Liberty Intercept Blog

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines the concept of waste minimization as follows: the use of source reduction and/or environmentally sound recycling methods prior to energy recovery, treatment, or disposal of wastes.

This paper from Waste Management’s Insight Section called “Manufacturing & Industrial” Waste Minimization” contains a wealth of information on the subject. Because the Intercept Technology packaging material influences many industries and processes, we at Liberty Packaging are required to have knowledge in many areas. Water and water vapor mitigation, corrosion protection, electro-static discharge, insect nesting, mold and mildew, worldwide atmospheres, materials cleanliness, and general packaging concepts are just some of the matters that concern our customers, in addition to waste minimization and reduction.

The following piece is from the Intercept Technology Group international news page:

A Baldor motor manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, US, was recently acquired by ABB. The Baldor facility had a business model that primarily focused domestic distribution. In the past the plant had used a combination of no protection, or traditional preservation wrapping methods because there were few constraints on a relatively short shipping cycle. Given the fact that international shipping takes longer, a more robust packaging solution was needed. With that in mind ABB has standardized its international shipping and has decided to use INTERCEPT Technology™ exclusively.

Today I learned that aseptic milk cartons (invented by Tetra-Pak), which are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration, have long ago overtaken the old-fashioned glass bottle and, as Web Packaging describes it: "As a result, the aseptic carton, which predominates in Europe and Asia, has also made the refrigerated carton an afterthought in most of the world." The importance of this aseptic milk carton cannot be understated, as it allows people in developing countries to have easy, safe, convenient sustenance in the form of milk that keeps for months without refrigeration. We've mentioned here before that packaging can solve the world's hunger problem - this is clearly a step in the right direction.

I had the opportunity to hear the vice president of a major computer company speak about reliability and the tactics they use to achieve increased product reliability.  Because human nature strives to keep things the same and views change as uncomfortable, he emphasized that the change process was long and arduous. This VP was brought in like the new sheriff arriving in Dodge City. It was apparent he had complete executive support to change this company’s operation and design systems; in doing so he would enact a change in its culture. It worked famously. Their return has been extraordinary; they achieved tremendous increases in product reliability which led to lowered cost of goods on every level of the corporation and a stronger reputation amongst their customers.

Choosing good packaging can save manufacturers of equipment, metals, machinery, electronics, parts, optics, and other items time, space, labor expense, reworks, waste, and money. And it can increase quality and reliability. Good packaging can be the difference between disposing of your entire product before the end of its expected life, or installing a few well protected replacement parts and enjoying the use of your product for its full life. Properly packaged small parts or large machinery can sit on shelf or even in outdoor storage for months or years until needed. If I'm being honest (to quote Simon Cowell) isn't it really all about money?

When choosing packaging materials to wrap industrial items, a manufacturer must decide what the chosen packaging material does for them. Treat this packing materials choice like any other purchase for the business or home - what benefits will you receive from the product and will it provide the value you anticipate.