SAM’S Club selected Z-Flute® packaging from Graphic Packaging Intl. for its exclusive 72-count Member’s Mark paperboard containers of zoo animals fruit snack pouches (see first image). Z-Flute® packaging offers many benefits to club manufacturers including the following:
• Package Strength – Z-Flute (zero flutes) packaging is generally compared to corrugated packaging which uses flutes in between the layers of paperboard for strength and support. Z-Flute eliminates the need for fluting.
GPI determines where extra strength/support is needed, then reinforces those areas with added paperboard (see second image). The result is a more efficient strength-to-weight ratio that does not include the extra bulk and weight of the flutes.
• Reduced Secondary Packaging/Disappearing Pallet – Due to the packaging strength of Z-Flute the requirement for high-wall trays is eliminated. Display trays are eliminated with the Z-Flute product unless the customer's manufacturing process requires it. Without the need for display trays, the palletized product sells down without any extra display packaging to dispose, making it more efficient for the club operator and creates a cost benefit for the manufacturer.
• Smoother-running Packaging Lines - Z-Flute is made from a paperboard with excellent material performance characteristics. The result is higher manufacturing efficiencies in set up and filling on packaging lines.
• Less Space Required – Z-Flute fluteless packaging takes up less space than corrugated. This eliminates the bulk and means there are fewer pallets of packaging to be shipped, received, and stored.
Z-Flute packaging is available in several types of printing applications. One choice is Composipac[TM], a patented process that reverse-prints, utilizing rotogravure printing, on clear film that's then laminated to paperboard stock. The package provides high impact graphics and more eye appeal, especially in dimly lit club locations.
Packaging Insights features the latest club store packaging, courtesy of HHC Publishing, Inc., publishers of Warehouse Club Focus. This is from the October 14 issue of WCF.
