EPI Labelers

Packaging Awards

blears — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:53:30 +0000

Despite their crucial role in packaging, labels are only part of the package. Most consumers don’t give much thought to the effort put forth in the design of everyday packaging, but in fact, packaging plays an important role in the safety, marketing, waste reduction and sustainability of products.
Recently, the 24th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation recognized companies with outstanding packaging. Several well-known brands were amongst those with top honors Heinz, Kraft, Cadbury, Pepperidge Farm and Unilever took home silver, gold and diamond awards. The DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation is the industry’s longest running, global, independently judged celebration of innovation and collaboration throughout the value chain. An expert panel evaluated 200 entries in 3 categories: Innovation, Sustainability and Cost/Waste Reduction.
EPI Labelers designs labeling machines to integrate to a wide variety of packaging, many of which were included in the awards. To read the full article about the 24th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation, and for a complete list of winners, visit the Packaging Digest website at http://www.packagingdigest.com/article/521756-DuPont_Awards_celebrate_packaging_innovation_sustainability_and_cost_waste_reduction.php

Liquor Labels

blears — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:42:20 +0000

Weird Flavors, Awesome Labels

These flavors of liquor range from strange to downright stomach turning, but they all share one trait – awesome labels! Flip through the slideshow at The Huffington Post to see these crazy flavors and cool labels! Either way you look at it, it makes for an interesting use of time! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/worst-liquor-flavors_n_1423784.html?ref=mostpopular

Crayon Labels

blears — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:52:42 +0000

Labels can be found anywhere and geared toward any demographic, even children. One would be hard-pressed to find a better outlet to cater to a young audience than crayons. Parents who want to give their children a head start in the science department may consider buying chemistry crayon labels.

Etsy user QueInteresante now sells labels that allow parents to rename crayons by chemicals and chemical reactions that share that color. The labels seem to be an effective teaching tool because children are exposed to them regularly.

Crayon labels are a unique idea for parents looking to give their little “chemists” a head start. They’re an easy lesson for children, who are able to play while they begin to retain knowledge of chemicals and chemical reactions. Crayon labels demonstrate how multifaceted labels can be; they convey a wide variety of information to a wide audience. They’re also proof that labels have the ability to transform mundane information into colorful fun!

To read the original story, and see more photos of chemistry crayon labels, go to http://www.buzzfeed.com/babymantis/chemistry-crayon-labels-1opu

Healthy Food Labels

blears — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:38:40 +0000

Finding healthy options at the grocery store is getting easier! Walmart recently announced that it will be labeling healthy foods with a green Great for You label. The label will appear on the retailer’s Great Value brand as early as this spring. The company also plans to allow other brands to use the label without paying a licensing fee. Since the launch of Walmart’s healthier food initiative, it has promised to improve the nutritional quality of the food it sells.
The Great for You label is one of several steps Walmart has taken to promote healthier food, including; lowering the prices on fresh fruits and vegetables, working with national and private label products to reduce sodium, added sugar and trans fat in products it sells, working with suppliers to cut the costs of reduced-fat and fat-free items, and increasing charitable support for nutrition programs.
To learn more about the Great for You label criteria, go to http://walmartstores.com/nutrition/greatforyou.aspx

‘Hunger Games’ Labels

blears — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:25:20 +0000

The ‘Hunger Games’ series has proven to be extremely popular, and with the movie premiering this week, it’s getting more attention than ever. As with any popular series, there’s a wide array of products for followers. A quick search on the series turns up a variety of products from bookmarks, to CD’s, to entire magazines dedicated to the trilogy.

A product that may not be so easy to locate? ‘Hunger Games’ labels. But they do exist! And we found them.

A seller on Etsy www.etsy.com is offering ‘Hunger Games’ Bottle Labels. The labels, which are inspired the Capitol Grade Sleep Syrup found in the book, can be wrapped around water, soda, syrup, or virtually any type of bottle. http://www.etsy.com/listing/94287817/hunger-games-inspired-bottle-labels

Should you choose to have your own ‘Hunger Games’ party, the labels may be used in conjunction with a ‘Hunger Games’ party package. The package includes a banner, favor tags, cupcake wrappers, and more. http://www.etsy.com/listing/94259736/hunger-games-party-package-printable

All packages come as a PDF digital file that can be printed. There are no physical materials in the package, it contains digital files only.

With the hype surrounding the book; and now, the movie, a ‘Hunger Games’ party is sure to be a hit. And no party is complete without a good label!

Cigarette Warning Labels

blears — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:23:46 +0000

While most labels are meant to encourage consumers to purchase a product, the Obama administration has proven that labels can be used to discourage consumers as well. The administration has been pushing to require graphic warning labels on cigarettes.

The Food and Drug Administration approved nine graphic warning labels for tobacco makers to display on cigarette packs beginning in September. These images are considered to be extremely graphic by some; they include photos of dead and diseased smokers.

Four of the largest U.S. tobacco companies sued the federal government in August, saying such labels violate free speech rights, and will cost them millions. Last month, a District Judge ruled them unconstitutional, thus blocking the rule from taking effect. However, the issue could still end up in the U.S. Supreme Court because the latest decision conflicts with another U.S. District Court Judge’s decision that upheld the label’s legality. It remains unseen whether the graphic labels will end up on cigarette packs at this point.

Both sides seem to have strong arguments for and against these labels, and the process ruling their legality may take some time. While one side argues that the labels clearly illustrate the risks associated with using such products, the other side argues that the images are neither “factual” nor “accurate” and they violate the First Amendment. It remains to be seen which side will win this battle over the labels. However, it is very clear that labels have the capability to send a strong message to consumers, and companies realize the effect labels have over consumer impression of their product.

Meat Labels

blears — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:44:13 +0000

After more than a decade in progress, nutrition labels are now required on ground meat and poultry packages, and on or near major cuts sold in supermarkets. The rule became effective March 1.
While nutrition labels have been required on processed meat and poultry for many years, the requirement to include labels on fresh, single-ingredient meat and poultry products will be of value to consumers.
Patrick Boyle, president of the American Meat Institute notes that “This valuable information will be offered more widely and will provide a pleasant nutrition surprise to many meat and poultry consumers.”
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of lean meat and poultry, and read more about the requirement of labels on meat, go to http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/meat-seafood/id34892/nutrition-labels-on-meat-now-a-must/

A Romantic Label? It Can Be Done!

blears — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:59:42 +0000

Labels may not have a reputation for being romantic, but they can be! Just ask Connie, whose fiancé proposed to her with a banana label. As a child, Connie collected Chiquita banana labels. (Labels are romantic AND collectible!) When her fiancé mentioned that their bananas had a new label on them, Connie couldn’t help but take a closer look. The labels read, “Connie Will You Marry Me?” Surely a label worthy of Connie’s collection! http://1000proposals.com/propose-using-a-fruit-label-no-202

While it’s a trend that hasn’t gained a great deal of notoriety yet, adding your own labels to fruit or other products is certainly a way to make the product unique to you or your theme. Pinterest www.pinterest.com has recently featured the trend of labels on fruit, for events such as engagements or children’s birthday parties. Seeing as Pinterest is a site that gathers its material from sources all over the Internet, it’s apparent that customizing your own labels is a trend on the rise. Adding a label summarizes the message you’re trying to send. They serve their purpose for nutritional information or costs. Why not let labels have a little fun?

Packaging: Then and Now

blears — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:47:23 +0000

It’s obvious that packaging has changed over time, but it’s easy to forget just how drastic some of these changes are as we become accustomed to the latest packaging. It’s not just the types of packaging that have changed, but also the marketing message and graphics that companies portray on their packages. It’s always fun to take a look back and compare then vs. now. One type of packaging that really demonstrates visual growth is cereal boxes. We all recognize our favorite cereal mascot, but like us, they have grown throughout the years! Thanks to Buzzfeed for documenting these changes. http://www.buzzfeed.com/hgrant/15-examples-of-how-cereal-boxes-have-changed-over

Healthy Labels

blears — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:31:30 +0000

At the start of a new year, it seems that resolutions commonly turn to overall improved health, better eating, and exercise. Companies that pay attention to such trends are able to tailor their products to consumer demands. Kellogg’s is one such company that is shifting its focus to healthy habits.

The holidays may be to blame for many diet resolutions, but Kellogg’s is also recognizing American Heart Month as a reason to get fit. To celebrate, Kellogg’s is using new heart healthy labels for cereals.

In a press release published today, Kellogg’s explains the reasoning behind its healthy labels for cereal.

“Healthy habits such as eating well, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight are key strategies for managing cardiovascular disease – the number one cause of death in the U.S.(1) In honor of American Heart Month, Kellogg’s® is making it easier for shoppers to find its great tasting, fiber-rich heart-healthy cereal options with a new front-of-pack label.”

The healthy heart logo will appear on nine varieties of Kellogg’s cereal.

“We know that these great brands – Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, All Bran, Smart Start and FiberPlus – have been long time favorites,” said Dick Podiak, Kellogg director of marketing, adult cereal. “Now we’ve added the ‘Kellogg’s Heart Healthy Selection’ logo on the front panel of these products, so people can easily make the right choice when they’re seeking a heart-healthy breakfast.”

Kellogg’s is responding to consumer desires by making it easier to identify when they’re making healthy choices – and they’re using a label to do it. Win – win!

For more heart healthy habits, and to read the press release in its entirety, visit http://kelloggs.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=362.

To print out coupons for your favorite Kellogg’s products, go to http://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/home/offersAndPromotion/coupon.html