Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN December 2003

Product Update

Folding Cartons

A company offers individual folding cartons for bottles, blister packs, sample kits, and point-of-purchase displays. Printing on substrates can be done in type sizes ranging from 8 to 24 point. The company’s web press allows for rotary in-line die-cutting, eliminating the need for off-line die-cutting and stripping, which results in cost savings. Services include UV Flexo printing in up to nine colors, back printing, aqueous and UV coating options, and blister cards with in-line coating. Arlington Press Inc., Brooklyn, NY; 718/486-7474; www. arlingtonpress.com. 

Printkote C1S

A paperboard is suitable for pharmaceutical cartons. It runs consistently on press, in filling lines, and in all high-speed converting operations. The gloss surface of the coated side results in good print quality and reproduction. The smooth uncoated side offers good backside printability. For converters, Printkote is suitable for production techniques, such as scoring, folding, creasing, foil stamping, embossing, and die-cutting. A wide range of calipers allows customers to use the same product for both packaging and promotional materials. MeadWestvaco Healthcare Packaging, Mebane, NC; 919/304-0316; www.meadwestvaco.com. 

Plastic Cartons

A company produces clear plastic cartons to differentiate new products and attract consumer attention. A proprietary process called SoftCrease is used to erase rigid plastic film’s penchant for returning to its original flat shape. The company created a decorative, eight-color carton for GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare’s Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste. The carton held its folded shape without stiff score lines and ran on filling lines at high speeds in enough volume to support the company’s national marketing effort. AGI/Klearfold, Warrington, PA; 877/918-3023; pat.mcgee@agiklearfold.com. 

Plastic Cartons

Clear plastic cartons allow consumers to see the contents they are buying. Customers can choose from hanging-style cartons or ones that sit on a shelf. No tooling changes are incurred, and the one-piece design means lower assembly costs. All products use the company’s proprietary creasing technology to ensure an easy fold and can be made in a variety of shapes. Boxes can be made in wall thicknesses from 0.22 to 0.60 mm to accommodate a wide variety of applications. Materials include PET, polypropylene, and PVC. Visipak, Arnold, MO; 800/797-7886; www.visipak.com. 

Zip-Sert

A company offers custom folding cartons with offset or flexographic printing. The Zip-Sert cartons simplify packaging operations and solve insert placement problems. Inventory is reduced by incorporating cartons and inserts into one unit. Manual and automatic placement of inserts on production lines is eliminated. The window feature allows for verification and certification of the insert in the carton. The zipper feature allows for easy access to important product information. Cartons can be customized around current sizes to avoid additional packaging equipment costs. Colbert Packaging Corp., Lake Forest, IL; 847/367-5990; www.colbertpkg.com.   

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