PACKAGINGTHEZINEFALL2022
Taylor Tran
Gabrielle Ho
Writers
Art Direction
Editor in Chief
Taylor Tran
Gabrielle Ho
Taylor Tran Editors
Cover Photo
Graphic Designers
Samneet Mann
FALL 2022 EDITION
Samneet Mann
Samneet Mann
Gabrielle Ho
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the Team 4 Client Spotlight: Mochi Doh 6 Client Spotlight: Aida’s Pine Valley 10 Featured Product: Chocolate Bar Envelope Box 12 Countries Going Plastic Free: How Canada Measures Up 14 6 Ways to Create Luxury with Packaging 16 5 Plastic Packaging Alternatives 18 Learn with Lenny: Packaging Dictionary 20 Packaging Q&A 22 3
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
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Not yet comfortable meeting in person? No worries! Our consultants are available via video and phone to assist you as well.
If it’s your first time reading, allow us to introduce ourselves. We’re a Canadian-based custom packaging and sourcing company providing our services across North America! Our newest branding and graphic design services have also taken flight since our last edition. Next, we’d like to take the time to thank our clients for their constant support and patience. Our shipping
times are slowly returning to normal, but sometimes delays do still happen! If you’re curious about the status of your order, your consultant can give you an update.
As we slip into fall, we’re back with another edition of our seasonal packaging zine! As always, we want to thank you for reading our zine. Our team has been hard at work meeting with clients and learning about the upcoming plastic ban (but more on that later).
EveryoneSincerely, from LeKAC Sourcing Ltd.
As a reminder, our showrooms are open by appointment only! This ensures that our small but mighty team is able to help you to the best of their ability.
Check out pages 20–21 to find Lenny teaching you about packaging terms you’ll find useful the next time you order custom packaging!
Learn with Lenny!
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We had the chance to sit down with Diana Nguyen (and their mascot, Mochi!) to ask her about Mochi Doh’s custom packaging journey.
CHOOSING PACKAGING TO GROW WITH YOUR BUSINESS
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT MOCHI DOH
In the middle of quarantine, Diana wanted donuts, and took it upon herself to make them. She took inspiration from the Japanese mochi donuts she saw online and gave it a try!
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ABOUT MOCHI DOH
At first, she and her husband were making the donuts for family and friends. The demand for the donuts from their friends got so high that they made the decision to start selling them from their home! They set up an Instagram account and began to introduce new Asian-inspired flavours every week. Originally, they took orders via a JotForm and scheduled pick ups. Their business began to outgrow the capabilities of their home kitchen, which led them to open their physical store!
Based out of Scarborough, Ontario, Mochi Doh creates chewy, soft mochi donuts. Making the jump from their home kitchen to a storefront, their goal was to make packaging that would grow with their new business.
THE ISSUE
As a result, we completely redesigned their packaging to be more muted and simple based on their new inspiration! The result was a dreamy half-dozen donut box with a soft gradient. We were able to save some Toronto iconography from the original design, but incorporated it in a more subtle way.
After finding us on Instagram and checking out our products, Diana sent us a DM to get started!
Diana’s original vision included a collage of references to Toronto. Originally, she wanted a collage of fun, colourful and bright icons that would draw customers’ eyes. These included the mascots for the Raptors, Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, their dog Mochi, and a reference to the Toronto motorsport park.
One thing we added in this new design was a section to write customer names! Since Mochi Doh takes pre-orders, this is helpful to make sure customers are getting exactly what they wanted.
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She wanted the new design to be something people of all ages and genders could enjoy!
As the company grew, the plain boxes they were using no longer made sense for their needs. They sought packaging that could grow with them as they began to expand their offerings and their business.
Since starting their mochi donut bakery, Mochi Doh was using unbranded white Kraft boxes with a custom sticker to keep the boxes closed. Though these boxes were functional, they didn’t match the vision Diana had for the company.
Though this initial design was everything Diana wanted herself, she realized that this style might not appeal to their customers.
CONCEPT TO FINAL PRODUCT
FUN FACT Our oil finish doesn’t actually contain any oil. It’s water-based, making it fully recyclable! Check with your Business Development Consultant to learn more!
Designer sit in on meetings with Phil was helpful so Diana could point to specific changes and avoid a longer chain of communication! This was especially useful for when we completely changed the design of her box. Overall, her favourite part of working with LeKAC was our transparency, flexibility and our ‘yes’ mentality!
With that being said, if you’re in need of unique custom packaging, contact us today for a free consultation! If you don’t have a design in mind, don’t worry! We also offer branding and graphic design services to accommodate your packaging needs from start to finish.
Whatever I needed, everybody was just open to it. No just wasn’t an answer. I could change my design last minute and [LeKAC] would be like: “let’s do it!”.
Throughout the design process, Diana was in contact with our Graphic Designer in addition to her Business Development Consultant, Phil. Having our Graphic
In addition to the full-coverage, full-colour print, we also added an oil finish to the box’s exterior to add a little shine!
TO READ THE FULL BLOG POST VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.LEKAC.COM
MOCHI DOH’S EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH LEKAC
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Diana Nguyen, Owner of Mochi Doh
If you’re in need of a sweet treat, check out Mochi Doh to satisfy your cravings. In addition to mochi donuts, they’ve added mochi waffles and Vietnamese coffee to their in-store menu! Keep your eyes peeled for more delicious menu additions in the near future too. 416-335-8838Scarborough,3376WWW.MOCHIDOH.CAKennedyRd,#3M1V3S8 Check them out on Instagram @mochi_doh! CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR PREVIOUS CLIENT SPOTLIGHT BLOG POSTS! AIDA’SVALLEYPINE KOPI THYME LIEN PHAT HATTENDO THEBLENDSOCIAL 9
If Aida’s has been around for so long, why the change?
We’ve always been progressing and adapting. We’ve been around for fifty years, so not only did we up the quality of our products, but we also wanted to up the quality of our packaging as well.
WHY NEW PACKAGING?
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
AIDA’S PINE VALLEY DESIGNS EXECUTED
ABOUT AIDA’S PINE VALLEY BAKERY
Nick Mastrandea
The bakery was founded in 1970 by Giuseppe Mastrandea, offering a wide variety of sweet and savory baked goods and coffee. In addition to these delicious treats, they also sell other imported Italian goods! Their focus is on promoting “the love of food, family and the company of good friends”. Over forty years later the traditions Giuseppe started the bakery with are still going strong in the care of Nick! After hearing about LeKAC through a friend at Centro Quality Meats, Nick contacted us to start on Aida’s next packaging evolution.
Originally, Nick would create the designs for the packaging himself. Now, a separate graphic designer helps him bring his packaging visions
THE DESIGN
TO READ THE FULL BLOG POST VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.LEKAC.COM 10
Nick’s goal with making packaging with LeKAC was to keep the environment in mind while making something even as simple as getting a box of cookies feel special. This led Nick to our Kraft paper boxes, bags, and reusable bags!
YOUR
Some of Nick’s favourite parts of working with LeKAC included our easy process, wide range of products, and–most importantly–his interaction with our Business Development Consultant Jennifer!
AIDA’S PINE VALLEY BAKERY’S EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH LEKAC
to life! The boxes feature a clear PET window, gold foil, and white print on our brown Kraft base. Nick decided to keep the paper bags a little more simple, with a white logo print in the centre of both sides of the bag. Most recently, Nick and his graphic designer gave us a call to us to create custom reusable bags! By providing them with the die line by email, they could adjust the design to their liking. They then sent the die line back to us to make any final adjustments before sending it to the factory for production!
On the hunt for something delicious? Need a place that prioritizes good food, friends, and family? Make sure you check out Aida’s Pine Valley Bakery for something for every craving!
Check(905)Woodbridge,830WWW.AIDASPINEVALLEYBAKERY.COMRowntreeDairyRd.,Unit#8,ON,L4L5V2851-8642themoutonInstagram!
a real product he said ”it feels great, really rewarding, and the feedback you get from everybody makes it feel complete.”
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Overall, Nick was very satisfied with LeKAC’s approach! When we sent die lines to be completed, the process was clear and straightforward. When we asked Nick how it felt to see his designs go from the screen to
Need some help getting started? Contact us today to book a free consultation with one of our Business Development Consultants!
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FEATURED PRODUCT • High Quality • Eco-Friendly • Affordable Our paper carton boxes come in a variety of structures, printing and lamination options! Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we can supply. STAY TUNED FOR OUR CHOCOLATE CATALOGUE COMING SOON!
BAR ENVELOPE BOXES13
CHOCOLATE
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ARUBA
HOW CANADA MEASURES UP
The EU’s plastic ban came into effect July 2, 2021, banning “certain single-use plastics for which alternatives are available.” In the original single use plastic proposition in 2019, plastic cups were not in the list of banned items. However, an updated proposition from 2021 adds plastic cups containing more than 10% plastic to the ban. According to a report by the Rethink Plastic Alliance, only a handful of EU nations (including Norway) have fully adopted the plastic ban regulations.
SWEDEN
By 2023, all beverage bottles are planned to be recyclable through the pant system (including bottles for milk, by 2029). There are other special provisions in place to incorporate more recycled plastic. PET bottles will need to include 25% recycled plastic by 2025, and all packaging will need to contain 30% recycled plastic by 2030!
In July 2020, Aruba banned the import, sale and production of all single-use plastics such as plastic bags, product bags, cutlery, straws, cups and even balloons. For a tourism-heavy country like Aruba, this plastic ban caused a major shift in the way many businesses operate. The plastic ban for resorts meant providing guests with reusable hard plastic cups. Guests leave their cups at drop off stations around the resort, where an employee collects them for cleaning and reuse.
Canada is one of many countries going plastic free. While we’ve covered the Canadian plastic ban in depth in our previous posts, other countries have already made large strides towards eliminating single use plastics. Keep reading for an overview of how four other countries going plastic free, and how Canada’s regulations stack up.
COUNTRIES GOING PLASTIC FREE
In 2018, Costa Rica banned plastic straws and bags. In February 2021, National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) started banning single use plastics in Costa Rican national parks. The government has also banned public institutions and companies from purchasing single use plastic items. Costa Rica, alongside seven other neighbouring nations that make up the Northeast Pacific subregions are implementing an action plan across all levels of government that will combat marine litter “while stimulating economic growth, social development, and local prosperity”.
Enforcement of the plastic ban is so strict that supermarkets packaging foods in plastic receive a fine. Additional repercussions for violating the plastic ban include closure of business and a written apology. Measures for retailers using single use plastics in 2020 are also steep.
Compared to the other countries going plastic free we mentioned in this post, Canada is far behind. While the plastic ban has been in the works, concrete timelines were only recently established. We’ve covered the Canadian plastic ban in our previous posts.
In 2008, Rwanda banned all plastic bags. This includes any bags brought by travellers too! Officials search luggage for any plastic bags, and confiscate them. Beginning in 2020, Rwanda also implemented a ban on additional single use plastic products like straws, stir sticks, cutlery, and food packaging.
COSTA RICA
T O READ THE FULL BLOG POST AND UPDATED ABOUT THE UPCOMING PLASTIC BANS IN CANADA, VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.LEKAC.COM !
HOW DOES CANADA MEASURE UP?
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RWANDA
These can elevate any simple design by adding visual depth. This technique can also help reinforce typographic hierarchy, highlighting what’s important.
6 WAYS TO CREATE LUXURY WITH
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Using embossing and debossing in your packaging can add a luxurious effect! How does it work? Embossing is raised above the height of the paper, while debossing is imprinted into the paper.
The journey to create luxury with packaging can seem daunting. What makes packaging luxury? What can you do to make your packaging feel more luxurious? In this post, we’re showing you 6 ways to create luxury with packaging. Keep reading to learn more!
FOIL STAMPING
This add-on is instantly recognizable for its metallic sheen. Foil colours can range from your classic metals to more colourful options. Applying a metallic film can happen three different ways: Heat Transfer, Reactive Transfer and Adhesive Transfer.
While foil stamping is a great option to add a metallic shine to your packaging, it isn’t always the most cost-efficient option. Using a metallic ink can be a more cost-effective option, while providing much of the same effect!
EMBOSSING/DEBOSSING
However, thinner, more inexpensive materials can also be luxury offerings! Through design and different add-ons, these products can also create the atmosphere of luxury.
Contact us today to connect with one of our knowledgeable Business Development Consultants. They can help make suggestions on what packaging would best suit your needs!
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This next option is unique to our rigid boxes. Fancy paper comes in a wide variety of textures and finishes. Popular options in fancy paper include textured metallics, but did you know they can also mimic fabric?
FANCY PAPER
LAMINATION
CONSISTENT BRANDING
more luxurious. Though it may seem simple to choose between a glossy or matte finish, the impact can’t be understated.
We’ve talked about lamination in several previous blog posts. Adding a tactile and visual finish to your packaging can make your packaging feel
USE A PACKAGING FAMILY
Another way to create luxury with your packaging can be to make sure your branding is consistent! Making sure that your packaging is harmonious across all products can create a luxurious packaging experience for your customers.
CREATING LUXURY WITH YOUR PACKAGING MATERIALS
The final way to create luxury with packaging is to use a packaging family. Using a packaging family means going past a single branded item and making sure that all of your packaging is harmonious. From boxes, bags, stickers and business cards, making sure that everything is unified (like a family!) is one of the easiest ways to create luxury with packaging.
Some packaging materials feel more luxurious by nature. For example, our rigid boxes, white cardboard bags and high-density polyester bags have a more luxe feel. This is in part because the thicker materials give the illusion of better quality.
1. STRAWS
With new timelines released by the Canadian government on the plastic ban, finding plastic packaging alternatives is more important than ever! The announcement also provides updates to what regulations will be in place, and when we can expect them to come into effect.
When the plastic ban was first announced, many businesses were quick to switch away from plastic straws. Popular alternative materials include paper, sugarcane, PLA, and bamboo!
3. CUTLERY
While you may still be seeing plastic bags in your local grocery stores, they now come at a small price. The Canadian Government cites plastic check-out bags in the list of soon-to-be banned items.
We’ve chosen five single use plastic items that the government will be banning at the end of 2022, are providing you some eco-friendly alternatives. Read on to find out more!
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2. GROCERY BAGS
There are a number of options that we recommend as alternatives to plastic grocery bags. These include paper bags, reusable bags and reusable net bags.
PLASTIC ALTERNATIVESPACKAGING
Especially with the rise of takeout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to look for alternatives to single-use cutlery. Common material alternatives include bamboo, wood, and even an edible option! As for disposal, since all these options are made of natural materials, they’re compostable in some cities! Make sure
The government’s guidelines specify that any “foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics that are hard to recycle” are included in their ban. This can range from take out boxes to disposable cups! As alternatives, we recommend options such as packaging made from paper, cornstarch, or sugarcane.
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Paper drink rings have also become more popular as well! These come with the added benefit of being customizable with print.
5. RING CARRIERS
4. TAKE OUT CONTAINERS
Plastic ring carriers have been an environmental issue for a long time. New innovations in packaging have been introduced to replace their plastic counterparts. For example, E6PR makes drink rings made of natural fibre byproducts and other compostable materials.
If you need help finding plastic packaging alternatives, contact us today to find out how we can help you get started! TIMELINES
CANADA’S PLASTIC BAN: COMING SOON!
PACKAGING BAN
The plastic ban begins to come into effect starting in December, 2022. By staggering the implementation of the regulations, the Canadian government is hoping to ease businesses into the transition. To help you get a better idea of how long you have to search for plastic packaging alternatives, we’ve outlined the timelines set by the government (see below). In preparation of these deadlines, we recommend starting to explore your options as soon as possible! Overall, LeKAC’s main goal is to provide eco-friendly packaging solutions. In addition to constantly researching and expanding our eco-friendly options, we’re also able to help you source any items that we aren’t able to produce.
you check with your local waste disposal facility to see if they accept these materials!
DICTIONARYPACKAGING
LEARN WITH LENNY! Here are a few terms we’ve used these last few months when working with you to create your custom packaging! PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM (PMS) PMS has a wider range of colours when compared to CMYK (4-Colour Printing). PMS organizes colours by numbers followed by a letter C, U or M (respectively standing for “coated,” “uncoated” and “matte,”). FINISH A range of coatings or printing effects applied to packaging; this includes matte, glossy and food-safe finishes. SHELF APPEAL How a product’s design looks on display, especially compared to competitors on a shelf (in a grocery store). It’s important that the design of your products stands out and draws in new customers. PALLETS A flat transport structure that supports boxes of mass produced products, often in the form of wood. Packaging shipments from overseas come on cargo pallets! 20
The space outside of the printing margins, between the printing image and the page. The bleed area allows for movement and design inconsistencies in the printing process, and provides a safe clearance space for die-cutting!
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BLEED OR BLEEDING EDGE
The edge of a box, window or design element which is not a sharp 90 degree angle. A bevel is used to soften edges for safety and durability. A rounded corner is more sturdy than a sharp corner!
BEVEL
Q: When should I order my packaging?
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LEARN MORE ON OUR WWW.LEKAC.COMWEBSITE:
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!
A: Ideally, ASAP!!! Shipments normally take approx 4 months, but we recommened ordering it as far in advance as possible with current shipping delays.
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PACKAGING Q & A
Q: Why are shipping rates increasing so much?
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A: Yes, you can! However, there is a shipping fee of $250 CAD for requesting samples without orders. Get in touch with one of our consultants to learn more!
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!
A: Simply book a consultation with one of our Business Development Consultants (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!
Q: I don’t see what I’m looking for... Can you still help me?
Q: What if I can’t decide on products and measurements?
Q: Can I get a sample without placing an order?
1 (866) www.lekac.com996-6818 207-590 Alden Road Markham, ON L3R 8N2 TORONTO 7645 Rue LaSalle,CordnerQCH8N2X2 MONTREAL @lekacsourcing
