Presto Keeps Package Performance Integrity

Two years ago, Presto Products Co, a business of Alcoa Consumer Products, wanted to cut costs in the packaging of its trash can liners and sandwich bags — while still featuring high-end graphics and keeping structural integrity. The company decided to switch from Great Northern Corp.’s e-fluted boxes it was using to StrataGraph™, the company’s new packaging product. It combines graphics and laminated paperboard packaging in a web-based process.

The results have been impressive, according to Bill Garvin, senior packaging engineer with Presto Products.

“We wanted to have the most appealing carton on the shelf for the consumer,” he says. “Price was also a consideration. But the real key in making the switch was whether StrataGraph could give us performance as good as or better than the fluted boxes. We have been able to achieve the benefits without incurring any negative change in performance.”

Before switching, Presto performed extensive testing, both in the ISTA-certified testing laboratory of Great Northern and in the field with actual shipments. In lab tests, the StrataGraph package withstood 210 lb. of force, while the e-flute package was only able to withstand 180 lb.

StrataGraph also features a quick turnaround — even for new items. Don Schroeder, president of Great Northern Corp.’s Oshkosh, Wis.-based StrataGraph operation, states that the web-based process runs at much higher speeds than a typical corrugated process. The company consistently turns new items in two weeks or less.

Other StrataGraph advantages include:

•Structural integrity at only half the thickness of its fluted counterparts, producing economies in shipping and storage.
•Quick changes of graphics on multiple SKUs, delivering significant cost efficiencies, especially in private-labeling runs.
•Custom design capabilities that offer sufficient strength options without over-packaging.
•More resilience than fluted boxes, allowing compressed packages a greater ability to spring back to their original shape.

For more information, call 800-236-3671 or visit
www.greatnortherncorp.com.

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