Tag Archives: sustainable packaging

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Fun Facts About Sustainable Packaging Materials

Did you know that biodegradable packaging can break down in as little as 90 days? This significantly reduces landfill waste and pollution.

Recyclable materials, such as cardboard and glass, can be reused multiple times, conserving natural resources and energy in the production process.

Using plant-based plastics can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional plastic production.

Many sustainable packaging options, like mushrooms and seaweed, are not only eco-friendly but also biodegradable and compostable, enriching the soil.

Switching to sustainable packaging can improve a brand’s image, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and boosting sales.

Sustainable Inks for Product Coding

The sustainability conversation in packaging often focuses on the substrate — but the ink matters too. Many industrial coding inks are solvent-based, which simplifies adhesion to difficult surfaces but introduces VOC emissions and hazardous waste handling requirements.

Water-based TIJ inks are a cleaner alternative for operations coding on cardboard, paper, and porous substrates. The Kao Collins Max 3 (TWK-1396), for example, is a water-based dye ink — no solvents, no special disposal requirements, and compatible with standard TIJ 2.5 printers already common on packaging lines.

Switching from a CIJ system with solvent makeup fluid to a TIJ cartridge-based system also eliminates the daily solvent purge cycle — a small but measurable reduction in chemical waste for operations running two or three shifts.

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Unusual Packaging Designs That Went Viral and Boosted Sales

In 2019, a popular snack brand launched a limited-edition bag featuring a holographic design that caught the eye of consumers everywhere. The vibrant colors and unique texture not only made the product stand out on shelves but also prompted social media shares, significantly increasing sales.

A beverage company introduced a playful, interactive bottle design that allowed customers to engage with the product. This clever packaging strategy not only enhanced customer experience but also led to a viral marketing campaign that boosted brand visibility.

One cosmetics brand created a line of products housed in sustainable, seed-embedded packaging that could be planted after use. This eco-friendly approach resonated with environmentally-conscious consumers and sparked a wave of positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Another tech company unveiled a package that transformed into a useful product, encouraging customers to rethink waste. This innovative concept not only delighted consumers but also increased the perceived value of the product.

A famous chocolate brand utilized augmented reality on their packaging, allowing customers to experience a virtual tour of the chocolate-making process. This engaging feature captivated audiences and drove sales through interactive marketing.

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The Evolution of Packaging Design Through the Decades

The origins of packaging design can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where materials like clay and leather were used for storage and transport. Over the centuries, these functional designs evolved into more decorative and branded solutions, reflecting cultural shifts and consumer preferences.

In the 20th century, the rise of mass production and consumerism led to a significant transformation in packaging design. Innovations such as plastic and cardboard revolutionized the industry, allowing for more versatile and attractive packaging options.

The latter half of the century saw a growing emphasis on branding, with packaging becoming a crucial element of marketing strategies. Companies began to invest in unique designs that not only protected products but also communicated their brand identity effectively.

Today, sustainability has become a major focus in packaging design, with designers striving to create eco-friendly solutions that minimize environmental impact. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards responsible consumption and environmental awareness.

As we move forward, the integration of technology in packaging design—such as smart labels and interactive packaging—promises to further revolutionize the industry. The future of packaging is not only about aesthetics and functionality but also about enhancing consumer engagement.

Product Coding: From Hand Stamps to Thermal Inkjet

One thread running through the entire history of packaging is the need to mark products with production information — dates, lot numbers, batch codes, expiration dates. For most of the 20th century this was done with hand stamps, hot coding wheels pressed into film, or offline label applicators.

The shift to inline coding began with continuous inkjet (CIJ) systems in the 1970s and 1980s — fast but messy, requiring solvents and daily maintenance. Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers emerged as a cleaner alternative: no solvents, no warm-up, replaceable cartridges. Today, TIJ 2.5 cartridges — including the widely-used Kao Collins Max 3 and Super Fast Black — are the standard for operations that need reliable date and lot coding without the overhead of a full CIJ system.

The evolution continues: cartridge costs have dropped, ink formulations have expanded to cover more substrates, and the same TIJ head used on a Videojet or Wolke printer can now be sourced from multiple compatible-cartridge vendors — giving manufacturers more control over their consumable supply chain.