header

Packaging Services: What is ISO 9001 2008 and Why Is It Important? (Part 3 of 3)

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

This is the final part in a three part series on packaging services. For part one, click here

As an international quality standard, ISO 9001 is an important requirement for packaging services.  ISO stands for “International Organization for Standardization.”  The organization promotes international trade through a single set of quality standards.  Adopted by thousands of companies around the world, ISO 9001 controls quality, saves money and provides competitive advantages.

The Importance of ISO 9001 2008 Compliance for Packaging Services

ISO 9001 has an international focus and is supported by standards bodies in more than 150 countries.  This accounts for its widespread appeal among packaging services companies.  For customers requiring international quality standards, ISO 9001 confirms compliance.

In addition, the ISO 9001 standard is important because of its emphasis on policies, procedures, records, technologies, resources and structures.  Although employee attitudes and management motivational programs have a place, they can’t accomplish world-class quality standards alone.

Quality is not solely the result of motivated workers who have good attitudes.  These characteristics must be added to an established quality management system.  The ISO 9001 standard recognizes the overall system and confirms comprehensive quality standards for packaging services.

For additional information on packaging services, contact Flexpak Corp today.

Posted in Packing Design | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Packaging Services: What is ISO 9001 2008 and Why Is It Important? (Part 2 of 3)

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

This is part two in a three part series. For part one, click here.

As an international quality standard, ISO 9001 is an important requirement for packaging services.  ISO stands for “International Organization for Standardization.”  The organization promotes international trade through a single set of quality standards.  Adopted by thousands of companies around the world, ISO 9001 controls quality, saves money and provides competitive advantages.

How Packaging Services Companies Develop Quality Management Systems

In general, packaging firms can take two approaches to developing a quality management system.  They can perform a gap analysis or develop a detailed plan for a quality management system.

A gap analysis is a good approach if a company already has a quality management system in place.  In this case, an organization can compare what currently exists to the ISO 9001.  Any missing features, or “gaps,” are noted and a plan can be developed.  The plan should detail the steps necessary to achieve ISO 9001 compliance and fill in the missing features.

This approach helps packaging services firms improve their overall quality management systems.  Plus, they receive all the benefits associated with ISO 9001 compliance.

However, if a company does not have a quality management system in place and has to start from scratch, the ISO 9001 standard offers a development plan.  Following the plan will assist a packaging services company in developing and implementing a quality management system, or QMS.  After implementation, a company can conduct an internal audit of its QMS to verify compliance with the ISO 9001 2008 standards.

When the organization’s QMS is fully compliant, it can request a registrar or certification body to conduct an independent, objective audit.  If the auditors confirm compliance with ISO’s requirements, the company is certified as meeting the ISO 9001 2008 standard.

In part three of this series we will discuss the importance of ISO 9001 2008 compliance for packaging services.  For more information on packaging services, contact Flexpak today.

Posted in Packing Design | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Packaging Services: What is ISO 9001 2008 and Why Is It Important? (Part 1 of 3)

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

As an international quality management standard, ISO 9001 is an important requirement for packaging services.  As a popular quality standard adopted by thousands of companies around the world, ISO 9001 controls quality, saves money and provides competitive advantages.  The standard helps companies of all types and sizes gain recognition and respect through exceptional quality practices.

ISO stands for “International Organization for Standardization.”  The organization’s purpose is to promote international trade through a single set of quality standards.

Packaging services can use ISO 9001 standards in developing a quality management system.  The standards provide a way for packaging companies to control quality.  Any quality improvement can result in cost savings and better products.  And, these two benefits create a better positioned and competitive organization.

In addition, customers of packaging services may require vendors meet quality standards confirmed by the ISO 9001 designation.  The ISO 9001 standard also helps organizations comply with government regulations.

In part two of this series we will discuss how packaging services companies develop quality management systems. For more information on packaging services, contact Flexpak today.

 

Posted in Packing Design | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Custom Packaging Solutions Company, Flexpak Corporation, Celebrates the Naturalization of Employee, Veronica Silva

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

A custom packaging solutions company for the medical, food, electronics and retail industries, Flexpak Corporation is very pleased to announce Veronica Silva recently took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in a formal naturalization ceremony. Veronica joins Flexpak’s three other naturalized employees Lourdes Padilla, Dora Villegas, and Anabel Duran.

Flexpak honored Veronica at a citizenship party at its Phoenix, Arizona manufacturing facility. In becoming a naturalized citizen, a person agrees to accept all of the responsibilities of being a citizen, including supporting the United States, its Constitution, and its laws. In return, he or she is rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of citizenship.

Flexpak Corporation places a high value on its relationships with its employees. Flexpak founder and Chairman of the Board, Donald Bond believes ensuring Flexpak’s longevity involves building relationships with employees, customers and suppliers by cultivating a culture of honesty, fairness, reason and doing the right thing.

“We committed ourselves to make our company last by implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 1988,” Mr. Bond said, “As of 2010, employees own just a little more than 50 percent of the company. My goal is to get 100 percent employee ownership,” he said. “ESOP is a great way to maintain ownership longevity of the company.”

Flexpak established an IRS-qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 1988. As of 2010, employees owned more than 50 percent of the company. Flexpak believes employee ownership enhances individual engagement in the business and maintains a goal of 100 percent employee ownership.

About Flexpak Corporation
Since 1974, Flexpak Corporation has earned its world class reputation supplying custom thermoforming and contract packaging solutions to the most challenging packaging problems through award winning designs, value engineering analysis and outstanding productivity. Flexpak is committed to the highest standard of excellence in our products, services and performance.
Flexpak Corporation operates a fully integrated and registered ISO 9001:2008 manufacturing facility with such value-added services as design engineering, concept development, prototyping, tool fabrication, humidity and temperature controlled manufacturing environment, statistical analysis capabilities, part validations, and supply chain management, including extensive Maquiladora experience.

For more information about custom thermoforming and packaging solutions, please visithttp://www.flexpakcorp.com/.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Material Handling Trays: The Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Packaging (Page 3 of 3)

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

 

This is a final part in a three part series on material handling trays. For part one, click here.

Material handling trays are produced using a variety of materials, including molded pulp, expanded polystyrene and thermoformed plastic.  Comparing major characteristics, thermoformed plastic provides the most benefits over the other two material types.  These trays are used in diverse applications and provide numerous benefits, including durability, reusability, efficiency and cost savings.

Thermoformed plastic is the preferred handling tray material for numerous reasons, some of which include the following:

  • Efficient.  Since thermoformed plastic material handling trays can be stacked on top of each other, they save storage space.  Also, the ability to nest inside one another reduces restocking labor within the supply chain. Plus, these trays are lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Economical.  Because plastic material trays can be reused, they benefit companies economically.  In addition, thermoformed plastic materials are easily recycled and therefore these material handling trays produce much less production waste.  The lightweight nature of the material reduces transportation costs when compared to wood or other heavier materials.

Thermoformed plastic material handling trays are the packaging option of choice for many applications. Compared to other materials, thermoformed plastic provides a better end product that offers more advantages. Regardless of the application, thermoformed plastic material handling trays are designed for moving products in the most efficient and protected way possible.

For additional information on material handling trays, contact Flexpak Corp today.

Posted in Material Handling Trays | Leave a comment

Material Handling Trays: The Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Packaging (Part 2 of 3)

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

This is part two in a three part series on material handling trays. For part one, click here.

Material handling trays are produced using a variety of materials, including molded pulp, expanded polystyrene and thermoformed plastic. Comparing major characteristics, thermoformed plastic provides the most benefits over the other two material types. These trays are used in diverse applications and provide numerous benefits, including durability, reusability, efficiency and cost savings.

  • Medical glass bottle transport.  Plastic trays protect sensitive packaging during transport.  The trays are designed so the specific product can snap into place and be held firmly to prevent damage while moving.
  • Production line fixtures.  These trays are designed to be integrated within the production process.  When production is completed, the trays become part of the final packaging protection and display.

Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Material Handling Trays

Thermoformed plastic is the preferred handling tray material for numerous reasons, some of which include the following:

  • Durable.  The plastics used during production create an end packaging product that provides exceptional chemical resistance.  In addition, these trays are crack resistance, provide good rigidity and are strong enough to tolerate high impacts.
  • Reusable.  Along with durability, these trays are easy to clean so they can be reused efficiently in the packaging process.  Reusability positively impacts competitiveness as material handling trays can serve multiple purposes, including assembly fixtures, transport trays or packaging.

For more information on material handling trays you can continue reading the blog or contact Flexpak today.

Posted in Material Handling Trays | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Material Handling Trays: The Benefits of Thermoformed Plastic Packaging (Part 1 of 3)

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

Material handling trays are produced using a variety of materials, including molded pulp, expanded polystyrene and thermoformed plastic.  Comparing major characteristics, thermoformed plastic provides the most benefits over the other two material types.

Custom thermoforming refers to the manufacturing process of heating and molding plastic materials into packaging solutions.  Material handing trays are used in diverse applications in a variety of industries, especially electronics and medical.  In general, these trays can be manufactured in either disposal or reusable packaging.  Some of these applications include:

  • Robotic processes.  Robotic assembly has made huge inroads in manufacturing processes. When companies use automated handing equipment during production, they require trays and pallets designed to precise specifications.

For example, when large volumes of products move through the production process, robotic systems place them in packaging trays.  This automation requires each product to be placed in the material handling trays in exactly the same position per the specifications.  The products must remain in a fixed position and not move while traveling from one location to another.

  • Protective shipping dunnage.  Dunnage refers to the packing that helps to enclose freight during shipment.  Its purpose is to prevent damage during transport.  In the past, lumber was typically used to protect freight shipments.  However, today’s thermoformed plastics provide superior part protection, cost savings and storage efficiencies.

In part two of this series we will continue to discuss the benefits of thermoformed plastic packaging. Fore more information on material handling trays, contact Flexpak Corp. 

Posted in Material Handling Trays | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Packaging Design: Key Requirements in the Thermoformed Package Development Process (Part 3 of 3)

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

This is the final installment in a three part series on packaging design. Click to read part one, or part two.

Throughout the packaging design process, customer input is vital to meeting requirements.  This input should be part of a formal process that’s established and communicated before your project begins.

For example, you should provide feedback and approvals at these points in the package development:

  • Start of project – An initial conference with your packaging contractor is important to clarify your project’s goals.  The team needs to make sure to understand the success factors involved.  For example, what’s notable about your marketplace?  What purpose will the end product serve?  What purpose does the package have to serve?  Does the package require special features?  Does the design have any material constraints?
  • Concept validation – Once your packaging design team has a thorough understanding of your project requirements, success factors and constraints, you need to see a packaging concept.  The team should create and deliver a virtual, 3-D design concept.
  • Prototype – After you approve the packaging concept, your packaging design team moves to developing a prototype.  Based on the virtual concept design, the team develops prototypes of your packaging parts so you can verify form, fit and function.
  • Fabrication – With a prototype approved, your design team creates and fabricates production mold tooling.
  • Production – At this point, you will approve the first article part.

Your success depends on the quality of your vendors’ work.  Therefore, you must evaluate potential packaging design firms carefully and completely.  To develop a true partnership, look for a packaging contractor who has verifiable expertise and uses the most advanced technologies.

Equally important, select a packaging firm who values communication and has formal processes established for your input throughout project development. Contact Flexpak today about our thermoforming total packaging solutions!

Posted in Packing Design, Thermoforming & Packaging Solutions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Packaging Design: Key Requirements in the Thermoformed Package Development Process (Part 2 of 3)

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

This is part two of a three part series on packaging design. To read part one, click here.

Solid communication is the basis to any packaging project’s success. Members of the packaging team must be accessible when you need them.  The marketplace has become crowded and exceptionally competitive.

Your product needs packaging that will position your product in the best way possible.  And, you need to get your product to market as fast as possible.  You will have a difficult time accomplishing these feats if you don’t have a synergistic relationship with your packaging contractor.

Communication between the customer and the packaging design team’s members must be easy, instant and direct, regardless of location.  It’s important your packaging contractor has experience working with remote and multiple locations.  Your vendor should be able to exhibit a formal communication process during your selection evaluation.

The process should indicate how and when communication will take place.  Important items to define include:

  1. Who will be the contacts at your packaging vendor for the different aspects of your project?
  2. How do you reach each of these contacts and can you expect them to be available when you need them?
  3. What are the preferred methods of communication for each project phase?  For example, when will electronic communications be used?  When will on-site visits be required?

Advances in technology can help produce better products in less time and at reduced costs.  Evaluate your packaging design contractor’s facilities and production equipment.  Do they use the latest technology throughout the design process?  Do they keep abreast of industry changes and improvements in technology?

To find out more about Flexpak’s packaging solutions, you may contact us or continue reading our blog for more great information on product packaging and design!

Posted in Consumer Packaging, Packing Design, Thermoforming & Packaging Solutions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Packaging Design: Key Requirements in the Thermoformed Package Development Process (Part 1 of 3)

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Flexpak Corporation

The goal with any packaging design project is to deliver a creative, cost-effective solution that meets all customer requirements.  To do that a thermoformed packaging contractor must perfect its development process.  Key requirements in the process include team expertise, solid two-way communication, advanced computer technology and defined phases for customer input. In this part, we will look at team expertise.

Team Expertise

The most important evaluation criterion when selecting a packaging design contractor is the qualification of the team.   What is the team’s expertise level?  Can you substantiate its expertise?  Have they won any awards?

You also need to know about experience as it relates to products like yours within your industry.  If you’re a medical products manufacturer, for example, does your prospective packaging vendor have direct experience in your market?

Most companies operate in very competitive marketplaces.  To make sure you have every edge possible, you need to have partners working with you who can help you succeed.  A well-qualified packaging team will meet the most demanding production requirements.

In fact, an experienced team will carefully analyze your requirements by considering the following criteria:

  • Product positioning in the marketplace
  • Type of presentation desired
  • Method of delivery to the end-user customer
  • Aesthetic qualities
  • Perceived value
  • Level of visibility required
  • Level of protection required

In part two, we will take a look at two-way communication during the product packaging process. For more information on custom thermoforming continue to read our blog, or you may contact us today!

Posted in Consumer Packaging, Thermoforming & Packaging Solutions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment