A Decorative Tin “Homecoming”

Over the past 20 years it seemed to be a better deal to rely on overseas manufacturers for decorative tin packaging due low labor rates. The resulting cost difference was enough to offset the “unknowns”. Would quality and delivery expectations be met? Would there be invisible health or safety risks? Overseas exporters found ways address obstacles such as language barriers, time zone differences and inventory. The added costs of freight and additional time spend on logistics were addressed by using US brokers. Many brokers were simply logistics managers with no packaging expertise.

In recent years, the labor and transportation costs associated with imported packaging have escalated. Fluctuations in currency and a volatile political climate only add to the cost and delivery uncertainty. Warehousing can have its complications and risks. Product recalls of imported products from unaudited factories made national headlines.

Meanwhile back at home US manufacturers became more lean and efficient, adding significantly to their technological advancements. This not only increased thru-put and contained costs, but also improved quality. Companies that were financially sound, such as Independent Can, were able to invest and move forward. Advances in automation resulted in consistently repeatable, high quality results and better delivery time for customers.

What’s under the wrapper?

Metal Lithography
High Speed, Energy Efficient Coater

Our new coating line as arrived! It is the latest coating and oven system available. This line will be rated at 120 sheets per minute and the oven is reported to operate utilizing 20- 30% less energy than the older drying ovens while providing the cleanest exhaust. Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility by US businesses must run hand in hand. Generating less Co2 while also using less energy is good for everyone.

Competitive prices, quality and delivery certainty are just a few of the reasons that it makes more sense to Buy American. Needless to say, decorative tin business is “coming home”. Independent Can has been dedicated to manufacturing fine decorative metal packaging, as its primary focus, for more than 80 years.

For more information on the article above CONTACT US BY CLICKING HERE or call 909-923-6150

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Infinite Recyclability, Not Just Extended Life

Just about everything claims recyclability these days. From your sandwich bag to the shortened plastic caps on your water bottle, every product claims to be “earth friendly”. Often the claim of recyclability means a life cycle extension, with the ultimate destination being a land fill. The resources and energy used to reclaim the material often offset the benefits and make the product more costly.

Steel packaging is the only product that can be separated from other waste by magnet. The process of recycling steel uses 60% less energy than making new from raw materials. Steel cans can be melted down and be made into a can again or show up as part of a building, bike, automobile and more. Steel is North America’s #1 most recycled product.

The Life Cycle of a Decorative Tin

Quick Facts About Steel Packaging:

Recycling steel uses 60% less energy than making new
Every can that you buy is at least 25% recycled steel (can be as much as 60%)
Steel can be easily separated from other waste with a magnet
There are more than 2,000 scrap steel processors in the US
Every 2,000 lbs. of recycled steel saves 2,500 lbs. of iron ore, 1400 lbs. of coal and 120 lbs of limestone
Each year, more steel is recycled than glass, paper, aluminum and plastic combined

Tins have been collected and displayed in homes and restaurants for decades. The decorative tin makes a package into a high end gift, while other products add layers of packaging to make them look more substantial. The foils and laminates added to paper packaging add to the look but dimish the recyclability.

For more information visit: http://www.westernspecialty.com/sustainability/

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Good Branding Means “No Reading”

Companies like Target have mastered sophistication as well as whimsy and their style is recognizable before you even read the name. Successful branding almost means “no reading”. Your “look” becomes your brand recognition. Nothing about Target’s advertising says “discount store”. It is what they say without saying it that makes them successful.

Packaging that is classified as “disposable” can also give the impression of “ordinary”. Changes to packaging can give an image boost to a long-standing favorite. People want something new but are sometimes skeptical about “new and improved”. They don’t want their favorite product to change.

Nestle Turtles Brand Retro and 60th Anniversary Tins

Taking that familiar look from a paper or plastic container to decorative tin gives the “fans” a collectable to refill with their favorite while also attracting the attention of new buyers. A gift could be an introduction for a product to a new consumer. A product in a package that gives a higher perceived value is more likely to be chosen.

Good branding satisfies more than one of the senses. Other forms of advertising may use music or catchy slogans. It’s not all about look. Tins have a tactile appeal but you only have about 5 seconds to make someone want to come over and pick it up! High-quality graphics on bright tin are the eye-catcher.


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