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RELEEV 1 DAY COLD SORE SYMPTOM TREATMENT SWITCHES PACKAGING FOR THEFT RELIEF
BARRINGTON, Ill., Jan. 11, 2007 - Merix Pharmaceutical Corp. has switched its retail packaging for RELEEV, 1 Day Cold Sore Symptom Treatment, to the award-winning BlisterGuard® security package from Colbert Packaging to thwart tampering and pilferage. The new package is now being used nationwide at Walgreens and Kmart stores, with broadened retail distribution planned for 2007.
The Barrington, Ill.-based pharmaceutical manufacturer had been asked by the two chains to provide better pilfer-resistant packaging because of theft issues. RELEEV is a cold sore medication that has proven to relieve the painful symptoms of cold sores in just a day. Although the most expensive in the market, it is a huge success. Because of its higher price, it is also subject to pilferage, and theft was a problem. "RELEEV comes in a tube which can easily fit into someone's pocket or purse if the outer package that holds the tube is breached," said Dori Squires, vice president of Merix. "Therefore, we moved forward with the plan to improve tamper resistance to our product packaging."
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 Squires.
The paper-based BlisterGuard package from Colbert is highly printable, enabling a manufacturer better shelf presentation of its product. It is made of Everest® Safe-Pak 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. Ideal for a wide range of products that are retailed in plastic clamshell packages, it has a tear-resistant hanger hole for added durability. First introduced in 2002, 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. When we showed it to brokers and buyers, they really liked the look of the new package and were thrilled with the tamper-resistant quality. To top it off, we also were pleasantly surprised that BlisterGuard was less costly than the plastic clamshell," Squires said.
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.
And to assure 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 - which will set off a store alarm when an unpaid-for-package passes through the store's metal detectors.
"While official reporting on lost-product results from the retail stores is still about a month away, initial feedback from our retail customers has been highly positive. It appears the new RELEEV packaging is already relieving pilferage," concluded Squires.
About Colbert Packaging Corporation
Since its founding in 1959, Colbert Packaging Corporation has built a solid reputation as a manufacturer of the highest quality folding cartons, rigid paper boxes and paperboard specialty products. The company's folding carton, flexographic packaging and pressure sensitive label operations are based in Lake Forest, Ill.; their rigid paper box and contract packaging facilities are located in South Bend, Ind.; and an additional folding carton facility is based in Elkhart, Ind. For more information about Colbert Packaging, call 847.367.5990 or visit www.colbertpkg.com.
About International Paper Company
Headquartered in the United States, International Paper has been a leader in the forest products industry for more than 100 years. The company is currently transforming its operations to focus on its global uncoated papers and packaging businesses, which operate and serve customers in the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia, as well as xpedx, an extensive North American merchant distribution system. International Paper is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. International Paper is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Value Network. To learn more, visit www.internationalpaper.com.
About Valéron Strength Films
Houston, TX-based Valéron Strength Films is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. For over 36 years it has specialized in manufacturing high-strength and high-performance plastic films used in hundreds of different applications worldwide. Valéron films offer unparalleled performance in demanding construction, packaging, print media and other strength and specialty film applications.