By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator
The Hall of Global Innovation in the Lakeside Center Level 3 Lobby hosts five special displays spotlighting design and innovation. First at the entry is the Going Green display, which features a selection of sustainable products and packaging offered by Show exhibitors. These products may help users conserve energy or water at home, are made from recycled and natural materials or demonstrate how companies have changed production and distribution to save resources. A special guest appearance by Material ConneXion, the global materials resource library, will feature hands-on materials samples and a representative who can advise visitors on appropriate materials for various applications. Additionally, visitors will be able to Ask a Green Expert about testing and audits, green marketing, packaging, and waste recycling. Check the Show Events listing to learn about the experts who will be able to guide you about taking steps into greener directions in your business.
Sunday, March 3 10 – 11 a.m. Dennis Salazar, Salazar Packaging
Meet Dennis Salazar, who together with his wife, Lenora, have more than 40 years of experience and are nationally known for their green ideas, products and services. Salazar Packaging specializes in packaging design and development, sustainable packaging products and services, and automation of high volume packaging operations. Headquartered near Chicago, the company provides the often-invisible, but critical backstage operations needed for packaging and shipping products economically. Salazar Packaging, long known as one of the industry’s leading proponents of sustainable packaging practices, eco-friendly design and exclusive products, was selected by Green America’s Green Business Network as their preferred supplier of packaging materials.
Dennis has appeared in the Going Green display several times and serves many of our exhibitor companies. He knows the challenges housewares suppliers face in today’s rapidly changing retail distribution environment.
Dennis, tell us what you see as key issues for housewares companies today in meeting retailer requirements.
There are several issues and changes currently impacting the housewares industry. The first is a growing trend to manufacture overseas but package domestically. As retailers seek and require more unique and customized packaging, it is often times more effective to import the product bulk unpackaged and then design the desired packaging here. The end result is lower overall costs and perhaps more importantly, quicker response to sales opportunities.
Another key area is what we call “overpacking,” which is placing the product and retail packaging into a secondary container for shipping purposes. In most cases, the retail quality box was never intended or designed for shipping individually so utilizing a stronger secondary packaging has become a requirement to avoid damage in order fulfillment.
What are the packaging implications for more consumers now doing much of their shopping online?
This is another critical role for secondary packaging as more manufacturers choose to sell some or all of their products direct to consumers via ecommerce sites. Housewares manufacturers accustomed to shipping products bulk to retail operations must now learn about secondary shipping container, adding void fillers and cushioning for their in-house or outsourced pick-and-pack operations. We work with those warehouse and distribution operations to create more cost-effective methods. Our equipment and staff can help a company automate almost any packaging line to reduce cost while improving through put and minimizing damage in shipment.
Your company also provides a wide array of standard and custom shipper boxes and supplies.
Yes, we do. Things are changing so rapidly now, if a company is still using the same cartons and same distribution methods they have had for three years, they are probably out of date. For instance, a company may have renegotiated rates with FedEx, UPS or the USPS to reduce costs, but now they are looking to save weight. The first “R” of sustainability is “REDUCE,” and by using fewer or different materials we can help shippers learn of greener packaging alternatives that can save money in supplies and freight costs.
We are one of the leading suppliers of custom printed die cut mailers in the country. We understand the subtle design differences between a stock size or a custom solution that can make a die cut mailer perfect for an application. Aside from more obvious differences like board grade or board color (usually white or natural brown Kraft) the way a corrugated mailer is designed can make a tremendous difference in the way it performs. We can work with low volume needs, simplify the process and make custom branded boxes possible and affordable for just about anyone.
Our product lines include films, box sealing tapes, and corrugated products, as well as equipment. We represent leading industry manufacturers and created our own line of environmentally friendly Globe Guard® packaging products.
Thank you, Dennis, for this quick overview of your many products and services.
I look forward to meeting industry leaders at the Show to advise them on how to improve their packaging and distribution efforts. We’ve learned how sustainability reduces overall costs, improves productivity, minimizes waste, and strengthens relationships with external and internal customers. We can help a company achieve its sustainability goals and its financial goals simultaneously.
We encourage Show exhibitors and attendees to meet experts in sustainable supply chain solutions by visiting the Going Green display in the Hall of Global Innovation in the Lakeside Center.
Contact Dennis Salazar with your questions about your packaging needs.
dennis@salazarpackaging.com
Salazar Packaging, Inc.
12351 South Industrial Drive East
Plainfield, IL 60585
tel: 815.609.3600
fax: 815.609.3619
http://www.salazarpackaging.com/
