e-Vend.net is part of a strategic alliance that includes Eastman Kodak of Rochester, NY, and the Dixie-Narco vending machine division of Newton, IA-based Maytag Corp. Eastman provides film and one-time-use cameras, both wrapped in foil. Dixie-Narco supplies the temperature-controlled vending machines, which consumers access via credit card.
The original package used by e-Vend.net was a 211x604 steel can with easy-open aluminum lid. Next was a polyethylene terephthalate container, basically a two-ball tennis ball container. Again, it took an aluminum easy-open lid; workers glued on a label by hand. This packaging, however, was not only labor-intensive, but the labels tended to peel off in the climate-controlled vending machines. So about a year ago, a new container was unveiled: a 300x504 composite can from Sonoco (Hartsville, SC).
Spiral-wound of two plies of 100% recycled paperboard, the can also includes foil as a moisture barrier. Seamed onto the top is an easy-open aluminum ring-pull end. Workers at e-Vend.net place wrapped camera or film in the container and then seam on a steel end with semi-automatic equipment. The workers also glue a paper label to the canister. Soon, however, as volume warrants it, Sonoco will begin applying a spiral-wound paper label, printed flexo in six colors, as part of its canmaking process.
The switch from the plastic container to the canister, says e-Vend.net marketing communications manager Maeve McKenna, will bring a savings in cost of materials and labor. Specific numbers, however, are not available.
Needless to say, e-Vend.net is delighted with the new package. “Not only are we saving time and money, we’re getting a package that meets the requirements of the vending environment, which can be challenging,” says McKenna.
Appearing first in the Northeast in 1999, the camera- and film-filled machines are now in much of the country and will be nationwide soon. Pricing varies considerably, depending not only on film or camera type but also on venue. (PR)
