Jonathan Cage, Spartech Packaging Technologies National Accounts Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Spartech at Danone's US Headquarters in White Plains, NY. Cage noted the value in partnering with Danone on the development of innovative packaging solutions and reinforced Spartech's commitment to Danone's growth and partnership objectives.
In 2010, Spartech received Danone Canada's awards for both "Supplier of the Year" and "Raw Materials & Packaging.” Only a few companies have received this type of recognition two years in a row.
"It is the philosophy of Danone and Dannon that the Sourcing and Supplier Development teams enhance the relationship with our business partners," said Michael Neuwirth, Senior Director of Public Relations, The Dannon Company. "Rather than examining only cost or the transactional value of our relationships, we look at total value creation. We know that innovative solutions will come not only from within Dannon or Danone but also externally via our business partners. Through closer working relationships and by recognizing the contribution of our partners it is an ongoing evolution of the traditional purchasing function. We have tremendous respect for our business partners and are grateful for the contributions they make to our success."
Spartech received the award based on its ability to provide high quality, custom-engineered high impact polystyrene HIPS and EnviroAir foamed form-fill-seal rollstock for yogurt packaging; openness to upstream sourcing; commitment to supply Danone US and Danone Canada from its Granby, Quebec and Muncie, IN plants; and for being a partner in the development of custom materials and formulations.
"We strongly value our partnership with Danone. The Danone team sets high standards for its packaging partners and we are honored to accept this award," said Cage. "Additionally, Danone's commitment to sustainable packaging is aligned with our vision of being the leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions. The EnviroAir technology used in the Danone yogurt product was born from that shared commitment and we look forward to further developments in the future."
Launched in 2010, the EnviroAir technology was developed by Spartech to support Danone Canada's goals to reduce costs and improve its carbon footprint. EnviroAir technology produces a reduced-density (up to 20%) foamed thermoplastic rollstock by creating microscopic air bubbles in the core of the sheet. It can be used in a variety of packaging and industrial applications, including monolayer and/or co-extruded plastic sheet, rollstock, thermoformed and non-thermoformed parts, form-fill seal rollstock, and graphic arts. The EnviroAir product was engineered to specifically meet the manufacturing processes required by Danone while minimizing process changes. The result was a material that used less plastic resin, was lighter in weight, and required less energy to form than the previous material, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of the Danone packaging process in Canada.
Spartech's commitment in the form fill-seal packaging segment is one of the factors driving an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Muncie, IN, as previously announced in the Company's June 6, 2012 press release. The expansion will add 60,000 square feet, enabling the installation of two new extrusion lines, several new thermoforming lines and more than 30 jobs needed to support the growing demands of Spartech's customers.
"Receiving this award from Danone two years in a row is a true testament of our ability to delight our customers. I am proud of our team and their accomplishments," said Carol O'Neill, Spartech Packaging Technologies, Senior Vice President. "We remain focused on being a total solutions provider for our customers by leveraging our strategic partnerships and expertise within material science, processing, design, and sustainability."
