Graphic Packaging: We are set to transform packaging process
The Global Innovation Centre (GIC) provides an area for its Packaging Design Teams to work on projects for food and beverage customers.
The firm said it would transform the way food and beverage packaging is developed and produced in Europe.
A US$1m investment at the Bardon, UK site includes the PackWorks system, Zund S3 M800 plotters and Roland UV printer.
Fit with production capabilities
Customers can meet with the conceptual design team and the technical design and production teams, who develop concepts that fit with the firm’s global production capabilities.
Product samples allow customers to see the impact they will make on store shelves.
The marketing, conceptual design and technical design teams work together to create designs which answer the consumers packaging requirements.
The technical, machinery, reprographics and ink and finishes experts are also present.
Helene Roberts, marketing, design and innovation Director Europe said the centre enables quick turnaround of full colour mock ups for customers.
“Intelligent packaging design ultimately comes back to understanding the consumer and fulfilling, if not exceeding, their needs from the point of purchase to disposal in the home, or place of consumption,” she told FoodProductionDaily.
“If successful, this truly creates an emotional connection between the consumer and the brand.
“We have invested in a 3D printer at the GIC in Bardon, so we can mock up plastic components and enabling our designers to broaden the capabilities of our carton packs.
“We will continue to run our apprenticeship and student schemes to support our business needs and broaden the investment in technical expertise in the packaging industry.”
Food to go range
One example is the food to go range “Delilicious” consisting of 14 carton packaging concepts, seven of which are registered as unique designs.
Products range from the traditional sandwich and wrap packs to more futuristic concepts of picnic sharing and hybrid foods such as lasagne wontons.
The creation of the collection followed research into the food-to-go market via a customer insight and retail analysis project.
This gave the design team a view of the swift growth of the market and how future trends were likely to shape demand, said the firm.
The centre works alongside the GIC at Atlanta and Chicago, a Design Studio in Leeds, UK, testing kitchen facility at Igualada in Spain and an R&D Centre in Colorado.
“PackWorks” is a workflow system for management of design and graphic services.
Graphic Packaging said the ‘real-time’ communication tool has improved efficiency from a project taking months to complete to going from a brief to mocked-up sample within days.
James Lockett, who heads the team responsible for developing PackWorks, said it went fully operational in April having been developed over a two year period.
“Packworks drives the design brief through each stage – sample making, die ordering, colour mock ups, repro, artwork approval and production - keeping all teams fully aware of the project status at all times.”
The system allows the design teams to manage carton asset libraries for customers and will allow them to control their database of profiles.
Selected concepts are evaluated for machinery, manufacturing and pricing across all locations. At this stage mock ups are created, featuring print, finishes and effects on different substrates, representing the finished product.
Martin Laker, who heads up the technical design team, said it plans to open up the system to customers.
“They would be able to view and download drawings and log design briefs, giving them total control of the design process and sign off at key stages of the project such as visual concept selection, design selection and sample approval.
“There is no better way for a client to visualise their product on shelf than to hold an accurate representation in their hands.”
Canadian mill closure
Meanwhile, Graphic Packaging International Canada, a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company has closed its thermo mechanical paperboard mill in Jonquiere, Quebec.
A decision was made after an assessment of the facility's manufacturing capabilities, associated costs and market demand for its products. The closure will affect 140 employees.
"The closing of the Jonquiere facility was a difficult decision. We are working closely with the affected employees to provide support and assistance," said Mike Doss, president and chief operating officer.
The company anticipates one-time costs of $4-5m in the second half of 2015 related to the closure.
