Business Beat
Guarding Designs at Trade Shows
By Marie Redding, Senior EditorIt's time for HBA again, and then it's off to Luxe Pack Monaco. Suppliers will be meeting with clients to show them all their newly designed components, usually behind closed doors or curtains draped around a private room within the trade show booth. They're not being too careful. At Cosmoprof in Bologna last January, items were stolen right out of the display cases at the Toly booth. Many exhibitors were complaining about constantly having to chase away spies armed with cameras.
At HCT's booth, one ex-customer was found foraging through all of HCT's new models and concepts, reports HCT's creative director, Rebecca Goswell. These items had been deliberately hidden in the back rooms.
Once a product is on the market, nothing much can be done about unauthorized copying. Such duplication is routine in the fashion world, where knock-offs are a huge, legit business. But when a design that isn't even on the market yet is copied, that's when designers cry foul.
"It is extremely frustrating," says Goswell. "HCT is a company that prides itself on being innovative and unique. We want to offer our customers ideas that are not seen anywhere else. Yet sometimes, within months or even weeks, we have found both identical and slightly modified versions of our registered designs, not just at trade fairs, but in the marketplace, too."
Dennis Anderson, executive vice president of HCT, feels strongly about the situation. He brings copies of HCT's patents to the trade shows.
"Once a patent infringement is identified, we simply present the companies, who are usually displaying the copied items at a show, with a copy of our patent and kindly ask that they remove the item from their stand," says Anderson. "We make them aware that if they try to sell this item, we will pursue legal action. Unfortunately, the customers who purchase these items don't know that they are breaking the law."
Goswell hopes to unite major manufacturers and suppliers in the battle against such piracy. She says, "We need to persuade trade show organizers to initiate a selection system when allocating exhibition space to lesser-known companies. We need to protect ourselves in every way we can."
"If another supplier copies one of our designs and is affiliated with a manufacturing facility where they have the ability to produce it at a much lower cost, a customer may be willing to sacrifice quality. This is very bad for business," says Dieter Bakic, of DieterBakic-Enterprises (Munich).
The policy for DieterBakic and many other suppliers is to have clients sign a form recognizing the patented design before viewing new components, but this isn't usually the case at a trade show.
"We're seriously considering bringing the forms to HBA this year, and we've never had to do that before," says Eric Robbins, vice president of DieterBakic. "We try not to show our new designs too much at a show-- at least not those that are in the development stage. We only show clients we feel comfortable with."
Robbins says that they have had problems with two companies before, but, he says, "both of them worked with us to resolve the issue."
Everyone will, no doubt, be on guard at upcoming trade shows, ready to call security whenever offending eyes or cameras are caught near their booth.
House of J-Lo
Aquafresh's Extreme Clean carton, made by AGI/Klearfold, is the first plastic carton on the U.S. market for a toothpaste.In October, Coty's Lancaster Group is launching the second fragrance by Jennifer Lopez, called Still. The Still bottle was designed "to have the same femininity and charm as Glow by J-Lo, but with more sophistication and glamour to target the consumer older than 21," says representatives of Hirst Pacific Ltd., the New York based design firm that worked on its development.
The packaging was designed by president Kenneth Hirst, in collaboration with Jennifer Lopez. The mauve-colored, gem-shaped bottle has a faux diamond, chrome-plated ring made from cut glass with a metallized foil backing. The ring's white metal band is friction-fitted onto the collar. Lopez's signature and the name Still are silk-screened on the back, and can be seen through the bottle's engraved facets, which were finished with a thermolustrage process.
All of the bottles, which were produced in sizes of 5, 30, 50, and 100 ml, as well as a giant factice, were produced by Pochet (Paris). The carton was finished in a glossy light-mauve color to match the bottle.
Hirst says, "With this bottle, we wanted to establish the look for the Jennifer Lopez fragrance house."
Still is just one of more than 30 new fragrances launching this fall. Expectations are high, as sales of Glow were $40 million in the United States, according to reports from market research firm NPD. This is despite rumors of Lopez recently giving back her own pink diamond ring to fiancé Ben Affleck--which may have been a marketing ploy to generate even more interest around the launch.
A Bright Idea for Packaging
Robert Du Grenier Associates' Lightlips container makes lipstick application a cinch. Women of all ages may find that a new component sheds some light on the challenge of applying lipstick in dim light.
It's called Lightlips, a patented, light-up lipstick component that runs on lithium batteries. Created by Robert Du Grenier, Brad Levy, and Judy Levy, it works like a miniature flashlight. Users press the button to click on the light and then look into the little round mirror attached to the top of the cap. The mirror is just the right size for viewing a set of lips. Because the light shines up from the base of the tube and runs alongside the lipstick itself, users can see their lips during application.
"It's been in development for two years, and we're still refining it," says Du Grenier. He says he doesn't believe in rushing things to market that haven't been fully tested and may not work properly.
Du Grenier is president of Robert Du Grenier Associates, a design firm based in Townshend, VT. Brad and Judy Levy are certified fragrance sales specialists and cofounders of Fragrance International Inc., a worldwide distributor of fragrances and cosmetics. The last time this team worked together was in 2001, on the award-winning Kiss & Tell fragrance—the first bottle made with a dual chamber.
Lightlips can be customized with any type of decoration. The light lasts for 10,000 clicks, and lipstick bullets could be interchangeable. Du Grenier has been showing it to all the big cosmetic companies for the past few months, and he will have 1000 new samples at HBA in New York City on September 30.
"Everyone I've spoken to seems to love it, but they are asking themselves if the cost will equal the benefits," says Du Grenier. Next on his list of projects is a light-up compact.
NJPEC's New Packaging Hall of Fame
(From left to right): NJPEC's first annual Hall of Fame award winners: Bob Huff, vice president of purchasing at E.T. Browne; Fred Theile, vice president of corporate purchasing and technical package development at L'Oréal USA; Ann Sisbarro, vice president of sales at Accra Pac; (Ron Cataldo, president of the NJPEC, who presented the awards); and Norbert Gaelen, chairman of O. Berk. A Packaging Hall of Fame has been created by the New Jersey Packaging Executives Club Inc. The NJPEC awarded plaques to its first four Hall of Fame members at a dinner on June 19 at The Manor in West Orange, NJ.
Gloria Schlesinger, NJPEC's vice president and customer service manager at Brad-Pak Enterprises Inc. (Garwood, NJ), says, "We created the Hall of Fame to recognize those who have been in the business for 25 years or more, and have made a significant contribution to the packaging industry."
Winners were chosen in four categories. The first inductees are:
Bob Huff, chosen as winner in the package development category. A 40-year veteran to the industry, Huff began his career at the former packaging company named Schulton. He later joined Fabergé as the director of purchasing in 1973. Huff is currently the vice president of purchasing at E.T. Browne Drug Co. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ), where he has been since 1996.
Fred Theile, vice president of corporate purchasing and technical package development at L'Oréal USA, was chosen as winner in the purchasing category. Theile has been at L'Oréal since 1985. Prior to his current position, Theile spent 10 years at Avon, after beginning his career at Revlon.
Ann Sisbarro, who began working in the industry in 1973 at the former contract packaging company Fluid Packaging, was chosen as the third inductee, in the sales category. Throughout her career, Sisbarro has worked in positions never before held by women. After being purchasing manager at Mennen and a sales representative at Seaquist-Perfect Dispensing (Cary, IL), Sisbarro joined Accra Pac Group (Elkhart, IN) last year, where she is currently vice president of sales.
Norbert Gaelen, who represents the entrepreneur category, was chosen as the fourth inductee. Gaelen is the third generation to lead O. Berk Co. (Union, NJ). Currently chairman, Gaelen built the bottle company from the ground up and made it the success it is today.
The names of these first four Hall of Famers are inscribed on a large plaque currently hanging in NJPEC president Ron Cataldo's office at Vegla Packaging Inc. (Rutherford, NJ). Vice president Schlesinger will be NJPEC's president in 2004, which will mark only the third time a woman has held the position at the 40-year-old club.
PDM To Hold Annual Meeting
The Packaging Distributors & Manufacturers (PDM) Association announced its next annual meeting will take place February 48, 2004, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Palm Beach, FL. For more information, contact Jenifer Brady of Brad-Pak Enterprises Inc. by phone at 908/233-1234 or by e-mail at jen@brad-pak.com.
Neutrogena Honors Pretium Packaging
Pretium Packaging has suppliedseveral packages for Neutrogena, including PET, PVC, and high-density polyethylene bottles
Neutrogena Corp. awarded its Outstanding Supply Chain Performance Award to Pretium Packaging, a St. Louisbased manufacturer of custom plastic packaging solutions. Pretium supplied and decorated PET, PVC, and high-density polyethylene bottles for numerous Neutrogena products, including the Body Clear Body Wash and Scrub, Body Emulsion lotion, and several T/Gel haircare products. According to Pretium, the supplier was recognized out of 60 other manufacturers and distributors for its consistent, on-time delivery of quality products and outstanding customer service.
Rexam Dispensing Systems Expands Crimpless System Production
Rexam Dispensing Systems (Purchase, NY) has expanded production of its patented press-on pump, The Crimpless System, to the company's facility in Tournus, France. The plant, which will perform the final assembly of The Crimpless System super-low-profile and low-profile pumps, will use components and materials from local suppliers.
"This expansion reflects the continuing unification of our worldwide sales and manufacturing forces," said Hervé Bichon, vice president for Rexam Dispensing Systems. "Our goal is to offer our full range of first-class dispensing systems on a global basis and at the most competitive price possible. Manufacturing The Crimpless System in France enables us to reduce lead-times, while providing local product development and supplies."
The Crimpless System has been manufactured at Rexam Dispensing Systems' Thomaston, CT plant since 1988. Among other benefits, the system's pump, actuator, and collar are supplied as a preassembled unit, simplifying assembly.
Awards for Arkay
(From left to right): Gene Berlanti, senior vice president, Chanel; Mitchell Kaneff, president and CEO of Arkay Packaging; Tom Dachik, manager of purchasing, Chanel, beauty division; Scott Widro (holding award), vice president, Chanel; Brian Hopkins, vice president of manufacturing, Arkay Packaging; Tom Dasilva, national sales manager, Arkay Packaging. Arkay Packaging (New York City) received citations from three of its major clients in one month. The company was recognized by Chanel as one of its "Eight Elite Suppliers" in 2002. Mitchell Kaneff, president of Arkay Packaging, accepted the award at a luncheon on July 9. The plaque stated that "outstanding quality, delivery and service throughout the year" were provided by Arkay.
Mary Kay Cosmetics also honored the company for the fourth consecutive year as "Supplier of the Year, 2002." Also, The Association of Graphic Communication honored Arkay with a special Merit Award for excellence in printing and applying of reticulated coatings in 2003. The packaging that landed this award for the company included Clinique's Glamour to Go, Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist, Kate Spade's fragrance named Kate Spade, Paula Dorf makeup, and Johnson & Johnson's Roc Age Diminishing Lotion.
Fragrance Foundation Publishes Reference Guide
The Fragrance Foundation's 2003/2004 Reference Guide has been published. The up-to-date guide provides information on all fragrances available in the United States at the time of publication. A description of the fragrances, their launch dates, and information about the companies that distribute and manufacture the fragrances are also in the guide. Additional features include indications of FiFi winners throughout the guide and a separate index of past FiFi winners. For Foundation members, the price is $85 per guide; for nonmembers, the price is $100. Orders can be placed on the foundation's Web site at www.fragrance.org.
In other news, the Fragrance Foundation has appointed two new members to its Certification Advisory Board. They are Virginia Bonofiglio, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology; and Benjamin Gillikin, senior vice president, general manager, North America, for Thierry Mugler Parfums.
Engelhard Joins SpecialChem Web Site
Engelhard Corp. (Iselin, NJ), a developer of surface and materials techno-logies, has added its link to SpecialChem.com, a Web site founded in 2000 that provides technical knowledge and development assistance on additives and colors for the plastics industry.
Engelhard will host technical sites for plastics masterbatchers and processors at www.SpecialChem.com4polymers/tc/special-effects/. The site features in-depth technical information on special-effect and laser-marking pigments and will handle requests for samples and offer troubleshooting assistance. For industrial designers and OEMs, a separate section, featuring on-line demonstrations of Engelhard pigments used in consumer products, will launch in September.
"The Web site provides an effective channel to respond to the plastic industry's need to assess new technologies quickly and will enable us to reach a large audience of potential customers worldwide," said Stephane Rochard, global marketing manager, automotive and industrial markets, for Engelhard's special-effect pigments.
SpecialChem's active members include such polymer marketers as Eastman Chemical Co., Atofina, Borax, Solvay, and DuPont.
CTFA Publishes Who's Who Directory
The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA; Washington, DC) has published its 2003 Who's Who Membership Directory. The annual publication lists all CTFA active and associate member companies and describes their products and services. CTFA members can receive up to five free directory copies. For nonmembers, the price is $100 per copy. To place orders, contact CTFA Publications by phone at 310/953-2614, by fax at 301/206-9789, or online at www.ctfa.org.
Cosmetic Cartons Win NPA Awards
A carton for GloMinerals cosmetics received the Best of Show Award, Folding Carton, in the National Paperbox Association's (NPA) 53rd Annual Packaging Competition. The winners were announced at NPA's 85th annual meeting, held June 2225 at the Westin Nova Scotian, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The background of the GloMinerals carton was printed with the brand's logo using two coatings.
A chemical reaction between the varnish and the UV coating created the special graphic effect. The two-step coating process was done in one pass during printing. The carton received extra protection since the UV coating was applied to the entire carton surface, instead of only on the glossy area. All Packaging Co. (Aurora, CO) produced the carton.
Other winners in the cosmetics category received General Superiority According to End-Use Awards. They included a Trish McEvoy carton supplied by Paul T. Freund Corp. (Palmyra, NY); a Lancôme carton supplied by Brick & Ballerstein Inc. (Ridgewood, NY); and another cosmetic carton by Paul T. Freund Corp
Hazen Introduces Brilliance Line
The Decorated Paper Div. of Hazen Paper Co. (Holyoke, MA) has launched Brilliance, a new line of foil, film laminate, and metallized-transfer paperboard to its offerings. According to the company, Brilliance can add high-intensity effects to printed materials such as brochures, cards, and displays. All Brilliance products are coated with Ultracure, an acrylic with a high dyne level that ensures good results with offset ink, UV-cure ink, and flexographic, gravure, and silk-screening. The Brilliance line is available in gold and silver foil, with a matte or reflective finish. For metallized-transfers, Brilliance comes in three patterns: a crackle holographic that provides a sparkling background of geometric shapes; confetti, an effect with dispersed prismatic dots; and tinsel, which features narrow bands that refract light and hue.
Airspray to Launch New Lotion Dispenser
Netherland-based pump-foamer supplier Airspray NV announced its plans to license the distribution of a new lotion dispenser from an undisclosed partner. According to the company, the dispenser's innovative design comprises few components, making it extremely cost-effective. Airspray expects production of the new dispenser to start in late 2004.
CCL Container Package Receives Award
Aerosol cans created for Sally Beauty's Beyond the Zone Power Lift Mousse were honored with a silver award for the 2003 Can of the Year awards hosted by the Cannex show in Singapore. The Power Lift Mousse can is an Extended-Neck Trimline package from CCL Container (Hermitage, PA). The can, which measures 53 X 240 mm, features an ergonomic neck and a slim silhouette designed to fit comfortably in female hands.
In other news, CCL Container announced that it will add a second high-speed production line for aluminum containers to its plant in Penetang, ON, Canada. The addition will be the plant's ninth production line.
FACES & PLACES
World Wide Packaging Inc. (Florham Park, NJ) has named Kenneth Taylor sales representative. Prior to joining World Wide Packaging, Taylor, who has 27 years of industry experience, served as East Coast sales manager for Roberts Cosmetic Containers (Chatsworth, CA). Taylor's other experiences include being an account manager for Rexam Cosmetic Packaging (Torrington, CT) and an engineering manager for Qualipac Corp. (Whippany, NJ).
Philip Maniscalco has been appointed technical sales representative for Hazen Paper Co. (Holyoke, MA), a paper converter specializing in film, foil, and holographic laminations, gravure-printing, embossing, and specialty coating. Maniscalco joins Hazen Paper from International Holographic Paper, where he helped to develop the patented Print To Register process, now licensed to Hazen Paper.
Zirh International (New York City), a partial subsidiary of Shiseido International Corp., has named Tom Butkiewicz vice president, operations and product development. Butkiewicz joins Zirh from LVMH, where he served as director of operations, managing the global American Designer Fragrances sector and the North America division for Parfums Givenchy.
Clariant Adds New Polymer Products
The Pigments & Additives Div. of Clariant (Coventry, RI), a leading supplier of color additive masterbatches, has added several innovative products to improve the processing and application for polymers. The Pigments & Additives Div. offers high-quality organic pigments, pigment preparations, and dyes and additives for the coating, plastic, printing, and cosmetic industries.
Among the new developments is DrizPearls, a free-flowing, dust-free, prewetted pigment that is ideal for coloring plastics. PV-Fast Yellow H9G is a glossy yellow pigment with an intense greenish tint that offers good stability under heat and light and is compliant with FDA regulations. Nylostab S-EED is a multifunctional additive that offers light-stabilizing and antioxidant properties, as well as being an effective processing aid by reducing filament breaks during injection-molding and extrusion. Hostavin N 30 is suited for light stabilization of large-area plastic articles, whether they are made of polyolefins, copolymers, or engineering thermoplastics. Sanduvor VSU is an effective UV absorber that is colorless and crystalline, and offers premium protection without modifying a plastic's color. For other new additions, visit www.clariant.com.
In other news, Clariant has developed an e-business system in conjunction with its business partners Accenture, Omnexus, and Elemica. The first part of the new system is designed to lower the sourcing, purchasing, and
inventory costs by streamlining the processes involved. At www.myclariant.com, customers can work one-on-one with Clariant's Online Business Center to place and track orders, access purchasing history, view customer-specific price lists, and order product samples.
Clariant has also joined Omnexus, an online marketplace for plastic materials and related suppliers located at www.omnexus.com. The Web site allows engineers to search among and compare more than 8000 resins from multiple suppliers using up to 210 parameters. In addition, Clariant has partnered with Elemica, located at www.elemica.com, to facilitate Clariant's customer and supplier interactions. Accenture, a management consulting and technology services company, was responsible for project management and built the system integration for Clariant between Elemica and Omnexus.