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Printpack was founded in 1956 by Erskine Love, Jr., in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Learn more about our history and how Printpack has grown to be an industry leader in flexible and specialty rigid packaging.
Our CEO is Jimmy Love.
You can reach us at (404) 460–7000.
Printpack has 3,200 team members.
Printpack is always looking for passionate problem solvers to join our team. Check out our Careers section to learn more about current opportunities.
Click here to learn about the latest Printpack news, insights and updates.
Printpack is proud to be family-owned and operated, now three generations strong. Our entrepreneurial spirit keeps us nimble—able to pivot, seize new opportunities and deliver way beyond the expected in packaging.
At Printpack, we keep investing in three key areas to deliver more for our customers: our equipment, our people and our community. Investing in the latest printing technology and materials helps us innovate and keep running faster, stronger and better. We invest heavily in our people through training and education initiatives to ensure we are collectively providing the best expertise and service. And we invest in our community through our sustainability and charitable practices and partnerships.
Our mission is to deliver a customer experience superior to the competition by delivering impactful insights, services and products at a rapid pace. We will build an unparalleled understanding of our customers and their business.
Giving back to our communities is a big part of who we are. That’s why we work tirelessly with charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association and United Way to make life better for everyday citizens. Learn more about our community projects and initiatives here.
Printpack operates 17 plants throughout the United States and Mexico. Learn more about our locations here.
We have manufacturing plants in Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, Delaware, Virginia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Learn more about each plant here.
Printpack Packaging Institute is an immersive, on-site training experience for technical, marketing, and purchasing professionals who want to learn a solid foundation of flexible and thermoformed rigid packaging. Our industry-recognized subject matter experts lead interactive sessions that cover key areas of the packaging process. The sessions have consistently received high marks from our customers since their inaugural debut in 2007. All Printpack customers are welcome to attend. Printpack covers all program costs, while participants are responsible for their travel and lodging. For more information, contact your sales representative or email info@printpack.com.
To learn more about the latest Printpack news, insights and updates, visit our news page and follow us on social media. You can also check out our Events Calendar to learn about upcoming tradeshows and events where Printpack will be exhibiting.
At Printpack, we keep innovating by never settling. We continue to train our people, develop strategic partnerships and stay on top of market trends and consumer behaviors to identify whitespace opportunities in packaging. Printpack continues to push boundaries in packaging by researching new materials, formats and technologies to maximize efficiencies and minimize costs. Every project starts with a collaborative ideation phase during which we generate ideas and visual concepts backed by consumer and market insights. These concepts then go through comprehensive consumer testing, sustainability assessments, material trials and technical development before the product’s final iteration and launch. Learn how Printpack approaches packaging innovation here.
Printpack is vertically integrated to produce innovative solutions in every area of flexible and specialty rigid packaging. From flexography and digital printing to value-added packaging options, we offer a total solution approach. Learn more about how we can push your packaging potential by clicking on a link below: Digital Printing Enhancement Options Flexible Packaging Graphics and Prepress Sterilizable Packaging Rigid Containers Viscopack
We don’t strive to necessarily be the biggest, just the best at what we do. That includes providing the best experience across every customer touchpoint. We focus on doing things right the first time, then come up with ways to do them even better the next time. Learn more about the Printpack difference here.
Your material can run on a Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine, a Horizontal Filling Machine, a Pouch Filling Machine, or liquid filling machinery. There are newer machines on the market that are versatile and can run a wide array of formats including pouches and quad seal. If you need help optimizing your machines, Printpack Field Service reps are here for you to perform machine reconnaissance and performance enhancements.
Yes, we can give you a short list of quality machinery companies to help start your evaluation.
Digital printing is a great fit when you want to evaluate new products and packaging for e-commerce. Our customers are having success launching new e-commerce items to help them test and learn what works in the marketplace. They are also launching e-commerce-only products that have unique graphics and pack sizes to drive brand growth. As a member of Amazon’s Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), Printpack offers packaging design services to CPG companies and other product manufacturers interested in reducing their e-commerce costs.
Printpack proudly serves a number of markets in the food industry, as well as those in household supplies, lawn and garden, personal care, sterilizable packaging and more. Learn more about all of our food and non-food markets here.
Printpack takes a standardized approach to delivering consistent and predictable print results. We use the latest hardware and software technologies to perform and report both visual and numeric evaluations of established color standards. The key to success is solid communication and collaboration at the start of every project, so everyone is aligned on your brand equity objectives. Our technical experts in color management, prepress and printing work tirelessly to match image quality perfectly and consistently the first time. Then we work hard to maintain color consistency throughout every step of the process.
Quality is non-negotiable for Printpack and sets us apart in the industry. We enforce the highest quality standards in our culture—and we demand the same throughout our supply chain: zero defects, zero excuses. That’s why we focus so strongly on maintaining strong partnerships to continually improve and strengthen our quality assurance systems. We use rigorous problem-solving methodologies and strong countermeasures to identify and eliminate root causes and prevent recurrences. We also invest heavily in the right technology, as well as educating and training our quality team members. Additionally, Printpack maintains the highest quality certifications in food safety schemes.
X-ccelerator is Printpack’s Customer Self-Service Platform, designed to provide real-time visibility and insight into your packaging supply chain. With X-ccelerator, our customers have direct access to business-critical information such as shipment tracking, production order status, live inventory updates, complete order histories and more.
To request access to X-ccelerator, contact your Printpack Sales Representative or Customer Demand Analyst. They will provide you with a brief training and demo session.
Printpack Packaging Institute is an immersive, on-site training experience for technical, marketing, and purchasing professionals who want to learn a solid foundation of flexible and thermoformed rigid packaging. Our industry-recognized subject matter experts lead interactive sessions that cover key areas of the packaging process. The sessions have consistently received high marks from our customers since their inaugural debut in 2007. All Printpack customers are welcome to attend. Printpack covers all program costs, while participants are responsible for their travel and lodging. For more information, contact your sales representative or email info@printpack.com
VMI is a fully integrated approach to order planning and inventory management, designed to simplify processes and optimize customer service. As your strategic VMI partner, we can leverage your forecast, order and inventory data to more efficiently manage order fulfillment and dynamically adjust inventories in response to customer demand. The benefits include shorter lead times, lower inventory exposure, more on-time delivery and overall cost savings. Printpack’s approach to VMI is unique in our industry. We take customer-focused VMI to new levels by leveraging real-time data visibility from our X-ccelerator Customer Self-Service Platform and critical forecasting insights from our Forecast Analytics Platform.
Yes. In addition to the daily forecasting models that serve as the foundation of our Planning and VMI programs, Printpack also offers customers critical supply chain insights through our Forecast Analytics Platform. This platform focuses on eliminating two key supply chain risks: Stock Outs and Obsolescence. By analyzing your current and historical demand data against your actual usage information, our Forecast Analytics Platform measures the accuracy and volatility of the forecast over time and at the SKU level. It then reveals risk factors based on historical performance compared to forward-looking forecasts. These analytics can be used for ongoing demand signal monitoring, flagging at-risk items, ad-hock analysis and portfolio-level trends and insights.
Different print processes transfer images to printing surfaces in different ways. Think of flexography (or flexo for short) printing like using a stamp. Ink is applied to rubber printing plates (one for each color) that have elevated sections to form the image being printed. The plates are attached to cylinders that are rolled over the printed surface. An image is produced with every cylinder revolution. Rotogravure (or Gravure or Roto for short) printing relies on engraved, individual cylinders to produce the printed image. The image is etched into the metal plate, which is then bathed in ink, wiped clean and ready for application. With Digital Printing, a digital image is transferred to the printing surface by applying ink or toner directly to the printing surface (no need for individual plates or cylinders). Flexography and rotogravure printing are typically used for medium to larger order volumes, while Digital Printing is best for low volume, quick turnaround projects or jobs with customized graphics.
With Dry offset printing, the image is transferred from a plate to the rubber blanket of an offset press and then to the printing surface in one pass. There is no need to wet the plate with water prior to ink transfer. The colors are sequentially added to the rubber blanket as it rotates past each head.
We do not. Check out a complete list of our value-added packaging enhancement options.
Company Where and when was Printpack founded? Printpack was founded in 1956 by Erskine Love, Jr., in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Learn more about our history and how Printpack has grown to be an industry leader in flexible and specialty rigid packaging. Who is Printpack’s CEO? Our CEO is Jimmy Love. What is Printpack’s business number? You can reach us at (404) 460–7000. How many employees do you have? Printpack has 3,200 team members. How can I learn more about a job with Printpack? Printpack is always looking for passionate problem solvers to join our team. Check out our Careers section to learn more about current opportunities. Where can I find your press releases? Click here to learn about the latest Printpack news, insights and updates. Is Printpack publicly traded? Printpack is proud to be family-owned and operated, now three generations strong. Our entrepreneurial spirit keeps us nimble—able to pivot, seize new opportunities and deliver way beyond the expected in packaging. How does Printpack reinvest in its business? At Printpack, we keep investing in three key areas to deliver more for our customers: our equipment, our people and our community. Investing in the latest printing technology and materials helps us innovate and keep running faster, stronger and better. We invest heavily in our people through training and education initiatives to ensure we are collectively providing the best expertise and service. And we invest in our community through our sustainability and charitable practices and partnerships. What is your Mission Statement? Our mission is to deliver a customer experience superior to the competition by delivering impactful insights, services and products at a rapid pace. We will build an unparalleled understanding of our customers and their business. How is Printpack involved in local communities? Giving back to our communities is a big part of who we are. That’s why we work tirelessly with charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association and United Way to make life better for everyday citizens. Learn more about our community projects and initiatives here. How many locations does Printpack have? Printpack operates 17 plants throughout the United States and Mexico. Learn more about our locations here. Where are your plants located? We have manufacturing plants in Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, Delaware, Virginia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Learn more about each plant here. What is the Printpack Packaging Institute? Printpack Packaging Institute is an immersive, on-site training experience for technical, marketing, and purchasing professionals who want to learn a solid foundation of flexible and thermoformed rigid packaging. Our industry-recognized subject matter experts lead interactive sessions that cover key areas of the packaging process. The sessions have consistently received high marks from our customers since their inaugural debut in 2007. All Printpack customers are welcome to attend. Printpack covers all program costs, while participants are responsible for their travel and lodging. For more information, contact your sales representative or email info@printpack.com. How can I stay informed about what’s happening with Printpack? To learn more about the latest Printpack news, insights and updates, visit our news page and follow us on social media. You can also check out our Events Calendar to learn about upcoming tradeshows and events where Printpack will be exhibiting. How does Printpack stay innovative in packaging? At Printpack, we keep innovating by never settling. We continue to train our people, develop strategic partnerships and stay on top of market trends and consumer behaviors to identify whitespace opportunities in packaging. Printpack continues to push boundaries in packaging by researching new materials, formats and technologies to maximize efficiencies and minimize costs. Every project starts with a collaborative ideation phase during which we generate ideas and visual concepts backed by consumer and market insights. These concepts then go through comprehensive consumer testing, sustainability assessments, material trials and technical development before the product’s final iteration and launch. Learn how Printpack approaches packaging innovation here. Capabilities What capabilities does Printpack offer? Printpack is vertically integrated to produce innovative solutions in every area of flexible and specialty rigid packaging. From flexography and digital printing to value-added packaging options, we offer a total solution approach. Learn more about how we can push your packaging potential by clicking on a link below: Digital Printing Enhancement Options Flexible Packaging Graphics and Prepress Healthcare Packaging Rigid Containers Viscopack Why Printpack over the other large packaging converters? We don’t strive to necessarily be the biggest, just the best at what we do. That includes providing the best experience across every customer touchpoint. We focus on doing things right the first time, then come up with ways to do them even better the next time. Learn more about the Printpack difference here. What machines run your material? Your material can run on a Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine, a Horizontal Filling Machine, a Pouch Filling Machine, or liquid filling machinery. There are newer machines on the market that are versatile and can run a wide array of formats including pouches and quad seal. If you need help optimizing your machines, Printpack Field Service reps are here for you to perform machine reconnaissance and performance enhancements. Can you make OEM recommendations if I am looking for automation? Yes, we can give you a short list of quality machinery companies to help start your evaluation. What success are you having with e-commerce packaging? Digital printing is a great fit when you want to evaluate new products and packaging for e-commerce. Our customers are having success launching new e-commerce items to help them test and learn what works in the marketplace. They are also launching e-commerce-only products that have unique graphics and pack sizes to drive brand growth. As a member of Amazon’s Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), Printpack offers packaging design services to CPG companies and other product manufacturers interested in reducing their e-commerce costs. What markets do you serve? Printpack proudly serves a number of markets in the food industry, as well as those in household supplies, lawn and garden, personal care and more. Learn more about all of our food and non-food markets here. How does Printpack ensure brand consistency across all packaging collateral? Printpack takes a standardized approach to delivering consistent and predictable print results. We use the latest hardware and software technologies to perform and report both visual and numeric evaluations of established color standards. The key to success is solid communication and collaboration at the start of every project, so everyone is aligned on your brand equity objectives. Our technical experts in color management, prepress and printing work tirelessly to match image quality perfectly and consistently the first time. Then we work hard to maintain color consistency throughout every step of the process. How does Printpack maintain a quality product? Quality is non-negotiable for Printpack and sets us apart in the industry. We enforce the highest quality standards in our culture—and we demand the same throughout our supply chain: zero defects, zero excuses. That’s why we focus so strongly on maintaining strong partnerships to continually improve and strengthen our quality assurance systems. We use rigorous problem-solving methodologies and strong countermeasures to identify and eliminate root causes and prevent recurrences. We also invest heavily in the right technology, as well as educating and training our quality team members. Additionally, Printpack maintains the highest quality certifications in food safety schemes. Customer Service What is your X-ccelerator customer portal? X-ccelerator is Printpack’s Customer Self-Service Platform, designed to provide real-time visibility and insight into your packaging supply chain. With X-ccelerator, our customers have direct access to business-critical information such as shipment tracking, production order status, live inventory updates, complete order histories and more. How do I access your X-ccelerator customer portal? To request access to X-ccelerator, contact your Printpack Sales Representative or Customer Demand Analyst. They will provide you with a brief training and demo session. What is the Printpack Packaging Institute? Printpack Packaging Institute is an immersive, on-site training experience for technical, marketing, and purchasing professionals who want to learn a solid foundation of flexible and thermoformed rigid packaging. Our industry-recognized subject matter experts lead interactive sessions that cover key areas of the packaging process. The sessions have consistently received high marks from our customers since their inaugural debut in 2007. All Printpack customers are welcome to attend. Printpack covers all program costs, while participants are responsible for their travel and lodging. For more information, contact your sales representative or email info@printpack.com What is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and how does it work? VMI is a fully integrated approach to order planning and inventory management, designed to simplify processes and optimize customer service. As your strategic VMI partner, we can leverage your forecast, order and inventory data to more efficiently manage order fulfillment and dynamically adjust inventories in response to customer demand. The benefits include shorter lead times, lower inventory exposure, more on-time delivery and overall cost savings. Printpack’s approach to VMI is unique in our industry. We take customer-focused VMI to new levels by leveraging real-time data visibility from our X-ccelerator Customer Self-Service Platform and critical forecasting insights from our Forecast Analytics Platform. Do you have forecasting tools to help me plan my business? Yes. In addition to the daily forecasting models that serve as the foundation of our Planning and VMI programs, Printpack also offers customers critical supply chain insights through our Forecast Analytics Platform. This platform focuses on eliminating two key supply chain risks: Stock Outs and Obsolescence. By analyzing your current and historical demand data against your actual usage information, our Forecast Analytics Platform measures the accuracy and volatility of the forecast over time and at the SKU level. It then reveals risk factors based on historical performance compared to forward-looking forecasts. These analytics can be used for ongoing demand signal monitoring, flagging at-risk items, ad-hock analysis and portfolio-level trends and insights. Services What services does Printpack offer to help navigate the packaging landscape and identify the best overall solution for me? Printpack offers the following services around packaging awareness and exploration: Launchpad Innovation Process Our packaging experts will partner with your brand team to bring new packaging concepts to life—from ideation through production testing and commercialization. Sustainability Consultations Our dedicated Sustainability Team will strategize with you to implement packaging materials, structures and formats that help you meet your unique business challenges and environmental targets. Market Insights We use the latest consumer, retail and distribution insights to help develop customized packaging solutions that support your brand strategy and business goals. Click here to learn more about all Printpack services. What services does Printpack offer to help me bring my new packaging to market quickly and effectively? Printpack offers the following commercialization and onboarding services: Customer Onboarding Experience Our newly rebuilt Customer Onboarding Experience provides a simple, flexible approach to scaling your business. With real-time visibility into your project dashboard, you’ll learn how to jumpstart a new packaging project more efficiently and deliver it to market seamlessly. Analytical Lab Take advantage of our full-service, state-of-the-art product testing lab. It’s both a pilot facility equipped with converting and packing machinery in addition to a full-service machine shop. Graphics Services Our team of experts offers a full suite of graphics and other prepress services for packaging, including photography, barcode creation and design consulting. We use proprietary extended gamut printing technology to ensure the highest quality color fidelity and resolution. Click here to learn more about all Printpack services. What services does Printpack offer to ensure my supply chain runs efficiently and transparently at all times? Printpack offers the following daily operations services: X-ccelerator Self-Service Platform Enjoy real-time access to all your business-critical information, including order status and shipment tracking, inventory status and item portfolio information through our new customer self-service portal. Order Planning and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Minimize costs and maximize supply chain efficiencies by partnering with Printpack to manage your inventory. We customize our operations to your business needs to maintain optimal stock levels and reorder points 24/7/365. Forecast Analytics Platform Effective supply chain management starts with a reliable demand forecast. Through our proprietary platform, Printpack leverages data from our VMI systems to anticipate potential issues and eliminate stock outs and obsolescence—so you can make informed decisions across your packaging portfolio. Field Technical Service Enjoy on-demand access to Printpack’s Technical Services Team. Receive regularly scheduled and rapid response visits to help you get the most out of your packaging equipment. Continuous Excellence Count on our Continuous Excellence Program for a comprehensive review of packaging product design, order operations processes, supply chain strategy and more. Together, we’ll target opportunities that keep you running leaner and smarter. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Integration By electronically integrating our system with yours, we can eliminate redundant transactions and errors and give you quicker, more strategic visibility into the data that powers your supply chain. Key benefits include quicker response times, enhanced workflows and better end customer service. Click here to learn more about all Printpack services. Sustainability How is Printpack involved in sustainability? Sustainability is a big part of our business strategy. We focus on where we can have the biggest impact and have set high ambitions in those areas. It starts with our company Purpose—to preserve and enhance people’s lives—and continues with our customer’s sustainability initiatives. We know brands in all categories are being increasingly challenged to use packaging and processes that reduce emissions, minimize waste and consume fewer natural resources. We help brands do this by advancing our Purpose as it relates to sustainability through the four Ps: People, Plants, Products and Partnership. Printpack is committed through 2022 to achieving the following: Reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by 20% Improving recycling in all plants from 80% to 85% Reducing the energy intensity factor per ton production by 10% Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) by 10% Reducing the intensity factor for hazardous waste generated by production by 10% Reducing the intensity factor for water usage by 15% Additionally, Printpack also participates in and sponsors active programs that help address waste issues in our local communities (i.e. Hefty Energy Bag program in Cobb County, GA). For more information about or Sustainability efforts, click here. Do you offer sustainable solutions? Yes. Printpack offers and develops sustainable platform solutions that address our customer needs while supporting 2025 and 2030 corporate sustainability goals. We focus on both flexible and rigid platforms such as recyclable plastics, maximized post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and the use of non-virgin materials, renewable content, industrial and home compostable, and paper recyclable. Our Beginning of Life Packaging includes a portfolio of sustainable structures that use renewable, bio-based, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Middle of Life Packaging focuses on maximizing packaging design opportunities for greenhouse gas and source reduction. And our Next Life Packaging is focused on optimizing areas that close the loop such as recycling and compostable. Additionally, our innovative new Preserve™ line of sustainability packaging offers a portfolio of eco-friendly solutions that help customers reduce their carbon footprint through less water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. What sustainability organizations are you affiliated with? Printpack has partnered with several non-governmental organizations to broaden our expertise in sustainability practices and close the loop together. Sustainability is also a key theme in our customer education events. Some of the organizations we work with include: The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) How2Recyle® (H2R) More Recycling American Chemistry Council (ACC) The Plastics Industry Association Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) Keep Cobb Beautiful Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) Ameripen Compost Manufacturing Alliance Ocean Plastics Leadership Network Does Printpack offer sustainability certification for packaging? Printpack does not certify packaging for sustainability compliance. Instead, we work with respected third-party certification groups such as How2Recycle, BPI, USDA BioPreferred and others to help our customers obtain these trusted labels of sustainability practices. How is sustainability with Printpack different? At Printpack, we design packaging with the end in mind, because one good thing leads to another. That means minimizing our footprint at every stage in the packaging lifecycle with innovative ideas and solutions. We identify opportunities to improve packaging at the beginning of life, middle of life and into the next life. To ensure we’re on top of all our customer sustainability challenges and commitments, we also have a full-time, dedicated team of industry experts who lead the development of sustainability platforms across all Printpack markets. Why should the term “biodegradable” be used with caution? Although we fully support compostable packaging options (in particular, those that have undergone a certified standardized test), we do not endorse the use of oxodegradable or “biodegradable” solutions. Why? Evidence has shown that even with oxodegradable additives, there is an increased risk of fugitive microplastics making their way into the environment. Finally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not support the claim “biodegradable” since there are no defined test methods or certification standards for this claim. Will my package be recyclable? What classifies my package as recyclable? Printpack will collaborate with you to develop a package that can be classified as recyclable. Our team of experts will walk you through the process every step of the way. A recyclable package must meet several criteria. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates package claims of recyclability, a product can only be marked as recyclable if it “can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from a waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item.” Marketers can also make unqualified recyclable claims if a “substantial majority” (at least 60 percent) of people who buy the product can recycle it—in other words, if there are enough recycling facilities in the area where the product is sold. With flexible packaging, currently only polyethylene has the recycling infrastructure to meet all the criteria outlined by the FTC. Your package must also comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Association of Plastic Recyclers before it can be part of Store Drop-Off Program, which allows certain plastic bags, wraps and films to be taken to local retail stores and dropped off for recycling. For flexible paper packaging, robust infrastructure is in place for paper recycling via curbside bins. The packaging must comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Western Michigan University standard (or equivalent) for OCC/SBS recycling to be safely recycled in the paper stream. For rigid packaging, many structures are already recyclable. Printpack can collaborate with you to transition to a recyclable solution if your current package is not recyclable. You should also know that all Printpack film has already been pre-qualified, so there are no hiccups when you go through the certification process. For more information, check out the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides for the use of environmental marketing claims. Will my package be compostable? Printpack will work with you to develop a packaging solution that is third-party certified as compostable. In what ways are flexible packages sustainable? Compared to other packaging formats, flexible and specialty rigid packaging offers a number of sustainability benefits along every step of the product life cycle. These benefits include: Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions, water usage, food waste, packaging, and materials to landfill More resource efficiencies, reduced storage and transportation footprints and better product-to-packaging ratios How do I add the H2R logo on my package? What classifies my package as H2R recyclable? How do consumers recycle? The “How2Recycle” label can only be issued directly to brands for individual packaging by How2Recycle itself. However, Printpack can help you get your packaging approved by How2Recycle through our prequalified structures. We are also familiar with the guidelines for The Association of Plastic Recyclers and Western Michigan University for Paper. Printpack produces recyclable packaging in many different formats, applications and markets. New to Packaging What is the difference between flexography, rotogravure, and digital printing? Different print processes transfer images to printing surfaces in different ways. Think of flexography (or flexo for short) printing like using a stamp. Ink is applied to rubber printing plates (one for each color) that have elevated sections to form the image being printed. The plates are attached to cylinders that are rolled over the printed surface. An image is produced with every cylinder revolution. Rotogravure (or Gravure or Roto for short) printing relies on engraved, individual cylinders to produce the printed image. The image is etched into the metal plate, which is then bathed in ink, wiped clean and ready for application. With Digital Printing, a digital image is transferred to the printing surface by applying ink or toner directly to the printing surface (no need for individual plates or cylinders). Flexography and rotogravure printing are typically used for medium to larger order volumes, while Digital Printing is best for low volume, quick turnaround projects or jobs with customized graphics. What is Dry offset printing? (rigid) With Dry offset printing, the image is transferred from a plate to the rubber blanket of an offset press and then to the printing surface in one pass. There is no need to wet the plate with water prior to ink transfer. The colors are sequentially added to the rubber blanket as it rotates past each head. Do you make boxes, clamshells, folding cartons? We do not. Check out a complete list of our value-added packaging enhancement options. Will my package be recyclable? What classifies my package as recyclable? Printpack will collaborate with you to develop a package that can be classified as recyclable. Our team of experts will walk you through the process every step of the way. A recyclable package must meet several criteria. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates package claims of recyclability, a product can only be marked as recyclable if it “can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from a waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item.” Marketers can also make unqualified recyclable claims if a “substantial majority” (at least 60 percent) of people who buy the product can recycle it—in other words, if there are enough recycling facilities in the area where the product is sold. With flexible packaging, currently only polyethylene has the recycling infrastructure to meet all the criteria outlined by the FTC. Your package must also comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Association of Plastic Recyclers before it can be part of Store Drop-Off Program, which allows certain plastic bags, wraps and films to be taken to local retail stores and dropped off for recycling. For flexible paper packaging, robust infrastructure is in place for paper recycling via curbside bins. The packaging must comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Western Michigan University standard (or equivalent) for OCC/SBS recycling to be safely recycled in the paper stream. For rigid packaging, many structures are already recyclable. Printpack can collaborate with you to transition to a recyclable solution if your current package is not recyclable. You should also know that all Printpack film has already been pre-qualified, so there are no hiccups when you go through the certification process. For more information, check out the Federal Trade Commission Green Guides for the use of environmental marketing claims.
Printpack will collaborate with you to develop a packaging solution that is third-party certified as compostable.
Compared to other packaging formats, flexible and specialty rigid packaging offers a number of sustainability benefits along every step of the product life cycle. These benefits include: Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions, water usage, food waste, packaging, and materials to landfill; as well as More resource efficiencies, reduced storage and transportation footprints and better product-to-packaging ratios
To get a price quote, please reach out to your Printpack Sales Associate, or complete this contact form.
While we don’t actually produce the package design, Printpack can absolutely collaborate with you and your design agency on the best and most personalized design solutions for your product. We approach every project as unique and want your product to look as good as you do. That’s why we stay on top of design trends so we can recommend the best course of action. Learn more about our Graphics and Prepress capabilities here.
Yes. Printpack has an internal team dedicated to optimizing your packaging graphics. We combine our vast industry expertise with the latest prepress technologies to help you with the entire graphics development process.
The “How2Recycle” label can only be issued directly to brands for individual packaging by How2Recycle itself. However, Printpack can help you get your packaging approved by How2Recycle through our prequalified structures. We are also familiar with the guidelines for The Association of Plastic Recyclers and Western Michigan University for Paper. Printpack produces recyclable packaging in many different formats, applications and markets.
For convenience, use our handy Conversion Calculator.
Printpack Packaging Institute is an immersive, on-site training experience for technical, marketing, and purchasing professionals who want to a solid foundation of flexible and thermoformed rigid packaging. Our industry-recognized subject matter experts lead interactive sessions that cover key areas of packaging processes. The sessions have consistently received high marks from our customers since our inaugural debut in 2007. All Printpack customers are welcome to attend. Printpack covers all program costs, while participants are responsible for their travel and lodging. For more information, contact your sales representative or email info@printpack.com.
If you’re an existing Printpack customer, please contact your Printpack Account Manager. New customers, get started today here.
We do not require a minimum order quantity and can run as little as one impression to support customer projects. Digital printing is a particularly cost-effective approach for new product launches, events, local promotions and sales samples. Being able to order the exact quantity you need also reduces the expense of obsolete inventories. Contact your Printpack Account Manager for guidance on the best fit for your digital project.
Speed to market is a big benefit of digital printing. Once we have approved art, the lead-time for digital is typically two weeks for rollstock. Read more about the Printpack digital difference here.
Yes. We can digitally print sales samples on commercial films with full graphics for either digital or conventional printing.
Yes. Printpack can produce registered coatings including cold seal and matte OPV for that matte/glossy look. Coatings are registered to the graphics.
To get started, contact your Printpack Account Manager. Some things we’ll want to know include: Are you using a separator or providing your own graphics? Are you working with a designer? Do you have a die line? Additionally, take a look at Printpack’s digital art requirements.
Digital printing is an effective, inexpensive way to test and iterate new packaging materials or graphics to ensure the right products make it to market. You can order precise quantities for consumer testing, new product launches and/or sales samples. Quantities can scale as new products scale. Learn more about how you can push your potential with Printpack digital printing here.
The Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of the information and technology assets used by our customers, associates, service providers and other third parties are critically important. Printpack Senior Leaders and Management are committed to Information Security. The company employs a team of dedicated and trained security professionals to manage and reduce the risk of unauthorized information access, use, disclosure, and disruption to operations.
Printpack’s Information Security Program is aligned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and best practices.
Yes. In addition to security policies, Printpack has administrative, physical, and technical controls in place.
Software Asset Management Identity Access Management System Architecture Contract Reviews and Vendor Management Security Administration and Operations Training and Awareness Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Printpack has a roadmap based on industry best practices and feedback from third-party assessments. This roadmap defines security initiatives and directions for the company.
Yes. Printpack conducts phishing campaigns, role-based training, and sends out security related emails and newsletters.
Yes. Printpack routinely conducts penetration tests and vulnerability scans. These tests are performed by both internal and external resources.
Yes. Printpack has a Cybersecurity Incident Response team governed by a formal Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan.
Manufacturing, like many other industries, is beset with cybersecurity attacks. Most publicly are ransomware attacks which could have significant impact on supply chains. As there is no single defense that completely mitigates the risk of ransomware in any environment, Printpack employs numerous layered defenses to reduce our exposure. These include: Security Awareness – educates our users to detect and defend against business email compromise such as phishing. End Point Protection – next-generation anti-virus, a vendor managed service to enable around the clock monitoring and response to cyber threats. Data Backups and Recovery – ensures critical data redundancies and availability to minimize supply chain disruptions. Privilege Access Management – focuses on role-based access and the Least Privilege principle to reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to privileged accounts and credentials that could provide a fast track to the company’s most critical systems and sensitive data. Vulnerability Management – uses threat intelligence and knowledge of IT and business operations to prioritize risks and address vulnerabilities as quickly as possible.
All Printpack production facilities are certified to either ISO 13485 or ISO 9001.
Printpack Medical is active in many organizations that serve our market and customers, including ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), IoPP MDPTC (Institute of Packaging Professionals Medical Device Packaging Techncial Committee) and FPA SPMC Flexible Packaging Association Sterile Packaging Manufacturer's Council). We actively seek to learn and share knowledge that makes our industry better, and supports our mission to create packaging that saves lives.
Yes, all three medical packaging Tyvek™ grades, 2FS, 1059B and 1073B are used by Printpack. We print our customer's graphics on Tyvek, we slit Tyvek™ to custom widths, and we use Tyvek™ in our premade packages, like peelable pouches and breathable header bags.
Yes, all Printpack Medical and Healthcare packaging meets the requirements of ISO 11607 and ISO 10993. Our product development engineers can share supporting documention, including physical properties of materials and pre-made packages, stability studies, and biocompatiblity test results - to support your own qualification requirements.
Printpack Medical business specifically has capabilitiy and equipment to print (flexographic, rotogravure or digital), make breathable sterilization bags, peelable pouches and forming films. We make premade packaging not just for medical devices but also for the life sciences industry. By partnering with our sister Printpack food and industrial packaging divisions, we bring cross industry expertise and creativity to healthcare packaging.
Printpack offers the following services around packaging awareness and exploration: Launchpad Innovation Process Our packaging experts will partner with your brand team to bring new packaging concepts to life—from ideation through production testing and commercialization. Sustainability Consultations Our dedicated Sustainability Team will strategize with you to implement packaging materials, structures and formats that help you meet your unique business challenges and environmental targets. Market Insights We use the latest consumer, retail and distribution insights to help develop customized packaging solutions that support your brand strategy and business goals.
Printpack offers the following commercialization and onboarding services: Customer Onboarding Experience Our newly rebuilt Customer Onboarding Experience provides a simple, flexible approach to scaling your business. With real-time visibility into your project dashboard, you’ll learn how to jumpstart a new packaging project more efficiently and deliver it to market seamlessly. Analytical Lab Take advantage of our full-service, state-of-the-art product testing lab. It’s both a pilot facility equipped with converting and packing machinery in addition to a full-service machine shop. Graphics Services Our team of experts offers a full suite of graphics and other prepress services for packaging, including photography, barcode creation and design consulting. We use proprietary extended gamut printing technology to ensure the highest quality color fidelity and resolution.
Printpack offers the following daily operations services: X-ccelerator Self-Service Platform Enjoy real-time access to all your business-critical information, including order status and shipment tracking, inventory status and item portfolio information through our new customer self-service portal. Order Planning and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Minimize costs and maximize supply chain efficiencies by partnering with Printpack to manage your inventory. We customize our operations to your business needs to maintain optimal stock levels and reorder points 24/7/365. Forecast Analytics Platform Effective supply chain management starts with a reliable demand forecast. Through our proprietary platform, Printpack leverages data from our VMI systems to anticipate potential issues and eliminate stock outs and obsolescence—so you can make informed decisions across your packaging portfolio. Field Technical Service Enjoy on-demand access to Printpack’s Technical Services Team. Receive regularly scheduled and rapid response visits to help you get the most out of your packaging equipment. Continuous Excellence Count on our Continuous Excellence Program for a comprehensive review of packaging product design, order operations processes, supply chain strategy and more. Together, we’ll target opportunities that keep you running leaner and smarter. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Integration By electronically integrating our system with yours, we can eliminate redundant transactions and errors and give you quicker, more strategic visibility into the data that powers your supply chain. Key benefits include quicker response times, enhanced workflows and better end customer service.
Sustainability is a big part of our business strategy. We focus on where we can have the biggest impact and have set high ambitions in those areas. It starts with our company Purpose—to preserve and enhance people’s lives—and continues with our customer’s sustainability initiatives. We know brands in all categories are being increasingly challenged to use packaging and processes that reduce emissions, minimize waste and consume fewer natural resources. We help brands do this by advancing our Purpose as it relates to sustainability through the four Ps: People, Plants, Products and Partnership. Printpack is committed through 2022 to achieving the following: Reducing the amount of waste going to landfill by 20% Improving recycling in all plants from 80% to 85% Reducing the energy intensity factor per ton production by 10% Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) by 10% Reducing the intensity factor for hazardous waste generated by production by 10% Reducing the intensity factor for water usage by 15% Additionally, Printpack also participates in and sponsors active programs that help address waste issues in our local communities (i.e. Hefty Energy Bag program in Cobb County, GA).
Yes. Printpack offers and develops sustainable platform solutions that address our customer needs while supporting 2025 and 2030 corporate sustainability goals. We focus on both flexible and rigid platforms such as recyclable plastics, maximized post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and the use of non-virgin materials, renewable content, industrial and home compostable, and paper recyclable. Our Beginning of Life Packaging includes a portfolio of sustainable structures that use renewable, bio-based, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Middle of Life Packaging focuses on maximizing packaging design opportunities for greenhouse gas and source reduction. And our Next Life Packaging is focused on optimizing areas that close the loop such as recycling and compostable. Additionally, our innovative new Preserve™ line of sustainability packaging offers a portfolio of eco-friendly solutions that help customers reduce their carbon footprint through less water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Printpack has partnered with several non-governmental organizations to broaden our expertise in sustainability practices and close the loop together. Sustainability is also a key theme in our customer education events. Some of the organizations we work with include: The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) How2Recyle® (H2R) More Recycling American Chemistry Council (ACC) The Plastics Industry Association Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) Keep Cobb Beautiful Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) Ameripen Compost Manufacturing Alliance Ocean Plastics Leadership Network
Printpack does not certify packaging for sustainability compliance. Instead, we work with respected third-party certification groups such as How2Recycle, BPI, USDA BioPreferred and others to help our customers obtain these trusted labels of sustainability practices.
At Printpack, we design packaging with the end in mind, because one good thing leads to another. That means minimizing our footprint at every stage in the packaging lifecycle with innovative ideas and solutions. We identify opportunities to improve packaging at the beginning of life, middle of life and into the next life. To ensure we’re on top of all our customer sustainability challenges and commitments, we also have a full-time, dedicated team of industry experts who lead the development of sustainability platforms across all Printpack markets.
Although we fully support compostable packaging options (in particular, those that have undergone a certified standardized test), we do not endorse the use of oxodegradable or “biodegradable” solutions. Why? Evidence has shown that even with oxodegradable additives, there is an increased risk of fugitive microplastics making their way into the environment. Finally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not support the claim “biodegradable” since there are no defined test methods or certification standards for this claim.
Printpack will collaborate with you to develop a package that can be classified as recyclable. Our team of experts will walk you through the process every step of the way. A recyclable package must meet several criteria. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates package claims of recyclability, a product can only be marked as recyclable if it “can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from a waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item.” Marketers can also make unqualified recyclable claims if a “substantial majority” (at least 60 percent) of people who buy the product can recycle it—in other words, if there are enough recycling facilities in the area where the product is sold. With flexible packaging, currently only polyethylene has the recycling infrastructure to meet all the criteria outlined by the FTC. Your package must also comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Association of Plastic Recyclers before it can be part of Store Drop-Off Program, which allows certain plastic bags, wraps and films to be taken to local retail stores and dropped off for recycling. For flexible paper packaging, robust infrastructure is in place for paper recycling via curbside bins. The packaging must comply with the guidelines set forth by How2Recycle and the Western Michigan University standard (or equivalent) for OCC/SBS recycling to be safely recycled in the paper stream. For rigid packaging, many structures are already recyclable. Printpack can collaborate with you to transition to a recyclable solution if your current package is not recyclable. You should also know that all Printpack film has already been pre-qualified, so there are no hiccups when you go through the certification process.
Printpack will work with you to develop a packaging solution that is third-party certified as compostable.
Compared to other packaging formats, flexible and specialty rigid packaging offers a number of sustainability benefits along every step of the product life cycle. These benefits include: Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions, water usage, food waste, packaging, and materials to landfill More resource efficiencies, reduced storage and transportation footprints and better product-to-packaging ratios
The “How2Recycle” label can only be issued directly to brands for individual packaging by How2Recycle itself. However, Printpack can help you get your packaging approved by How2Recycle through our prequalified structures. We are also familiar with the guidelines for The Association of Plastic Recyclers and Western Michigan University for Paper. Printpack produces recyclable packaging in many different formats, applications and markets.
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