Inpack Global Ltd. manufactures an array of shipping and logistics reusable packing solutions.  Its most recent product launch is the “MSC”, the Multi-Stage Case, made of eco-friendly TPS-P recyclable plastic. It is a patented product with numerous features designed to aid in efficient supply chain management. The reusable “smart” pallet/crate packing system has interchangeable parts, an embedded RFID chip, and is collapsible, lightweight, heavy duty, and stackable (scalable to product), with multi-color variations for product differentiation.

“We are a fairly new company, and we joined the RPA to gain the benefits of networking with other members and staying up to date on the latest trends in our industry,” said Brian Chang,  CEO, Inpack USA. “We also hope to contribute to the push toward the use of more eco-friendly and sustainable packaging worldwide. This is a very important issue that affects not only our industry, but the environment as well.”

“The benefits of using reusables in the supply chain cross all geographic boundaries,” added Jerry Welcome, President, Reusable Packaging Association. “Businesses benefit from the cost and efficiency savings, and the environment gains from the reduced waste stream that is generated by expendable packaging.”

Inpack Global will join 31 other exhibitors in the RPA Learning Center at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013. The RPA Learning Center will include manufacturers, material suppliers, providers of washing and other specialty equipment, and poolers and service providers of reusable packaging systems and solutions, creating a one-stop resource for show attendees to get complete information about reusables. In addition, the RPA will host numerous educational sessions within the Learning Center to help attendees learn how to effectively implement reusables and model best practices.

About the RPA

The Reusable Packaging Association is a collaborative effort between manufacturers, poolers, distributors, retailers and educators to promote the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of reusable packaging. The RPA serves as the collective voice of the industry and uses its knowledge of the members’ products and services to advance the adoption of reusable packaging and systems throughout the supply chain.  The RPA is focused on promoting the expansion of reusables as the preferred packaging solution across supply chains in all industries. For more information, visit http://www.reusables.org or call (703) 224‑8284.

Media contact:
Jerry Welcome
1100 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 1010
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone: 703–224-8284 Fax: 703–243-5612
Email: info@reusables.org
Web Site: www.reusables.org

Elkhart, IN, May 20, 2013: Worldwide Foam, Ltd. has opened two branch locations for
manufacturing crosslinked polyethylene foam in Ontario, California and Lithia Springs,
Georgia. Both locations have a skiver and are already taking orders with an average two
day lead time from all four of the company’s locations.

“We are appreciative that we have been so well received  and are excited to serve the
southeast and west even faster than before,” said John Petrofsky of Worldwide Foam,
Ltd.

Worldwide Foam, Ltd. does business on a global and local scale with quality cosslinked polyethylene raw material. Worldwide Foam is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company.

To locate the nearest branch near you, contact info@worldwidefoam.com for further details.

###

For further information contact Worldwide Foam, Ltd. at 574–968-8268 or email info@worldwidefoam.com.

Oconomowoc, Wis. – May 7, 2013 ORBIS Corporation, a manufacturer of sustainable reusable packaging and an expert in supply chain optimization, has introduced the all-plastic 1420mm x 1120mm Beverage Pallet, a pallet designed for optimum conveyance of a wide variety of plastic and metal containers for the Asian beverage industry.

As the Asian carbonated soft drinks market grows, there is a rising demand for pallets that accommodate the overall supply chain concerns—from truck space to cleanliness. ORBIS’ 1420mm x 1120mm Beverage Pallet is a lightweight, durable and impact resistant pallet that is dimensionally consistent and compatible with many palletizers, depalletizers, automatic strapping/banding systems and conveyers, as well as the market’s existing pallet offerings.

The 1420mm x 1120mm Beverage Pallet is injection foam molded in high-density polyethylene or polypropylene plastic. Its flow-through rib design offers exceptional cleanability and is compatible with various pallet-washing systems. Featuring a 12-block design, larger wall sections and double wall, it achieves significantly higher impact resistance to reduce the risk of pallet damage, especially from fork tines.

Combined with ORBIS divider sheets and top frames, the 1420mm x 1120mm Beverage Pallet provides maximum product protection and load stability for unitized loads, creating a more efficient shipping system for companies serving in the Asian soft drink marketplace. The full 1420mm x 1120mm system of plastic pallets, frames and divider sheets are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their service life.

“We are excited to offer this pallet as a solution to our customers in the Asian beverage industry who desire the very best when they’re looking for a highly hygienic and durable pallet to ensure food safety,” said Chris Shepard, product manager – Beverage Pallets, ORBIS Corporation.

Additional benefits include:

• Improved pallet integrity, field repairable if necessary
• Features chambered base runners for improved hand truck access
• Full fork truck and hand truck access, with open pallet base
• Easier to track with configured RFID tags and bar codes
• Greater load stability, with anti-slip deck grommets
• Optional food grade material available

About ORBIS Corporation

ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze its customers’ systems, design a solution and execute a reusable packaging program for longer-term cost savings and sustainability. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS also helps customers reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, the 3rd oldest family owned manufacturing company in the United States. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS tracks and measure our own resource utilization to continuously conserve natural resources and reduce waste. For more information, please visitwww.orbiscorporation.com, www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-corporation,www.facebook.com/ORBISCorporation, or www.youtube.com/orbiscorp.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Samantha Goetz
ORBIS Corporation
262–560-5364
samantha.goetz@orbiscorporation.com

Heather Markovich
For ORBIS Corporation
414–299-3965
hmarkovich@corecreative.com

Located in Greenville, SC and founded in 2000, Black Forest Container Systems is one of the leading distributors in North America of closed loop custom equipment and multi-trip stainless steel packaging systems.

“We became a member of the RPA to join with other experts in the field to promote reusable packaging benefits. Reusable containers are cost efficient and significantly impact the bottom line,” said Jeff Balck, co-owner of BFCS. “In addition, reusable, multi-trip containers are good for both our customers and the environment.”

“Our expertise and experience in multi-trip packaging systems have been our commitment to the environment, our customers, and the industries we serve for over 13 years,” added Tom Leftwich, co-owner of BFCS. “Informing and teaching about the benefits of reusable containers has made us what we are today.”

About Black Forest Container Systems

Black Forest’s product offerings include stainless steel containers, aseptic and non-aseptic bag in box packaging, intermediate bulk containers, mini-bulks, totes, ASME pressure vessels, process tanks, storage tanks, flasks, bottles, fermenters, wine equipment, and process drums. In addition, Black Forest Resources, LLC the sister company of BFCS, offers a container leasing program. The rental fleet consists of high quality intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s), totes, portable tanks, mini-bulks  and small volume chemical and general purpose containers for the agriculture, chemical, cosmetic, food, industrial and pharmaceutical and wine industries. To learn more about Black Forest Container Systems, LLC call 864–386-7414 or visit www.blackforestmktg.com.

About the RPA Reusable Packaging Pavilion at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, the RPA and its members exhibit in the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, a one-stop resource for show attendees to get complete information about reusables, whether they are just starting with implementation or they want to evolve their supply chains further to gain more efficiencies and cost savings.

The exhibitors include manufacturers, material suppliers, providers of washing and other specialty equipment, and poolers and service providers of reusable packaging systems and solutions. This year, the RPA Pavilion will be in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center with nearly 12,000 square feet dedicated exclusively to RPA member products and services.

About the RPA
The Reusable Packaging Association is a collaborative effort between manufacturers, poolers, distributors, retailers and educators to promote the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of reusable packaging. The RPA serves as the collective voice of the industry and uses its knowledge of the members’ products and services to advance the adoption of reusable packaging and systems throughout the supply chain.  The RPA is focused on promoting the expansion of reusables as the preferred packaging solution across supply chains in all industries. For more information, visit http://www.reusables.org or call (703) 224‑8284.

Media contact:

Jerry Welcome
1100 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 1010
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone: 703–224-8284 Fax: 703–243-5612
Email: info@reusables.org

Web Site: www.reusables.org

Most recently, Buckhorn donated attached lid and straight wall containers to Ride 2 Recovery (R2R), a program for the mental and physical rehabilitation of our nations Healing Heroes. The containers were used to store and organize individual bike parts for the group.

R2R supports Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and VA locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome obstacles they face. Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons: 1. Cycling is an activity in which almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate. 2. Participation in the Ride 2 Recovery Program helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process.

“Ride 2 Recovery would like to thank Buckhorn Inc for their generous donation to our program,” said Scott Moro, National Director of Engineering and Equipment. “With the containers we are able to inventory, store, stack and travel with all of the gear we use for our Healing Heroes knowing that the containers are not going to break, deform or slide around and will last a really long time and look great.”

Earlier this year, Buckhorn also donated attached lid containers to Operation Gratitude. The totes were used to stage an assembly line, which helped organize volunteers who sent care packages for active & retired military members and their families over the Martin Luther King Weekend of Service in January.

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. service members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to veterans, first responders, wounded warriors and their care givers. For more information on both of these fantastic organizations, visit www.ride2recovery.com and www.operationgratitude.com.

About Buckhorn
Buckhorn, a Myers Industries, Inc. company (NYSE: MYE), is one of North America’s leading providers of reusable plastic packaging systems, helping customers in the manufacturing, distribution and food industries improve supply chain performance and reduce material handling costs. Focused on customer-driven innovation, Buckhorn offers a broad selection of bulk boxes, hand-held containers, intermediate bulk containers, pallets and specialty boxes. Call (800) 543‑4454 or visit www.buckhorninc.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Toni Soale, Marketing Communications Specialist
Phone: 1–800-543‑4454, ext. 3249
E-Mail: tsoale@buckhorninc.com

Arlington, VA — April 30, 2013

“The strongest submissions in 2012 detailed measurable outcomes that resulted from the application of reusable products and services,” said Jerry Welcome, President of the RPA. “Last year, we had a nice array of submissions from different markets and also from companies outside the US. We strongly encourage end users and suppliers from all industries to enter the competition.”

The deadline for submissions is Aug. 21, 2013. Eligible companies must have participated in the reusable packaging industry as of September 1, 2012. Companies will be judged on the quantifiable environmental and economic benefits of their reusable packaging solutions and services. Herman Miller Inc. won the award in 2012 for its reusable packaging initiative that is saving the company $46,000 annually in material and labor. You can read their winning case study at http://reusables.org/rpa-case-studies

Submission forms are available here RPAAwardSubFormAlt. The award is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Reusable Packaging Machinery Institute (PMMI) and StopWaste.Org. The winner of the award will be announced during PACK EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas.

For more information contact Jerry Welcome (jwelcome@reusables.org) or call (703) 224‑8284.

RPA Editor: Tell us about your background in the reusable market.

Pence: I’ve held several positions during my 15 years with CHEP. I’ve worked in operations, production, global sourcing, consulting, and strategy. Right now, I’m director of the retail supply chain. I work with customers to help them improve how their reusable assets get through the supply chain. This is a major focus of CHEP: helping customers improve the performance of their assets to create greater efficiencies.

RPA Editor: Describe CHEP’s services.

Pence: CHEP is a global leader in managed, returnable and reusable packaging solutions, serving many of the world’s largest companies in sectors such as consumer goods, fresh produce, beverage and automotive. Its customer portfolio includes many of the world’s largest supply chains. Grocery, drug store, and food service companies use our services for fast-moving consumer goods, primarily from manufacturing to distribution.

RPA Editor: Describe some of the challenges you see that impede companies from implementing reusable packaging.

Pence: Given our global footprint, CHEP sees the issue resonating in many places around the world and in many industries: a company must be willing to execute and then maintain a reusable program. Whether it is a breakfast restaurant chain in Canada, a brewer’s association in Japan, or a provider of laundry detergent in the US, the challenge is the same. If you lose focus on your program, then you have performance issues. Reusables can save money, but they require a system and that requires a commitment.

RPA Editor: What makes a program successful?

Pence: A successful program is when everyone in the end-to-end supply chain – everyone who touches that reusable — realizes it is an asset, understands its value, and handles it appropriately. A lot of companies still don’t view reusables as assets in the same way as they view raw materials or the end product. One $5 pallet expense might not seem like a lot, but if you look at what the retailer spends collectively on pallets, it can add up to a lot of money. And many pallets are more in the range of $5-$20. Companies need to understand that, individually, a reusable asset might have low value, but if you lose them, the cost adds up to a high-value impact.

RPA Editor:  How do you get a company to understand the value of a reusable?

Pence: It is really about culture and awareness. We should educate companies, and they should educate their supply chain so that people understand the value of their reusable assets. A well-designed pallet can deliver substantial savings in product protection or transportation. A company needs to demonstrate that value and savings to its supply chain so that people understand the pallet’s value.

RPA Editor:  What are the key changes you see happening in the reusable marketplace in the near future?

Pence: End-to-end supply chain optimization is becoming more possible with improved visibility. There is more collaboration amongst trading partners as we look for new ways to create value and reduce costs. Sustainability and safety are being added to the cost benefit analysis, and that’s a good thing. Also, the global economy is still driving companies to look harder for more efficiencies; that is leading some to consider reusables.

RPA Editor: CHEP is a regular exhibitor in the RPA Reusable Packaging Pavilion at PACK EXPO. How does your company benefit by being part of the Pavilion?

Pence: We definitely get more traffic than when we exhibited outside of the Pavilion. Having a concentration of companies supporting the theme of reusables draws more traffic.

RPA Editor: Tell us about your personal involvement with the RPA.

Pence: I am the Chair of the Industry Relations Committee and am a member of the RPA Board. The role of the committee is to look for opportunities to work with associations, like the collaboration with PMMI at PACK EXPO.  I’ve liked being involved with the RPA because it helps CHEP build relationships with customers and potential vendors. We are a pooler, not a manufacturer, so it is beneficial to us to hear about potential new products and stay more in touch with our customers and the market.

RPA Editor:  Is there a particular industry challenge or issue that you would like the RPA to address?

Pence: Yes, I’d like to see the Association be more vocal about promoting the responsible use of reusable assets and asset productivity. A main reason that customers stop using reusable containers is because of the cost of losing them. We need to help the market implement better strategies and programs to protect their assets.

Also, I think the RPA needs to facilitate the setting of standards in order to expand the potential for reusables. The first one is to standardize the footprint of reusables. Standards would help lower the cost because of the economies of scale; custom pallets and crates increase costs. Setting a standard would require consensus among the major users of these assets, and the RPA could lead that effort.

RPA Editor:  Is there anything else you would like to share with the RPA membership?

Pence: I’m pleased to see that membership continues to grow in number and in diversity. The concept of reusables is really an old one, but it has been gaining momentum. It needed a voice like the RPA.

You can reach Lane at lane.pence@chep.com  Phone: 513–445-2357

ORBIS attached-lid containers have transformed modern distribution systems for more than 25 years. The FP143 continues the tradition of innovation with a design that works in many automation systems in today’s supply chains. The reusable plastic attached-lid container takes the place of corrugated shipping boxes for long-term reduction in packaging costs, a durability that means greater overall operational efficiency and space savings.

Like all FliPak containers, the FP143 stacks when full and nests when empty for a more efficient use of available space. In addition, it features a highly efficient nest ratio, reducing the need for additional transportation expenses – helping companies keep their environmental impact at a minimum.

Designed and engineered to provide superior user efficiency, the FP143:

• Minimizes automated system downtime – With a new optional tab on the lid that snaps easily into place to keep the lid closed on conveyors and automated systems
• Reduces transportation costs – With a highly efficient nest ratio, more empty containers can be shipped per trip in a standard 53’ trailer
• Improves load handling with the ability to band across the length or width of the container
• Cuts labor costs by eliminating the mess and work time associated with the setup or disposal of corrugated shipping boxes and the waste they generate

“The FP143 is an example of how ORBIS utilizes design and engineering to deliver benefits at every step of the process for our customers, while keeping the environment top-of-mind,” says Andrea Nottestad, marketing manager for ORBIS Corporation. “In addition to its built-in efficiencies as a stackable, reusable plastic tote, we’ve added a simple yet ultimately effective snap as an option to keep lids closed without the need for extra materials such as tape or cable ties so it doesn’t open or jam on conveyors.”

Additional benefits of the FP143 include:

• Hinge improvements minimize snags and safety hazards
• Textured areas on the long and short sides, for easy label removal
• Lid design that transfers weight to the base of the container, supporting high weight loads
• Dual color options – the ability to select separate lid and base colors
• Security holes that work well with ties, fastener plugs, etc.
• Increased truckload quantity – 1,200 more totes per 53’ truck than alternative totes
• Straight handle for improved interface with automation

With an extended service life of up to 250 trips, these containers add efficiencies with a return on investment in six to 18 months (length of service life and payback time depends on specific application).

“Our goal is to help companies move their products more efficiently, more cost-effectively, and with a reusable container that will give them a significantly reduced payback period. This container helps us do just that,” says Nottestad.

About ORBIS Corporation

ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze its customers’ systems, design a solution and execute a reusable packaging program for longer-term cost savings and sustainability. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS also helps customers reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, the 3rd oldest family owned business in the United States. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS tracks and measure our own resource utilization to continuously conserve natural resources and reduce waste. For more information, please visit www.orbiscorporation.com, www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-corporation, www.facebook.com/ORBISCorporation, or www.youtube.com/orbiscorp.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Samantha Goetz
ORBIS Corporation
262–560-5364
samantha.goetz@orbiscorporation.com

Heather Markovich
For ORBIS Corporation
414–299-3965
hmarkovich@corecreative.com

According to an ongoing study by POPAI, Point of Purchase Advertising International, over three-quarters (76%) of shoppers make their purchasing decisions in-store (2012). Furthermore, the study notes, the single greatest factor in that decision making process is in-store marketing at the point of purchase.

With this trend in mind, the following hypothesis was investigated by the research partnership: A unique secondary package design with on-message, brand building color and graphics can lift brand awareness and increase purchase intent when integrated into in-store marketing campaigns.

The study pitted a standard reusable soft drink shell or crate against a new proprietary reusable crate manufactured for the study, one that exactly matched the bottle label and which included a multi-color logo of a major US beverage producer.

Testing was conducted using state-of-the-art eye tracking hardware and the CUshopTM, a full immersion consumer retail experience laboratory. Data captured from 89 study participants indicates a strong preference for the product display incorporating the new branded reusable crate.

Statistical analysis demonstrates a 47 percent increase in eye fixations on the branded display and an increase in fixation duration of 34 percent, a measure of how long consumers looked at the display. The conclusion is that packaging presentation influences customer response. To read the complete Rehrig Pacific white paper, click here.