Not just another Earth Day

This year, even the DATE of Earth Day looks special: 4/22/2024.  All divisible by two!  All perfectly balanced and almost a palindrome. Within that spirit of analyzing things forward and backward, past and present, we further explored the history of Earth Day’s existence and found interesting facts.

While many individuals grew concerned over various environmental impacts of commercialization in the ‘60s, Senator Gaylord Nelson and Congressman Denis Hayes helped organize the first “teach-in”, focused on the environmental effects of pollution on April 22^nd 1970.

Now, 50+ years later, the day is celebrated by over 1 billion people spanning across 141 countries, according to USA Today.

The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration is Plant vs. Plastics and focuses on topics including microplastics, fast fashion and single-use items (more info found at earthday.org).

While many recommendations from earthday.org are practical, they focus on the actions individuals can take such as educating themselves on plastic pollution health risk, reducing or eliminating fast fashion and changing behaviors.  What can businesses do?

That is a tricky question – businesses are often challenged with finding ways to invest in sustainable initiatives without adversely affecting their bottom line, so how can they remain profitable while investing in green initiatives? 

Some of the tips for businesses mentioned by earthday.org include:

• Switching to post-consumer products
• Challenging other businesses to reduce emissions and understanding their own
• Making on-campus recycling easy and providing stations
• Sponsoring local student groups to conduct an environmental project

At Impak, we have engaged in several recommendations by earthday.org.  Our company has committed to using more post-consumer recycled content by offering OceanPoly® poly mailers.  The recycled content in this line is diverted from waterways, protecting our oceans.  The use of mailers made from this material not only helps clean up our oceans and protect marine life, it also tells a unique story and is a great way for companies to show their support for these efforts. We also offer FSC certified products to ensure any paper items are ethically sourced and recycled content is within its core.

In 2023 we partnered with local educators at the University of Texas at Dallas to conduct a study on the emissions impact of US vs offshore manufacturing. We encourage any company interested in reducing their emissions to consider Impak for economical poly mailer packaging, rather than going overseas.  They could save the emissions equivalent of 555 automobiles driven over AN ENTIRE YEAR by keeping manufacturing in the US.  See the full study and emissions summary HERE.

While not EVERY packaging format can be made in the US, water-proof, flexible, durable poly mailers CAN.  We’d be happy to share more information on how to make your mailers as sustainable as possible, including using recycled content OceanPoly® or RethinkPoly™ films, right-sizing your assortment, designing for re-use or returnability and educating consumers on the proper recycling method.

A balance is needed.  We understand there is a place and a case for just about every type of packaging you can think of.  Let’s do more of what makes sense.  Recycled content – YES. Recyclable – YES.  Reusable – YES.  This Earth Day, think about what is beneficial for your business and beneficial for the planet.  Making a step in the right direction is easier than you think with Impak by your side.

Guide to How2Recycle Recycling Labels

Even when brands leverage eco-friendly materials and make every effort to improve sustainability, those efforts can fall short when consumers view recycling as a confusing task. According to a recent Greenpeace report, most recyclables still end up in landfills. How2Recycle™ is on a mission to change that. The organization is committed to advancing eco-friendly practices in the packaging industry by providing standardized labeling and clear recycling instructions to both businesses and consumers. By providing consistent and transparent on-package recycling information, How2Recycle improves consumer understanding and takes the task of recycling from stressful to simple. The How2Recycle system was created to help make it easier for people to identify what products may be recycled and how to do it properly.

The How2Recycle recycling labels consist of several parts:

At the top, you will find concise instructions about how to prep your product for recycling. These brief instructions will tell you if the product needs to be rinsed, what to do with attachments such as lids and pumps, and if the label should be removed. Next, you will find the recognizable How2Recycle label which will tell you if a product is widely recycled, not at all, only in certain areas, or if you must take the container to a “Store Drop-off” location. The bottom of the label will identify the type of material subject to recycling. Beneath that, you will find a reference to the recyclable part of the package. Note that each part might have a different set of instructions depending on the material used.

How2Recycle Store Drop-Offs: An Overview

Though recycling at home is a common, well-understood practice, there are still plenty of items that can raise questions. Think of those times when you’ve looked at a container and thought- “Well, it’s definitely not paper, but is it plastic?” That answer can usually be found with a “Store Drop-off” instruction. When you see a How2Recycle Store Drop-Off label, it means that you can take your recyclable items to a participating retail store for further handling. Many major retailers, such as grocery stores and big-box chains, have dedicated collection bins near their entrances where you can deposit those items.

What Can Be Recycled Through Store Drop-Off?

Retailers who participate in plastic film recycling programs will usually accept clean and dry poly mailers at their Store Drop-off receptacles. While How2Recycle may have issued “Store Drop-off” labeling directions on poly mailers to brands in the past, they are further reviewing the intricacies of the reclamation process. They are encouraging a different approach to the application of address and shipping details. Per How2Recycle: “To receive a more favorable label, the following actions can be taken: Change from paper label to direct print on the mailer or use PE label that meets APR Preferred criteria. This would eliminate the need for consumers to separate the label.” Other common items that can be recycled through store drop-off include: – Bread bags – Plastic wraps – Bubble wrap – Air pillows

How2Recycle and Impak Help Brands Become Better

How2Recycle is at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions by advocating for standardized recycling labels, empowering consumers, promoting innovation, ensuring compliance, and fostering environmental responsibility. Their proactive approach aligns with the growing global emphasis on eco-friendly packaging practices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and responsible packaging industry. To learn more about How2Recycle’s program and how it works, visit https://how2recycle.info/guide. Impak is proud to support How2Recycle in taking a proactive and influential position in promoting sustainable packaging solutions. Brands that become How2Recycle members tend to earn more positive reputations among like-minded consumers. Impak encourages all of our packaging customers to use eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible. To learn more about how we can help spearhead sustainable packaging solutions for your business, please contact us. We look forward to helping you design packaging that speaks volumes about your products and your values.

Your 2023 Guide to Printing Packaging with Pantone

A Brief History of Pantone

Pantone has become the most recognizable name in the world of color printing. Founded in1962 by Lawrence Herbert, Pantone has risen to an industry leader when it comes to professional color standards. Their mission is to help people accurately communicate and reproduce colors over many different mediums–and they accomplish this mission well.

For more than 50 years, Pantone has been a trusted source for accurate colors, which can be used on everything from textiles and plastics to digital displays and printed materials. In fact, they are so trusted that their name, for decades, was synonymous with “color accuracy” worldwide.

However, recent changes have left some businesses concerned.

The Recent Pantone Changes: Explained

The world is changing, our industry is changing, and Pantone, as you may have heard, is changing. Pantone’s newly released 2023 books are much larger than their predecessors. But the biggest concern, as many have been quick to note, is the fact that the new Pantone books present discrepancies compared to the older books, especially for custom packaging needs. Many are calling attention to identical colors appearing under different recipes.

Pantone has confirmed color changes across digital and printed applications. Ink formulas have been adjusted, and the colors tend to vary in appearance under light. The company has stated that the new 2023 color bases are vegetable based in an effort to become more eco-friendly.

This may cause confusion, certainly, but it is also a step in a much more sustainable direction; a move that packaging experts would agree is a positive one.

Should My Business Be Concerned?

No need to fear: Pantone is still the gold standard for color matching.

As long as you’re working with a forward-thinking, sustainably-minded packing partner like Impak Retail, the recent Pantone discrepancies don’t need to worry you.

Impak’s creative director Joy Ansell has been proactive and ensures that the team will continue to meet industry standards in color tolerance by recognizing the potential for communication blunders. “Clients and manufacturers (even within their own teams and buildings) could be working from color books from pre‐2023 AND/OR the current 2023 colors, thus resulting in different color expectations from person to person, team to team, manufacturers to client, and vice versa,” she briefed. “Upfront alignment and thorough evaluation of benchmark samples will help circumvent a lot of confusion.”

Impak is Your Eco-Friendly Solution

With more than 45 years in retail packaging, you can trust us to adjust to industry shifts, such as Pantone’s color changes, with agility and clarity.

We know that sustainable packaging, just like Pantone’s color changes, is beyond many retailers’ expertise. But that’s why we’re here. Impak Retail sets the industry standard for reliable, eco-friendly packaging solutions. We help forward-thinking businesses meet their sustainable goals without sacrificing style. Let’s chat.

The Differences Between Recycled and Compostable Poly Mailers

When it comes to packaging materials and mailers, ecommerce businesses are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions to limit their impact on the environment while also providing great service to customers.

Custom poly mailers come in both recycled and compostable versions to help ensure your business maintains its environmentally friendly practices. Here are some key differences to consider when it comes to these materials to ensure you make an informed decision.

Recycled Mailers

Previously used materials can be reformed and repurposed to make new items, including mailers and packaging. Doing so prevents recyclable materials from needlessly cluttering up landfills, as refuse will be diverted to facilities where it can be repurposed.

Recyclable mailers also limit the use of finite materials, such as paper.

Impak’s eco-conscious OceanPoly® poly mailers are comprised of up to 25% recycled content from post-consumer sources, such as materials collected from coastal pollution areas like beaches and waterways, and post-industrial sources like manufacturing scrap, which could otherwise end up in a landfill. RethinkPoly™ poly mailers can contain up to 100% recycled functional resin.  These recycled mailers have a variety of uses and applications, making them a versatile packaging option.

Common ecommerce uses include:

• Clothing & Accessories
• Home Décor Textiles
• Health & Wellness Vitamins & Supplements
• Household Cleaning Products & Refills
• Pet Products

Recyclable mailers can also be conveniently reused by consumers to send items of their own.

Compostable Mailers

Benefits and Drawbacks of Sustainable Mailers

To choose the best sustainable shipping materials for your business, it helps to look at the pros and cons offered by these mailing solutions. As for pros, you can look forward to the following when using sustainable packaging:

• Reduced carbon footprint
• Limited use of finite resources
• Improved durability
• Water resistance
• Unique branding opportunities

Despite their many benefits, sustainable mailers are also associated with a few downsides:

• Many recyclable mailers can’t be accommodated by curbside recycling services
• Sustainable mailers can fall victim to rips and tears as they’re reused
• Compostable mailers must be subject to correct conditions, or they won’t break down

Unique Challenges Facing Compostable Mailers

Compostable mailers face a few significant obstacles when it comes to sustainability. Composting facilities can face challenges when processing packaging, which has led many to ban non-food compost at their plants.

For instance, certain materials are prohibited because they get in the way of organic standards established by the USDA, which means agricultural operations would be unable to provide compost to farmers.

Composting facilities also have concerns about mix-ups between compostable and non-compostable packaging. Should a non-compostable product inadvertently be included, facilities must spend time and money addressing the issue to prevent compost products from becoming contaminated.

Sustainable Packaging Benefits Your Business, Your Customers, and the Environment

At Impak Retail, our goal is to develop mailers that meet the needs of our clients while also limiting negative environmental effects. Please contact us today to discuss our mailer options and get started on your custom packaging quote.

Impak Retail Holds Silver EcoVadis Ranking

Impak Retail is among the top 25% of sustainable companies holding coveted EcoVadis silver ranking.

Environmental, social, and ethical performance—otherwise known as sustainability—is a crucial factor for success in today’s business landscape. As consumers and investors grow increasingly environmentally conscious, companies are under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability every step of the way—from labor and raw materials sourcing through manufacturing and packaging.

One way to showcase environmental dedication is through participation in EcoVadis Rankings for Sustainable Packaging. According to EcoVadis, sustainability is not only good for attracting consumers—but good for business, too: improving performance by 15-30%, lowering the cost of capital by 90%, and reducing supply chain costs by 9-16%.

Impak Retail, a renowned player in the custom packaging industry, is happy to share we have achieved the coveted EcoVadis Silver Ranking, signifying our commitment to a continued focus on leading sustainability practices.

What is EcoVadis?

Since its founding in 2007, EcoVadis has evolved into the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, boasting a global network of over 90,000 rated companies.

Their methodology relies on international Corporate Social Responsibility standards like the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and ISO 26000.

EcoVadis assesses companies across four core areas:

• The Environment
• Labor & Human Rights
• Ethics
• Sustainable Procurement

Tens of thousands of companies in the global marketplace engage with EcoVadis, fostering sustainability collaboration through a universal scorecard, benchmarks, and performance improvement tools—thereby “improving economies, people’s lives, and the planet we all depend on.”

What Areas Does EcoVadis Survey?

EcoVadis evaluates companies based on 21 criteria encompassing environmental protection, working conditions, human rights, ethics, and sustainable development. The rigorous methodology utilizes international sustainability standards and covers more than 200 spending categories and 160+ countries.

Brands working with EcoVadis-certified suppliers gain assurance that their manufacturing processes adhere to the highest sustainability standards. Companies must undergo this thorough evaluation annually to maintain or enhance their rankings.

How Does Impak Rank?

In addition to the EcoVadis silver rating, we are also:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001-certified: Impak Retail ensures solid quality processes. As an ISO 9001-certified company, our Quality Management System meets the highest standards and is environmentally positioned to avoid any disruption to your business. 
• Scientific Certification Systems Inc (SCS Global)-certified: We take recycling seriously, partnering with third-party accreditors to maintain transparency in our supply chain, manufacturing processes, and production records. The SCS Global certification badge showcases Impak Retail’s commitment to appropriately labeling and advertising recycled content.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified: As a licensed FSC ambassador, we collaborate closely with supply chain partners that are directly involved in raw material procurement.

Partner With the Best for Your Custom Sustainable Packaging Needs

By adhering to rigorous EcoVadis sustainability standards, Impak Retail offers sustainable packaging materials that are high-quality and environmentally friendly.

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions that align with your environmental goals, contact us today to request a custom packaging quote.

FSC Paper: What Is It & How Can It Benefit My Business?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) encourages sustainable practices among businesses and consumers. It does so by providing certification to entities that meet standards pertaining to approved forestry practices. Using paper that has FSC certification is a great way for businesses to prioritize sustainable packaging solutions.

Where Can You Find FSC Certified Paper for Your Packaging?

Working with the right packaging supplier ensures your business can meet the sustainability standards your customer’s demand. Impak Retail offers FSC certified paper packaging options that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are environmentally friendly.

As an FSC licensee, we’re just as passionate about sustainable practices as you and your customers are. Contact us today to get started on your custom packaging quote.

What Is FSC Certified Paper?

FSC certified paper uses wood sourced using sustainable forestry practices. For example, a paper product can receive certification if it was derived from a forestry operation that re-plants native trees after clear cutting or takes steps to protect native species.

FSC certified paper features specific labeling to alert consumers that packaging was derived from sustainable sources.

Are All FSC Labels the Same?

There are three distinct FSC labels, and each label communicates specific information to consumers:

Do My Customers Care About FSC Certified Paper?

Many consumers today are passionate about environmental preservation. Consider that a survey conducted by Sustainable Brands found that 75% of people consider how a product will impact the environment before buying it.

However, some consumers may not recognize logos related to the FSC and other sustainability initiatives, which means they may overlook products that heed to their standards.

In this case, businesses can use additional messaging along with stamps and branding to demonstrate their certification to the consumer. Labeling items effectively communicates that a business is invested in safe environmental practices. As a result, consumers can make informed decisions when seeking sustainable products.

Why Is FSC Certified Paper a Good Choice?

Businesses have a responsibility to support the environment when it comes to paper packaging. By using packaging created with sustainable practices, such as FSC certified paper, commercial entities limit their impact on the environment.

Sustainable practices also enhance the impression of your business. Consumers these days are prioritizing eco-conscious practices and want businesses to adhere to these same standards. When customers know that you insist on using sustainable packaging, they will be more likely to support your business.

How to Create Stunning Custom PR Boxes

When it comes to getting your brand out there, few tools are as powerful as the custom PR box. The perfect first impression—and the ultimate free sample—your custom PR box can create meaningful connections between your brand and any influencer you tailor it to. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

So, how do you make a PR box that shines? Get answers below in our guide.

What Is a PR Box—And Why Do You Need a Good One?

First, a quick overview. “PR” stands for “public relations”: an entire discipline dedicated to creating positive relationships between businesses and important people. Good PR is responsible for successful celebrity endorsements, product placements, publication features, and much, much more.

In today’s social media-driven world, PR has a primary focus for many brands and small businesses: influencers.

Creating positive influencer relationships can lead to a mass of opportunities for any business. Influencers reach audiences that no one else can—which makes them the perfect spokespeople for products. You just need to get them to pay attention to yours.

This is where a well-made PR box is so important. Think of it as a gift basket and a cover letter rolled into one. Your PR box not only showcases your products—it tells your brand story, too. Here’s how to make one to impress any influencer.

Know Your Audience

Not all influencers are the same. In fact, many cater their content to niche audiences with equally niche tastes and interests. As you fill your PR box, you should fill that niche, too. Handpick products that resonate with the particular influencer you’re targeting.

Include some personalized messaging so they know they’re really being catered to.

Tell Your Story

A PR box is more than a bunch of freebies. It’s a calling card for your business. From the contents to the construction, every part of your PR Box is an opportunity to say what you want to say about your brand.

Think long and hard about your logo, colors, materials, and overall design to tell a cohesive story. Inside, include some text about your business—and leave a card or personalized message for your influencer(s).

They may be talking about your brand, so give them good material to work with.

Showcase the Products (and Keep Them Safe)

With influencers and PR boxes, the unboxing experience is everything. The last thing you want is broken or spilled products, which is why you’ll want your box custom-made to securely hold every last product you pack.

Beyond that, you’ll want the unboxing to truly impress your influencer(s). After all, they could be doing it on camera!

Think Outside the Box

The truth is, every aspect of your PR box is an opportunity to stand out. As you begin to strategize around your box – how you want it to look, and what you want it to contain – challenge yourself to think creatively.

From the design to the filling, each part of your box can help elevate your message, and your brand, to resonate with influencers.

Partner With a Custom Box Manufacturer

To bring your custom PR packaging vision to life, you need a manufacturer that hits all the marks. At Impak, we offer a wide array of services to help you create stunning custom boxes.

With ultra-flexible design support and high-quality constructions, our custom packaging is the perfect way to showcase your brand to your target influencer. Contact us today, we’d love to collaborate!

Benefits of Using Custom Mailer Boxes

Packaging plays a hugely influential role in the value customers place on your product. The better the packaging, the more high-quality the product appears and the more giftable it becomes.

A beautiful and stylish mailer box reflects the values of your brand and the high standards of the products you offer. If your company wants to highlight a premium product, our custom packaging services offer an effective and simple solution.

Design Options for Custom Mailer Boxes

When it comes to custom mailer boxes, you have a lot to choose from when it comes to size, printing applications, and construction. Corrugated boxes offer durability and high-end graphics, while rigid boxes offer luxury and sophistication.

While rigid boxes offer a further depth of customization in construction, including drawers, explosion styles, or rigid collapsible designs, custom mailer boxes can go beyond the build of a standard regular slotted container box through right-sizing, various insert options, and even returnable tear-tab designs.

Benefits of Using Custom Mailer Boxes

Use custom boxes to improve brand visibility. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits you can take advantage of:

• Better shipping protection. We design these boxes to fit your product perfectly, ensuring maximum protection during transit. We recommend using rigid boxes for more fragile items so there is cushioning and minimum movement.
• Improved professionalism. If you check Amazon reviews, you’ll see that customers regularly comment on the packaging of products they buy. Work with designers who understand the psychology of packaging so that upon delivery, there is no deterrent to perceived value.
• Real estate for Brand Messaging. Every panel of the mailer box is an opportunity to reinforce a brand message. Inside and out a brand can speak to initiatives, campaigns or simply elevate mood upon unveiling.

Choose the Right Custom Box Supplier

The quality and effectiveness of your custom box supplier will depend on the provider you choose. Here are key factors to look at:

• Good company reputation. Check if the business has a proven track record of delivering exceptional printing and packaging services. Independent reviews of the company offer the best sources.
• High-quality equipment. Ensure that they utilize the latest technology to produce high-quality mailers and boxes. The more advanced the technology, the greater creative freedom you will likely have when it comes to design.
• Good turnaround time. Confirm the company’s completion time for custom orders. Review your timeline to see if it aligns.

At Impak Retail, we tick all these boxes and more. We have been in the market for more than 45 years, and our company owes its longevity to putting our customers first. We would love to show you what we can do. Contact us today and let’s collaborate!

The Drive Toward Sustainable Packaging

Innovative Manufacturers Are Tackling the Ocean Waste Problem

Tackling Plastic Pollution: Understanding the Environmental Impact

How OceanPoly® Products Offer a Viable Solution to Plastic Waste

Plastic plays a crucial role throughout numerous industries, from retail stores to manufacturing plants. Accordingly, the best way to cut back on the amount of plastic waste in the environment is to find a suitable alternative to plastic packaging and other products.

Paving the Way for a Brighter, More Sustainable Future

At Impak Retail, we ensure our clients tell their brands’ stories with specialty packaging. However, we also make certain that our custom-made, high-quality packaging has a minimal effect on our environment.

If you’re ready to make the move to sustainable packaging, please contact us today for more information. We want to help you achieve beautiful, functional, sustainable packaging solutions.

How Custom Rigid Boxes Can Benefit Your Business

From cosmetics to electronics, fine jewelry to fancy confections, high-quality products deserve high-quality boxes. Durable, substantial, and smooth to the touch, rigid boxes are the perfect choice.

In this guide, we give you everything you need to know about these elegant storage containers: their defining characteristics, advantages, and use cases—as well as the many ways you can personalize yours through our custom packaging services here at Impak.

What Are Rigid Boxes?

In the world of product packaging, not all boxes are built equal. On the high end of the quality spectrum are rigid boxes. Unlike regular folding cartons, these premium containers do not typically fold or collapse. They’re usually several times thicker than standard cartons—and most are finished (wrapped) with smooth paper for a luxurious look and texture.

For these reasons, they’re typically used for high-end products to ensure safety and create an elegant unboxing experience.

What Are the Advantages of Rigid Boxes?

Depending on the product you’re selling—and the brand identity you’re maintaining—choosing rigid boxes can have a number of benefits for your business. Here are a few of the big ones.

Exceptional Product Protection

The material used to make rigid boxes is several times thicker than the material used for foldable cartons. This means it’s significantly more durable, which ensures better protection for products of all kinds.

Unparalleled Unboxing

Nothing supports a premium unboxing experience quite like a rigid box. Not only do these boxes feel substantial in construction, they can come in specialty finishing options, giving them a luxurious quality that pays dividends for the perception of your products.

Further, with a choice of custom boxes provided by our team at Impak, you can choose between of a number of designs to further elevate your unboxing experience.

Some popular options include ultra-sturdy magnetic-closure rigid boxes, classic two-piece rigid boxes, and even a host of uniquely collapsible choices.

Specialty Branding

Yet another advantage of choosing a custom rigid box is the ability to brand it exactly to your liking. A variety of paper, printing and finishing options provide the perfect canvas for specialty branding both inside and out.

First-Rate Reusability

The premium build of today’s top rigid boxes makes them excellent candidates for reusability. Odds are, you have at least one rigid box you’re using for storage in your own home right now. This reusability is a definite plus for customers, and a strong argument to brands who prioritize environmental responsibility.

Many rigid boxes are sustainable. At Impak, we partner with organizations like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and How2Recycle to craft sustainable packaging that’s not only made from recyclable materials, but easy to recycle curbside, too.

Create the Perfect Rigid Boxes With Impak

If rigid boxes sound the like the right choice for your products, we’re here to help you build yours exactly to your liking. Contact us to learn how we can create the perfect packaging solution for you.