Colbert Packaging Corporation

Colbert's Blister Package Deters Shoplifters

Merix Pharmaceutical Corporation has switched its retail packaging for RELEEV 1 Day Cold Sore Symptom Treatment to the award-winning BlisterGuard security package from Lake Forest, Illinois-based Colbert Packaging to thwart tampering and pilferage. The package is now being used nationwide at Walgreens and Kmart stores, with broadened retail distribution planned for 2007.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer had been asked by the two retail chains to provide better pilfer-resistant packaging because of theft issues. Although the most expensive in the market, RELEEV is a huge success. Because of its higher price, it is also subject to pilferage.

Initially Merix looked at plastic clamshell packaging as an option. "However, we didn't like the look of the package or the environmental and recyclability issues plastic clamshell packaging creates. We also lost much of our package face due to the flange required for the clamshell. It didn't provide the printing surface for compelling graphics and brand identity," noted Dori Squires, Merix's VP.

The paper-based BlisterGuard package from Colbert is highly printable, giving a manufacturer better shelf presentation of its product. It is made of Everest Safe-Pack fold-over blister board from International Paper, a heat-sealable tear-resistant bleached paperboard laminated with a multi-layer high-strength film from Valéron Strength Films that makes it virtually tear-proof. BlisterGuard has a tear-resistant hanger hole for added durability. Introduced in 2005, the advanced security package was recipient of the 2005 Innovation Award from the Paperboard Packaging Council.

"When Colbert came to us with the BlisterGuard option, we liked the durability of the package; the larger print area, which enables more compelling graphics for greater shelf appeal; the fact that it is paper-based and more environmentally friendly than the plastic clamshell; and that it has a fresh, different look," Squires said.

Cost Advantage

"To top it off, we also were pleasantly surprised that BlisterGuard was less costly than the plastic clamshell," he added. Colbert also is providing a turnkey solution to Merix by printing and converting the package, and then having its Just Pack It packaging facility handle the pack out.

To ensure that a shoplifter does not simply take the entire package and leave the store, Merix also has Colbert apply Sensormatic and Checkpoint source tags to the packaging during printing, tags that will set off a store alarm when an unpaid-for package passes through the store's metal detectors.

"Initial feedback from our retail customers has been highly positive. It appears the new RELEEV packaging is already relieving pilferage," concluded Squires.