The other 2020 Flexible Packaging Achievement Award Winners are: Innventure's AeroFlexx (Highest achievement) | UFlex Ltd.’s 4D Bag with Handle | UFlex Ltd.’s FlexiTube | Amcor Healthcare’s Insura Seal Verification | Printpack’s Paqui Tortilla Chip Pouch | Amcor Flexibles’ Predilecta Sacciali Jar Shaped Pouch | Glenroy’s Premade Standcap Inverted Pouches | ePac’s Skratch Labs Mosaic Packaging | Plastic Packaging Technologies’s Hill’s Recyclable Pet Treat Bag | Paxxus’ StreamOne | Silver Winners
That’s the impetus behind Stacy’s Rise Project, a program dedicated to helping women grow their food and beverage ventures. It’s also the impetus behind the limited-edition pita chip packages that tell the story of a female entrepreneur’s journey to success.
Stacy’s—a brand of Frito-Lay North America, the convenient foods division of PepsiCo—is always looking for ways to connect its brand with consumers. Honored with a Gold Award for Printing from the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), Printpack produced the packaging that takes this to a whole new level—connecting and aligning the Stacy’s brand with female entrepreneurs as well as supporters of female-founded businesses. Six colorful package designs celebrate Women’s History Month with artwork from six different female artists. The graphics depict the six key stages of a female entrepreneur’s journey: inspiration, courage, grit, nourishment, success, and community.
Printpack used six-color digital printing (as opposed to the typical three or four colors) to realize each artist’s vision on the package. This was important not only for the package itself but also so that the package art would closely represent the limited-edition matching prints that customers receive along with the package when they donate at least $10 to the project. “They were a direct replica of the art files,” says Alisha Howard, marketing manager for Printpack.
Digital printing was also a natural fit for such limited-edition packages. It enabled Stacy’s to order only the quantity it needed, helping to reduce waste and obsolete inventory. Digital printing provides other benefits as well, Howard notes. “You can have endless options of designs and variable content,” she says. “Digital allows for quick turnarounds and there is no need to create printing plates.”
The packaging itself uses a reverse-printed matte oriented polypropylene (OPP) print web. Because the OPP is white, Howard explains, it doesn’t compete with the eye-catching graphics.
These limited-edition packages are now in stores nationwide. Stacy’s Pita Chips has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in female founders through its Stacy’s Rise Project. The project will begin accepting applications for the 2020 class on April 6.
