Sourcing on the Internet was the next best use chosen by 19% of the respondents. The results clearly indicate why packaging suppliers are investing in Web sites that include elaborate information on their products and services. Product descriptions, technical specifications, applications, and images are most likely to appear on product Web pages. Product video is an enhanced Internet feature that is popping up on Web pages as well. But packaging suppliers are beginning to use the Internet to give customers direct access to product-specific Web sites as a way to simplify a search. Here are a few companies making such investments: DVT Corp. redesigned its site to emphasize the company’s new Legend Series 500 SmartImage machine sensors. At www.dvtsensors.com, users can find online training, application articles, Flash animations, free software downloads, FAQs, and a message board. Smurfit-Stone developed www.mastercoat.net for the company’s new MasterCoat® brand of coated, recycled boxboard. Customers can learn about product specifications and uses, manufacturing locations, sales contacts, and advertising campaigns. ITW Dynatec is also heading in this direction for the company’s new Challenger line of OEM hot-melt parts. At www.itwchallenger.com, not only will customers find product information, they’ll also have the ability to order online. Respondents to the Packworld.com survey were Packworld.com visitors who chose to take the Packworld.com survey of the month. Out of the 282 respondents, 90% were packaging buyers and 10% were contract packagers.
