The Ultimate Packaging Zine - LeKAC Sourcing (Fall 2021)

THE PACKAGING ZINE

Editor in Chief

Gabrielle Ho

Art Direction

Samneet Mann

Taylor Tran

Editors

Taylor Tran

Wasiq Zia

Graphic Designer

Samneet Mann

Writers

Gabrielle Ho

Taylor Tran

Wasiq Zia

Cover Photo

Samneet Mann

Contributors

LeKAC Sourcing Ltd.

MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

Welcome to our packaging zine! Whether this is your first time reading, or you’re a returning subscriber, we’re really excited to share updates and packaging news with you!

For those who might not know, we offer custom packaging and sourcing solutions across North America! Since our last edition, we have also started offering design and mockup services, so you can envision your designs before they go into production.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we would like to take a moment to thank our clients for their overwhelming support. We hope to

continue supporting and deepening our relationships with all of you.

As a reminder, our office is open by appointment only! Our in-house COVID-19 procedures include maintaining a 6-foot distance at all times, and regular sanitization of high-traffic areas. Additionally, masks must be worn at all times.

Not comfortable meeting in person? No problem! Our consultants are available via video or phone call to assist you as well.

Sincerely,

Everyone from LeKAC Sourcing Ltd.

Check out our revamped pinterest for ideas to use towards your custom packaging designs!

Learn with Lenny!

Check out pages 20–21 to find Lenny teaching you about packaging terms you’ll find useful the next time you order custom packaging!

SLEIGH THE PACKAGING GAME WITH CUSTOM HOLIDAY PACKAGING

The ho-ho-holidays may seem like a long time from now, but for many businesses it’s the perfect time to order seasonal packaging! The great thing about holiday packaging components is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Most companies use the same components and just switch up the designs (unless of course, they bring out new seasonal products)! This allows both businesses and end consumers to remain familiar with the brand while also being festive.

WHY USE HOLIDAY PACKAGING?

There are many different types of clients – some are very passionate about holiday packaging, some are against it, and the majority are unsure. When we’re approached about seasonal components and asked for our expertise, we are always for it!

“Brands that produce special offerings for the winter holiday season stand to gain customers, recognition and buzz… holiday products and packaging make for great revenue stuffers”

American Marketing Association

The AMA has it right! Consumers appreciate the extra steps companies and brands take when it’s the holiday season. Holiday packaging makes your products look more appealing and help with brand recall without being too repetitive!

WHAT LEKAC CAN OFFER

Luckily for you, you don’t have to bother with knowing about packaging trends and what type of packaging is right for your products and brands! Our team at LeKAC will take care of it all. Included across

these pages are our most popular options for this holiday season!

Our products include:

• Folding Cartons

• Rigid Boxes

• Advent Calendars

• Gift Card Holders

• Mailer/Shipping Boxes

• Gift Boxes

• Paper Bags

• Reusable Bags

... and more! Read more about our holiday packaging and key characteristics for each product in the full blog post here!

FEATURED PRODUCT

NON WOVEN PP REUSABLE BAG

• High Quality

• Eco-Friendly

• Affordable

Our reusable bags come in a variety of structures, printing and lamination options! Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we can supply.

EAST MEETS WEST

HATTENDO’S SEASONAL PACKAGING

With several locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Hattendo is a famous confectionary brand. Recently it gained a lot of attention across its social media for its creative and illustrative seasonal packaging.

ABOUT HATTENDO

In 1933, Hattendo opened its first bakery in Minatomachi in Mihara, Hiroshima. Since then, Hattendo has expanded to over 90 locations in Asia. In 2019, the company established its first location in Toronto, Canada.

Hattendo specializes in delectable buns filled with custard and different flavours of cream. The bakery also offers pudding jars, drinks, seasonal flavours and melon buns!

HATTENDO’S SEASONAL PACKAGING

Keeping Hattendo’s ideals and values in mind, our design specialists were able to create the following winter box.

From the initial concept to the final product, our team kept in close touch with the company to update them on our progress.

Although we weren’t given any specific directions or colour restrictions, one

thing was clear – Hattendo’s seasonal packaging should represent a mix of Japanese and Canadian culture.

For the initial concept our designers performed extensive research as well on various elements that would represent both Canada and Japan.

For Canada, we thought of using elements such as a maple leaf, the CN tower, autumn colours and moose. On the other hand, we listed Japanese elements such as Mount Fuji, the fish flag, sakura flowers, etc.

After going over and creating various design concepts, we were able to find elements from both cultures that worked well together! The design aspects worked together to further symbolized the message of unity and fusion of cultures.

All in all, this Hattendo winter seasonal packaging was crowd favourite. Since, then we’ve had the opportunity to work on their packaging for their Spring box and upcoming Winter boxes!

to learn more about the lekac design process, read the whole blog here !

MEET THE LEKAC TEAM!

Whether we work directly with you or behind the scenes, everyone at LeKAC is here to make your custom packaging needs come to life.

Learn more about our team members on our LinkedIn

MARKETING & PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

GABRIELLE HO

Strategic Marketing Planner

GABRIELLE@LEKAC.COM

ABHIROOP SINGH

GRAPIHC DESIGNER

ABHIROOP@LEKAC.COM

WASIQ ZIA

MARKETING INTERN

WASIQ@LEKAC.COM

TAYLOR TRAN Marketing Specialist

TAYLOR@LEKAC.COM

SAMNEET MANN

GRAPIHC DESIGNER

SAMNEET@LEKAC.COM

CATHY CHENG

Logistics & Purchasing Assistant

CATHY@LEKAC.COM

ANDY FENG

Managing Director

1(866) 996-6818

ANDY@LEKAC.COM

PHIL

1(866) 996-6818

PHIL@LEKAC.COM

1(866) 996-6818

JENNIFER@LEKAC.COM

SEE YOUAROUND THE

Earth is the only livable planet, and everyone must play their part in preserving the environment. Eco-friendly packaging is one of the many ways companies can help make a difference.

VIABLILITY OF ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING MATERIALS

Understanding what it means to be “eco-friendly” is simply not enough. Companies must practice what they preach but questions like the following may keep them on the edge:

• Do customers really care about sustainable packaging?

• Is it worth using only eco-friendly materials for packaging?

SO, WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING?

Simply put, eco-friendly packaging refers to packaging that doesn’t contribute to further depletion of natural resources.

Some alternatives to more traditional packaging include: cornstarch, bamboo, sugar cane and paptic.

A lot of brands see the potential and the reward for going green. However, most are still unsure about the effects of being known as an eco-friendly business.

Here are 5 reasons how green packaging can help your brand financially:

1. EXPANDS YOUR CUSTOMER BASE

Going green will attract more customers and increase retention depending on your brand’s attitude towards the environment.

2. IMPROVES YOUR BRAND IMAGE

Eco-friendly packaging creates a good impression of your brand. It shows that you care about the environment as well depicting that you are a responsible company.

3. REDUCES SHIPPING COSTS

Custom packaging companies work with your brand to create smarter packaging. From transporting to handling and storage, going green and reducing packaging sizes will significantly reduce your cost.

4. EASIER AND FASTER TO BIODEGRADE

Paper shredders are a great way to properly discard of any waste packaging, making it easier for the packaging to biodegrade much faster.

5. REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT

The green movement has led to a wave of innovative eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials. From recyclable plastics to biodegradable containers, there is seemingly no end to the options available to the environmentally conscious business.

Our approach towards green packaging material is one of the many things we could do to create a healthier environment than we currently live in. In recent years, there has been a positive shift towards eco-friendly packagings.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THE BENEFITS OF ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING AND HOW LEKAC CAN HELP, READ THE WHOLE BLOG HERE !

LEARN WITH LENNY!

PACKAGING DICTIONARY

Here are a few terms we’ve used these last few months when working with you to create your custom packaging!

CARTON

A box made of thick paperboard or cardboard without corrugation. Light weight and durable.

COLLAPSIBLE

A box which can be folded down flat making bulk transportation easier.

DIE/DIECUT

A tool used in manufacturing, often customised, the die will cut or shape the material in a press.

DIMENSIONS

The height, width and length required for your custom packaging. Measured in inches, centimeters or millimeteres!

EMBOSS

Raised lettering or design on your packaging, made by pressure dies, printing press or rollers.

RECYCLEABLE

Packaging materials that can be processed to re-use the fibres!

Flutes

B-FLUTE

E-FLUTE

Paper used to create the central layer in corrugated cardboard. It separates the liners and provides the strength and rigidity. Flutes come in different grades, E-Flute and B-Flute are our most popular ones!

REUSABLE

Packaging that will get multi trip uses out of it; like hard cardboard, cotton bags, etc.

Not everything that is reusable can be recycled! Check your local recycling depots to learn more about what is and isn’t accepted.

REUSABLE VS RECYCLABLE

PACKAGING Q & A

Q: Why are shipping rates increasing so much?

A: There are actually a few reasons rates have been increasing lately. Due to the pandemic, global supply chains have been disrupted and there’s a shortage of freight containers! That, coupled with limited staff available to work and increasing fuel prices, lead to delayed shipments. While we’re optimistic that things will go back to normal in the near future, our team is dedicated to keeping costs down for clients. Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do since this is a global issue, but if you’re in need of packaging soon, you may want to opt for premium or expedited shipping!

Q: When should I order my packaging?

A: Ideally, ASAP!!! Shipments normally take approx 3 months, but we recommened ordering it as far in advance as possible with current shipping delays.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE:

Q: I don’t see what I’m looking for... Can you still help me?

A: Absolutely! We can source products that match your packaging such as stickers, business cards, POP displays, etc. Our designers will make sure the designs match your brand!

Q: What if I don’t have a logo or a clear idea of what I want yet?

A: Don’t worry, our in-house graphic designers are at your service to help bring your packaging ideas and brand to life! (We can also design your logo for you!)

Q: What if I can’t decide on products and measurements?

A: Simply book a consultation with one of our Business Development representatives (it’s free!) and based on a couple of questions regarding your establishment, we can suggest products and sizes! We can also calculate measurements for specific product packaging to ensure that everything will fit!