How Sweet It Was
The global, economic downturn has given us a different set of choices and reminded us of what is really important. With all of our technology, conveniences and instant access, our lives are more frenzied than ever. What usually suffers is the casual and spontaneous time with family and friends. Now, when planning our budget dollars, we may elect to have friends over for dinner rather than meeting at a restaurant and find that it is a more intimate, memorable experience. When cutting out the extras and the non-essentials, we rediscover the things that sustained us 50 years ago – the simple, wholesome things like books, board games and outdoor activities.
The popularity of gift cards made it possible for us to know nothing more about our friends and family then where they liked to shop or eat. When most of us picture the holiday celebrations from our childhood, it is filled with anticipation for that wished-for gift, followed by an expression of delight. Whether you were young or old, the thoughtful gift from the heart meant more than the cost of the item. Tightening of the purse strings also forces us to be more resourceful and creative.
Does the trend toward nostalgic and retro packaging reflect a longing for simpler times? This year, there has been a resurgence of interest in packaging for food gifts. Many major brands have gone the nostalgic, retro or commemorative route with their packaging. A specialty food gift in a collectible tin can be given for a family to share or as a corporate thank-you gift. The bakers, confectioners and the poppers have more mixes, flavors and colors than can be imagined. The supplier as well as the shopper has become more creative – in search of that “expression of delight.”
Independent Can Company
http://www.westernspecialty.com
909-923-6150
Showing posts with label Fancy Food Show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fancy Food Show. Show all posts
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
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/
CONTACT US
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.
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/
CONTACT US
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Whats New At Independent Can Company - Summer 2011
Whats New At Independent Can Company - Summer 2011
Steady Improvement:
We are now halfway through 2011 and our business has steadily improved; returning more to pre-recession levels. Our improvements have been driven more by new projects that began in 2010 that are now showing steady results, while our traditional customers are slowly and cautiously returning to historical levels.
Those that have done the best are companies that have diversified their product offerings and invested in new processes and improvements. Doing only what has worked in the past will not work in the future.
I have just returned from a global meeting of the International Packaging Association (IPA) in Italy. Independent Can Company is one of the 15 members of this organization. The IPA membership is made up of independent can makers located around the world. There were a number of reports from all showing steady economic improvement globally. The key points of discussion were as follows:
o Consumer trends
o Alternative packaging
o Sustainability
o Product safety
o Value
o Investment
The season has begun:
2011 to date has been a good year and we are looking for this trend to continue. By of May 1st each year we begin to have strong indications as to what the gift-giving season will look like. At this time the major tin users begin to place printing orders for their fall requirements. From this data we are able to judge the fall activities by the printing backlog, and this year is shaping up to be a good year.
We want to thank those who have placed orders for their initial tin requirements and ask all customers to think and plan ahead for what you might need for the season. If we are aware of a potential needs we will be able to factor in your specific requirement, inform you of scheduling information and meet your critical dates.
On the tooling side:
This has been a very active first half of the year. With our normal overhaul schedule we have made extensive improvements in a number of areas although the tapered popcorn lines have had the most attention improving quality and automation.
We have two new can lines being established that will begin operations in the next 3-6 months. One line will automate a round can assembly that was semi-automatic and the second line is a new product offering which will open an entirely new market for Independent Can.
Lithography: Coating and Printing:
Over the past several years we have focused on becoming the most effective metal decorator in the United States. Currently we are the only company operating the latest continuous grip Metalstar II lines having a 6 color and 4 color line. The 6 color has a UV coater trailing the prints allowing one pass work for up to 6 colors.
This spring we installed the latest pre-press software allowing the fastest and most accurate art and plate development available.
Currently we are preparing for the arrival of a new coating line which will be 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 must run hand in hand; generating less Co2 while also using less energy is good for everyone.
The new line should start up on or about November 1, 2011.
A global observation:
As many of our customers are aware we are one of the largest specialty tin manufacturers in the United States, although you may not know we are also one of the largest importers of decorative and specialty packaging from around the world (tins, plastic packaging and glass). We want to supply the packaging that our customers need whether we make it or source it for them, while acknowledging that an increasing percentage of our customer base is consistently asking for packaging “Made in America.”
Users of tins and other packaging from Asia and other low cost countries have recognized that costs are going up rapidly due to inflation along with the cost of logistics (moving the goods from Asia). We are proud to say that products once only competitive from overseas are now being competitively made here in the United States.
Thank you to all of our customers for your loyalty and for challenging us to be as good a supplier as we possibly can be.
Rick Huether
President and CEO
If you would like any more information on topics contained in this post please contact us by clicking here
Steady Improvement:
We are now halfway through 2011 and our business has steadily improved; returning more to pre-recession levels. Our improvements have been driven more by new projects that began in 2010 that are now showing steady results, while our traditional customers are slowly and cautiously returning to historical levels.
Those that have done the best are companies that have diversified their product offerings and invested in new processes and improvements. Doing only what has worked in the past will not work in the future.
I have just returned from a global meeting of the International Packaging Association (IPA) in Italy. Independent Can Company is one of the 15 members of this organization. The IPA membership is made up of independent can makers located around the world. There were a number of reports from all showing steady economic improvement globally. The key points of discussion were as follows:
o Consumer trends
o Alternative packaging
o Sustainability
o Product safety
o Value
o Investment
The season has begun:
2011 to date has been a good year and we are looking for this trend to continue. By of May 1st each year we begin to have strong indications as to what the gift-giving season will look like. At this time the major tin users begin to place printing orders for their fall requirements. From this data we are able to judge the fall activities by the printing backlog, and this year is shaping up to be a good year.
We want to thank those who have placed orders for their initial tin requirements and ask all customers to think and plan ahead for what you might need for the season. If we are aware of a potential needs we will be able to factor in your specific requirement, inform you of scheduling information and meet your critical dates.
On the tooling side:
This has been a very active first half of the year. With our normal overhaul schedule we have made extensive improvements in a number of areas although the tapered popcorn lines have had the most attention improving quality and automation.
We have two new can lines being established that will begin operations in the next 3-6 months. One line will automate a round can assembly that was semi-automatic and the second line is a new product offering which will open an entirely new market for Independent Can.
Lithography: Coating and Printing:
Over the past several years we have focused on becoming the most effective metal decorator in the United States. Currently we are the only company operating the latest continuous grip Metalstar II lines having a 6 color and 4 color line. The 6 color has a UV coater trailing the prints allowing one pass work for up to 6 colors.
This spring we installed the latest pre-press software allowing the fastest and most accurate art and plate development available.
Currently we are preparing for the arrival of a new coating line which will be 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 must run hand in hand; generating less Co2 while also using less energy is good for everyone.
The new line should start up on or about November 1, 2011.
A global observation:
As many of our customers are aware we are one of the largest specialty tin manufacturers in the United States, although you may not know we are also one of the largest importers of decorative and specialty packaging from around the world (tins, plastic packaging and glass). We want to supply the packaging that our customers need whether we make it or source it for them, while acknowledging that an increasing percentage of our customer base is consistently asking for packaging “Made in America.”
Users of tins and other packaging from Asia and other low cost countries have recognized that costs are going up rapidly due to inflation along with the cost of logistics (moving the goods from Asia). We are proud to say that products once only competitive from overseas are now being competitively made here in the United States.
Thank you to all of our customers for your loyalty and for challenging us to be as good a supplier as we possibly can be.
Rick Huether
President and CEO
If you would like any more information on topics contained in this post please contact us by clicking here
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show - Washington DC
Independent Can Company is getting ready for the up coming Summer NASFT Fancy Food Show in Washington DC. We are going to be showing many of our new Stock Designs as well as some of the newest shapes and sizes of tins available today.
We will also be showing our full line of PET Jars and Bottles, Plastic Containers, Metal Closures, and much much more. If you are looking for a new package or just looking for an alternative to your current packaging you should take a few minutes and stop by booth 1107. Just ask for Ryan, Matt, or Joyce.
Ryan D. Huether
909-923-6150
INDEPENDENT CAN WEB SITE
CONTACT US
We will also be showing our full line of PET Jars and Bottles, Plastic Containers, Metal Closures, and much much more. If you are looking for a new package or just looking for an alternative to your current packaging you should take a few minutes and stop by booth 1107. Just ask for Ryan, Matt, or Joyce.
Ryan D. Huether
909-923-6150
INDEPENDENT CAN WEB SITE
CONTACT US
Friday, May 13, 2011
WHATS NEW - SPRING 2011
What’s New
May 2011
I must apologize to those that read my What’s New article for not making an update on a more timely basis. 2011 has been a very active year with a lot of projects, which is so refreshing when looking back over the past 2 years. I am happy to be able to report sales are up and the bottom line results have maintained an improving track.
We never thank that those around us enough, both coworkers and customers, for being a positive part of our overall business success. I want to thank all of our employees at Independent Can for their contribution and dedication and our customers for putting their faith in us as your supplier of value added packaging.
I am writing this article as I am flying back from Europe having attended a can manufacturers meeting (METPACK) where both the producers of cans from around the world and the equipment suppliers met to review the global activities in can making. It was really interesting to learn that there has been significant recovery in metal packaging in every part of the world. The advances in the equipment for making cans continues to evolve, adding flexibility in the can shapes along with fast changeover, allowing consumers more options for buying uniquely formed metal containers.
The steel can also remains one of the only fully recyclable environmentally packages available in the world. Tin cans are 100% recyclable and once recycled they will come back for a new use without losing any of the original qualities. Steel is easily separated in the waste stream; consequently it does not end up in landfills.
As a supplier of specialty metal packaging we recognize the need to continually update and install the tools and equipment that will provide exciting new options for your products to be packaged. As we all know the consumer needs a visual and a tactile reason to ultimately select your product over the multitude of other food products on the store shelf. We are studying a number of technologies that will allow us to bring exciting new options to our customers.
Why do our customers buy from us or why do those looking for a package select a tin can from Independent Can? There are many complex answers to this question although the following became apparent to me while listening to presentations being made by the other can suppliers attending the meetings:
Quality- We work every day to improve; not only the appearance but also the function of our tins.
On time delivery- Your customers have time tables and needs and we take seriously our commitment to making you look good in your customers’ eyes.
Honest Communications- We must keep you informed throughout the package development process as to the time table and the delivery plan.
Value- You have options to select the best package for your product and we must be both competitive and responsive to your needs.
Knowledgeable- We need to bring you solutions to your packaging problems.
Consistency- You need to know that Independent Can will over the years will be on time every time with the proper results and solutions.
Creativity- The retailer and the consumer are ever more demanding new solutions delivered faster and using environmentally friendly materials.
We recognize that we need to bring this all together so that you are able to grow your business with confidence.
How do we manage this in our company? Every 3 years we undertake a long and serious study of our business; we call this strategic planning. We have just completed the process and have revised our Purpose Statement and our Vision Statement. We believe that our Mission Statement continues to be exactly who we are.
The Purpose:
To develop, design, manufacture and sell packaging and related products. Meld the structure and design (physical or artistic) requirements to meet the customers’ expectations and enhance the customers Brand Development.
In the accomplishment of our task, the employees of Independent Can Company are the most important asset. The express goal of the management is to provide a challenging, dynamic, innovative, demanding, and friendly environment.
Each employee of Independent Can Company is expected to show respect for all other employees of the company and commit to making Independent Can Company the best Company it can be. Employees must set high standards for themselves and have the right to expect the same from their co-workers and management.
Mission Statement:
To Be The Best – Not The Biggest
If all members of the Independent Can Company team do the best job at their respective task each and every day then the following expectations should result:
Loyal Customers, Loyal Employees, Employee’s expectations fulfilled, Company growth, Job security, and Profits sufficient to meet reinvestment needs and a fair return for the shareholders
Vision Statement
To provide innovative and unique packaging solutions to our customers by providing exceptional service and value through our Manufacturing, Lithography and Distribution operations.
The revised statements above help guide all of our decisions. We must take into account all constituencies; customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders while being cognizant of our environmental responsibilities. If in managing the day to day business issues we have the best interest of all of these stakeholders then our business will be successful and thrive. We also expect all stakeholders to hold each of us accountable for these guidelines.
I addition to our corporate guideline we have Core Values that every member of the Independent Can team must abide by:
Core Values Established September 15 & 16, 1999*
Fair: Showing equity in decision making while being respectful of others; not arbitrary.
Flexible: Exhibiting a willingness & ability to adapt to changing situations. Recognizing that our ability to make changes quickly is a competitive advantage.
Market, Customer and Improvement Driven: Accepting that it is the customer’s requirements that dictate what we do and getting better at our performance is not an option.
Dedicated: Being committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job done well.
Responsible: Accepting accountability for your actions and results; not making excuses.
Teamwork: Commonality of goals, unity of thought and action; recognizing that a team is stronger than the sum of the individual parts.
* update March 2010
Thank you again for being a part of the Independent Can Company experience and we look forward to working with you for many years to come.
Contact Us
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Independent Can Company is heading to Metpack in Germany
Once again in 2011, METPACK will be the most important event for metal packaging professionals from around the world, and Independent Can Company will be there to work with our vendors and partners to continue the process of bringing the highest quality metal packaging to the North American market. METPACK will start from May 10th and go until May 14th 2011. Products and services from the worlds top metal packaging industry suppliers will be presented.
This show will help solidify projects currently on the table and will definitely lead to ideas for future projects that we should be working on in the future.
Are you coming to Metpack?
Ryan D. Huether
CONTACT US
Independent Can Company
http://www.Independentcan.com
This show will help solidify projects currently on the table and will definitely lead to ideas for future projects that we should be working on in the future.
Are you coming to Metpack?
Ryan D. Huether
CONTACT US
Independent Can Company
http://www.Independentcan.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sanitary Tin Packages Now Available From Independent Can Company
Sanitary packages
We are a supplier of tin cans comprised of two or three pieces made in automatic and semiautomatic production lines. We produce either plain or beaded side wall cans.
The most common uses for the sanitary tin plate cans are for food products such as beans, mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, tomato, soups, powder milk, tuna, etc.
Easy open lids are available to facilitate the access to the product, all manufacturing processes are carried out with the latest available machinery on a world-wide level.
All sanitary tin plate cans have an 18 month guarantee with the only requirement that best practices of manufacture and the control of temperatures within warehouses and distribution centers are kept.
Diameters Heights
Straight
202 - 110.5 304 408 601
211 - 114 306 409 602
300 - 200 308 410 604
303 - 202 311 411 612
307 - 204 314 413 700
401 - 205 400 502 708
404 - 206 402 504 710
603 - 208 403 510 800
Necked
209 - 212 406 512 805
214 - 300 407 600 905
CAPACITIES
Diameters Capacities in ounces
202 3.0, 3.6 , 4.8 , 6.0 oz
211 4.9 , 6.3 , 7.9 , 8.0 , 10.9 , 11.2 , 13.8 , 16.4 oz
300 7.3 , 7.5 , 11.0 , 13.55, 15.2 oz
303 12.7 , 16.85 oz
307 4.9 , 6.3 , 7.9 , 8.0 , 10.9 , 11.2 , 13.8 , 16.4 oz
401 14.76, 22.0, 29.75, 36.3 , 36.48 , 37.0 , 43.5, 50.6 oz
404 51.70 oz
603 68.15 ,68.48 ,85.18, 100.2, 102.2 , 109.45, 141.5 oz
Packages available with their respective normal or easy open lids
If you don't find the package size that you are looking for on this page please let us know and we will be glad to propose a solution or to develop a new package that fills your needs, contact a sales representative.
We are a supplier of tin cans comprised of two or three pieces made in automatic and semiautomatic production lines. We produce either plain or beaded side wall cans.
The most common uses for the sanitary tin plate cans are for food products such as beans, mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, tomato, soups, powder milk, tuna, etc.
Easy open lids are available to facilitate the access to the product, all manufacturing processes are carried out with the latest available machinery on a world-wide level.
All sanitary tin plate cans have an 18 month guarantee with the only requirement that best practices of manufacture and the control of temperatures within warehouses and distribution centers are kept.
Diameters Heights
Straight
202 - 110.5 304 408 601
211 - 114 306 409 602
300 - 200 308 410 604
303 - 202 311 411 612
307 - 204 314 413 700
401 - 205 400 502 708
404 - 206 402 504 710
603 - 208 403 510 800
Necked
209 - 212 406 512 805
214 - 300 407 600 905
CAPACITIES
Diameters Capacities in ounces
202 3.0, 3.6 , 4.8 , 6.0 oz
211 4.9 , 6.3 , 7.9 , 8.0 , 10.9 , 11.2 , 13.8 , 16.4 oz
300 7.3 , 7.5 , 11.0 , 13.55, 15.2 oz
303 12.7 , 16.85 oz
307 4.9 , 6.3 , 7.9 , 8.0 , 10.9 , 11.2 , 13.8 , 16.4 oz
401 14.76, 22.0, 29.75, 36.3 , 36.48 , 37.0 , 43.5, 50.6 oz
404 51.70 oz
603 68.15 ,68.48 ,85.18, 100.2, 102.2 , 109.45, 141.5 oz
Packages available with their respective normal or easy open lids
If you don't find the package size that you are looking for on this page please let us know and we will be glad to propose a solution or to develop a new package that fills your needs, contact a sales representative.
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Decorative Snap Covers For Hermetic Cans!!
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