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“Some people are using smart labels, but most people want the UPC code. It gives you the product identi cation at the supermarket so you charge the right price”
— Kurt Zuhlke, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates
been introduced into the market to control humidity. While there is not a ‘one size ts all’ material, there are materials designed to increase shelf life of certain commodities.”
Modern packaging also improves the ability to manage inventory and recall product in cases of contamination.
“Some people are using smart labels, but most people want the UPC code,” says Kurt Zuhlke, president of Kurt Zuhlke & Asso- ciates, Easton, PA. “It gives you the product identi cation at the supermarket so you charge the right price.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF INLINE PLASTICS
Clear clamshell packages, such as these fresh-cut fruit offerings from InLine Plastics, “makes it easy to organize and neatly stack containers in the fridge and pantry,” according to Carrie Cline, senior product manager.
Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, a 56-year-old company, o ers a line of packaging made from 100 percent recyclable materials.
“ e smart label is the box you see that takes you to a website,” says Zuhlke. “We’ve seen them used, but we don’t use them. I think they are mainly a fad that will not be widely used.”
Clear plastic helps to sell produce because it
lets you see the product, and protects shelf life. “We have found consumers perceive plastic packaging to extend the shelf life and o er better protection for the contents,” says InLine Plastics’ Cline. “It also makes it easy to organize and neatly stack containers in the fridge and pantry. is applies to both fresh and prepared foods, as well as snacks and on-the-go items. While brown bags and boxes instill a homemade feeling, consumers tend to be more concerned with the shelf life and quality of products not packaged in plastic. It is important to also note, that too much packaging can appear wasteful and may
deter consumers.”
e package can play a role in letting a
retailer make a statement and di erentiate itself from the rest.
“We have seen examples of packaging being used to di erentiate similar products on retail shelves,” says Sonoco’s Forowycz. “Many new private-label items utilize distinct pack- aging formats to di erentiate from national brands. Others add features to packaging that enhance the consumer experience, such as resealing/reclosing. Today we are starting to see retailers begin to make decisions based on whether packaging is recyclable.” pb
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