial in this respect, as it is quite durable and allows the consumer to properly view the item prior to purchase to ensure that it has not been damaged in any way. Durable packaging is also crucial as it helps protect against moisture and cross-contamination. If moisture or air penetrates the packaging, it can spoil the food item and make it unfit for sale. Avoiding cross-contamination is also crucial, particularly in products that contain nuts, dairy, or other common allergens.

Displays crucial information

Product packaging not only ensures the safety of the consumer by decreasing the potential for moisture and cross-contamination, but also by clearly displaying crucial health and safety information on the package. The CDC requires that all food products display a list of the ingredients used in their products, as well as the accompanying nutritional facts. Though some shoppers may disregard the list entirely, it is still a crucial element in the packaging of food products. This information is especially important for consumers with dietary restrictions, allergies, or other health concerns. In addition to this information, food products must also clearly display an expiration date on their packaging. The addition of this crucial information ensures that all shoppers know exactly what they are getting before purchase.

Promotes in-store marketing

Product packaging plays a much larger role in marketing than many consumers realize. Food products with eye-catching packaging are much more likely to be purchased over competitors with a more generic design. The more unique a product’s packaging is, the more likely it will be noticed by consumers. When used in tandem with the concept of shelf appeal, expert product packaging can help increase the sale of food items significantly.

Advantages of Clear Product Packaging

Posted by Jane White on April 27, 2020 1:49 pm | Comments Off

When it comes to designing products, a company must consider various factors, leaving no stone unturned in the process. Even factors that are seemingly inconsequential to consumers must be taken into account by the manufacturer. Product packaging is one such factor that often goes unnoticed by consumers, despite the fact that it can influence their purchasing behaviors in very significant ways. As such, product manufacturers spend ample time discovering which types of product packaging are most successful. Time and again, clear product packaging has proven to yield more successful sales. The results speak for themselves—below are just a few of the many advantages of clear product packaging.

Promotes product visualization

Product visualization is very important for consumers and is often a driving factor in a product’s final sale. Consumers like to envision how a product will impact their life. Seeing an image of the product is one thing, but actually seeing the product itself makes this visualization much more realistic. With clear product packaging, consumers can see the product’s size, shape, color, and intricate details. While some packaging may gloss over a product’s finer features, clear packaging allows the consumer to see all the little details for themselves. This provides a sense of realism to the visualization process, which increases the likelihood of purchase in the long run.

Guaranteed product safety

One of the most important advantages of clear product packaging for both consumers and manufacturers alike is the added level of security this form of packaging brings. Clear plastic packaging is extremely durable and can be trusted to protect a product during its journey from the manufacturing facility, to retail shelves, to a consumer’s home. In addition to being durable, clear plastic packaging can also be designed to incorporate additional safety measures. When used in the health and beauty industry, for instance, clear packaging is often outfitted with additional tamper-proof or tamper-evident closures. These features provide the consumer with peace of mind and ensure that their product has not been tampered with in any way.

Versatile design options

Retail shelves are flooded with an abundance of different products and catching the eye of consumers can sometimes be quite difficult. Manufacturers must design their product packaging in a way that grabs a customer’s attention immediately and holds it for the long haul. Clear product packaging is often the perfect way to do just that. Clear packaging materials offer a wider range of design options than many other packaging materials. Not only can they be shaped into various forms, including clear folding boxes and window boxes, but they can also be printed with different patterns, images, and colors. Clear plastic packaging can be customized using silkscreen, die-cutting, or embossing services. Each method offers a unique way to customize the product packaging and, because the images are printed on a transparent medium, the color and design will never appear obscured or discolored.

The Importance of Product Packaging in the Cosmetic Industry

Posted by Jane White on March 16, 2020 7:03 pm | Comments Off

Image is everything when it comes to cosmetics. The beauty industry excels in creating products that allow consumers to look and feel their best. The allure of this industry lies not only in the product itself but also in the packaging of said product. It’s no secret that product packaging can have a significant impact on the overall success of a product, but that impact is magnified when it comes to cosmetic products. Consumers want their cosmetic products to look good on both the inside and the outside, and product packaging plays a large part in this. This brief overview explores the importance of product packaging in the cosmetic industry and the various ways packaging can influence consumer purchasing patterns of health and beauty products.

Protection

At its most base level, product packaging is designed to protect the product within and keep it safe from tampering. This is a very important factor in regard to cosmetic products, as these products are often applied close to the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, tampering with the product in any way could pose significant health risks for the consumer. As a result, many cosmetic brands package their products in tamper-proof packaging. A PET tamper-evident locking sleeve, for instance, helps keep the product inside safe while also alerting the consumer if the product has been opened or tampered with in any way. Durable product packaging also helps keep the product safe while en route from the manufacturing facility to the retail shelves. Image is very important in this industry, so the products must be pristine when they arrive at the store.

Display

Oftentimes, the first thing that consumers look for when purchasing a cosmetic product is color. Foundation and concealer must match the consumer’s skin tone exactly, while blush, eye shadow, and lipstick must appear vivid and highly pigmented. The product packaging, therefore, ought to represent the color of the product as accurately as possible. Clear product packaging is the ideal choice for displaying such vibrant cosmetic products. Packaging cosmetic products in clear plastic folding cartons allows the consumer to clearly see the product prior to purchase. The product’s colors will be displayed accurately, allowing the consumer to choose the correct colors for their individual style or skin tone every time.

Marketing

The cosmetic industry operates heavily on brand recognition and loyalty. Consumers are often very loyal to their cosmetic brand of choice, and once they find a brand they like, they are very reluctant to stray to other brands. As a result, product packaging should be designed in a way that makes it instantly recognizable. This helps the company retain its loyal customer base while also making it easier to market to new customers who may have only heard about the company through word of mouth. The quality of packaging materials also plays a big part in marketing cosmetic products. High-quality product packaging is generally associated with high-quality products. When customers view well-designed, high-quality product packaging, they are more likely to put their faith in the company and product and are more likely to make a purchase. Packaging cosmetic products in high-quality plastic packaging assures the consumer that the product will be reliable and well-constructed.

Research Methods for Product Packaging Design

Posted by Jane White on March 2, 2020 3:45 pm | Comments Off

Market research plays a critical role in the development of a company’s business and marketing strategy. It can provide invaluable information regarding current market trends, as well as the unique wants and needs of a business’s individual consumer base. Market research can be beneficial in many different facets of business, including the design of products and product packaging. Market research allows companies a more complete understanding of consumer desires and the effect that specific product packaging has on purchasing patterns and preferences. There are many different means for gathering this data, each with its own set of advantages. This guide to some of the most common research methods for product packaging design will help you choose the means that best suit your business.

Surveys

Surveys are one of the most popular research methods for product packaging design due to the fact that they are rather cost-effective and easy to execute. Companies with access to the emails of loyal customers can send out free surveys with the simple click of a button. Surveys are also popular because they can yield highly valuable qualitative data that can help steer a company’s business and marketing strategies. Surveys are a good means of collecting data that pertains to key characteristics of your company’s target demographic, including age, race, and gender. Knowing these characteristics will allow you to tailor your marketing strategy more closely to the desires of consumers within a certain demographic. Surveys can be highly useful in terms of product packaging design, as they allow consumers to share their responses anonymously. Consumers are more likely to provide their honest opinions when responses are anonymous and you will receive more accurate results overall. You can also design surveys to include photos of potential packaging designs as well as questions that allow a bit more variability. Consider including Likert scale or open-ended questions to add more depth to your survey responses.

Focus groups

Focus groups are a very popular method of research for many companies but are particularly common when it comes to the debut of a new product or packaging design. Unlike surveys, focus groups allow for more personal and in-depth conversations regarding consumer opinions and feedback. Though they’re not anonymous like surveys, focus groups do still yield accurate and honest responses. This is due to the fact that participants speak face-to-face with fellow participants and company representatives, which allows them to form a more personable and trusting relationship in which they feel comfortable sharing their true feelings. Focus groups are the perfect time to debut new products and packaging designs. This scenario allows the participants to properly view and interact with the product at hand so they can make more informed decisions. In this setting, it can also be beneficial to provide participants two different iterations of the same product and allowing them to choose their favorite. For instance, presenting participants with two iterations of the same product, one in clear plastic box packaging and one in opaque packaging, will allow you to see which design consumers gravitate more toward. Encourage participants to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option out loud, as this will provide you deeper insight into the decision-making process of consumers. Once you complete your market research and have a more concrete idea of how you’d like your product packaging to look, enlist the services of Printex Transparent Packaging. Our team of skilled professionals can help you create a product packaging design that matches the wants and needs of your target audience exactly.

Guide to Choosing the Right Colors for Your Product Packaging

Posted by Jane White on February 26, 2020 2:28 pm | Comments Off

When it comes to designing any product, there are many elements you need to take into consideration. Even seemingly small factors can have a large impact on consumer buying patterns, company image, and overall brand loyalty. Color is one such factor that may seem inconsequential at first glance but can actually have a large impact on consumer purchasing patterns. This guide to choosing the right colors for your product packaging will help you better understand the effect color can have on consumer preferences and purchasing patterns.

Color theory

Color theory refers to the guidelines used by many artists and designers to determine which colors complement each other best. This theory assigns every color a specific position within a color wheel. The colors are then further separated into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Color theory allows designers to clearly see which colors complement each other best and which work well when contrasted against one another. Colors that are adjacent to one another often complement each other quite well and present a more cohesive color scheme. Colors that are on opposing sides of the color wheel also complement each other well, even though they’re often very different. The stark contrast between certain complementary colors, such as blue and orange, helps draw the eye of consumers and increases the likelihood that they’ll purchase your product over that of competitors.

Color psychology

Color psychology refers to the impact of certain colors on human behavior and emotions. The influence of certain colors often goes unnoticed, as our brains connect colors to particular emotions or memories without our really understanding why. As the main goal when designing product packaging is to appeal to the consumer, the use of color psychology is of extreme importance. The color of your product packaging will affect consumer perceptions of the overall quality and personality of your brand. The effect of certain colors can vary based on certain individual characteristics, such as gender, age, and cultural background. However, there do seem to be some color associations that are slightly more universal. For instance, we frequently associate the color red with feelings of either love or anger, while cooler-toned colors, such as blue and green, give us feelings of peace and calm.

Brand identity

Because color psychology also affects the propensity for humans to choose one color over another, color choice can also play a large part in helping your company stand out among the competition. Choosing distinct colors or utilizing a unique color combination will aid in brand recognition and increase the likelihood of consumers purchasing your product over others. Choose colors that stand out and make your company’s logo or packaging instantly recognizable. When considering the colors for your product packaging, you must also consider the packaging material. Certain packaging materials will not yield the desired color payoff and will scumble the overall design. Utilizing clear product packaging, however, provides a blank canvas on which your designs can take effect. The clear base provided by acetate packaging allows the colors and designs to appear exactly as intended every time. Additionally, clear plastic packaging allows you to print both solid, opaque, and/or translucent colors that allow you to see the product inside the package. Acetate packaging provides a reliable surface on which to print designs without fear that it will fade or smudge.

Considerations for Designing Product Packaging

Posted by Jane White on January 30, 2020 2:18 pm | Comments Off

Product packaging often comes as a second thought to the design of the product itself. However, packaging can actually have a large impact on the overall success of the product. To achieve the highest success rate possible, the product packaging should complement and accentuate the product itself. Taking into account the following considerations for designing product packaging will enable you to create a more effective and eye-catching display for your products.

Color

One of the most important considerations for designing product packaging is color. Marketing and advertising experts have studied color theory and color psychology for a long time, as it can subtly influence consumers in rather significant ways. Though the average consumer may not consciously contemplate the color of a product’s packaging, it can still subconsciously influence their buying behaviors. Certain colors evoke certain emotions. Utilizing color psychology to encourage particular emotional responses, therefore, can influence purchasing decisions and can encourage consumers to purchase your products over competitors’. Choose product packaging colors that relate to the overall message and image of your company and that complement the design of the product well.

Shape

Product packaging comes in all shapes and sizes and you can often adjust it to fit the exact dimensions of the product held within. As one of the chief purposes of product packaging is to protect the product inside, it’s important to consider how the shape of the product packaging might influence the product’s integrity. For instance, if the product packaging allots too much space around the product, the product may shift around during transportation and suffer damage. Choosing a packaging shape that allots a little less wiggle room will decrease the likelihood of damage during transportation. You should also consider functionality when choosing the shape for your product packaging. Bulky, oddly-shaped packaging is hard to carry and store and may deter consumers from purchasing the product. Choosing a sleeker shape for your product’s packaging will make it much more manageable and appealing to consumers. Clear tube packaging, for example, is sleek and easy to carry and store while also allotting just the right amount of empty space to properly protect the product.

Text

Text can also play a large role in the overall success of a product, and you should carefully consider it when designing product packaging. Crowding your product packaging with tiny print can overwhelm the consumer and cause them to lose sight of the product on display. Instead, choose the most important information to display on your packaging. Other information on an insert within the packaging can also be helpful. You should also be cautious of the fonts you choose for your product packaging. Choose a font that is not only appealing but also legible. The more straightforward your copy is, the more likely consumers will be to put their faith in your products.

How to Choose Product Packaging Materials

Posted by Jane White on January 22, 2020 4:40 pm | Comments Off

Attention to detail is crucial to the design of any product. As product packaging is an extension of the product itself, it’s important to carefully consider all design aspects—including the packaging materials. This quick guide will help you understand how to choose product packaging materials that match your brand as well as the product itself.

Functionality

Functionality is of the utmost importance when choosing product packaging materials. The materials you use must be durable and long-lasting so that they can protect the product during transportation. Therefore, choose a product packaging material that is extremely functional and practical. When considering functionality, be sure to also consider the transportation method. If the product will be transported a long distance, you may need to choose a packaging material that is more durable so that it can better protect the product during its long journey. Printex Transparent Packaging’s special ship flat design allows for a more efficient way to transport a larger volume of containers to the assembly destination.

Design

Product packaging need not only be functional, but attractive as well. After all, a product’s packaging is often the consumer’s first introduction to the product itself, so it’s important the packaging makes a good first impression. Choose a product packaging material that is easy to customize so that you can have it reflect your brand. Plastic packaging, for instance, is highly customizable. Not only can you shape it into a variety of forms, but you can also print, emboss, or stamp it with designs and logos. For example, plastic packaging can be formed into gift packs, clip strips, gravity chutes, or counter displays, all of which can be customized using the methods listed above. Some plastic packaging can even be infused with certain scents to create an even more unique impression.

Cost

Maintaining a budget is crucial to the success of any business. As such, it’s extremely important to bear in mind cost when considering how to choose product packaging materials. Choosing a lower-cost packaging material is often a double-edged sword. While lower-cost materials will help you stick to your budget, the lower price may result in lower-quality materials, which could compromise the integrity of your product. For example, a thin gauge plastic may collapse and not support the weight or structure needed for a custom package. Conversely, a well-designed package that fits the product correctly may not need the extra thick material. Luckily, there are some packaging materials that are low in cost but still high in quality. Many plastic packaging options are extremely reliable yet won’t break the bank. Clear plastic folding cartons can be made with PVC, PET, polypropylene, or clear acetate plastic and provide a cost-effective and reliable product packaging option. Let our Clear Plastic Folding Experts advise you for the best choice for your individual products.

Beginner’s Guide to PET Packaging

Posted by Jane White on January 16, 2020 1:53 pm | Comments Off

Clear plastic packaging comes in many different shapes and sizes, each with its own unique set of advantages and uses. PET plastic is one such material that is highly versatile and popular in the manufacturing of product packaging. This beginner’s guide to PET packaging will examine the basics and benefits of PET plastic, as well as its most common uses across a variety of industries.

What is PET?

PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate and is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin categorized as part of the polyester family. In fact, PET plastic is the most common and versatile thermoplastic polymer resin material in this family, with applications across many industries. PET plastic is recognizable due to its glass-like transparency and lightweight yet highly durable structure. Unlike some other packaging materials, PET plastic is completely recyclable and is actually one of the most recycled plastics in the world. Product packaging made from PET plastic always has a clear label with a resin identification code, generally located at the bottom of the package. This EcoStar logo, represented by the number 1 surrounded by connecting arrows, indicates that you can safely recycle the packaging. It is available to transform into other product packaging in the future.

Uses of PET

PET sees many uses across a wide range of industries. One of the most common uses for PET plastic is in the packaging of retail products. PET packaging is a popular choice among many manufacturers because it’s lightweight, strong, and environmentally-friendly relative to some other plastic options. There are no limits to the size or type of products that one can package using PET plastic. PET packaging utilizes easy to fold creases, so you can mold it into virtually any shape to accommodate the dimensions of the product within. Beauty products commonly utilize PET packaging since many beauty products rely heavily on design and color to entice consumers. Utilizing clear PET packaging allows the consumer an unobstructed view of the products within, thereby increasing their trust in the product and the company. At Printex Transparent Packaging, we offer a wide range of PET packaging options for clear plastic folding boxes and acetate product packaging. You can customize all our offerings to fit your company’s individual specifications. Contact our team to learn more about how PET packaging can help protect and display your products.