Inthemodernera,thesubstantialcomponent
thataffectstheglobalstructuretendstobe dependentonthedecision-makingofthe supremeleaders.Asthechangesareimplemented inthebusinesses,thepre-existingtrendsfollow upwithmoderntrends.
Whileunderstandingthetrends,theofferings forecastedintheglobalmarketaredirectly proportionaltotheenhancementofglobal communities.
Suchbusinessesaredivertedtowardsmakingan efforttotransformthemeasuresavailableand bringforthnewproductsandserviceswhile restructuringthein-housefacilitiestofacilitate globalexposure.
Thegeneralexpansionoftheglobaleconomyis anticipatedtocontinue,helpedbytheexpansion ofemergingconsumermarkets,whichraisesthe possibilityofshort-termdisruptions.However, overallgrowthisanticipated.
Whileconsideringthescenario,theindustry intendstoinfusestrategiesandnewmeasuresto directthegrowthtowardsreshapingthe businesses’growthandhelpwiththedeveloping stage.Withthelatestedition-“Top10 CompaniesRevampingthePackaging Industry,”itisevidenttoreplenishthe characteristicsoftheprimeleadersintheindustry areimplementingground-breakingdisruptions withtheirofferingsinthemodernbusinessarena.
HaveaPleasantRead!
- Prashik Bombarde Managing Editor Prashik BombardeInitiative grading comparison towards rivalry leads to degradation of supernatural Status Quo.
Company
AmeriGlobe LLC ameriglobe-fibc.com
Arnold Packaging arnoldpackaging.com
Atlas Packaging Limited atlaspackaging.co.uk
Budelpack budelpack.com Falconpack falconpack.com
Inno-Pak innopak.com
Kite Packaging kitepackaging.co.uk
MM Packaging mm-packaging.com
Orora Packaging Solu ons ororapackagingsolu ons.com
Silgan Dispensing silgandispensing.com
Kevin Clark President
AmeriGlobe is a bulk bag manufacturer and supplier. We manufacture bulk bags domes cally in the U.S.A and also have plants in China, India and Mexico.
It was founded in 1933 and has evolved into an industry leader in the design, manufacturing and distribu on of packaging materials.
Corrugated cardboard box manufacturing company. Atlas Packaging will protect your brand from design to delivery
Family firm Budelpack is an innova ve co-packing company that, since 1971, has specialized in the primary packing of food into flexible, rigid and cardboard product packaging.
Falcon Pack is a leading manufacturer and distributor of disposable food packaging products with an extensive range and the best quality
Inno-Pak wants innova on to impact every customer touch point and experience with their company.
Kite Packaging is the the UK's leading packaging supplier, they solve packing problems with their wide range of products and exper se.
With an interna onal network of loca ons of 67 plants in 25 countries, MM Packaging offer a unique, pan-European delivery concept.
At Orora Packaging Solu ons they develop innova ve packaging solu ons that op mise processes and deliver memorable brand experiences.
Silgan Dispensing is your partner delivering the insight, exper se, ingenuity and agility you need to create a be er experience.
Kevin
When you partner with Silgan Dispensing, you partner with a team of approximately 6,500 associates across the globe—each one committed to delivering better experiences that move your brand and your business forward.
Understandinghowcustomerswanttomeetthe
needsoftheirconsumersiscriticaltobeingthe partnertheyrelyonthemosttoaccomplishtheir businessgoals.
Tohelpcustomerswininthemarketplace,itisimportantto knowtheirproductstrategy,consumers’needs,andsupply chainexpectations.Thisisparticularlytrueforcompanies thatparticipateintheBeauty,Fragrance,PersonalCare, HealthcareandHomecaremarkets.
SilganDispensingunderstandsthis.Thecompanyhasbeen providingworldwidebrandswitheffectiveandinnovative dispensingsolutionsthatenhancetheirconsumer experiencesandboosttheirbrandvaluefordecades.
HeadquarteredinRichmond,Virginia,SilganDispensingis aleadingglobalsupplierofhighlyengineeredtriggers, pumps,sprayers,anddispensingclosuresolutionstomajor companiesinthehome,health,andbeautymarkets.
Workingtirelesslytoensureapositiveexperiencefor SilganDispensing’scustomersandconsistentlymeettheir uniquedemandsisthecompany’sPresident,KevinClark.
We had an exclusive opportunity to interview Kevin to glean insights into Silgan Dispensing’s journey to becoming a best-in-class dispensing solution provider.
ThefoundationofSilganDispensing’sdifferentiationand successisitsteamandculture.
“We have a very knowledgeable team and a collaborative culture,” saysKevin. “Our team works together to create solutions that address our customers’business challenges and then works closely with our customers to deliver the solutions to their consumers.”
ThisapproachhashelpedSilganDispensingtobuildits reputationasatrustedpartner.“It’s our passion to enable our customers’business success,”Kevinemphasizes.
InadditiontoSilganDispensing’sstand-outteamand culture,thecompanyhasawideportfolioofhighperformanceproductsandaglobalfootprintthatenablesit toprovidelocalmarketservice.Moreover,thecompanyhas extensivemarketing,newproductdevelopment,and innovationteamsthatworkinconcertwithitscustomersto
determinenewproductsolutionsthatwillmeetthe needsofconsumers.
TheSilganDispensingteam’svisionistoprovide packagingsolutionsthathelpbrandsenhancethelivesof theirconsumers.Drivenbyitsvision,thecompany’s missionistobetheworld’sleadingdispensingcompany
Kevinandhisteambelievetheseoutcomesareachievedby leveragingmarketandconsumerinsightstocreate dispensingsolutionsthatenhanceanenduser’soverall experience.“When we enhance consumer perception of our customer’s brand, we have achieved our vision,” says Kevin.
Improvingacustomer’sbusinessisrootedwithinevery facetoftheorganization,fromimprovingtheconsumer experiencewiththeirproductstoenhancingandsimplifying howtofacilitatesupply Thepursuitofthisidealiswhat helpsthebusinesseffectivelymeetthedemandsofits customers.
Speakingaboutthestand-outpracticesbySilgan Dispensing,Kevinhighlights,“First, we bring a team of people, with expertise in different areas, to engage with our customers with the goal of identifying a range of solutions that support their business strategy. We strive to have this engagement process be a great experience for our customers. This is the foundation of how we stand out from the competition.”
“Our solutions include consumer-usage insights, new product development teams, responsive service programs, and, for some applications, product mixing and filling,”he added.
SilganDispensinghasamarket-leadingportfolioof dispensersandtriggersprayers;anextensiverangeoffine mistsprayersandfragrancepumps;abroadportfolioof stockandcustomclosures;aninnovativeophthalmic dropper;battery-operateddevices;andfullyfilledmicro packagesutilizingtheblow-fill-sealprocess.
SilganDispensingisacustomer-orientedcompanywhose corevaluesarefocusedonleveragingthecapabilitiesand
We know our most valuable resource is our people, and we are dedicated to investing in their growth and their well-being.
We’re proud to say that we offer one of the broadest portfolios of sustainable dispensing solutions on the market. We’ve modied a lot of our designs to be able to offer more eco-conscious solutions to our customers.
insightsoftheentireteamtobringvaluetoeachofits customerrelationships.
Theteamworkstodevelopin-depthknowledgeof customersinordertoenabletheirsuccess.Silgan Dispensingworkstobringinnovativeapproachestoits productdevelopment.“Two values, customer-oriented and driven to excel, are the foundation of our goal to develop products that create impact for our customers and their consumers,” affirmsKevin
“This continuous improvement mindset is required in the ever-changing consumer landscape where products and service solutions need to be adapted to reflect consumer needs,” headded.
Kevinunderstandsthatthebusiness'ssuccessisverymuch tiedtothesuccessofeachofitsteammembers.The companyplacesalotofvalueonitspeople,fosteringnot onlyasafeandinclusiveworkenvironmentbutonethat’s alsodedicatedtohelpingitsteammatesgrowprofessionally. Kevinbelievesinthepowerofworkingtogethertoachieve thegoalssetbythecompany.Hesays,“We do our best when we work together – that’s the power of one team in action. By engaging broadly throughout the organization, we create opportunities for every team member to contribute and develop.”
SilganDispensing’steamknowsthatsustainabilityistopof mindforconsumersandbrandsalike.Shoppersaremaking purchasingdecisionsbasedonhowsustainableaproductis, butthey’realsoconsciouslypurchasingfrombrandsthat arededicatedtosustainablepractices.
“As a primary packaging supplier to many leading brands, we have an opportunity to help position these products and brands as environmentally sustainable with consumers,” saysKevin.
Furthermore,hesays,“We’re proud to say that we offer one of the broadest portfolios of sustainable dispensing solutions on the market. We are modifying a lot of our designs to be able to offer more fully recyclable solutions to our customers.”
Over30ofSilganDispensing’scoreproductsareavailable withapost-consumerrecycled(PCR)option.Thecompany hasrecentlylaunchedtwoproductsthatutilizeits
LifeCycle™Technology–Pearl®2,anext-generation airlesssystem,andSP05™R,acertifiedrecyclabletrigger sprayer
LifeCycleisarevolutionaryplasticspringthatenablesthe removalofnon-recyclablematerialsandmetalsfoundin moreconventionaldispensingsolutions.Usingthis innovationmeansthedispensercanbemadealmostentirely ofasinglepolyolefin,makingthepumporsprayer ultimatelymorecompatiblewithtoday’srecyclingstreams.
ButsustainabilityforSilganDispensingdoesn’tjustend withitsproducts.Thecompanyisincorporatingpractices acrossitsbusinessthathelpreduceitscarbonfootprintand overallimpactontheenvironment.
“In our manufacturing operations, we’ve set goals to make our plants more efficient, greener, and safer by reducing our energy and water usage and reducing material waste that would otherwise go into landfills,”Kevinadds.
Innovationisessentialtoenhancingcustomers'experiences, soitisakeyfocusforSilganDispensing’steam.Kevin underscoresthat“New trends, challenges, and needs are constantly emerging and changing in our market and among our customers.”
Furthermore, headds, “We strive to adapt and identify unique solutions to meet these shifting demands and feel our NPD ( New Product Development ) teams are the best in our industry.”
SilganDispensing’sapproachtoinnovationstartswith researchingconsumerusagepatterns.Thenitsteamlistens tothecustomerstolearnwhattheirspecificneedsand challengesare.Thecompanythenpairstheseinsightswith itsextensiveknowledgeoftechnology,design, manufacturing,andergonomicstoensurethatitiscreating thebestpossiblesolutionforitscustomers.
Challengesareever-existingandevolvingwithinevery industry.SpeakingaboutthespecificchallengesthatSilgan Dispensingiscurrentlyconfronting,Kevinshares,“Our team and culture are essential to our success. Recruiting and developing people who like the pace of our industry, who are excited by the opportunity to work with the world’s
leading brands, and who can contribute to enhancing our culture and advancing our company is an ongoing focus for us.”
Asreferencedpreviously,ensuringSilganDispensing contributestoamoresustainablefuturebyreducingits carbonfootprintanddevelopingmoreeco-conscious dispensingsolutionsisalsoakeyfocusforKevinandhis team.“Sustainability is not a single pillar of our strategy but woven into every aspect of it,”saysKevin.
SilganDispensing’sapproachtosustainabilityisaholistic one.Itsteamexamineseverylevelofthecompany’s business,fromoperationstoproductsandpeople.The companyisimplementingpracticesacrossits manufacturingsitestoreduceitscarbonfootprint,including workingwithinstitutionslikeEcoVadisandCDPtoensure thatitismakingandcommunicatingmeasurableprogress ontheirsetsustainabilitygoals.
Additionally,thecompanyisalsofocusedonquicklyand cost-effectivelydevelopingnewproducts.“Since consumer needs vary around the world, we need to do this in each geographic region,”saysKevin.
Andfinally,SilganDispensing’steamhasimplementeda comprehensivesetofmanufacturingandservicestrategies
tobestsupportitscustomers’omnichannelsalesmodel. WordsofGuidance
Thepackagingindustryisanincrediblyexciting environment.Therearetremendousopportunitiesforevery person,interest,andskillset.
Forprofessionalswhoarelookingtoentertheindustry, Kevinshares,“If you are passionate about building brands, developing new products, designing a dynamic supply chain, operating state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, solving customer needs, and want to be part of a team that creates products that touch so many people in their everyday lives, then there’s a place for you at Silgan Dispensing.”
“We know our most valuable resource is our people, and we are dedicated to investing in their growth and their wellbeing,”notesKevin.
Withapassionateteam,astrongsetofcorevalues,and continuousinnovation,SilganDispensingwillcontinueto growinthecomingyears.
“
In support of our mission to be the preferred partner for our customers, we work to help them win in the marketplace,”Kevintoldus.
Currently,SilganDispensingisworkingtobringseveral newproductstomarket.Plansarealsointheworksto enhancethecompany’smanufacturingfootprint,which wouldenabletheteamtoprovideevenbetterservicegoing forward.
Thecompanyhasgrownbothorganicallyandthrough acquisitions. “We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance our product portfolio and service capabilities. The acquisitions of Cobra Plastics, Albea’s global dispensing business, and Unicep have enabled us to significantly expand the portfolio of solutions we bring to our customers. This portfolio is helping them grow by integrating more fully into their business development strategies and supply chain teams,”Kevinshares.
“The earth’s natural resources are being rapidly depleted as a result of human activity. Therefore, it is no longer possible to think of sustainable practices as a choice. We are all accountable for fostering a more sustainable world.”
Sustainabilitycomprisesthreecomponents:Economic,
Environmental,andSocial.Itreferstotheabilityto supportaprocessovertimeormaintainit.In environmentalfactors,Sustainabilitycanalsobereferredto asGreenMovement,whereGreenreferstoenvironment friendly.Sustainabilitytellsusaboutthefunctionofnatural systemsthatremaindiverseandbeabletoproduce everythingthat’srequiredtomaintainthebalance.Weare nowlivinginamodernworldwhereSustainabilityisa GraduationCertificate.Itisacoursedesignedforstudents wantingtolearnaboutnaturalfactors.Weashumansare responsiblefordestruction,andweashumanscanconstruct alifeinthenaturalworld,protectingitfromdestruction.
Economicsustainabilityfocusesmoreonconservingnatural resources.Itencompassesfinancialcostsandbenefits.To createamoreliveablefuture,economicsustainability involvesevaluatingtheenvironmentalimpact.Thefocusis thedepletionofthenaturalenvironment,whichisfinding waystoreducewastage,limittheemissionsofcarbonand focusmoreontheutilizationofsolarenergy.Foreasy understanding,EconomicSustainabilityisashort-term processthathelpsinthelong-termwell-beingoftheplanet.
SocialSustainabilityisaboutidentifyingthepositivesand negativesofthepeopleinmanagingbusinessimpacts.It expandsopportunitiesforpeople,createsinclusive societies,enhancestheempowermentofcitizens,and fosterspeacefulcommunities.Itreferstoaddressingthe barriersandstrengtheningthedevelopmentandfocuson thepeoplewhohavebeenexcludedsocially.
Protectingtheenvironmentforusandourfuturegenerationsshouldbeeveryone’sresponsibility.Beitbyrecycling,reusing,orreducingpowerconsumption.Thesedays businessesareregulatedtopreventpollution,asthisisthe primaryconcernforhumanity Theeffectsofpollutionare hazardousasitistriggeredbyharmfulmaterialsinthe atmospherethatcausesharmtohumansandincreasesthe riskofheartdisease.
EnvironmentalSustainabilitycanalsobepracticedby reducingtheEnvironmentalimpactwithSustainable packaging.Theenvironmental-friendlypackagesareno longeranoption.InmanycasesGovt.hasdemandedto implementeco-friendlypackages,whichinsteadalsohelp incostcuttingforthelongrun.Thereisnosuchguarantee thattheimplementationresultsinbeingfullysustainable. Butthisisthestartofdevelopingafriendlyjourney.The goalistomakesustainablepackagesthatimprove sustainabilityovertimeasameasuretoreducetheimpact ontheenvironment.Ifyouaretryingtobuildasustainable package,thentherearecertainkeypointstobekeptin mind.
Overthelastfewyears,sustainablepackaginghasbecome popularasmanycompanieshavestartedfollowingthe
normsofusinghealthymaterialsthatareattractingawider audience.Thesematerialscanberecycledone’sordye-free orvirginmaterialsthatarelessburdentotheenvironment.
Spaceiswastedwhenitcomestopackaging,anditresults inthewastageofmaterials,transport,storage,andhandling. Whilemaintainingtheintegrityoftheproduct,thepackagingsizecanbereduced.Itisimportanttoknowthesizeof theproductpriorandusethematerialsaccordinglytoavoid wastage,andthemodeoftransportcanbechosenatthe lowestcost.
Thelifecycleofthematerialsusedforpackagingthe productscanbehelpedtoimprovesustainability.And maintainingarecordofitimprovestheentireprocess.The maintainedrecordhelpsinauditingtheproductsand quantityrequiredtoexaminetherootoftheproblemsfaced, allowingabetterexperienceofthetrueperformanceofthe wholepackagingsystem.
Companiesearlierusedtospendmoreonpackaging materials,asitattractedtheircustomers.Butnowadays, whensustainabilityforabetterfuturecomesintoexistence, statisticssaythat61%ofconsumerspreferbrandsthathave environmentallyfriendlypackaging.Thisnotonlyboosts theconfidenceofcompanieswhichearlierusedtospend moreonpackingbutalsohelpsincontributingtowardsa betterfuture.
Ifyouhaven’tchangedyourmodeofpackingyet,thenit’s timeforyoutodoitrightaway.Sustainablepackagingcan helptoreducewastageandencouragethereuseofpackagingmaterials.Thesebenefitsarecrucialandbetterforthe environment.Toconclude,sustainabilitycanmeanalot differenttodifferentpeople,butincommonterms,itmeans recyclable,biodegradable,orcompostablepackaging.
Whenitisaboutthewaywehavebeenevolving
ourliveswiththeprogressiveadvancements andtrendsthatcomeforthinoureveryday lives,theelementofself-satisfactionthroughbetter amenitiesistheprimaryobjectiveeveryindividuallongs for.
Whileconsideringtheroutines,everyindividualtendsto relyonminutethingsthatimpactourchallengesandoffer adequatesolutions.
Withsuchanideologytobringinsolutionstofulfillthe needsforsustainableanddurableproductswhilepreserving thequalitythanregularproductsistheprimarymandateof themanufacturingindustrytoenhancetheglobal communities.
Thequesttofinduniquepackagingsolutionsraisedthe questionofsustainablesolutionsinthemanufacturing industry- What would it be like if a sustainable bag existed? Theverythoughtisintriguing!
Withasimilarphilosophyofproducingsustainablebagsin bulkwithminimalplasticusage,that’showtheaimof producingthebestbulkbagswiththeideationof AmeriGlobecameintoexistence.
DanSchnaars,theOwnerandPresidentofAmeriGlobe LLC,introducedoneofitskindthefirstbulkbagswhilst meetingthechallengesandproducingbagswith comparativelymorestrength.Thesebagsalsoattainedthe needofcustomersandsetthebarhighwithintheexisting cultureoftraditionalplasticbags.
AmeriGlobe is known to innovate, create, craft, and deliver sustainable solutions in the packaging industry. Theyopendoorstoasheercommitmentbyfulfillingthe ever-exceedingneedsoftheircustomers.
Let’s unwrap the journey of AmeriGlobe and learn more about it through the interview highlights below:
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthemost reliablecompaniesinthepackagingindustry.
Beinga 37-year-old family business manufacturing bulk bags (FIBC).Withover 30 patents improvingthe usefulnessofbulkbags.
Andstill manufacturing 15% of our bags inside the USA. While importing 85% from 7 companies in three foreign countries
Kindlyenlightenusaboutthevisionandmissionofyour company
Weoftenusethetagline “Lowering Costs Through Unique Solutions” Thisencapsulatesourstrategyofbringing innovationtobearonproblemsthatcostourcustomers money.Inmanycases,wesolveproblemsthatwerethought unsolvableinsituationswheretheproblemswereso endemictobulkbagsthattheywerenotevenseenas problems.
Tellusmoreabouttheproductofferingsandcapabilities thatmakeyourcompanystandoutfromthe competition.
AmeriGlobe’slatestaccomplishmentiscalledFUSION®. Wehaveinventedawaytocombinetwopiecesofwoven polypropylene,whichischemicallyinert,usingcarefully controlledheat.Ourindustryisover53yearsold.Asan industry,theonlywaytoconnectthisfabrichasbeen throughsewing.Thecostofautomatingthisproductionwas prohibitiveuntilweinventedtheFUSIONsystem.
Unlikesewing,theFUSIONsystem createsabagthathasnostitchingholes forproductstoleakorsiftoutandmoisture topassbackintothebag.Sinceitismade withoutsewing,therearenoloosethreadendsfor ourcustomerstoworryabout.Oneofthepatentswe aremostproudofisourMegaBasePatent.
Thisdesigngreatlyimprovesthestabilityandsafetyofall bagsmadeinthismannerduringtravelandstacking.Itisa designthatallowseachbagtoworkinconcertwiththe LawsofNature.
Ratherthantryingtoholdasquareshapeforeaseof manufacturing,theMegaBasetakesadvantageofNature’s desiretocreateevenpressuresineverydirection.Byreshapingthebottom,MegaBaseBagsgain24%more supportfromthewoodpalletthananybulkbagwithjusta standardsquarebottom.
Pleasebriefusaboutyour(featuredperson’s)journeyin theindustryandhowyouhavemadethecompanyexcel initscompetitivemarket.
Danwasinthebulkbagindustryformanyyearsbefore openingAmeriGlobe.Intheearlydaysoftheindustry,the
challengewastoconvinceusersthatafive-poundplastic bagcouldsafelyhold2,200pounds.Whenheopened AmeriGlobein1985,Danimmediatelybeganhis innovationjourneywithpatenteddesignstohelpretainan innerlinerinthebagandadesignthathelpedtofillthe bagsmorecompletely
WhenNAFTAfirsthitthebulkbagindustry,most companiesmovedtheirproductiontoMexico.Ratherthan sacrificethejobsofhisAmericanteammembers,he changedtheformatofourmanufacturingprocessinsucha wayastobecompetitivelypricedagainstMexican production.
Astheglobalbulkbagmarketopenedup,weinstitutedour FourCountrySupplyPlanwhileretainingourUS
AmeriGlobe is known to innovate, create, cra , and deliver sustainable solu ons in the packaging industry.
manufacturing.ThisprotectsourUScustomers’supply chainsandourUSmanufacturingteam.
Tenyearsago,westarteddownthepathtoourFusion® bulkbagsystem.Asystemthatismovingtheindustryfrom theoldtechnologyofsewingfabriccomponentstoformthe packagetoasystemthatusescomputer-controlledheat sealingwithavisionsystemtoimprovequalityandnondestructivetesting.Fusion®bulkbagsandmanufacturingis changingthefaceofwhatwasamatureindustry.
Pleaseelaborateonyourcustomerservicepractices.
AmeriGlobeoffersaservicecalledaSystemsReview Insteadoffollowingtheindustry’spracticeofjustcopying andquotingaprospect’sexistingspecification,weofferour SystemsReview
Welookattheirbags’impactontheentirelifecycleofthe package,whichallowsustofindpotentialsavingsbasedon warehouseefficiency,freightcosts,eliminationofproduct damage,laborsavings,etc.
Inanerawheresalesarelostonnickelanddimes,showing thousandsofdollarsworthofsavingsallowsourcustomers acompetitiveadvantage.
Expandonhowyourcompany’spackagingsolutionsare enablingbusinessestofurthertheirsustainability efforts.
Ourlatestinnovation, Fusion®, givescustomersbulkbags withthesmallestenvironmentalfootprint.Sinceallbulk bags,otherthanFusion®bulkbags,mustoverbuildthe
fabricweightby30%+tomakeupforthedamagecaused bysewing.
Fusion®’shyper-efficientbondsgiveFusion®bagsaclear advantagewhenitcomestopackagingweight.Further, whenacustomereliminatesthelinerinfavorofthe FUSION®system,therecyclingofthebagsissimplified. Inaddition,usingmanyofourotherinnovationsallowour customerstoputmoreproductineachtruck,overseas shippingcontainer,andrailcar.Shippingmoreproducts withlessfuelisgoodfortheenvironmentandour customer’sbottomline.
Pleaseshareyouropiniononhowtheadoptionof technologyhasbenefitedthepackagingindustryand howyourcompanyisadaptingtothechange
Ourindustryhasonlyadaptedtotheimprovementsinthe peripheralindustries.Looms,cuttingmachines,and extrusionmachineshavegottenbetter.Butthebasicmethod ofsewinghasneverchanged.
Don’t sell a product that is the same as everyone else’s. Find a differen ator and sell that version.
Eachbagishandmadeonindividualsewingmachines. FUSION®isthetechnologythatwillmoveourindustry forwardto full automation.
Oursystemalsofeaturesnon-destructivetesting,computercontrolledQCprocesses,andvisionsystemstoimprove productconsistencyandaccuracy.Noneofthoseare possiblewithtraditionalbulkbags.
Inyourview,whataretheexistingchallengesinthe packagingindustry?Andhowareyoustrategizingyour company’soperationstotacklethem?
Oneisthelevelofmanualproductionneeded.Thisrequires alongtrainingtime.Ittakestwomonthstobringtheskill leveluptotheneededlevel.Whenthisiscombinedwith thelowpayscaleinourindustry,employeeturnoverisa hugeproblemformostfactoriesaroundtheworld. Thesecondchallengeistomovetowardsustainability.This isdifficultforourindustry Thesebagsarenoteasily collected.Theyarenoteasilyrecycled.
Ourcontributiontosustainabilitywillbethereduceduseof plasticmaterialsthroughFUSION®automation.Itworks onbothissues.Newemployeesaretrainedinjustafew daysversustwomonths.Wewilluselessplasticandmake anyfuturerecyclingprogramsimpler.
Whatwouldyouradvicebetobuddingentrepreneurs andenthusiastsaspiringtoventureintothepackaging industry?
Chooseaproductforwhichyouhaveapassionandlookat itcritically.
Whatmakesitdifficulttouse,whatmakesitunattractive, andwhatareitsweaknesses?
Don’t sell a product that is the same as everyone else’s. Find a differentiator and sell that version.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany’soperations andoutreachin2022andbeyond?
AmeriGlobeislicensingtheFUSION®technologyaround theworld.Wehave5licenseesalready Wearescalingup ourproductionoftheFUSION®equipmenttomeetthe growingdemandforthisnewtechnology
AmeriGlobeismanufacturingthesemachineshereinthe USAandexportingthemouttoourlicensees.Weare transitioningfromasewingcompanytoanequipment manufacturingcompany.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitionsthat accuratelyhighlightyourorganization’spositioninthe market.
Innovatingisarequiredelementofsustainedsuccess
foranybusiness. Adaptingtochangingconsumer demandallowsabusinesstoremainrelevantastrends change. Innovationalsohasrisks,asexecutivesand businessescan"chasetrends"thattaketheireyeoffthe business'corecompetencies.
Runninganationalgymchain,Ioftengetaskedaboutour approachtoinnovation. Ourbasketball-focusedfitness clubsarerecognizedasthepremierspotforbasketball enthusiasts,andourfranchiseprogramreceiveshundredsof inquirieseachmonthfromindividualslookingtoopenone ofourgymsintheircommunity. Thissuccesscanbe directlyattributedtoourtrackrecordofinnovation.
Tenyearsago,PickUpUSAFitnesshadoneservice offering–PickUpbasketballwithrefereesforadults. Today,ourclubsstillofferthisoriginalservicethatputus onthemap,butnowweareafull-service,one-stop basketballshopthatalsooffersgroupbasketballtraining, privatebasketballtraining,tournaments,leagues,camps, fullfitnessrooms,andmuchmore. Alltheseservicesare availableforyouthandadults.
Atsomepoint,theseserviceswerejustideas. Nowtheyare fabricsofourbusiness. Howdidwegofromtheideaphase toimplementingthesecoreofferings? Eachoneinvolveda verydeliberateapproach.
Jordan Meinster is the CEO and Founder of PickUp USA Fitness. Jordan has a BA in Economics from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, and an MBA from The University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Jordan started the first PickUp USA in Irwindale, CA in 2012 and now oversees mul ple corporate loca ons as well as all franchisor opera ons.
Beforetalkingaboutourinnovationapproach,Iwantto discussthekeyplayersinvolvedintheseinnovations–our franchisees! Iwouldlovetotakecreditforbringingthese servicestolife,butthetruthisthatalmostallour innovationcomesfromourstores.
Ourfranchiseownersareinthemixeverydayrunningtheir clubsandinteractingwithcustomers. Throughthese interactions,ideasfornewservicesarise. PickUpUSA franchiseesarecreditedwithalmosteveryservicethatyou seeonourcurrentmenu. Weembraceacultureof innovatingandtryingnewthings. Ifitworks,great–we addittothatclub'smenu,andsometimesrollitout nationwide. Ifnot,noproblem–lessonswerelearnedthat wecanapplytofutureprojects.
Allowingourfranchiseownerstobeentrepreneurialand creativeisonereasonthatwehavesuchhighlevelsof franchiseesatisfaction. Peoplethatfranchisewithusgetto experimentwithservicesattheirclubwhiletappingthe massiveresourcesofthefranchisortoensuretheirpilot projectshavethebestchanceatsuccess.
Backtoourinnovationapproach. Whenafranchiseowner presentsuswithanidea,weputalotofresourcesbehindit tohelpmeasurethepotentialeconomicsoftheinitiative.
Thisincludesfinancialmodelingwithourfinanceteam,a marketinganalysiswithourmarketingteam,andreviewing howitwillbeimplementedwithouroperationsteam. If, aftertheinitialanalysis,thefranchiseownersfeelslikeitis agoodfitfortheirclub,wemovetothepilotphase.
Duringthepilotphase,ourcorporateteamworkshand-inhandwiththefranchiseownertobringtheprogramtolife. Wecreateamarketingplan,anoutreachplan,asuggested staffingmodel,andanoperationsplaybook. Justbecauseit isapilotdoesn'tmeanthattheexpectationsforqualityare diminished. PickUpUSAcustomershavehighexpectations forourgyms,andweensurethateveryserviceoffered, evenpilots,isdeliveredinworld-classfashion.
Aftertheplanningphase,whichtypicallylasts4-6weeks, webegintomarketthepilot. Thisiswherethehorsepower ofthebrandcomesin. Wemarketthepilotatthelocal level,butwealsoputmanyofournationalresources behindit. Thisincludescontentcreationfromourin-house marketingteamandourContentProductionManager,as wellaspromotiononournationalsocialmediafeeds.
Aftera3-4weekmarketingpush,thepilotlaunches. A typicalpilotlastsbetween6-8weeks. Attheconclusionof thisperiod,wemeasureresults. Diditmeetthethreshold thatthefranchiseownerinitiallyestablishedtoaddthepilot asapermanentmenuitem? Ifyes,itgetsaddedtothe menu. Ifnot,arethereadjustmentsthatcanbemadeto
improvetheresults. Ifyes,wemakethoserevisionsand continuethepilot. Ifnot,wediscontinuethepilot.
ThisprocessisongoingatPickUpUSAclubsacrossthe country. Successfulpilotsareaddedasmenuitemsatthe clubthatinitiatedtheprogram,andsomearerolledout regionallyandnationally. "Failed"pilotsprovidekeydata pointsforustouseaswelookatfutureinnovations.
Whenspeakingwithourfranchiseowners,oneofthemain typesoffeedbackwegetisthattheylovehowtheyareable toinnovate. WhilePickUpUSAisanestablishedbrand thathasbeenoperatingforoverten-years,weverymuch embracea"start-up"styleculturethatencourages risk-takingandinnovation. OpeningaPickUpUSAisn't "ourwayorthehighway." It'squitetheopposite. When yougothroughourtrainingprogrampriortoopeningyour club,we'regoingtoteachyoutenyears'worthof knowledgethatwe'vebuiltandprovideyouwithtenyears' worthofsystemsthatwe'vedeveloped. Afteryoulaunch, wewantyoutotakewhatyou'velearnedandgotrynew thingsinyourmarket.
Withprovenmenuitems,ourclubownershavethe foundationofabusinesswithnoguesswork. This foundationallowsthemtotrynewservices.
Withadeliberateapproachtoinnovating,coupledwithan entrepreneurialculture,anorganizationcaninnovatewhile stayingtruetothebrand'sprinciples.
Behindeverytrendisacomprehensiveconsumer,
competitor,andmarketstudyinvolved.Foralong time,packagingwasassessedbutnotanymore.The packagingindustrydepictsmanufacturershaverecognized packagingasanimportantbrandingasset.Consumershave onceconsideredpackagingaswasteandhaverealizedthe impactofpackagingontheenvironment.
Theincreasinglandfillduetoplasticpackagingwastehas alarmedeveryoneabouttheenvironmentwehavebeen creating.Manufacturershaveappreciatedpackagingthatis reusableandrecyclable.
Withthechangingtimesandgenerations,itisahuge changingtransitiontocomprehendevolvingscenarios.
Let's have a look at them and learn more about them!
Thechangingscenariooftheenvironmentalimpactof productsisanestablishedphenomenon.Therehasbeena noticeablerevivedinterestinsustainability-focused, specificallyonthepackaging.Thisisreflectedinthecentral
governmentandmunicipalregulations,consumerattitudes, andbrandownervaluescommunicatedwithpackaging.
TheEUhaspioneeredtheareawithitsdrivetowards circulareconomyprinciples.Thereisaparticularfocuson plasticwaste,ashigh-volume,single-useiteminplastic packaginghascomeunderparticularexploration.
Severalnumbersofstrategiesareadvancingtoaddressthis, includingsubstitutingalternativematerials,investinginthe developmentofbio-basedplastics,designingpackstomake iteasiertoprocessinrecycling,andenhancingrecycling andprocessingplasticwaste.
Onaverage,40%offoodproducedworldwideisnoteaten, leadingtominimizingfoodwasteisanotherkeygoalfor policymakers.Itisanareainmodernpackagingtechnology haveamajorimpact.MuchR&Dhasbeenhappeninginthe packagingbarriertechnology,includingtheintegrationof nano-engineeredmaterials.
Theglobalmarketforonlineretailingcontinuestogrow rapidly,drivenbythepenetrationoftheInternetand smartphones.Consumersareincreasinglybuyingmore goodsonline.Itwillcontinuetoincreasethroughthe upcomingelevateddemandforpackagingsolutions,mostin thecorrugatedboardformats.Itcansafelyshipgoods throughmorecomplexdistributionchannels.
Morepeopleareconsumingproductslikefood,beverages, andpharmaceuticalsonthego.Theincreasingdemandfor packagingsolutionsthataremoreconvenientandportable withflexibleplasticssectorisamajorbeneficiary.
Inlinewiththemovetosingle-personliving,more consumersintheyoungeragegroupsaremoreinclinedto goshoppingforgroceriesinmorefrequencyandinsmaller quantities.Thishasdrivengrowthwithinconveniencestore retailingaswellasboosteddemandformoreconvenient andsmallfontsizes.
Consumerstakegreatinterestintheirhealthmatterswhich leadstohealthierlifestyles.Thus,boostingdemandfor packedgoodslikehealthyfoodsandbeveragesalongside non-prescribedmedicinesandnutritionalsupplements.
Generalexpansionintheglobaleconomyisexpectedto continueoverthenextdecadewiththeexpectedgrowth waveintheconsumermarket.However,ingeneral, incomesareexpectedtorisewiththegrowthinconsumer incomeforspendingonpackagedgoods.
Theglobalpopulationwillexpand,especiallyinkey emergingmarketssuchastheonesinIndiaandChina.The rateofurbanizationonlycontinuestogrowandtranslates intoincreasedconsumerincomesforspendingonconsumer goodswhileexposedtomodernretailchannels.Aspiration amongstrengtheningmiddleclasstoengagewithglobal brandsandshoppinghabits.
Thekeyphenomenonof21st-centurylivinghasrisenin severalsingle-personhouseholds,pushingdemandfor goodspackagedinsmallerportionsizesforconveniencefor resealabilityandmicrowavablepackaging.
Over70%ofwrappersgetdisposedinsingle-useplastics thatchokeoceanbedsandstayontheplanetforyearsin landfillsandcontributetocarbongasemissionsthatare foundatthebottomofnumerousofourco-habitants.Thisis whatneedstochange.
Thesolutionisstillinquestion.Atthemoment,sustainable packagingistheneedofthehour.afewareascanfocuson tobuildexcellentsustainablesolutions.Thesecanbe makingbagsthroughsugarcanefibersandencouragingthe useofmoldedfibermoldedproductsacrosstheworld. Moreover,thescopeofinnovationtodevelopingsolutions thatarefriendlytonatureisnoless.
Thechallengesalsoreinforcetheneedforseveral companiestoincreasetheircommitmenttowards responsiblebusinesspracticesandmigratetosolutionsthat aresustainableandcontributetoacleanerandgreener planet.Leveragingcutting-edgetechnologies,majorplayers pioneeringinthepackagingsectorarealreadycreatingecofriendlypackingmaterialsthatarebiodegradableand consequentlyprovidemoresustainablesolutions.
- Shreyasi Shelke
Althoughthepackageisnottheactualproduct,it
doescreateasignificantimpactwhenitcomesto attractingcustomers’attentionandinterests.
And,withbusinessescompetingtogaincustomers’ attentionacrosstheworld,theyneedpackagingpartners thathavelarge-scalecapabilities,maximumsafetyfeatures, andexpertiseincreatinginnovativesolutions.Inadditionto this,entrepreneursalsowanttheirproductpackagingtobe eco-friendlywhilebeingcost-effective.
Onecompanythatexcelsinfacilitatingon-demand innovativepackagingsolutionsisKitePackaging.Itisnot onlythepremiersupplierofpackagingintheUnited Kingdombutalsoofferscustomersbespokesolutions, 2,500onlineproducts,andenvironmentalexpertise.
Itisanemployee-ownedcompanyknowninthemarketfor consistentlyprovidingthemostcost-friendlypackaging solutionstoitscustomers.Sinceitsinception,thepackaging companyhasbeensolvingcomplexchallengesforits clientswhilealsohelpingthemtofulfilltheirenvironmental responsibilitytowardtheplanet.
WehadanopportunitytointerviewKitePackaging’s dynamicManagingPartner,GavinAshe,wherehe discussedthecompany’sspecialtiesandmissionsindetail. Also,hesharedwithusinterestinginsightsaboutthe packagingindustry
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthemost reliablecompaniesinthepackagingindustry.
KitePackagingwassetupin2001asanemployee-owned businesswiththebeliefthatcustomersatisfactionmatters somuchmorewhenyouownthebusiness.That’swhy everyemployeetodatehasbeenencouragedtotakeupa part-ownershipinthecompany.Ourphilosophyon partnershipisourtrueUSP:webelieveemployees, customers,andsuppliersareallpartnersinthebusiness, andwhatbenefitsonewillbenefittherest.
Kindlyenlightenusaboutthevisionandmissionofyour company.
HereatKite,weacceptthatpackagingisanecessity whenmovingaproductfromAtoB,asitprotects thatproductagainstdamage.Ourmissionisto helpourcustomersachievethiswiththe minimumimpactontheenvironment atthelowestcostpossible, offeringdesignsolutionswhere necessary.Fromthevery beginning,wehavefocusedon thetotalcostofpackaging,both tothebusinessandtheenvironment,especiallywithour
customersbecomingincreasinglyawareoftheirresponsibilitiestotheplanet.
Tellusmoreabouttheproductofferingsandcapabilities thatmakeyourcompanystandoutfromthe competition.
Inourfirstyear,Kitestarteditsgraduateprogramme, leadingtooneofourcorecapabilities:weinnovate,and innovationrequiressmart,well-educated,industryexperiencedpeople.Thedepthandcapabilitiesofour packagingexpertsarebyfarthebestintheindustryand haveallowedustodevelopsolutionsforcustomersthat simplydidn’texistbefore.Wedon’tgotocustomersand say,‘showuswhatyou’redoingatthemoment’.Wegoto customersandask,‘whatareyourproblems?’andthenwe helpmakethoseproblemsgoaway
Pleasebriefusaboutyourjourneyintheindustryand howyouhavemadethecompanyexcelinitscompetitive market.
Withstrongrootsinouremployee-ownership culture,wespeakasacollective: Kiteis ateamsport,everyonehasworked hardtogethertomakethe companyexcelandgetit towhereitistoday
Our philosophy on partnership is our true USP: we believe employees, customers, and suppliers are all partners in the business, and what benefits one will benefit the rest.
Pleaseelaborateonyourcustomerservicespractices.
Customersatisfactionmatterssomuchmorewhenyouown thebusiness.EveryoneatKite,fromourforkliftoperators andwarehouseoperativestoourpackagingtechnologists andaccountingteam,believesthatthecustomercomesfirst.
Expandonhowyourcompany’spackagingsolutionsare enablingbusinessestofurthertheirsustainability efforts.
AtKite,wehavealwaysusedtheenvironmentandthe environmentalimpactofourcustomersasacoremetricin ourdecision-makingprocess.Forexample,forthelast twenty-fourmonthswehavebeenrunningaplastic reductioninitiative,fullyauditingallofourkeycustomers andthepackagingtheyhavebeenusing.Thishasallowed ustoreduce,reuse,recycle,andreplaceplasticcomponents, resultingina740-tonnereductioninplasticpackagingfor eighty-twocustomers.
Pleaseshareyouropiniononhowtheadoptionof technologyhasbenefitedthepackagingindustryand howyourcompanyisadaptingtothechange.
Packagingisaverylow-costitembutanecessityformost businesses,withmanyspendinglessthan1%oftheir turnoveronit.Beingacrucialcomponentmakesithighly price-sensitive,meaningthatalthoughnobodyactually wantsit,everybodyneedsitandare,therefore,always lookingtoreduceitscost.
Technologyhasenabledustobecomemoreefficientand lowercostsoverthelastfifteenyearsincomparisontoour competitors.Wehaveinvestedheavilyindevelopingour
ownin-housetechnologies,especiallyinthefieldsof softwareandanalytics,employingovertwelvepeoplein ourITandWebDevelopmentteams,aswellasateamof dataanalysts.Technologyisthekeytobeingabletodoit bettertomorrowthanyoudidittoday
Inyourview,whataretheexistingchallengesinthe packagingindustry?Andhowareyoustrategizingyour company’soperationstotacklethem?
Theexistingchallengesinthepackagingindustryvaryin relationtothemacroeconomicclimate,withsupplybeing themostpreeminentissue.Hopefully,thisisashort-term issuemeasuredinmonthsandyearsratherthandecadesand generations.
Inthelongerterm,webelievethefundamentalissueinour industryisbeingasenvironmentally-friendlyaspossible, reallybringingtotheforetherecyclabilityofpackaging.
Whatwouldyouradvicebetothosebudding entrepreneursandenthusiastsaspiringtoventureinto thepackagingindustry?
Wehavethreesimplecriteriaforanyentrepreneurial initiative:bethefirst,theonly,orthebest.Myadviceto themis,“Ifyoucan,ideally,beallthree.”
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany’soperations andoutreachin2022andbeyond?
AtKite,wehavealwaysinvestedheavilyinourbusiness, whetherthatbeourgraduateprogramme,salestraining academy,geographicalfootprint,logisticsorIT.Thisyear andthenextwillbenodifferent.
Sharewithusyourmajorawardachievementsand recognitions.
Wehavewonmanyawards,butthebiggestisprobably fromEaton,whoweacquiredasourfirstevergroup accountin2005.Outoftheirseventy-thousandworldwide suppliers,weareoneofonlythirty-threetobenominated forandwinoneoftheirawardsattheirannualevent.That’s quiteaprestigiousachievement,andwehavewonnine timestodate.
