The Ultimate Packaging Zine - LeKAC Sourcing (Spring 2023)

THE PACKAGING ZINE

Editor in Chief

Gabrielle Ho

Art Direction

Samneet Mann

Taylor Tran

Editors

Gabrielle Ho

Taylor Tran

Graphic

Designers

Samneet Mann

Writers

Gabrielle Ho

Taylor Tran

Cover Photo

Samneet Mann

MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

We’re springing forward into the Spring season with this edition of our seasonal zine. Once again, we want to thank you for reading!

If you’re a first-time reader, welcome! We’re a Canadian based company providing custom packaging, branding and sourcing services internationally

We’d like to take this time to thank our clients for their ongoing support. We’re so grateful to be a part of your business’ custom packaging journey!

If you’re still waiting for your order or have an inquiry about the status of your order, please contact your Business Development Consultant and they’ll be happy to help.

Finally, please note that we are open by appointment only! Scheduling an appointment ensures that one of our knowledgeable consultants is available to assist you.

Not comfortable meeting in person? Can’t make it to one of our offices? No worries! Our consultants are available via phone and video to assist you as well.

Sincerely,

Everyone from LeKAC Sourcing Ltd.

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!

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023 VIVA MAGENTA

It’s that time of year again, where the Pantone Colour Institute announces their colour selection that will reflect the year ahead. This year, the Colour Institute announced Viva Magenta 18-1750 is the colour of 2023!

The Pantone Colour of the Year influences multiple industries from packaging, fashion, technology, and more! Let’s learn a little bit more about Viva Magenta and how they selected this bold colour.

INTRODUCING VIVA MAGENTA

Before we get into the reasoning for choosing this colour, let’s set the record straight: magenta doesn’t technically exist! So how can we see magenta, and know what it is?

Our brains process colours using receptors called cones that interpret red, green and blue. By sensing the different levels of each colour, we get colours outside of the RGB spectrum, like magenta!

While the colour doesn’t technically exist, it does have organic origins! The cochineal beetle is an insect whose shells have the natural red pigment carmine. When using this pigment to dye fabric materials, you get a vibrant magenta shade (made of 100% natural dye!)!

Just like Very Peri, Viva Magenta is a shade that reflects our digital and physical lives. As Very Peri was a reflection of the merging of our digital and physical lives, Viva Magenta reflects the resulting deeper connections we have to each other.

The main difference between Very Peri and Viva Magenta is the call to our collective need for strength as opposed to the shift from isolation to digital community that Very Peri represented.

VIVA MAGENTA’S IMPACT ON PACKAGING

The Magentaverse is coming to the packaging world! Similar to previus selections for Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta is sure to pop up in many industries besides packaging. It helps that we’ve already been introduced to the hot pink trend through fashion over the last year. This colour is an “unconventional colour for an unconventional time” according to Pantone. Given the transition the world is making as we adjust to our new reality post

COVID-19, this colour inspires us to reach out to each other, while being bold enough to blaze our own paths.

If you’d like to read more about how to use Pantone colours in your packaging, check out our previous blog posts on our website at www.lekac.com/blog!

HOW REUSABLE BAGS ARE MADE

Reusable bags are LeKAC’s signature product. We offer a wide range of materials, finishes, and styles of reusable bag to suit all kinds of business’ needs. The construction of these bags may seem like a mystery, but it’s actually quite simple! Let’s walk through the process of making our non-woven polypropylene (PP) reusable bags.

FABRIC

The key draw of reusable bags is that they use fabrics rather than plastics. We melt PP pellets and spin them into filaments that we press into sheets and roll into spools of fabric. The non-woven PP material comes in a set range of colours for clients to choose from. We cut the sheets to the correct size later on in the production process.

PRINT

The second phase of the reusable bag making process is printing! Once we receive approval to proceed to mass production, we begin printing designs onto the bag material. There are three main printing methods that we use in this phase of the production process:

Screen Printing

If you’ve read our previous blog post on reusable bag printing techniques, this technique may be familiar to you. Screen printing–also known as silk screen printing–involves a mesh screen and blocking stencil. This technique is best for simple designs with solid colours.

Lamination

Lamination uses either digital or CMYK printing on top of a film that is placed on top of the non-woven PP material. This film can be either matte or glossy, depending on the effect you’re looking for. Overall, this technique is best for designs that have a lot of detail, or for making items water-resistant.

Fig. 1 Roll of non-woven polypropylene material.

Digital

Similar to CMYK print, digital printing also uses this colour system. However, the main difference between a normal CMYK print and a digital print is in the number of colours that are available to print. Additionally, digital print is usable on a wider variety of surfaces.

Machine screen printing prints all the designs at once on the entire length of fabric before cutting it to size. Conversely, in manual screen printing, fabric is cut before the printing process begins.

CUT & CONVERT

After deciding on the printing method, the bag materials are cut to the correct sizes. This happens manually or using automation. Once this step is complete, the bags enter the conversion stage, which includes putting the pieces together for construction. Heat sealing and manual stitching are the two main construction methods. What’s the difference between the two?

HEAT SEAL

• Seams pressed together using heat

• Handles attached using heat press

• Fewer pieces to connect

STITCHING

• Machine stitching for seams

You can apply screen printing and some CMYK prints using machines or manually. Since CMYK prints are achievable by layering the various colours together, simple CMYK prints may also be possible using screen printing.

• Handles attached using cross stitch for extra stability

• Contrasting edge piping colours available

In this stage of production, the supplier will usually also include the bag handles. We call the second part of this stage conversion since the fabric is converted from flat, individual pieces to usable bags!

Fig. 2 Screen-printing Process

PACK

Finally, the bags are ready to pack for shipping. A worker packs the bags manually, and seals them for shipping. From there, our production team coordinates with the supplier to send them to your business.

ADVANTAGES OF USING REUSABLE BAGS

Especially with the upcoming plastic ban, our reusable bags are a great option for any business looking to transition away from plastic.

These bags have a wide variety of customizations available, and other bag styles are available depending on your needs. They can also provide customers with long-term brand recognition, since your brand is visible on the front!

Fig. 3 Cross stitched handle

Fig. 4 Heat sealed handle

FEATURED PRODUCT

NON-WOVEN PP REUSABLE BAGS

• Multi-Purpose

• Eco-Friendly

• High Quality

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

FIVE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

Every year, we bring you 5 design trends for the year ahead. Now that we’ve entered 2023, we’re ready to forecast upcoming packaging design trends for the year ahead.

A strong, bold typeface is perfect for captivating customers’ attention! Bold type can be informative about the product, or

can even act as a design element!

Using bold type can also be seen as an extension of the quirky text-based design trend we forecasted for 2022. This design trend not only provides immediate visual attraction, but can also quickly convey your brand’s message and product highlights.

MINIMAL AND CLEAN

There’s a reason why minimal designs never go out of style. Keeping your packaging design simple, clean and minimal can also give the impression of transparency with the brand having “nothing to hide”.

This trend is applicable in a wide variety of business types, from skincare, cleaning products, beverages and more! With minimal designs, you can also use textured paper to add tactile intrigue.

SOURCE: THEDIELINE.COM

VIBRANT COLOURS

Bright, vibrant colours are already on trend for 2023 with the announcement of Pantone’s Colour of the Year. This trend will step away from minimalist neutral colours to embrace a more lively palette! Overall, vibrant colours add a playful touch to any packaging, and can draw immediate customer attention!

CARTOON CHARACTERS

Using cartoon characters to represent your brand is making a comeback this year! In this version of this trend, we’re looking at line art-based mascot illustrations. Though using cartoon characters might not be for all businesses, it’s great for those who want to add a quirky touch to their brand identity.

SOURCE: BYHUMAN.MX

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Especially with the plastic ban regulations in motion starting this year, many businesses will be making the switch to sustainable materials. Though this is a trend for this year, making the switch away from plastic packaging for more eco-friendly alternatives is on track to become a social norm.

HOW CAN I INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS?

These 5 design trends can be used on their own or in combination with each other to create designs that can speak for your brand. Not sure what direction you want your brand’s image to go in, or you need a refresh and don’t know where to start?

Ready to embark on your custom packaging journey? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out how we can help!

SOURCE: INSTAGRAM.COM/LEKACSOURCING

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLLLL

Sushi is an office-wide favourite here at LeKAC, but we’re always disappointed that takeout sushi often has a large amount of plastic and styrofoam packaging. Especially with the plastic ban in place, making the switch away from plastic packaging is even more important! When it comes to takeout packaging, it’s just another box until it’s custom!

FEATURED PRODUCT: BENTO BOX

Traditionally, bento boxes are made of lacquered wood and are balanced meals most often of rice, meat or fish, and pickled vegetables.

We’ve adapted the traditional bento box to a paper format, complete with custom inserts that you can change the orientation of, depending on your needs!

With pricing from $0.50/unit, these bento boxes are great eco-friendly alternatives to their plastic counterparts.

NO SOGGY PAPER, PLEASE!

One of the common concerns we get with paper takeout packaging is: “What if it gets soggy?” Many takeout containers use a wax coating on the inside of their packaging which helps prevent grease spotting and other sogginess factors. The problem with wax coatings is that they’re not recyclable!

So what’s the solution? Oil Varnish! Despite its name, oil varnish is actually water-based and 100% recyclable, making it the perfect choice to protect your packaging from getting soggy. Additionally, adding ventilation holes to your packaging is a great way to let your takeout let off some of its steam!

BENEFITS OF OUR PRODUCTS & COMPANY

Avoiding going custom because you think it's too expensive or just too much effort in general?

At LeKAC, we strive for excellence across all boards. Our consultants work tirelessly to ensure the journey with us is as smooth as possible. We also work to get you the most competitive price on the market.

Customers are more likely to return to your business if they have a reminder of it - and what's better than a bag they can use everyday?

By using custom packaging you're getting extended publicity, building brand awareness and creating a memorable experience for your customers. Best of all? You're getting packaging that's exactly what you want!

LOTUS BOX

RIGID BOX

SOUP BOWL

TUCK IN BOX

MIDDLE-OPENING BOX

BASE AND LID STLYE

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!

UV COATING

A shiny, oil-like liquid coated over printed material. The liquid hardens under ultraviolet light to create a durable, sleek and almost metallic finish.

VACUUM PACKAGING

A method of packaging food or other items by removing air from the packaging to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.

MOODBOARD

Visual tool used to communicate a specific aesthetic, style, or theme through a collection of images, colours and material choices.

3D RENDER

Digital image that represents a 3D object or environment, created using computer software for use in design and product development.

JUSTIFIED

A treatment of text that aligns each line of writing equally. This means that the left and right sides of the text are solid with no jagged edges! If the bottom line of text is also aligned equally, it is known as a “full justification”.

DIELINE

Digital guide of the structure of the packaging, marking where to cut and fold the design for a specific product. Dielines are used by graphic designers to communicate design composition according to the packaging to the printers.

This is what justified text looks like. All the text is equally aligned on both sides, except of t he l ast line that is hanging! Justified text gives a cleaner look to the design .

This is what fully justified text looks like. All lines of text are equally aligned on both sides! This text appears blocky and has more odd spaces between words .

This is what un-justified text looks like. All the text is aligned to the left. It can also be aligned to the right or centered! Jagged lines are easier to read

This is what un-justified text looks like when it is center aligned. This might be preferred when there are only 1 or 2 lines of text !

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 4 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: Can I get a sample without placing an order?

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!

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

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!