Archive for November, 2010

Recycling at the Office Taken One Step Further….Composting

Monday, November 29th, 2010

eco friendly light bulb2 261x300 Recycling at the Office Taken One Step Further....Composting

Offices all over the country have taken an effort to participate in recycling. Many offices use bins for aluminum, plastic, and paper, however some have taken it one step further and ventured into what is called composting. Composting is a biological process where organic materials are broken down and nutrients and minerals are released. This process combines air, water, carbon, and nitrogen that develop a synergy to make the whole process work.

The average employee of a company creates about half a pound of compostable waste each day. This amount is equivalent to the weight of a loaf of bread. Medium to large companies can save and profit from implementing a composting program to counter the level of waste being produced by their employees. There are two composting systems available for businesses to use that cuts out the smell that is usually associated with composting.

The first method is vermicomposting, also known as composting with worms. Although this sounds rather gross, it is actually the most beneficial for composting food waste and is an ecologically safe method to naturally convert many organic wastes. Vermicomposting is the process of having red worms and other decomposer organisms process organic waste and turn it into natural fertilizer. It is very easy and requires few supplies. The second method is to purchase a traditional composting bin or tumbler. The bins or tumblers can maintain relatively high temperatures and act like insulation. They continuously turn which keeps the microbes aerated and active. These bins are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They also come in may different sizes and shapes that can be suitable for your office environment.

Composting at the office allows the business to take a step towards becoming a sustainable company. Composting is a very eco-friendly process because all organic matter eventually decomposes in nature. This is a win-win for companies who decide to implement such a program. They would be reducing their carbon footprint and helping the environment.

Facebook is Gearing up for the Holidays

Friday, November 26th, 2010

The holiday shopping season has officially started as Black Friday has once again snuck up on us. This crazy day of shopping provides great opportunities for businesses to motivate loyal customers and attract new ones with fun holiday promotions. Facebook has become a very popular outlet for holiday advertising and promotions. Businesses have used their Facebook pages to let consumers know about their upcoming Black Friday deals and have used it as another place to post their ads.

christmas facebook Facebook is Gearing up for the Holidays

Lowe’s began running a series of display ads to push consumers to its Facebook Fan page that will provide a sneak peak to the specials on Black Friday. This sneak peak will happen at Midnight on Black Friday. The also used an email campaign to create buzz about their specials and perks.

Remember the Christmas crazed lady from Target’s commercials last year? She is back again and crazier than ever this year in a 27 second video on Facebook to remind consumers to go to Target’s 2-Day Sale. They also posted store maps and fun videos to get consumers excited for the annual shopping event. Target is also offering a contest that fans can enter for a chance to win a $25 Target Gift cards.

Office Depot is ready for the holiday shopping spree with posts on their Facebook pages. They share a link for 10 great holiday shopping tips. They also list Pre-Black Friday deals and the top 30 smart gifts. Office Depot’s competitor Staples is also using their Facebook page to post their weekly ad with Black Friday specials. They are also taking one step further and giving fans a sneak peak to their Cyber Monday deals.

8 Secrets to Effective Email Marketing

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

email 8 Secrets to Effective Email Marketing

With the new day and age we are living in, everything has basically turned electronic and so has our mail. The “snail mail” days are a thing of the past as email has stepped into the spotlight. Marketing via email has become a popular means in attracting potential consumers. But as with anything else, email marketing has to be effective to reach those people otherwise it will get thrown into the junk mail folder. Whether a packaging company, a big corporation, or a family ran business, email marketing can be an important tool.

Here are 8 secrets to effective email marketing:

1. The subject is the headline: The words you choose to put into the headline of your email determines whether or not the email even gets open and read. Use 3 to 5 words to catch the attention of potential consumers so they are enticed to open and read the message.

2. Make it personal: People on the Internet want personal messages that are relevant and compelling to them. The idea is to write for an audience of one, avoiding formal speech. Emails should be written as though it were a common conversation.

3. Get to the point: Keep emails short and simple. Several paragraphs or pages are too lengthy and most likely won’t get read. Paragraphs should be no longer than 4 to 6 lines, with a total length under 300 words.

4. Give an incentive to act: People on the Internet are in a hurry and need a reason to buy or act now. Common examples are limited time offer, free trial, free shipping, and discounts.

5. Include a call to action: Make clear what action you want to happen. Don’t leave them wondering what is supposed to happen next. Get them pointed into the right direction otherwise they could get lost.

6. Use your website: Make sure you link to your website. The goal is to have people asking questions and produce interaction. By linking to your website, they will be able to see more of what you do or offer and want to learn more.

7. Build relationships: A relationship with a consumers creates many benefits for your business. If it is a good relationship they will be loyal to your business and could lead to telling others about their positive experiences. It is easier to keep an existing customer than it is to find a new one.

8. Follow through: Make sure you do what you say and be honest with people. You must deliver on your offer.

Nooka’s Tupperware Packaging

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

nooka zub zen watch 300x233 Nookas Tupperware Packaging

Have you even bought a watch and wondered why the packaging is so much bigger than the watch itself? Nooka, maker of sci-fi inspired watches, has recognized this problem and are taking a creative and eco-friendly approach to solving it. In an effort to produce sustainable packaging, they have decided to collaborate with SiliconeZone, maker of silicone based kitchenware.

The outcome? Packaging that is similar to that of Tupperware. This holiday season, Nooka’s watches will be shipped in boxes that are made out of cooking-grade silicone. These boxes are durable, reusable, and even microwave safe. So instead of throwing away the box after opening, it can be recycled and used to store pasta, soup, and anything else you can think of. Nooka will also eventually post recipes on its website that can be stored or made in their new packaging.

nookapackaging 300x184 Nookas Tupperware Packaging

Although it is a little strange to think that it is possible to eat out of a box that a watch used to be packaged in, the idea is actually a part of how Nooka wants to operate its business. They believe in constant advances in technology and originality in design. Having an “anything is possible” mindset allows Nooka to be able to create possibilities that are sustainable and futuristic. They pride themselves in taking everyday objects and taking an alternative approach to making it better. The creation of an eco-friendly and reusable package is just the beginning for Nooka and it will be interesting to see what they think of next.

Products Wrapped With Holiday Cheer

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Red and green have taken over this October and spread into November in an early effort by companies to start their holiday advertising campaigns and introduce their festive packaging. Cosmetic makers, coffee shops, and cookie makers are just a few examples of companies participating in the eagerness to start the holiday season.

mac a tartan tale collection chapter 2 for holiday 2010 official photos info 21146549 231x300 Products Wrapped With Holiday Cheer
MAC just introduced their new holiday collection called Tartan Tale! They used a Scottish and British look to their packaging by using a plaid print. Although the red and green Christmas colors are not present in this holiday collection, MAC decided to use a different approach in spreading holiday cheer by using poetic new looks.The holiday collection encompasses posh, punk, ancestral, anarchic, noble, and royal glory.

starbucks 02 171x300 Products Wrapped With Holiday Cheer

Coffee shops are putting their spin on holiday cheer this season. Caribou Coffee and Starbucks have introduced their holiday decorated cups early this year. Two days after Halloween the red cups and holiday menu were launched for Starbucks. This holiday menu includes their famous eggnog latte, gingerbread latte, and Christmas blend coffee. Caribou Coffee has introduced their festive cups for the holiday season and has added some drinks to their menu including: spicy milk chocolate mocha, ho ho mint white chocolate mocha, and their reindeer blend coffee is back on shelves. Caribou Coffee also features holiday gift packs and sets.

mrs field Products Wrapped With Holiday Cheer

Mrs. Fields, maker of delicious cookies and sweets, is sprinkling some holiday spirit into their cookie packaging this year. The holiday line includes customized tins, baskets, and reusable gift boxes featuring the signature red and white colors Mrs. Fields is known for. Snowflakes, snowmen, reindeer, and Santa are some of the holiday designs you can find in Mrs. Fields merry and jolly packaging.

Naked Juice’s reNEWabottle

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

47255 hi naked juice pins 300x224 Naked Juices reNEWabottle

Naked Juice is a premium juice maker known for using only the best bare-naked fruits and vegetables and never adding sugars or preservatives. In an effort to transform their packaging to a more eco-friendly option, they recently launched a new bottle made out of 100% post-consumer recycled materials for its 10oz, 15.2oz, and 64oz bottles. The new bottle is also plastic coded #1, which is easily recyclable. This process started in July of 2009 when they started converting all of its 32oz bottles and now has planned to transition its entire line. This is expected to be complete by January 1, 2011.

Naked Juice is the first national company in the U.S. to basically make a bottle made from other bottles. Naked Juice’s philosophy is to provide eco-friendly solutions from sustainable sourcing to sustainable manufacturing processes and reducing its carbon footprint. The 32oz bottle that was introduced last year reduces plastic consumption by 1 million pounds per year and oil use by 8,192 barrels every year. After Naked Juice finishes modifying the rest of their line, plastic consumption will be reduced by 8.1 million pounds per year, saving 57,000 barrels of oil every year. More than 12,000 cubic meters of space in landfills will be saved along with 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Retro, Elegant, and Glamorous: Limited Edition Bottles

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Heineken, Bombay Sapphire, and Absolut have recently introduced limited edition bottles and packaging. Each bottle is uniquely designed with a different story to tell. Limited edition packaging is a great way to produce a positive effect for brand recognition and differentiation in a short amount of time. Lets take a closer look at these creative designs:

heinekenglowinthedark2 173x300 Retro, Elegant, and Glamorous: Limited Edition Bottles

Heineken has taken a creative approach with a new design for their 16 oz. bottles. By the plain eye the green aluminum bottle looks simple and sleek, but when viewed under a black light a surprise pattern can be seen. This new design was inspired by the dimly lit night club atmosphere and will only be released in select cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Bombay Sapphire limited edition gin bottle1 189x300 Retro, Elegant, and Glamorous: Limited Edition Bottles

Bombay Sapphire has taken the luxurious look for its new bottle by integrating the idea of prestige into its packaging. The bottle is handcrafted in high quality crystal and set with crystal stones. It is accompanied with a stopper that is also made out of crystal and has a shape of a crown. The bottle also is laser etched on the inner glass walls with 3D images of the 10 botanicals and the Queen Victoria brand mark. The bottle will then be placed in a bespoke gift box and includes a booklet describing the history of the brand and the design. The bottle was created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the secret recipe on which the gin is based. Only 350 of these bottles will be available for sale in the UK, Europe, and the U.S before Christmas.

glimmer bottle1 300x262 Retro, Elegant, and Glamorous: Limited Edition Bottles

Absolut Vodka has also introduced a limited edition bottle for the holiday season with the hope it will inspire consumers to have fun and party, by adding a touch of glamour. The new bottle has been named Absolut Glimmer and has the look of a cut crystal decanter. The bottle is made out of pressed glass, making it the first time that the bottle itself has been altered and redesigned. The idea behind the new packaging is based on taking chances and designing something that is both bold and innovative.

Why You Should Use Twitter for Your Business

Friday, November 12th, 2010

social media 300x250 Why You Should Use Twitter for Your Business
Social media is defined as media for social interaction. It uses web-based technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogues. Businesses have been using a variety of social media techniques including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to catch the attention of people in the hope to gain customers. The goal is to intrigue potential customers and get them interested in your business. Twitter, one of the many social media tools, has become a very important mode of communication for businesses. Why use Twitter you ask? Here are the top 10 reasons why businesses should use Twitter:

twitter logo 300x200 Why You Should Use Twitter for Your Business

1. It’s free to sign up and use. No need to spend money to subscribe or maintain.
2. It can help grow your email list. Email marketing is becoming very popular and by gaining email addresses, more contacts are being made.
3. It will expand the reach of your email campaigns.
4. Networking is possible by following people and asking them to follow you. Networking is a very important factor in growing a business. The ability to network without having to go anywhere is very convenient.
5. Can stay current on industry trends. This gives a business the ability to see what others are doing and saying.
6. Monitor what customers are saying about you. This allows to hear feedback about your business, whether positive or negative, it is still beneficial to hear input.
7. Can host a Twitter chat to engage followers. This allows to be able to talk to certain people to gain more insight and feedback.
8. Customer support related issues can be handled easily. Questions and problems can be addressed quickly and easily using Twitter. These can also reach other who may have had to same question or problem.
9. Advocates for your business can be found and heard. People who are really interested in your company are out there and can be heard if you find them or if they find you.
10. Can promote your business to new and existing customers. Promotion is a major part of marketing a business. Since Twitter has many users, promoting a business becomes a easier by having a big reach of people to promote to.

Just Add Water

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

replenish KitchenPods 300x200 Just Add Water

Replenish, the creator of the patented, Reusable Bottle System, has designed a way to transform how cleaning products are packaged. This new invention consists of two components. The first one is the pod. The pod is full of a non toxic, safe for the environment liquid that is readily biodegradable and has a PH balance of neutral. The second component is the bottle. The bottle comes empty and the only requirement is that it gets filled with water.

How it works: First you attach the pod to the base of the bottle. It screws on like a garden hose. Then you flip it upside down and squeeze it. A built in measuring cup allows you to squeeze the right amount. Water is then added and the two mix together, resulting in your very own household cleaner. Every pod contains enough cleaner to make four full bottles of cleaning solution. Pods are sold separately, so when the pod runs out, simply replace it with a new one, without having to buy a whole new bottle.

post half 1287596144replenishgraphic21 Just Add Water

60 billion pounds of plastic is discarded annually and only 7% is recycled. Replenish wants to cut back on that amount by creating packaging that can be reused and recycled. By mixing the Replenish pods at home, 90% less plastic and oil are being used. The bottle’s spray head is 100% recyclable and contains no metal springs and has been tested to last more than 10,000 trigger pulls. The plastic bottle is also eco-friendly and is made with 100% PET recyclable materials. The cleaner is also environmentally friendly in that the ingredients are 98% plant derived.

From Cupboard to Fridge

Monday, November 8th, 2010

When you are hungry for something where do you look first the cupboard or the fridge? Common sense dictates that people open their fridges more frequently than their cupboards. The fridge is a dynamic place and the cupboard has become a thing of the past. Companies have realized this change in food placement and have developed their packaging in relation to it.
heinz From Cupboard to Fridge
Heinz, maker of the famous red hot dog and burger condiment, has taken the traditional tin can for baked beans and evolved it into a container that can fit on the average fridge shelf. The innovative design is a plastic jar with a screw top. It was developed for consumers who may use more than one can when cooking because it contains the equivalent of two and a half standard cans.

arm and hammer From Cupboard to Fridge

Baking soda, which was once known as a baking ingredient, is now moving from the cupboard into the fridge and is acting as a deodorizer. The little yellow box made by Arm & Hammer is designed to fit in the fridge and also possesses a clear strip to see how much is left. This package design allows the fridge to stay fresh and takes up little room.

Coke 300x249 From Cupboard to Fridge

Coca-Cola has made fridge friendly packaging for its 12 packs. The packaging design is slimmer making it easy to store in the fridge and takes up less room. The packaging is also designed to dispense after one can gets taken out.

These examples are just a few of the cupboard to fridge packaging designs that are present. Keep your eyes open for other packaging designs that have left the cupboard and moved to the fridge.