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Plastipak Packaging Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, has announced its Direct Object Printing (DOP) patented technology has earned a 2017 Silver Award for Packaging Innovation from DuPont Performance Materials.
In their 29th year, DuPont says the awards are the industry’s longest running, global, independently judged celebration of innovation and collaboration throughout the value chain.
The judges described Plastipak’s DOP capability as, “An outstanding accomplishment in packaging innovation due to excellence in technological advancement.”
DOP is a patented technology for packaging decoration. Using specially developed inks that are fully compatible with closed loop recycling and cured using low energy LED lights, images are directly ink-jet printed onto plastic bottles and containers, eliminating the need for separate labels, liners and adhesives.
Ink-jet printing facilitates variable data printing, meaning that each and every bottle printed can carry a different design without costly plate changes, label stock-holding and downtime associated with label change-overs. There are no minimum print runs for each design.
In practical terms for beverage and other companies, the benefits include rapid label changes for language or regulatory content as well as saving on logistical costs and processes associated with physical labels, all contributing to a package with a lower carbon footprint, according to Plasatipak.
However, the biggest advantage is for marketers, Plastipak says, where DOP’s inherent flexibility and speed-to-market opens up the opportunity for more-targeted, regional and customized campaigns that can revolve around specific events or changing consumer trends.
Speaking about DOP, Lead Judge David Luttenberger says, “Judges for the competition were especially impressed with the degree of vibrancy of the ink on the container. This represents more than a step change in package decoration”.
Jennifer Renner, Plastipak’s business development manager, says, “With the DuPont Packaging Innovations awards being so prestigious, we are delighted with such an amazing result. Being recognized for our innovative package decoration solution is a testament to the talent, creativity and hard work of everyone at Plastipak.
“Awards like this are very important to us, sending out a strong message to our customers that we are a truly inspiring business that can solve challenges and deliver higher levels of industry innovation.”
Plastipak Packaging is a wholly owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings Inc., with European headquarters in Wrexham, U.K. The company designs and manufactures high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage and consumer products industries. Plastipak operates more than 45 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of more than 6,000 employees