Though I am a die heart coffee drinker, I know a lot of people who cannot start their day without a cup of tea. If you are a chai tea fan, then you will definitely want to check out the latest packaging redesign from a fantastic tea microbrewery. Colorado based Third Street has been brewing completely organic chai tea, iced concentrate chai tea, and lemonades since founded in 1995. The microbrewery prides themselves on producing completely organic and fair trade products to their customers. As an added bonus to its eco-friendly customers, Third Street uses sustainable energy to power their plant in the form of wind power, and composts all scrap ingredients.

The designer for the new packaging commented that, “Alas their packaging and their corporate brand ID didn't convey their high quality products which they have been producing for over 15 years.” Hence, designer Sze-Lin Lie created the stunning new packaging as seen in the photo above. Chai tea is a beverage that originally comes from the Indian heritage and is a mix of tea leaves, milk, and various spices. The packaging design reflects the Indian heritage through the detailed art design, vibrant color pallets, and even a world map of India as the backdrop. There are also faint henna designs included on the solid colored areas of the label (red, purple, green, Ect). Henna, a delicate and intricate body art, has been a popular art form for centuries in Indian culture. In fact, Northern India refers to henna as “Bridal Mehndi” because women are given the temporary skin designs on their wedding day as a celebration of meeting their future husband.

To read more about the chai packaging redesign, visit Packaging of the World’s website. And if you are interested in buying these organic chai teas, you can pick one up at your local Whole Foods Market.

Shrink sleeves are one of the top trends in the packaging world, which? Dion now has the capability to print! There are many uses for shrink sleeves besides for creating a visually appealing package; one being that it can be used to wrap two products together as I wrote about last week’s blog. However, have you ever thought about using a shrink sleeve as protective layer for the liquid inside the bottle? If not, you should because this use for shrink sleeves was able to provide a solution to LIV Organic’s problem.

The USDA certified organic company prides itself in manufacturing a great tasting sports recovery drink, similar to other products like Powerade. With only “6 ingredients, and 0 garbage” the company has created a top health and energy sports drink made from all natural rice syrup. However, the company started to notice a problem with their drink packaging. The packaging, a rectangular film label around a clear bottle, was allowing too much sunlight to be exposed to the beverage. In turn, the sunlight was fading the organic color ingredients in the drink over time. The organic company turned to the design firm TANKindustries for help with their color fading crisis, who introduced the first shrink sleeve for the drink line. A shrink sleeve has allowed the beverage color to remain intact over time, and also opened the doors to a more modern packaging design. The bottle now stands out on the shelf more than ever with its bold array of motivating sport words such as “score,” “push,” and “energize!” If you have another innovative use for shrink sleeves, leave us a comment!

For more information on this use of shrink sleeve packaging, check out the article on the Packaging World webpage.

As a blogger about the newest packaging innovations on the market, I am constantly keeping my eyes out for the hottest trends.  A top trend I have noticed across multiple packaging and product innovations is that the world is going green!  New eco friendly products are popping up every day as the world tries to be sustainable.

A few products in particular stood out to me for excellence and innovation in green packaging. Scott Naturals Tube free tissue has just arrived in Northeast Walmart and Sam’s Club stores and is missing one key element; the classic cardboard tube!  The tube, through eco friendly, is reported to be thrown in the garbage by 8 out of 10 consumers.  Scott plans to reduce excess waste and be more eco friendly by removing the tube.  The Green 001 designer shoe by Li Ning is a Chinese eco friendly shoe made entirely from recycled products.  Trendwatching online says a Chinese ad for the shoe reads, “Environmental Protection = Trendy” to enforce the global go green trend. Even Mexico City’s government has a new law banning non-compostable grocery store bags.  Stacy and I saw this trend first hand at the Natural Products Expo East where reusable shopping bags were distributed in abundance to show attendees.  Keep up the “go green” efforts everyone and watch out for more of my top packaging trends!

For over forty years, the American Package Design Awards have showcased excellence in the graphic design world.  The contest is here again! Entries can be submitted for three main categories; Package Design, Special Features, and In-Store Graphics.  The 18 sub categories range from Health and Beauty, Sustainable Packaging, and Store Logos. If you are a graphic designer wishing to submit your work, you can download the entry form at www.GDUSA.com or send your entry to the mailing address on the website.  Submissions are due by December 10, 2010 and all entries must be of products sold in stores between January 1, 2009-December 31, 2010. Best of luck to all entries and check back later in the year for our winners announcement blog!

Past winners have included Kit Kat Seasonal by Vertis Creative for Food & Beverage (top), and Juicy Couture by Elizabeth Arden for Health and Beauty (bottom).

For another consecutive year Dion Label Printing has exhibited at the Natural Products Expo East Tradeshow.  From October 14-16^th Dion exhibited in booth #3233 held in the Boston Convention Center.  Though only 1,300 exhibitors, 200 less than last year, exhibited, the show maintained its popularity with over 20,000 attendees.  Visitors were especially interested in Dion’s pressure sensitive label options, shrink sleeves and labeling equipment. To request samples or additional information, click this link! Next year’s Expo East will wave farewell to Boston and return to Baltimore, Maryland from September 21^st- 24^th  2011. 

For the full article and recap of Expo East 2010 visit their homepage.

Celebrities today are on the hunt for methods to keep them young and healthy looking, some going as far as plastic surgery.  According to the article in Happi Magazine, going under the knife is not the only way to look healthy, skyrocketing the market for nutraceuticals. Products like Get Gorgeous’s Herb Tea for Clear Skin (above), contains natural rooibus to refresh the skin.  Skin Nutrients also has a line of nutraceutical supplements to promote clear skin.  For the sweet toothed acne strugglers, Frutels has launched a line of chocolate balls eaten to stop and prevent acne (below). Chocolate daily for clear skin, yes please! 

Who is most likely to purchase these products?  18-24 year olds women are going to be the largest target market because slowing aging is much easier than reversing it.  Even though there are a million and one supplements out there, nothing can beat good old Mother Nature.  Nutritionists agree the best way to get the vitamins our bodies need is through the food we consume.  Shoot for key fruit and vegetables super foods with antioxidants, such as blueberries, to supercharge your health.  Nutraceutical markets are showing growth despite the economic slump.  People may be purchasing cheaper supplements, but they have not ceased in the amount they are purchasing.  The fountain of youth now comes in a convenient pill, and consumers are eager for a taste!   

Stridex acne treatment products are turning to nature to help battle tough acne.  Introducing a new member to the Stridex product family, Stridex Naturally Clear medicated cleaning pads.  The new cleaning pads are a combination of three healthy antioxidants of white tea, pomegranate and soy creating a breakthrough 98.8% alcohol free formula. Pads are also being made 20% larger which are easily grasped and more bank for your buck! 

The new formula is packaged in a similarly round shaped container to the older Stridex cleaning pads.  Bright orange and green tones compliment each other as organic colors and the background image is a faded picture of natural grass.  The bright orange lid and deep colors make this product stand out amongst the other Stridex brand cleansers on the shelf.  If I had to choose between the original cleansing pads (bottom image) and the natural ones (top image) I would absolutely be drawn to the natural ones.  However when I researched the pricing between Stridex Natural and other Stridex products the price of the Naturals were two to three dollars more than!  If natural ingredients are important then the extra two dollars might be worth it, otherwise it’s a tossup between price and product.

Launched just last week and making its debut at Cosmoprof North America this week, Barista Bath and Body is the first line of beauty products with organic coffee as its key ingredient. Coffee, and caffeine were chosen because they:

• Feature a pH balance similar to the human body, meaning that it cleans better than ordinary soap or shampoo
• act as a gentle exfoliant
• perform as an effective astringent
• promote the appearance of smoother-looking skin, especially in cellulite-prone areas (http://www.b3products.com)

The products are also paraben-free, phthalate-free and sulfate-free and range in price from $4.50 to $28.00 for individual products and $22.50 to $150.00 for gift sets. The company is already being touted for its unique products and understanding of the market.

Within the last few years you have probably caught wind that drinking red wine actually has health benefits that come along with its more obvious pleasantries. It’s because of somthing called resveratrol. It’s a phytoalexin that was first discovered in the 1940’s and can be found in the skin of grapes. Most of the information I have found claims that there has not been enough research into the long term benefits for humans. However the testing on animals and insects, as well as human cells in Petri dishes, showed some hopeful results in the following areas:

Heart disease: Resveratrol helps reduce inflammation, prevents the oxidation of LDL "bad" cholesterol, and makes it more difficult for platelets to stick together and form the clots that can lead to a heart attack.

Cancer: Resveratrol is thought to limit the spread of cancer cells and trigger the process of cancer cell death (apoptosis).

Alzheimer's disease: Resveratrol may protect nerve cells from damage and the buildup of plaque that can lead to Alzheimer's.

Diabetes: Resveratrol helps prevent insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less sensitive to the effects of the blood sugar-lowering hormone, insulin. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes. (webmd.com)

While red wine is seen as the best way for the body to absorb resveratrol (because it is absorbed in the mouth and is least susceptible to oxidation), there are many supplements on the market capitalizing on the new-found, super-compound. They come in pill, powder, tablet and liquid forms. So while the jury is still out on the definitive benefits, resveratrol has the potential to be a very powerful substance.

Although it’s not required by the USDA that non-food products certify their organic claims, Whole Foods is insisting on it for the sake of their customers. By June 1, 2011 all personal products and cosmetics claiming to be organic or made from/including organic ingredients must be certified. According to GCI Magazine, companies have until August 1^st of this year to submit their compliance plans to Whole Foods:

• Under the new guideline, all products making an “organic” product claim (e.g. “organic shampoo”) must be certified to the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (USDA NOP) standard, the same standard to which organic food must be certified under U.S. law.
• Products making a “made with organic ingredients” claim must also be certified to the NOP standard
• Products making a “contains organic ingredients” claim must be certified to the NSF 305 ANSI Standard for Organic Personal Care products, a consensus-based industry standard accepted by the American National Standards Institute and managed by NSF International.

The DuPont Award winners for 2010 were just announced at the end of May, continuing the virtual forum format from last year. The winners proved breakthroughs in packaging with innovative developments, cost/waste reduction and improved sustainability. Diamond winners proved excellence in all three areas while Gold winners demonstrated excellence in two criteria. Silver winners were selected for their breakthrough innovation, and notable honorees were given recognition for innovative problem solving. 

Only two submissions were given the prestigious honor of a Diamond DuPont award: the GREENBOX reusable thermal management system, a sustainably-produced container used to transport sensitive medical supplies, as well as Exal Corporation’s “Coil to Can” (C2C) recyclable aluminum bottle.

To see all of the award-winning packaging innovators, click here.

Sustainability is a frequent topic on Dion’s blog. However we rarely look at the pressure that may be behind a company’s decision to implement sustainable efforts. This article from Brand Packaging takes a look at a few companies that have been targeted by green activists. When I say “activist” you may think of wild paint-throwing PETA rallies. But beyond the grassroots approaches, the strategy explained in the article that I found interesting is that activists may choose far more business-like tactics. Many have a voice because they are actual shareholders in the corporations they are trying to sway. By rallying votes on issues at shareholder meetings, activists are able to not only voice their concerns, but actually be heard by executives as their percentage of votes on an issue increases. To see how their influence has translated into more eco-friendly practices at some of the best known companies in the world, click here!

Stacy made a stop into a Starbucks recently and returned to the office with some intriguing packaging. The small brown bag that held her lemon pound cake read:

This may be no surprise to you because this initiative was announced last summer. But it’s great to know that such an eco-conscious company is thinking just as much about their customers’ health. The bag itself is made from 100% unbleached paper with 20% post-consumer material. It’s a component of Starbucks’ Shared Planet “Environmental Stewardship” ensuring the company acts responsibly. The company releases an annual Global Responsibility Report analyzing their sustainability goals. One of the loftiest:

It is our goal that by 2015, 100 percent of our cups will be reusable or recyclable, and we will significantly reduce our environmental footprint through energy and water conservation, recycling, and green construction.

That would be pretty impressive if it’s attained. Other sustainability programs announced just since January include a campaign encouraging customers to bring in reusable tumblers rather than cups, donations to protect forests when using the Conservation International Starbucks Card and working with municipal governments in their recycling programs.

To read more about how Starbucks works toward a better future, click here.

We’ve seen quite a few articles pop up about Pantone’s new iPhone app that gives access to their library of color. At first it had the initial “Great!” reaction, but then some of the pitfalls began to show their true colors—excuse the pun. Research done by VIGC showed that depending on which device you are using, the same Pantone color can look different on each device (above compares the Pantone 37-5-1 C on the iPhone 3G to the iPod Touch), which is different still compared to the GoeGuide seen below. Though to be fair, “Pantone does not represent the product as a precise color measuring tool” (graphicartsonline.com).  

For the reasons listed above, we often recommend color press proofs for labels that must match a certain color scheme. It is important that our customers realize the Pantone color they see on screen is usually very different from the actual Pantone color in a PMS book. Likewise, the printout from their laser or inkjet desktop printer may be different from both resources. With flexographic printing (which uses printing plates and ink stations), we can adjust color on press to match a Pantone color. In digital printing, this process is not so simple because the colors are all printed at once. A customer’s artwork file needs to be adjusted for color and then sent to the press for printing. Digital press proofs are printed using the exact HP Indigo equipment used to print your label order. These proofs are printed on the same material your labels will be printed on and can also be coated with UV varnish or lamination. So, as a customer, if you just want a dark blue without a specific Pantone match, you may forgo press proofs. However, if your logo is a specific shade of blue used among multiple products- then press proofs are the right option for you. When in doubt, get a press proof!  

HP recently sent out a press release announcing our purchase of their latest press!

Check out the capabilities our HP WS6000 press purchased in March 2010. It is the newest press on the market from HP and will increase our capabilities, including endless possibilities of substrates for printing.

“Short run, multiple SKUs, repeatable high-quality printing and the ability for variable data has helped to maintain our steady growth,” said Randy Duhaime, General Manager, Dion Label. “ The purchase of the HP Indigo WS6000 will allow us to continue this trend with longer run lengths transitioning from our conventional flexographic printing department to our digital department. WS6000 enhancements, such as its large repeat length and its ability to print on substrates from 12 microns to 450 microns, will open additional opportunities.”

While we’re thankfully heading out of flu season, a stomach flu can strike at any time of the year. And if your taking care of a child, sometimes you can feel helpless in your attempt to make them feel more comfortable. That’s exactly how the founders of Organic B.R.A.T. felt when their little ones had the flu, a diagnosis to eat only Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast, and most importantly, avoid milk. Their website explains:

When I returned home from work that day both of our children were lethargic and unhappy. My husband, looking frazzled, explained that both of our children repeatedly expressed their need for milk throughout the day. The B.R.A.T. Diet’s order of no dairy escalated an already stressful situation since drinking a “milk – like” product is comforting to a child. He wondered why there weren't any non-dairy alternatives specifically made for sensitive tummies. This inspired us to create a product which not only provides “tummy” comfort for children, but also nutrition and re-hydration. We incorporated the tummy-settling principles of the B.R.A.T. Diet by using organic brown rice as the base along with banana puree and apple puree, and then added an electrolyte-balanced ratio of vitamins and minerals.

I noticed the company at Expo East this past fall (where it won the Most Innovative Product award, by the way), but I can’t say I took the plunge to try the product (I was pretty stuffed from all of the samples). However, assuming that you aren’t allergic to the few basic ingredients, this product appears to be very worthy of its award.

I’m not a completely ignorant person, but I did recently admit to Stacy that I thought that pomegranates were a newly discovered fruit. It seemed like everywhere I turned I heard something about pomegranates—from news briefs about their health benefits to recipes for Oprah’s favorite pomegranate martinis (which are delicious, by the way). This is just one example of the whirlwind that can be created by the discovery and marketing of the benefits of everyday foods and food components. There is a nation-wide audience more aware than ever about what they are eating—hence the growing organic and natural market.

The latest "discovered" food: fiber. Dietary fiber was the most sought-after beneficial food component according to a poll by the International Food Information Council last year, which means that consumers are reading their nutrition facts. As we all know, adequate consumption of fiber is important to stay, er, regular, but more it has also been said to lower cholesterol, control and prevent diabetes, reduce the risk of some cancers, aid in weight management and promote a healthy digestive system. Unfortunately, with a recommendation of 19 to 38 grams of fiber a day, combined with a metaphorical comparison of eating fibrous foods to eating cardboard, many companies were not able to capitalize on the opportunity… until recently.

Many new products have emerged to address the "cardboard" issue, such as Fiber One and FRITO-LAY’s catchy SMARTFOOD campaign. Others are showing their feathers, so to speak, about their already existing high-fiber content, like Kashi’s GOLEAN Crunch! and Quaker oatmeal. And how do they do this? Right on the packaging, of course. In order to attract consumers to read your nutrition facts, they must first be enticed by what the front of your packaging has to say. So make sure your product’s features stand out, and if you’re doing this with a label, let us help!

Private labels have been giving national brands a run for their money, and recent trends have shown that beyond price-consciousness, consumers also increasingly associate private labels with quality. So are they going to drive out some of the beloved and established national brands? Brand Packaging puts the two head-to-head in the categories that drive their sales: packaging design, company history, packaging structure, and philanthropy.

Who came out on top? Take a look at the full article here!

If you haven’t heard of Method products, you may want to become familiar quickly. The company offers a range of home and personal care products focused on their concern for sustainability. The products recently introduced to the Method Laundry line continue this tradition, with packaging mirroring the product’s innovation and functionality. We highlighted their squeaky green, hair and body wash for baby over the summer for similar reasons.
 
The extremely concentrated detergent formula allows for a more compact container. And if you’ve ever been irritated by the mess and residue from measuring caps, Method’s new design eliminates all of the fuss. Method’s detergent is biodegradable, nontoxic and made of 95% natural and renewable ingredients. This eco-friendly mindset is also evident in the packaging. Made of 50% recycled products and completely recyclable, the container is also smaller than traditional detergent bottles, meaning a conservation of both plastic and energy.
 
No measuring. No mess. A smaller impact on our Earth. Seems like an all-encompassing idea to me! What do you think?

When I say the word "lion" what comes to mind? Ferocious? Hunter? Animal? Scary? It is important that as designers, owners, or marketers of a product, we understand that our customers make these associations in their minds when they see our product packaging. It baffles me when companies spend so much time, energy and money on their product and then barely consider their product packaging. This is when I want to scream "WAKE UP! Your packaging is what sells your product!"
 
Think about your own personal experiences. What draws you to try a new product? Unless someone you know recommends the product to you, the packaging is what will drive you to purchase something new. Trust me, I'm a sucker for cool packaging. Not because it's my profession, but I always think the product in the metallic package or the one with an interesting caption will work better, taste better, and make me better. And you know what? Studies show this is the thought process for most consumers.
 
Here are 5 ways to make your item be the new product someone purchases this year.
 
1. Tell a story with your label. There is always a reason why your product exists or is unique compared to your competitors. Tell me why I, the consumer, should buy your product. Is your pasta sauce your grandmother's recipe handed down from generation to generation and you want to share it with me? If so, then I may think of my own grandmother and her home cooking and think "Forget about the Ragu, this pasta sauce is going to give me the warm feeling of grandma's homecooking." Does your product donate a profit to charity or have an eco-friendly element to it? If so, I'd be more apt to buy your product over a competitor's so I, too, may help fund a charity or help the environment. What if your product isn't so different from the competitors? You can still engage and get me to buy your product. A prime example of this is Vitamin Water. They tell funny, fictional stories on their infused drinks. This company is still fairly young in the soft drink market, yet their product contends with brands that have been around forever. 
 
2. Get your label in shape! Adding shape to your product packaging gives depth to your image. It draws the consumer in and makes them want to learn more. You can get your label in shape by using an irregular shaped product bottle and using a shrink sleeve label or using a regular shaped product container and using a custom-shaped die. Shrink sleeve labels are film sleeves that shrink to fit your product container. Nestle's Jamba Juice® uses this type of packaging. Custom -shaped labels are cut using unique dies.
 

3. Metallic labels. Using metallic in your label is a way to dress it up without needing to get too fancy with your entire packaging. Metallic can be incorporated into your design in a few different ways. Metallic film or paper coated stock will allow for your entire label background to be metallic. You can enhance or cover up the intensity of the metallic label by the type of ink you use in your artwork. For labels that only need a hint of metallic here and there in your artwork, you may use a regular material with metallic ink. This ink is laid down using plates that can be engraved into the pattern you'd like. For example, if you have a midnight sky in your design, your can use a plate engraved with stars to add gold stars to your design.
 
4. Invisible labels. By using a clear label on your glass or plastic bottle, you can utilize the product contents in your design as well as display your product. This technique gives the illusion of invisible labels. This concept works into your package design as well as provides the customer with pertinent product information. For customers that wish to get a silk screen effect without the high cost, clear labels are the way to go.

5. Add texture to your labels! 
Not all labels are smooth, glossy, and one-dimensional. Texture appeals not only to a customer's eyes, but also allows them to feel the difference when picking up your product compared to your competitor's. While embossing tools can raise parts of your design in the area(s) you choose, it can be a costly option as custom tools will need to be purchased. The most cost effective way to add texture to your entire label is by using a textured stock.
 
Click here to request samples of one or more of these design techniques! Please specify which technique(s) you are most interested in.

 Label & Narrow Web recently looked to industry experts for their article on short run labels and interviewed Dion Label Printing. The ability to affordably print short run orders has led to more opportunities for product manufacturers. Here is a brief excerpt from the article:

Stacy Santos, marketing manager for Dion Label Printing, Westfield, MA, USA, says the company takes into account the length of the run when deciding which printing process it’s going to use. In Dion’s case, short run jobs, among others, get moved to one of the company’s HP Indigo presses. "We decide whether a job will go digital or flexo based on the amount of footage we are going to run, the complexity of a customer’s label graphics and the number of SKUs in a particular run. About a third of our business is digital. We made the investment in digital in April 2005, and because our digital business grew so quickly, we invested in another HP Indigo digital press. And our digital operations have steadily grown over the years.

"Digital printing is perfect for multiple SKUs, low volume orders, promotional labels and prototyping," Santos says. "It’s a great way to offer high quality printing, complex graphics, and vibrant colors to customers that do not have large volume quantities. Our customers do not have to sacrifice label quality while keeping their inventories low."

Read the full article here!

As we approach the holidays various companies have begun to sell their products in holiday packaging. Some look more traditional than others, but capitalize on either gifts or everyday items that make consumers’ homes and lives a bit more festive. The two designs we found from Kleenex are very different but appeal to a variety of decorating tastes. The teal oval design has found a place in our office!

In the food and beverage industry, we found special holiday packaging for Stonewall Kitchen’s popular products that eliminate the need to gift wrap and an ornament-shaped bottle design from Coca-Cola. Pangea Organics gives their holiday gift boxes a little something extra: the gift box can be planted to actually grow a tree! Here’s how it works:

"Just soak the box for a day, and plant it in the earth. If everyone plants their holiday gift box and bar soap box this year, collectively, we will have planted 122,000 trees which is equivalent to not driving 30 million miles in one year! Multiply that out by 75 years, the average lifespan of a Spruce, and that’s 2 billion, 250 millions that we’re collectively offsetting!"

Have you come across other stand-out holiday packaging?

Okay, we may be a bit over the top, but Amourai Organique’s product line does exude the fairy tale fantasies that we women envision for our hair. We want the strength and growth of Rapunzel’s Oil Growth Hair Stimulator and all of the luxury we associate with royalty in Her Highness Conditioner and Duchess of Curls. Plus the modern woman wants her beauty products to be safe to use on herself and the environment. All of these elements went into founder Raiquel’s inspiration and motivation to create natural hair care products… that, and moisture. At home she developed the formulas that would provide effective moisture to her hair with an adamant philosophy of self-love.

Amourai Organique products are paraben- and sulfate-free and beneficial to all hair types. Products include shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, styling gel, hair lotion, hair moisturizer, and growth oil. All of these products follow the fable-inspired theme with witty names and majestic label designs.

JK Soul Salts is a line of bath and beauty products developed out of the creator, Frieda Toroman’s need for products that did not aggravate her many allergies to artificial perfumes, chemical additives and preservatives. Not finding many all-natural or organic products in the marketplace, Toroman and her sister began creating products themselves. Now the products have caught the attention of the Today Show as well as such big name celebrities as Reese Witherspoon, who is apparently a raving fan of the organic soy mantra candles. The candles, just like their organic soy candles, are scented with pure essential oils, but also come with their own mantra or positive affirmation on the jar reminding you of such things as to "Be free at all cost." Scents include Lavender, Neroli, Orange Blossom, Rosemary, Grapefruit, and Vanilla.

JK Soul Salts sense of charity is also certainly evident. The environmentally-conscious company has a "Peta Pack" with 10 percent of proceed going to PETA, a "Pink Ribbon Pack" benefiting breast cancer research, and organic soap/scrub combo set that donated 10 percent of proceeds to the U.S. Doctors For Africa organization. Regarding the US Doctors For Africa partnership, Toroman stated, "It is a charity very near and dear to my heart. My husband grew up in South Africa and through his travels he was educated firsthand on the lack of proper care and doctors available for the children. We are confident our donation will be put to good use."

UPDATE: Last week we wrote a blog about Blue Q products. We recently came across these videos of the Blue Q sales team. They are sure to put a smile on your face! And we're pretty sure we'd buy anything from them!

Silver Hills Bakery shows off a pretty drastic brand redesign that allows their whole-grain breads to really stand out. This may be the best thing since sliced bread in its former conventional packaging. The Vancouver, BC-based company brought the project to Karacter Design Group who found that the "Squirrelly" bread had the greatest brand recognition and recall than any other for the company. All of the breads have since been creatively renamed, and the quirky illustrations that incorporate the product window are the work of Robert Hanson. The bags are very colorful and also biodegradable.

Seeking differentiation in an over-crowded bread section, this redesigned packaging picks up on the company’s simple, authentic values, and partners with a whimsical feel to leave the consumer smiling. A range of bold colours covering most of the package draws focus to the custom illustrations and the feature bread windows. This unique packaging jumps off the shelf and into the consumer’s shopping cart.

From September 23rd to 26th, Dion exhibited at booth #339 at the Natural Products Expo East at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. With over 21,000 industry members and 1500 booths, it was a showcase of the growing popularity for natural and organic products. It is no surprise that many attendees were interested in the eco-friendly material and soy ink labels featured at our booth (to request eco-friendly samples, click here!). Some trends we spotted were gluten-free foods, probiotic supplements, products made with goat’s milk, and products made from coconut. Next year, the show will be held at the same location on October 13-16, 2010.

Here are a few images of the redesign for Kraft cheese products. There are some mixed reviews thus far; however the design is streamlined across product lines, giving the brand a more cohesive appearance. The transparent area to view the product is smaller (as is the company logo), but the text now shows that this is a natural product. The design team, Spring Design Partners, explains more about their concept:

Our Design Insight Research™ uncovered an opportunity to change consumer perceptions through the positive, nostalgic memories and "real" experiences consumers associate with the Kraft brand. By leveraging classic Kraft equities and showcasing fresh off the block natural cheese that is cared for by people, not machines, we rejuvenated a timeless brand.

Naked Juice has just announced that they will be transitioning to 100% post-consumer recycled PET (RPET) bottles. This will begin with all of the company’s 32 oz. bottles, followed by the rest of the product line in 2010. The "reNEWabottle" will be easily identifiable because as opposed to the old translucent bottle, the new one will be clear (showing off the all-natural juice) and the label indicates that the bottle is 100% recyclable. The environmental impact of this change is significant, and only supports the company’s passion for reducing their environmental footprint:

The initial 32-oz bottle transition reduces virgin plastic consumption by 1 million pounds per year and oil use by 8,192 barrels every year—the equivalent of taking 497 cars off of the road. This is according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics' figures of 2007 Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Travel (average gallons of fuel consumed per vehicle = 692).

When Naked Juice finishes transitioning its entire line, virgin plastic consumption will be reduced by 8.1 million pounds per year, saving 57,000 barrels of oil every year—the equivalent of taking 3,460 cars off of the road.

Scandle® LLC manufactures an eco-friendly, all-natural, soy candle that fragrantly melts into body oil, which can be used at home or as a part of spa treatments. The candle itself is made of shea butter, cosmetic grade soy butter, jojoba, vitamin E, & body safe fragrance as opposed to other soy candles made mostly of soy wax. This allows the candle to burn at cooler temperatures and creates an oil that is lighter on your skin. This cosmetic soy candle is paraffin-free; therefore it burns without emitting toxins, is water soluble, and is biodegradable. The company, committed to sustainability, has announced that their holiday season products will be sold in eco-friendly Sinamay packages—packages made of hand-made, hemp leaf-based fibers. 
 
According to a recent press release from the company,  Scandle's holiday gift sets will feature a variety of holiday fragrances including Holiday Spirit, Sleeping on Snow, and more.  Holiday gift sets have a recommended retail price of $24.95 - $35.95. For more information about Scandle®, to purchase a Scandle®, or for wholesale information, visit www.abodycandle.com or call the Scandle® LLC corporate offices at 866-531-9916 (9am-5pm CST).

For those of you that enjoy healthy hydration with a little bit of taste, look out for organic tea-infused waters from AriZona Beverages and Nestle Waters North America. This low-calorie drink is made with Poland Spring brand water and comes in four flavors: green tea, mandarin orange, pomegranate, and yumberry. The product is currently offered in select Northeast markets, but the partnership will use other regional brands of water in the future to launch the product in other markets (Ozarka brand in the central/south, Deer Park in the mid-Atlantic, and Zephyrhills in the South). This certified organic water is sold in 20 oz PET bottles with a colorful label that reflects the water’s flavor.

Pitchmen is a new show on the Discovery Channel that follows infomercial talent Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan as they search for useful products that can be sold through direct response marketing. Inventors pitch their ideas to Billy and Sully. If the duo feel the invention has a large market and serves as a solution to a common problem, the products are then field tested to gather people's opinions. If the the field test is a success, the two hosts move on to shoot an infomercial. It's exciting to see the new products that may come to market as well as all the time, money and effort these inventors invest in their inventions.

Baby care is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global cosmetics and toiletries market. It is expected to grow by a billion dollars in the next five years. With the introduction of new brands and product extensions from existing brands, the market continues to grow. Experts see a common trend of parents switching from their existing personal care and baby care products to natural or organic alternatives. Cosmetic ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and triclosan as well as other chemicals in our personal care products are getting a bad reputation in today's media. The rates of baby allergies are rising and certain chemicals are alleged to be the culprit. As a result, parents are opting for products free of these chemicals as well as synthetic colors, fragrances, and dyes.

For more information, read the article Parents Look to Nature for Baby Care in Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine.

Paraben- Parabens can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives in some products. Basically, a huge percentage of the products you buy for everyday use contain some form of paraben, so it can be difficult to find products that do not use them. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers.

Triclosan- a form of dioxin, linked with weakened immune systems, decreased fertility, hormone disruption and birth defects. There is also a danger of triclosan mixing with the chlorine in tap water to form the deadly chlorinated dioxins.

Snapple is getting its most significiant redesign in over 37 years. With a new taste that has reduced calories and a brand new redesign, Snapple is sure to grab your attention. Snapple is promoting their usage of green and black tea leaves in their new formula, which is said to intensify flavors. This new formula uses sugar as the sweetener and reduces calories up to 20 percent in some cases. The new label graphics add for a sleeker appeal for the Snapple bottle and highlight the usage of the tea leaves. "We want to ensure Snapple continues to be the Best Stuff on Earth," said Bryan Mazur, vice president of marketing for Snapple. "These changes to the formula and packaging come with one goal in mind: deliver the same great product, just make it even better." Along with the redesign Snapple is introducing 256 new facts!

The last thing that comes to my mind when I think of Victoria’s Secret is organic, until now. Victoria’s Secret is on its way to going green this year with the introduction a new line. They have created a new line of their Pink products with the addition of a bath & body line that contains vegan and organic ingredients, all packaged in eco-friendly materials. This new collection features post-consumer packaging with removable labels, making recycling a breeze. Here at Dion Label Printing we often receive requests for eco-friendly labels for eco-friendly packaging, but the best way to go green is to ensure proper recycling by removing labels before recycling. Victoria’s Secret is doing a great job at providing consumers with the knowledge by asking them to remove their label before the recycling process. Products range from $8 to $15, a small price to pay towards saving the environment.

Taken from the official press release:

INTRODUCING PINK BODY, a unique line of skin-loving and earth-friendly products created specifically for the pink girl. She spoke. We listened. The result? A more personalized approach to everyday body care using organic and vegan ingredients, powerful natural formulas and eco-friendly packaging. With three dermatologist-tested, solution-specific collections, each designed to pamper pink girls from tip to toe: nourishing for dry skin, energizing for dull, sluggish skin and soothing for extra-sensitive skin. Plus, four additional essentials that everyone can use and love. It's all about finding ways to look good, feel good and do a little good, too.

THE COLLECTION

ENERGIZING
Even PINK girls can experience a dull moment from time to time. When skin gets worn and weary, our Energizing line can give it the recharge it needs. Packed with U.S.-sourced Citrus and Organic Mint to naturally exfoliate and refresh, plus a boost of caffeine from Organic Coffee Beans to energize and tone.

NOURISHING
Dry humor? Love it. Dry skin? Not so much. Made for PINK girls who need a major dose of moisture but can't deal with heavy creams and greasy lotions. Our Nourishing line is infused with Organic Shea and Cocoa Butters to help heal and hydrate, plus a shot of U.S.-sourced Grape Seed Oil for antioxidant protection.

SOOTHING
Ideal for PINK girls with tempermental skin. You know the kind: easily irritated, extra sensitive, doesn't take well to harsh products. Our Soothing line is hypoallergenic and enriched with Organic Oat Extract to calm, plus U.S.-sourced Soy Milk to fortify.

ESSENTIALS
Little everyday things that skin needs and loves.

Would you believe me if I told you there was a healthy alternative for your skin that is 90% eco-friendly and 100% recyclable? Almay’s Bio Organic skincare line is infused with botanical extracts and is made with natural and certified organic ingredients. Almay made great advancements making their bottles 100% recyclable and with consumers following eco-friendly trends this is sure to be a hit! Moag Bailie Design Consultants took the brand identity to a new level by conveying wholesomeness and eco-friendliness with the design of the new bottles. The wood cap really tops it off to give you that all natural feel. Look for the new Almay Bio Organic skincare line on shelves near you! Check out all the other new Almay products here.

Theresa Spruill is the brainchild behind Honeycat Cosmetics, an all-natural collection of flirty, girly cat themed bath and body products for women. It has everything from lip balms to milk baths all adorned in retro black and pink packaging. Honeycat Cosmetics combines a flirty retro style with a fun-loving witty attitude into every aspect of this brand. For instance, "Chick of the Sea" is a foaming bath crystal product that comes conveniently in a tuna fish can.

Not only is this product line creative and fun but the entire collection is all natural and not tested on animals. Honeycat guarantees that you are safe in their hands with "what’s-good-for-you-skin-stuff." To see all of Honeycat Cosmetic’s collection you can visit their website here.

Are you questioning whether to label your product as "organic?" The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a government agency responsible for regulating the safety and development of food, agriculture, and natural resources. It is the government agency that determines whether a product can be labeled organic. What's behind the label? Check out what we came across on the Women's Health Magazine website...  

So what is "organic"?
It's a distinction the USDA gives to products that are grown according to certain standards.

Organic vegetables are grown without using irradiation (which kills bacteria and acts as a preservative), sewage sludge (normally permitted to fertilize conventionally grown plants), artificial preservatives, or the three synthetic biggies: pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Organic meats and eggs come from animals that are not allowed antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically altered corn, or genetically altered soybean meal. Nor can they graze on land treated with herbicides or other chemicals or eat nonorganic feed. Chickens and pigs must have access to the outdoors, and grazing animals must have access to pastures.

Organic dairy products must come from animals that meet the organic meat standard.

Organic seafood doesn't exist. Sure, your fishmonger has both "wild-caught" and "farm-raised" salmon. But neither's organic. The USDA currently has no classification for organic seafood and probably won't for several years.

The Fine Print
By law, a product labeled "100% Organic" must contain 100 percent organic ingredients. The round green USDA seal designates at least 95 percent organic contents. "Made with organic ingredients" indicates at least 70 percent organic ingredients. If a product has less than 70 percent, it can't be identified as "organic," but the organic ingredients can be listed as such on its nutrition facts panel.

Imbibe and HBO have teamed up to bring you Sopranos All Natural Italian Sodas. These sodas come in three flavors, Limoncello, Chianti, and Amaretto. Each flavor has its own Italian tale, dating back to the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. These sodas are made from all natural ingredients, they do not contain any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners. This soda is sweetened genuine sugar rather than high fructose corn-syrup.

Check out www.drinksopranos.com.