The Ultimate Packaging Zine - LeKAC Sourcing (Summer 2023)

THE PACKAGING ZINE SUMMER 2023

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

Interviewees Garbo Zhu GRUMPY KID STUDIO

Andre Bhagwandat BHAGY’S BAKEHOUSE

SPRING 2023 EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Team

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Fashion Industry

6

Client Spotlight: Grumpy Kid Studio

10

Featured Product: Custom Inserts

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SIAL 2023: Trade Show Recap

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Client Spotlight: Bhagy’s Bakehouse

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Learn with Lenny: Packaging Dictionary

20

Packaging Q&A

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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

We’re welcoming in the summer

Finally, a friendly reminder that our

with this latest edition of our

offices remain open by appointment

seasonal zine. If you’re a returning

only! Scheduling an appointment

reader, thank you for coming back

ensures that one of our knowledgeable

to see what we’ve been up to!

consultants is available to assist you. Not comfortable meeting in

For any of our new readers, welcome!

person? Can’t make it to one of our

We’re a Canadian-based custom

offices? We’ve got you covered! Our

packaging company that also provides

consultants are available via phone

branding, graphic design and sourcing

and video to help you get started on

services across North America.

your custom packaging journey.

We’d like to take this time to thank our clients for their continuous

Sincerely,

support. We’re so grateful to be

Everyone from

a part of your business’ journey

LeKAC Sourcing Ltd.

through custom packaging. If you’re an existing customer with an inquiry about your order, please contact your Business Development Consultant and they’ll be happy to help!

4

Learn with Lenny!

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

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View our fashion catalogue on our website!

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PACKAGING OPTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS FASHION INDUSTRY PRODUCTS FASHION-FORWARD PACKAGING

Fashion dates back to Ancient Rome & Egypt eons ago. In these cultures,

In case you haven’t worked with us (yet),

clothing and fashion were treated as

we don’t have any ready pricing available.

status symbols, where the wealthy would

But we have a good reason, we promise!

don lavish and colourful garments, and the poor would wear neutral colours

In our line of business, there are many

and cheap but useful items.

factors to consider when determining the price of a custom product. Specifically,

Back then, clothing would be practical

the dimensions, design, quantity, and

(the most important aspect being that it

overall level of customisation impact

was appropriate to work in). Nowadays,

pricing. Please keep this in mind while

clothing items are used as a form of

our team negotiates the best possible

self expression and fun – so why

pricing for your business!

shouldn’t a brand’s packaging reflect the same? Clothing is still considered a

After researching (ahem, firsthand

way of conveying status, but there are

experience) online and retail

definitely more intricacies involved in

fashion-related purchases, the LeKAC

present day.

Pack put together a variety of packaging 7

options (including some lesser known

boxes? Folding cartons are a

ones!) for your fashion/apparel business.

cost-effective approach to packaging, fit all types of apparel and are made of 350g

Some of the products featured in this

high-quality paperboard material to boot.

exclusive catalogue are kraft paper

Want something that looks more

bags, reusable bags, tote bags, mailer

high-end? Our luxurious rigid boxes are

boxes, window folding boxes, rigid

made of a thick greyboard material and

magnetic boxes, ribbons and sticker!

a white paper base. Also known as

One of our most popular options are

set-up boxes, this product is popular

kraft paper bags. These bags come with

with high-end brands – but they can be

a brown Kraft base, choice of edge,

used by anyone!

twisted rope handle and a 1 colour

If you’re looking for presentation and

print by default. For a more durable

protection for shipping out products

version our laminated cardboard and

then look no further! Our shipping

reusable bags a great step up!

packaging options provide your products

Bags not your style? Our folding cartons

with cushion in the event of impact

scream versatility and convenience –

(though you can always add a custom

what better way to package your

insert if it’s extra delicate).

products than by using one of these 8

HOW TO ORDER YOUR PACKAGING

walk you through our entire process from start to finish and address:

At LeKAC, we pride ourselves on making your experience as simple and stress-free as possible! We have examined the e-commerce industry and came up with the most common dimensions for various products.

However, we know that custom is always

•

dimensions, printing options, and material choices

•

designing

•

payment

•

mass production

•

shipment and delivery of goods

It’s as simple as that!

best and are happy to adjust dimensions to suit your specific needs!

What are you waiting for?! Contact us today to get started! Or better yet… Check us out

Take a look at our fashion catalogue, and

on Instagram !

give us a call to discuss your options. We’ll

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

GRUMPY KID STUDIO Grumpy Kid Studio is a Montreal-based

creations before photographing them and

ceramics studio making mugs, plates, vases

posting them online. As that gained traction,

and other ceramics with an adorably

people began inquiring about her work.

grumpy flair. Our team are big fans of the grumpy mugs, so when Grumpy Kid founder Garbo Zhu reached out to us to start her custom packaging journey, we knew we couldn’t disappoint.

After taking a hand-building pottery class 5 minutes from her house, hobby turned to side hustle as Grumpy Kid took off. She ran her studio from her parents’ living room in Toronto while working 9-5, releasing mugs

ABOUT GRUMPY KID STUDIO

in small drops.

At the height of the pandemic, Garbo was

THE PROBLEM

looking for a creative outlet. She turned to air-dry clay from the craft store, adding her now signature grumpy faces to her new

Grumpy Kid mostly operates online as an e-commerce business. Shipping ceramics is 10

delicate business; they’re fragile, but heavy!

marinades. Since their products were also

Before starting her journey with LeKAC,

heavy and fragile, we created a custom

Garbo took every possible precaution to

mailer box with a matching insert to keep

ensure the grumpy mugs arrived in their

their jars secure.

new homes safely. She focused on

We knew a similar approach would work

eco-friendly packaging options, such as

perfectly for Garbo’s grumpy mugs! Taking

biodegradable packing peanuts and

her mugs as inspiration, we came up with

honeycomb paper bubble wrap. Though this

four design options.

worked, the process of packaging the mugs took a long time.

THE RESULT

THE SOLUTION

When the samples arrived in our office, Garbo loved the way they looked. However,

We previously worked with Kopi Thyme on

there was still the big question: would the

shipping packaging for their sauces and 11

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GRUMPY KID?

packaging protect the grumpy mugs?

Garbo provided our office with sample

As fans of Grumpy Kid Studio, we had to

mugs to get the sizing right for the insert.

ask: what’s next? Garbo revealed she wants

When she asked us to perform a drop test

to expand her team to more include more

of the sample mugs in the new mailer

wheel throwers. She’s also started to build

boxes, we delivered! Check it out in the full

a connection with her audience, showing

blog post to see the results.

more of her daily life! Ceramics and other

When we asked Garbo what her favourite

grumpy items are on their way too.

part of working with LeKAC was, the

Need to get your hands on a grumpy mug?

answer was simple: working with our

Be sure to check out Grumpy Kid’s

consultant Phil!

Instagram to keep up with the drops!

Phil is so fun! Whenever I asked him for updates, I feel like I can always get an

CHECK OUT GRUMPY KID STUDIO ONLINE!

answer right away.

www.grumpykidstudio.com

Garbo Zhu

@grumpykidstudio

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HI GARBO!

PHOTOS VIA GRUMPY KID STUDIO

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FEATURED PRODUCT

PAPER INSERTS WITH CUT-OUTS

Our inserts are designed to match your needs – your choice of print, size and cutouts! Get in touch with our team to learn more about what we offer.

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• Customizable • Eco-Friendly • High Quality

SIAL 2023

TRADE SHOW RECAP This year, we were back at SIAL Canada displaying our custom packaging solutions for new and existing clients. Our team had a great time meeting everyone (including a celebrity chef or two)! If we missed you at the show but you still want to learn more, contact us to find out how we can help you get started on your custom packaging journey!

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BHAGY’S BAKEHOUSE

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

RETRO & INTERACTIVE PACKAGING Based out of Scarborough, Ontario, Bhagy’s

Andre, featuring four cookie flavours and

Bakehouse is Masterchef alum Andre

Andre delivering the cookies by hand across

Bhagwandat’s passion for baking turned

the Greater Toronto Area.

business. As Andre started creating his menu, he knew he had to have packaging that

THE ISSUE

reflected the vision he had for the business.

Before Bhagy’s, there was Chef Andre’s

After a quick chat with LeKAC, we were able to

Cookie Box. As Andre’s first cookie business,

help bring his vision to life!

he started with brown Kraft boxes with

ABOUT BHAGY’S BAKEHOUSE

stamped logos. He knew that with Bhagy’s, the packaging had to be the right fit for the

Bhagy’s Bakeshop was founded through

business and he needed it as soon as he

Andre’s newfound love of baking. After two

could get it!

runs on Masterchef Canada, he began baking out of a commercial kitchen in 2021.

At the time, Bhagy’s was Cookie Box by Chef

Though Andre wasn’t sure what kind of packaging he was looking for at first, our consultant Phil helped present options that 18

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BHAGY’S BAKEHOUSE?

would stand out and be unique. Andre came to LeKAC with some branding in mind, but

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, make

wanted the packaging to be different and

Bhagy’s Bakehouse your next stop. From

most importantly: have a retro aesthetic!

generously-sized cookies, to crunchy crispy bars and cakes, there’s something for everyone with an added dash of nostalgia.

In the future, Andre hopes to dip his toe into the world of fresh pastries alongside the baked goods he already offers.

Be sure to check out Bhagy’s Bakehouse for some delicious treats! Order online for pickup or walk in to satisfy your sweet tooth.

WWW.BHAGYS.CA

THE RESULTS & ANDRE’S EXPERIENCE

 @BHAGYSBAKEHOUSE

WORKING WITH LEKAC

3380 MIDLAND AVE, UNIT 7,

With everything together, we helped Bhagy’s create a cohesive, retro packaging family!

We added a matte lamination finish to the outside of the boxes for an extra tactile feel.

SCARBOROUGH ON, M1V 5B5 Making Bhagy’s retro, interactive packaging was not only fun for our team, but also helped the bakery cement its brand identity!

Altogether, Andre’s favourite part of working Want to get started on your custom packaging with us was our efficiency! Between constant journey, but don’t know how to get there? communication with Phil and clear direction

Contact us today and speak with our team

to our graphic designer, bringing Andre’s

to learn more about our branding, graphic

cookie-vision to life was a seamless process. design and custom packaging services!

You guys take your job seriously [ . . . ] and you care about what you’re going to produce.

Andre Bhagwandat 19

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!

TRADEMARK ™

PLA (POLYLACTIC ACID)

The ™ symbol is used to notify

A thermoplastic made of renewable,

consumers about a trademark’s legal

plant-based sources. Unlike traditional

rights. However, it can be used without

plastics, when heated to its melting

filing for official trademark rights if

point, this material becomes a liquid

being used as a graphic element.

instead of burning! Since the material is biodegradable and plant-based, it’s a

GLASSINE

food-safe option! While it’s ideal for

A glossy, smooth paper made from

cold items, it’s not a great choice for hot

chemically treated wood pulp. Often

foods or drinks.

waxed or lamianted; it is considered air, water and grease resistant.

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INK DRAWDOWN A sample spread of ink onto a paper being used in printing. At LeKAC we make the

PA N TO

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process easy by using the sample run of packaging as an ink drawdown! Your packaging sample provides an indepth look at how the colours in your design will look on the paper being used as well as the overall look of the structure chosen.

OPACITY The ability of a material or ink to stop the transmittance of light — a material with high opacity is considered see-through/transparent. Most inks have medium opacity (aka they are

100% OPACITY OPAQUE

75% OPACITY TRANSLUCENT

50% OPACITY TRANSLUCENT

10% OPACITY TRANSLUCENT

translucent, so the colour of the material shows through). This is why a full colour print on a white base is more vibrant than on a brown kraft base! For screen printing on darker fabrics an opaque or white ink base is used so the colour shows up at full vibrancy!

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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: WWW.LEKAC.COM

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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!

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www.lekac.com 1 (866) 996-6818 TORONTO

MONTREAL

207-590 Alden Road Markham, ON L3R 8N2

7645 Rue Cordner LaSalle, QC H8N 2X2

@lekacsourcing