Collaboration key to packaging innovation

Recent examples of packaging company collaborations include Linpac with Graphic Packaging UK to develop a range of patisserie packs from carton trays with PET lids, which saw two sets of design teams collaborating on key materials to deliver a total system to market in record time. HP Indigo continues to extend its Pack Ready program through the collaboration of multiple film suppliers, Karlville and the digital press manufacturer to deliver laminated printed packaging with zero cure times, and drive growth in the market for digitally printed flexible packaging. Toray Plastics has been confirmed as the latest certified Pack Ready film supplier, as reported here. Durst and Omet have collaborated to offer a range of in-line pre- and post-press options on the Tau 330 UV press platform by integrating XFlex X6 modules, as reported here. STI Group has also teamed up with Sealed Air Corporation to develop a packaging range based on Korrvu Lok technology. The range allows products of different sizes, shapes and weights to be securely shipped in the same packaging product. This sees a corrugated board inlay glued to a high-performance film, which is stretched around the product in two steps to virtually suspend it inside the packaging providing protection against shocks and breakage during shipment.

This trend was in evidence at drupa 2016, and Skymark director Paul Neath commented: ‘Our team took time out to visit drupa and the key observation we made from the trip was the increase in the number of packaging and ancillary suppliers that were working together to create truly unique innovation for their clients. 

‘Take Dow Chemical and its initiative with Nordmeccanica on Symbiex (reported here), a new ultra-fast curing adhesive technology that, when combined with the Duplex SL One Shot lamination line, enables slitting in 90 minutes and conversion efficiency improvements for the entire supply chain. This was an impressive collaboration. Dow had not just produced another lamination adhesive but combined it with the necessary machine technology to gain traction and speed to market.’

Skymark itself has begun working with a number of other packaging companies to deliver complete pack options and seamless multi-substrate brand management support that brand owners are looking for. It has worked with Smurfit Kappa Inspirepac on a recent Disney wipes range for Kimberly Clark, optimizing the retail ready corrugate and flexible packaging graphics.

‘No longer can companies offer a simple pack solution and expect to gain sales,’ added Neath. ‘Brand owners are seeking pack differentiation, consistency, unique innovation and speed to market. By working together with the other parties in the chain, we are able to offer a more inclusive approach to new product development, get the solutions right first time and get to market more quickly as a result.’