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Netpak Packaging: Over $ 2 million Investments in Production Plant

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Innovation, Trends.

Always on the lookout for the most innovative practices to support the company’s ambitious growth plans, Netpak Packaging has introduced new automated technology and increased its production capacity at its Montreal plant by over 30% in the finishing department through an investment of more than $ 2 million.

“Netpak has remained operational as an essential business and at full capacity throughout the pandemic to serve our strategic partners,” says Carlo Cammalleri, Neptak’s Co-founder. “Throughout the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our incredible dedicated employees have stepped up their efforts. It is thanks to them that we are able to make a series of investments and continue to surpass our objectives year after year.”

In line with the company’s core values of excellence and ongoing commitment to innovation, automation and technology, Netpak has added two important pieces of equipment to its production facility : a MasterFold A2 1110 folder-gluer equipped with a SpeedWave module, as well as a Bobst Spanthera 106LER diecutter, fully integrated with our ERP, MRP and WMS.

“The competition in the printing and packaging industry is the fiercest it has ever been. What sets Netpak apart from competitors is our speed-to-market capabilities, efficient production times, information system and traceability. By investing in new equipment, this has allowed Netpak to remain a leader in the folding carton industry and take folding carton to a new advanced technological level,” confirms Salvatore Novello, Netpak’s Co-founder

The MasterFold A2 1110 offers three important properties: round-the-clock speed, automated technology, efficiency, remarkable versatility and exceptional quality of its straight line boxes. This enables non-stop production at increased speeds, as well as a high degree of automation. In addition to its efficiency, the MasterFold is equipped with a SpeedWave module that has allowed Netpak to save a tremendous amount of make-ready or changeover times when needing to set up the machine for other styles of boxes. The addition of this machine has allowed a production capacity increase in the final stages of production, increasingly for hymes bottom style boxes, where the speed is more than doubled. The machine is fully connected and integrated with our ERP and HRP with the most advanced intelligent IMS for more efficient performance and make-ready times.

The company will also be adding the Cartonpack module, an automatic packer, to its machinery portfolio. Featuring an integrated sampler for quality checks without stopping production, this automated line integrates to the MasterFold and automatically fills the shipping boxes with folded and glued cartons to substantially increase the productivity of the folder-gluer line.
The Bobst SPanthera 106LER diecutter offers unparalleled flexibility, precision, ergonomics and profitability. This versatile and powerful diecutter offers cutting, stripping and blanking in one pass at high speeds. Since its installation and integration in the plant, it has allowed Netpak to stay ahead of the competition thanks to its remarkable productivity, simplified operation and superior quality cutting. Offering a high level of automation, the Bobst SPanthera is also fully integrated with our ERP and HRP leading to the most efficient performance and make-ready times.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

UV coating: The touch that makes your folding carton shine

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Folding carton, Packaging, Trends.

The finishing touch on your packaging project can make the whole difference in its success and overall aesthetics. Coatings not only protect your final product, but also gives it a higher-end and refined appearance. How do coatings actually work? Are there several types to choose from? Let’s take a closer look.

What is UV coating?

UV coating begins with the application of a wet compound on top of paper that is then dried by using ultraviolet light. Generally, any type of paperboard can have a UV coating applied to it! However, usually this technique works best with thicker paper. That’s what makes it ideal for packaging, especially in folding carton applications. You can even take it up a notch and customize the extent of reflectivity of your final packaging.

UV coating your marketing packaging initiatives can be very beneficial. As previously mentioned, the main reason for opting for this packaging technique is the aesthetics it brings to the table. It enriches your design and enhances the colors used. This leads to increased customer satisfaction as the packaging will have such a high-end look to it. Moreover, the process of UV coating also protects your packaging, and allows it to last longer. Now that’s a true return on investment!

UV coating is not a one trick pony. There are several types to choose from depending on the look you wish to accomplish. Two of the main ones we will be focusing on are Gloss UV coating and Matte Coating.

Gloss UV Coating

Just like the name suggests, gloss UV is all about the shine. If you are looking for packaging with a lot of sheen, this would be the option to go with. A word of warning however: make sure everything is still legible on the package and avoid over-glossing. This defeats the purpose of the process.

Matte UV Coating

Matte coating on the other hand is a satin finish that allows colors to look more vibrant and doesn’t leave fingerprints. Synonymous with elegance and luxury, this type of finish can be used in certain areas of the design to make them stand out from the rest.

No matter which type you use, if you are looking for a high-end look to your packaging, you can’t go wrong with UV coating. At Netpak, we have a variety of enhanced printing options to choose from for your packaging to make every project stand out more than you thought possible.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

PANTONE Color of the Year 2020: CLASSIC BLUE 19-4052

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Food & Beverage, Packaging, Trends.

For over 20 years, the Pantone Color Institute has been a strong influence in product development in all areas of design, including graphic and packaging design. Every year, Pantone announces a color that will represent the new year, forecasting global color trends.

Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2020 – it just so happens to be right up our alley: Pantone Classic Blue #19-4052… We love this color! Can you tell by our branding?

The true meaning behind blue

As all colors generally evoke emotions and psychological insinuations, the palettes you choose from can be vital in boosting your brand’s image. Read more about colors and what they represent here.

Blue is color that is known as being trustworthy, while representing honesty, trust and integrity. Far beyond our love for blue, which Netpak uses strongly in their branding, the color fosters resilience and trustworthiness, often bringing a sense of peace and calmness to consumers.

Blue in packaging

The colors used in your packaging can help set your product apart from others on the shelf by boasting appealing aesthetics. In packaging design, blue represents an honesty and a credibility that today’s consumers are connecting to, making it the ideal shade for many applications in graphic design. In the Food and Beverage industry, the color blue is often related to products promoting good health and sustainability, an ever-growing trend.

When designing packaging in today’s competitive market, it is important to keep in mind the feelings each color represents, including our favorite hue: blue! Our team of prepress and graphic experts can help you select the right colors for your branded packaging and give you the advice you need to ensure your product stands out and portrays the message you desire. 

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Ink-credible options for designing your packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Innovation, Packaging, Trends.

When designing the packaging for your product, there are many aspects that need to be considered. One of the main attributes that would make your product stand out is color. But there are different ways to use them. How do we narrow it down? Depending on how you want to brand your product, you have several specialty ink alternatives to choose from to take your packaging to the next level.

Shine bright with metallics

If you’re looking to make an impression with your design, it might take more than your ordinary color palette to do so. Adding a little bling with metallics can do the trick. Metallic inks contain reflective metal particles such as copper or bronze. When the ink dries, the light hits those particles in a way that creates a lustrous sheen to the material. The most common metallics that are used are silver and gold, and you can imagine why. This specialty ink gives a high-end and luxurious finish to your product. It also can be a great substitute for foil stamping because of its cost efficiency. Venture into new design territories and let your creativity take over with this type of ink.

Fluorescents is the new black

When you think vibrancy, you think bold colors. Fluorescents don’t have to be only for highlighters. If you are looking to make a statement and make your packaging pop, consider this fabulous palette of color. Fluorescent ink is made from pigments that absorb ultraviolet energy and release it within the perceptible spectrum. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that these vibrant colors be printed on a black or white background to really have them reach their full colorful potential. To really ensure a pop of color, a double layer of this ink is suggested. So out with the dull colors, in with the bold and the beautiful!

Softness and elegance with pastels

Sometimes simplicity can go a long way. Subtle and delicate colors can reflect a message of calmness and ease. Many companies are opting for this approach when designing their packaging. Pastel colors have made a resurgence with their softer tones such as baby blue, peach, and light mint. It might be slightly trickier to achieve these hues with the standard color palette, but more and more cosmetic brands are choosing this specialty ink option for their packaging. This now trendsetting pantone of colors has become the next fashionable thing, after glitter and unicorns!

No matter what path you take when it comes to choosing your ink, know that there’s a strategy that should be kept in mind. Different colors can make you feel different things as there is a psychology behind every hue (read more about the psychology of colors here). Therefore, choosing what fits best for your brand is crucial. Netpak’s team can help you narrow it down. With their variety of enhanced printing options, such as the metallic inks mentioned above, we are certified to help make your packaging simply ink-credible.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Pure or Green: The battle between virgin and recycled board continues…

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Certification, Folding carton, Food & Beverage, Packaging, Trends.

There is a dilemma that needs to be resolved, a truth that needs to be uncovered. It has to do with virgin vs recycled paperboard. Before we uncover the facts between these types of materials, let us take a closer look at the concept of paperboard itself. Paperboard is a thick paper that is more rigid than the normal one. Because of this, it’s one of the main materials used for packaging. There are two types of paperboard that are popular: virgin and recycled. But what sets each one apart and makes it the one you choose?

Virgin vs Recycled Paperboard

Let us first delve into virgin paperboard. Virgin paperboard is made from fibers that are derived from pine, spruce, birch and eucalyptus trees. These fibers make this type of paperboard strong yet lightweight. The way they are processed allows for them to have not only a light hue but also a smooth surface. Some companies seek to give their product a luxurious, high-end look, with a sleek design to keep their branding on point. A strong material with elastic properties is then required to accomplish this, therefore calling on the virgin paperboard.

However, there is another side to this coin. What if brand presentation is not what your company focuses on, but rather the ethical usage of material instead?  Recycled paperboard is made from fibers that are derived from paper that is re-puled. The fibers therefore have a tendency to be weaker as they are over processed. Because the fibers are recycled, impure material, such as dyes or inks, can sometimes be found in this type of paperboard. However, the surface can be coated to hide these colors. Therefore, if you are looking for a material with an environmental impact, recycled paperboard is what you should consider.

It might be difficult to crown a winner in this battle between virgin and recycled paperboard, as it depends of the message you are trying to express about the brand through the packaging. And it doesn’t end there! There are several types of paperboard out there to choose from depending on what industry you are in. At Netpak, we have several options for you to choose from. We realize that it can get overwhelming to choose what is best for your product and that is why we can help advise you on the choice to make. It is important to note that we source the paperboard we use from global sources.

With the vision in mind for your brand and the knowledge on the types of paperboard available for you, there is no winner or loser in this battle between the yin and yang of the paper industry. It’s a tie!

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

The Power of a Canvas of Color in Packaging

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Trends.

We’ve all heard the expression “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. However, when it comes to a product, the color and aesthetics of the packaging is what sets it apart form all others. Color is the most crucial attribute in packaging, making the final product stand out. The appropriate selection is an art as it might help determine the success of a product. Like a peacock strutting its colors, the palette you choose can help boost your brand’s image.

The meaning behind colors

Each color has been known to evoke certain emotions along with it as it carries psychological insinuations, therefore influencing the purchasing decision of a consumer. Hence, whether you are designing a package, or simply buying a product, it’s important to keep in mind the feelings induced by each of the colors:

  • Blue represents integrity, honesty, and trust.
  • Red represents excitement, passion, and contemporary.
  • Green represents eco-friendliness, environment, and freshness.
  • Purple represents uniqueness, luxury, and creativity.
  • Yellow represents warmth, energy, and joy.
  • Orange represents attraction, engagement, and youthfulness.
  • Pink represents tenderness, sensitivity, and sympathy.
  • Black represents boldness, elegance, and sophistication.
  • White represents purity, hope, and simplicity.
  • Grey represents stability, security, and strength.

The colors that are trending

Like every industry, there are fads that manufacturers and consumers go through depending on what is popular in the market that year. The same theory is holds true for packagingand the colors that apply to them.

  • Soft neutrals have made a resurgence in the design and packaging world due to their ability to create a sense of relaxationin consumers.
  • Black and white, the ying and yang of the color pallet, are trending again. Well, they’ve never really stopped. The reason they have been so popular over the years and continue to do so is because of the sophistication and simplicity they evoke.
  • Gradients of color are notorious for adding depth to a package while still focusing on the product itself. They attract the customer without distracting them from the brand itself and what it evokes.
  • Green, the color of sustainability, is an ever-growing trend. As people become more conscious of the effects of our everyday habits on the environment, so do manufacturers and brand owners. To show their values when it comes to the environment, many brands are opting to not only use sustainable materials, but also include green colors to market their eco-friendly products. 

In a competitive market that is exponentially growing, it is imperative to not only be strategic in the products you put on the shelf, but also in the message you portray through the packaging. It can sometimes be overwhelming to choose from a large variety of options. Luckily, with the help of an experienced team like the one at Netpak, you can get the advice and help you seek for your packaging needs, from pre-press to graphic services.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544

Making natural packaging great again

Written by jeansebastienricher on . Posted in Education, Markets, Trends.

We’ve all heard the expression “what really matters is invisible to the eyes.” This holds true even when it comes to product packaging. The way you market your brand through your packaging is the first step. With the rising concern for the environment and the growing need for sustainability, the natural approach can make packaging great again. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Shielding your product

No one wants a product that has been exposed to outside contaminants. Packaging forms a wall to help protect the product and also avoid any spoilage. This is particularly important for products that can go bad more quickly or foods with ingredients that have been omitted for health reasons. Whatever the case may be, packaging is a must to protect the product.

  • Increasing durability

Preservative-free is usually the best way to go when it comes to food. Alas, that means that certain products might therefore have a shorter lifespan. That’s where the right packaging can come to the rescue. It can help preserve the product by creating the appropriate atmosphere for it. Each product needs certain conditions in order for it to last on shelf. Luckily, there are packaging options that are now able to mimic the environment a product needs to be in to optimize its shelf life.

  • Brand yourself

The way a package looks on shelf can speak volumes about your brand. Before any sales force or representative, the packaging itself is what the consumer first sees and what creates the initial attraction. Therefore, optimize your packaging so that the brand message is conveyed with just one look. Don’t sell yourself or your brand short!

  • Easy, breezy solutions

We all lead busy lives and are always appreciative of convenience, even when it comes to products we see on the shelf. We can’t deny that we’ve all reached for the product with either tear notches or zipper closures; basically, a package with no extra bells or whistles to figure out. As a consumer, we gravitate towards ease. Therefore, packaging that is a breeze to deal with will most likely be the choice of many customers and what you should aim for when it comes to your brand.

  • Be efficient from start to finish

Time is money as we all know. Making sure that the production portion of the packaging process is operating in an efficient and seamless way is a must. As a brand, ensuring that no waste is generated due to faulty packaging, that resources are available when production begins, and that backorders are avoided as much as possible, are all elements that need to be evaluated. The design and production efficiency of the package go hand in hand.

Netpak can help you create packaging options that take all these criteria into account when designing your natural or organic product package. We ensure that the packaging respects the product’s shelf life by using food-friendly materials.

Therefore, to persuade the consumer of this approach when it comes to product packaging, all these facets are important to the process; it’s only natural.

Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544