The goal of this innovative
project was to demonstrate the possibilities of "Value Added
Packaging" in as realistic a way as possible: The El Drago sample
packaging was used to provide branded product manufacturers, designers,
printers and print finishers with inspiration about how today’s technologies, substrates
and processing solutions can be used in an optimised and efficient manner
throughout the entire packaging value chain. The polygonal premium packaging
design used for the El Drago submission validates that it is not out of the
realm of possibility to produce an exclusive design with exceptional shelf
appeal in an industrial inline production environment.
Complex finishing begins with the substrate
Sappi, whose 350 g/m2 Algro
Design SBS carton was used for one of the two packaging options, believes
beginning with a bright white carton board is the key to delivering a high
quality finish and lower transport volumes while ensuring sufficient rigidity
of the box to withstand handling and protect the product. The special shape of
the packaging, with its filigree bevelled and inwardly curved sides, provides
the ideal backdrop for the special-effect finishes with reflective features
that were used in this project.
In producing this package,
materials and surfaces such as leather, aluminium, chrome and gold were
reproduced as realistically as possible. A silver laminate, hot foil stamping,
multicolour pigments, gloss and matte varnishes, structural embossing and
raised/blind embossing were extremely effective in highlighting exotic dragon
motifs. "The El Drago sample packaging is perfectly designed to raise
brand awareness and enhance the perceived value of the product it contains,”
says Lars Scheidweiler, Product Group Manager for Rigid Packaging at Sappi.
“The packaging must appeal to all of a prospective buyer’s senses, and that's
exactly what it does!"
"Congratulations and thanks
go to all the people who have contributed their significant passion, creativity
and expertise in a successful collaboration to produce a wonderful example of
Connection of Competence in practice," enthuses Rainer Kuhn, Managing
Director of PrintCity GmbH. "Third place in such a competitive environment
is good, but it is also an incentive for all of us to improve even further with
a goal of getting the gold next year! We've still got a few more interesting
concepts up our sleeves."
PrintCity is a strategic alliance
of well renowned companies operating in the fields of printing, packaging and
publishing via a 'connection of competence' across the entire value chain.
PrintCity’s mission is to promote and support the value of print and packaging.
Sappi Europe is the leading
European producer of coated fine paper for premium magazines, catalogues, books
and high-end print advertising. With a head office in Brussels, Sappi Fine
Paper Europe is known for innovation and quality. The range of graphic paper
grades includes Magno, Quatro, Vantage, Royal, Galerie, GalerieArt and Jaz.
Algro, Fusion, Leine and Parade are the brands for special labels, top liners,
packaging paper as well as boxes. Sappi papers are manufactured in ISO 9001 and
ISO 14001 certified factories and all our plants in the EU are EMAS-registered.
The Sappi Europe factories have product chain certifications in line with the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programmes for the Endorsement of
Forest Certification (PEFC).
Sappi Europe is a division of
Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South
Africa. Sappi Limited has over 14,000 employees and production sites in seven
countries on three continents, sales offices in 50 countries and customers in
more than 100 countries worldwide.
