Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ensuring Your Flexible Packaging Custom Orders Are Delivered On Time

At LPS, we understand the fast pace of today’s business world. So, when our customers ask, “How can the lead time to produce my custom manufactured flexible packaging order be shortened?” and, “What can you do to expedite shipment of my packaging supplies?” we want to give you the answers you need to help you to get a fast turnaround.

Timing              


Sometimes a fast turnaround of an order for flexible packaging is simply the result of good luck by virtue of fortuitous timing. If you happen to call when we do not have a high volume of pending orders, your job will move quickly through our pipeline. But it’s a gamble and not a great way to optimize supply chain dynamics. It’s far better to plan ahead and order well in advance before the week you need product in hand. With advance notice, we can schedule the production of your order so you will be assured of receiving it when you need it. 

Many companies have adopted a Just In Time (JIT) Inventory Management strategy to minimize the expense of having extra inventory sitting around. In theory this strategy has many benefits, however, in practice it's not possible to order custom printed and converted food packaging or medical device packaging on the spur of the moment and be able to have them. This approach may work for commodities but not custom manufactured flexible packaging. A more moderate and practical strategy should involve some forecasting. We encourage our customers to engage us in the planning process as you estimate when your packaging will be needed based on historical activity. That way you avoid a significant inventory backlog, and get what you need on time.

New Customers or New Specifications for Current Customers


We do everything possible to make sure your order is produced exactly to your specifications each and every time.  A critical part of our control process for each new customer order and for any change to an existing customer's product is presenting documentation containing the finished package’s features to you, the customer, for final approval and sign-off before the production run begins.

We'll let you know when to expect the documentation and when we need it back to assure your product is produced according to schedule.  You play an important role in achieving your desired delivery date by making sure the designated recipient of the documentation is available to review/approve the specs and return them in a timely manner.  

Our Pledge to You!


The LPS sales and customer service team will do everything possible to ensure your order is processed in a timely manner and according to the production schedule that’s discussed with you. We’ve got a system of checks and balances to ensure your job doesn’t slip through the cracks or fall behind schedule. If unforeseen circumstances arise that delay the planned delivery time, we always do our best to keep you informed.

Forecasting and anticipating your packaging supply needs and developing a long-term relationship with your LPS representative are all ways you can promote a fast turnaround on your next custom order!

Stand Up Pouches - Preservation Packaging

The stand up pouch is a wise choice for your product packaging.  Stand up pouches provide a lower cost alternative to traditional product packaging while providing superior product protection, eye-catching printing and re-sealable zipper closures.

Stand up pouch packaging saves money because it is lighter and more compact than traditional bottle, can or bag in box packaging and it costs less to ship.

Made from plastic film laminates such as metalized film, foil lamination and custom barrier laminates, stand up pouches offer superior product protection.  Stand up pouches keep moist product moist and dry product dry.  Laminated plastic pouch packaging locks in aromas and freshness.

LPS Industries custom manufactures stand up pouch packaging in the U.S.A. using our own laminate film and printing process.  We offer 8 color flexographic printing and have an in house graphics department at your service. We manufacture our own plastic zipper closure for use on re-sealable stand up pouches.  We can add features to your stand up pouch such as a hang hole for retail displays and a tear notch, for easy opening.

Features & Benefits

Barrier film laminations - Preserves product integrity; provides a barrier against moisture, and aromas.

Gusseted - Lies flat when empty; self standing when full.

Flexographic 8 color printing - Eye catching; product stands out on the shelf

Custom printed – In house graphics department; your product is easily distinguished from others

Lighter and takes up less space - than traditional “rigid” packaging. Less expensive to inventory and to ship.

Tear notch – For easily opened consumer packaging.

Hang Hole – For store “peg board” displays.

Zipper closure - Re-closable / re-sealable for longer shelf life; consumer friendly.

Opaque or Clear - Make product viewable or protects product from direct sunlight.

Printing is sealed between laminates – No chance of product ink contamination / food safe.

Applications

  • Food
  • Pet Food
  • Seeds
  • Medical devices
  • Agriculture / Chemical

Vist www.lpsind.com for information on the many other LPS Industries packaging products offerings and capabilities. 

Choosing Flexible Packaging For Your Medical Device or Test

You’re beating your targets for developing the science, the next round of financing is secured and the time to address your product’s packaging is happening sooner than you planned. What do you do now ?

Here’s a short list of questions our customers use as a guide as they prepare to identify and quantify performance characteristics.    

1) What is your product?

While a seemingly straightforward question, it is more complex in the context of packaging.  In addition to size and shape, we recommend thinking about the roles secondary and tertiary packaging may play.

2) What can happen to your product during its lifetime?

There are three primary considerations, what can happen physically, environmentally and atmospherically to impact your product. This is also where we recommend thinking about packaging from the “inside out”, i.e., how to optimize the integrity of your product.

3) How long is protection required?

Shelf life is not just life on a shelf, it begins on the date of manufacture and ends on the last date an item is safe and effective.  

4) What about special features?

In addition to the hermetic seal, different products require different features, e.g., enhancing functionality, improving ease of use, security features, instructions, etc.

5) Choosing a manufacturer

These suggestions represent the collective input of our customers. Simply stated, they develop a list of tangible attributes that include:
  • Type III DMF Listed materials
  • Material and market knowledge
  • Material and market experience
  • Accreditation
  • Vertical integration

Download our free report to learn the detailed answers behind the five recommended activities.

7 Important Obligations of Hazmat Shippers

Anyone shipping a hazardous material, as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 (49 CFR), has a number of obligations. This is the first of a series of Q&A’s about hazmat packaging and shipping obligations.

Who is required to receive Special Training to ship Hazardous Goods?

Any person or organization that offers a hazardous material for transportation must be trained in compliance with 49 CFR.

Is there a prescribed system for selecting the proper package for your Hazardous Goods?

Yes - Each hazardous material is classified by the Department of Transportation according to its danger level and is assigned a quantity limit based on the transportation mode. 

Are there financial penalties for not complying with Hazmat Regulations?

Yes - A shipper is required to follow the procedures outlined in 49 CFR.  Non-c
ompliance is a violation which could result in substantial fines.

What are the NEW Hazmat Package Closure Regulations effective Oct 1, 2010 and who is required to comply?

Among other important changes, the new regulations include provisions to improve package integrity, prevent leakage and revise the assembly and closure instructions that shippers use. 

Are you required to use the exact container qualified by the manufacturer of your Hazmat package?

Yes - The package manufacturer’s primary container must be used with their package.  If you substitute the container the manufacturer uses, you must use a container with the same design and specifications. 

Is your Hazardous material packaging supplier required to receive Special Training in Hazmat Regulations?

Yes - Anyone who sells a package represented as qualified for use in the transport of Hazardous Material must be trained and be in compliance with 49 CFR. 

Are you at risk as a shipper if your packaging supplier is not the Manufacturer of your Hazmat package?

Yes - If your supplier is not trained and certified in the requirements of Hazmat Package design, construction and performance, they may not possess the required knowledge about the packages they sell to you.  Your potential risks include your supplier sending the wrong package for your shipment or substituting an inferior or unqualified component in your packaging system. 

Now that you’ve read the Q&A’s,  take a short quiz and get access to more detailed answers and references to the enabling regulations here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While this overview is communicating our understanding of the most current regulations, LPS Industries LLC is not licensed to practice law or give legal advice. The reader should contact a competent resource of their choice or call the DOT Hotline at 800-437-4922 for help with specific issues about compliance with the regulations.