Clinical Trial Labels and Patient Education: Bridging the Gap

The world of clinical trials is a complex ecosystem where scientific rigor meets stringent regulatory requirements; all orchestrated to advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes. 

Clinical trial packaging and labeling are key but often underappreciated players in this process. While they may seem peripheral compared to the high-stakes research and development (R&D) and patient care aspects, the role of clinical trial labels and packaging in patient education is pivotal and profound. 

This article explores how thoughtfully designed clinical trial labels can bridge the gap between complex trial protocols and participant understanding, ultimately enhancing trial success and patient safety.

The Role of Labels in Clinical Trials

Clinical trial labels go beyond the mere function of identifying a product. They are critical communication tools designed to convey essential information to trial participants, healthcare professionals, and researchers. 

This information includes dosage instructions, storage conditions, expiry dates, and a unique identifier for traceability. In an environment where the margin for error is slim, the clarity, accuracy, and accessibility of this information become paramount.

Bridging The Information Gap

One of the biggest challenges in clinical trials is ensuring that participants fully understand their role, the trial's procedures, and the medication they are using. 

Misunderstandings can lead to non-compliance, jeopardizing the individual's safety and the integrity of the trial results. Herein lies the critical role of labels in patient education:

1. Enhancing Understanding

Labels can be designed to break down complex medical jargon into understandable language. This is crucial in ensuring that participants, regardless of their medical literacy level, can comprehend the instructions and the purpose of the medication.

2. Promoting Compliance

Clear, concise, and visually appealing labels promote better compliance. Including pictograms or color coding to denote different times of the day for medication intake can help patients follow the regimen more accurately.

3. Supporting Informed Decision Making

Labels empower participants to make informed decisions about their involvement in the trial by providing essential information at their fingertips. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the trial process.

4. Adapting to Patient Needs

Clinical trial populations can be diverse, requiring labels that are adaptable to different languages and cultures and even cater to those with visual impairments. Tailoring labels to meet these varied needs is a step towards more inclusive and equitable research.

Innovative Solutions in Clinical Trial Label Design

The adoption of expanded content labels (ECLs), such as booklet labels, fold out labels, and wrap labels has seen a remarkable surge in the world of clinical trials. 

This momentum is fueled by the critical need to provide comprehensive trial information, patient instructions, regulatory compliance data, and multiple languages in a concise, accessible manner.

Examples of these Expanded Content Labels include:

Clinical Trial Booklet Labels:

As their name suggests, these pressure sensitive labels look just like miniature paper books or fold-out leaflets and are well-suited for studies that require extended content information to be included with the products. 

You can print multiple colors and up to 60 pages on each of these multi-layer labels in order to maximize content efficiently and in an aesthetically pleasing way. Companies can also add:

Clinical Trial Fold Out Labels:

Unlike booklet labels, clinical trial fold-out labels allow content to be printed on a large piece of paper before being folded and laminated to pressure-sensitive label stock. 

This single process happens all in-line and can be constructed to allow for removability or resealability. For clinical trial applications, fold out labels can be printed to include ingredients, directions, and regulatory information in multiple languages and can be manufactured for automatic or manual applications.

Clinical Wrap Labels:

Wrap labels are typically used on small-diameter cylindrical packaging to extend the print area beyond the circumference of the container while maintaining a simple appearance. 

As the name suggests, the wrap label securely wraps onto itself but can be easily unwrapped without the adhesive compromising the printed content. 

Wrap labels can be printed with fixed information or completely by the end-user via thermal transfer printing. Options include 100% opaque, partially clear, or fully transparent label stocks and are available for manual or automatic applications.

Clinical Trial labels can be customized by adding:

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential of innovative labeling is vast, there are challenges to navigate. Regulatory compliance is at the forefront, as any information provided must meet stringent guidelines to ensure it is accurate, not misleading, and protects patient privacy. 

Moreover, the cost of implementing advanced technologies in labels can be prohibitive for some trials. Balancing innovation with practicality and regulatory requirements is a delicate task that requires ongoing collaboration between regulatory bodies, trial sponsors, and packaging experts.

Connect With Clinical Trial Label Experts

The intersection of clinical trial labels and patient education is a testament to the multifaceted nature of patient care within the context of clinical research. 

Labels are not just about compliance and regulation; they are a vital bridge to understanding, empowering participants to take an active role in their healthcare journey. 

As we progress, the focus should remain on innovative, patient-centered design that respects diversity, ensures safety, and fosters trust in the clinical trial process. 

In doing so, we can achieve better trial outcomes and advance the broader goal of patient education and engagement in healthcare. Have a need for a clinical trial label? Get in touch with a member of our team today.

A Direct Deco Decline Means A Shrink Sleeve Packaging Expansion

In the dynamic world of packaging, shrink sleeves have emerged from being the industry's newcomer to becoming a front-runner in packaging innovation. Recent supply chain disruptions, particularly in Asia, have prompted brands to seek more resilient and flexible packaging solutions. Shrink sleeves have stood out as a preferred choice for many. Here's an in-depth look at why:

Enhanced Quality and Aesthetics of Shrink Sleeves

Since their rise to popularity in the 1990s, shrink sleeves have undergone significant improvements. Today's shrink sleeves boast advancements in inks, coatings, materials, and production techniques, closely emulating the elegance of direct-to-container decoration. Innovations such as cold foil applications and tactile finishes have elevated the visual and tactile appeal of products, eliminating the distortion issues that initially plagued shrink sleeves.

Shorter Lead Times

Direct decoration, while popular, often involves lengthy lead times, especially when production is outsourced overseas, typically ranging between 10-12 weeks. Shrink sleeves, on the other hand, offer a notable reduction in turnaround times, with lead times averaging just 3-4 weeks. This efficiency empowers brands to be more responsive to market trends and demands

Flexibility in Inventory Management

Direct decoration often requires large minimum order quantities (MOQs), sometimes exceeding 100,000 units, which can be prohibitive for many brands. Shrink sleeves dramatically lower the barrier, with MOQs starting at just 1,000 pieces. This flexibility allows brands to experiment with design changes without the burden of excessive inventory.

Enhanced Product Security and Safety

A key feature of shrink sleeves is the ability to incorporate tamper-evident seals, offering an added layer of security and consumer trust. This feature is particularly valued in industries where product integrity is paramount.

Superior Visual Impact

Shrink sleeves deliver unparalleled visual appeal, offering 360-degree coverage with unlimited color options and brighter, more vibrant graphics than direct decoration, which can sometimes result in blurred imagery and muted colors.  Shrink sleeves ensure precision in graphics and text and provide a broader array of finishing options, allowing brands to truly differentiate themselves on the shelves.

While shrink sleeves offer numerous advantages, they also present unique design challenges, especially for containers with complex shapes or textures. It's crucial for designers to have a thorough understanding of how the artwork will conform to various contours to avoid distortion. Partnering with an experienced label printer is essential to navigate these challenges successfully.

It Pays To Partner With A Shrink Sleeve Packaging Expert

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions has won numerous awards for its work in this packaging format and stands at the forefront of shrink sleeve innovation.

Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from choosing the right materials and designing for your specific container to selecting finishes that will make your product stand out. 

Contact us today to elevate your brand with shrink sleeve packaging or to request samples of our award-winning work.

Which Extended Content Label Is Right For Your Product?

Looking for a way to pack more information into your product's packaging than what a conventional label offers? Consider the utility of Extended Content Labels (ECLs), which provide additional space necessary for including comprehensive product details beyond what is typically featured on the primary label.

ECLs merge a Pressure Sensitive Label with a folded or bound insert, creating a component that users can access repeatedly, thanks to its resealable nature. 

This labeling solution is ideal for products requiring extensive information such as safety guidelines, health facts, usage instructions, ingredients, promotional coupons, game elements, and more. 

Extended Content Labels not only serve as an effective way to convey information but also help reduce the need for additional paper inserts or sometimes even packaging, thus saving costs and environmental resources.

ECLs are versatile, catering to a broad spectrum of industries, including healthcare, household, beauty, food, nutraceuticals, and industrial sectors. Let's delve into the various types of Extended Content Labels available:

Maximize Your Message Space: Booklet Labels

Booklet labels are a type of pressure-sensitive label that integrates a booklet or leaflet. These can extend to several pages, with some capable of incorporating up to 60 pages in diverse colors. Booklet labels come in various forms, such as Flat Surface, Curved, and Foldout, and are commonly applied in areas like:

Enhance Information Delivery: Foldout Labels

Known alternatively as Accordion or Plow-Fold labels, these allow for extensive information or graphics to be printed on a sizable sheet, folded, and adhered to a label stock in a single, streamlined process. Foldout labels are perfect for:

Ensure Easy Access: Peel & Reseal Labels

Peel and reseal labels are designed for effortless access with the ability to be opened and resealed multiple times. These labels, which can feature up to 5 panels of full-color information, fit within the dimensions of a standard primary label and are ideal for:

Drive Engagement and Sales: Dry Release Labels

Dry Release labels, or Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRCs), are designed to peel away from the product without leaving residue, revealing promotions or discounts. They are a favorite for brands looking to boost sales and foster customer loyalty, applicable in:

Consult With The Experts

Navigating the complexities of Extended Content Labels to find the perfect fit for your packaging needs can be challenging. Collaborating with experts in label design and production is key to achieving a successful outcome.

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions is at the forefront of ECL technology, offering guidance and expertise to select and craft the ideal label for your product's requirements. Reach out to us for further information or to request samples of our innovative solutions.

A Guide to Standout Nutraceutical Packaging and Labeling

In the bustling world of nutraceuticals, where consumer choice can be overwhelming, nutraceutical packaging and labeling emerge as critical battlegrounds for brand differentiation. 

A steady flow of advancements in vitamin and supplement products has led to ongoing consumer demand and a tremendous supply of options. In fact, by 2025, the global market for these products is projected to reach $578.23 billion. However, that’s not necessarily a good thing, as this can often generate confusion on store shelves and online.

With so many options, how do consumers make their final choice of what to buy? Often, it comes down to nutraceutical packaging and labels. Brands that find the right balance between being disruptive yet providing important information and benefits have the best chance of winning the nutraceutical battle. 

Below Are A Few Nutraceutical Packaging and Labeling Strategies for ‘Vitamin Victory’:

Tip #1: Dare to Be Distinct in the Sea of Sameness

Embarking on a journey through a drug store's sports nutrition aisle, you'll likely encounter an ocean of products donned in glossy black with silver highlights. To ensure your product doesn't fade into the background, it's essential to embrace boldness and deviate from the norm. 

Consider utilizing a color palette or typography that starkly contrasts with current trends. Expand your competitive analysis beyond physical shelves by exploring digital marketplaces like Google or Amazon, identifying opportunities to stand out not just in-store but also in the digital realm.

Tip #2: Master the Art of Equilibrium

Crafting nutraceutical packaging and labeling demands a refined equilibrium, serving three pivotal roles: captivating attention, transparently disclosing ingredients and directions, and in some cases, adhering to regulatory mandates like FDA guidelines. 

The design must not only magnetize consumers but also affirm the product's authenticity and excellence. Aim for a design and narrative that are distinctive, yet refrain from excessive extravagance to maintain the essence of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Tip #3: Embrace Innovation in Customization

Venture beyond the conventional by customizing labels to make your product a standout spectacle. Achieving distinction requires altering standard packaging facets, a task best navigated with the guidance of a labeling expert. 

Such collaboration can unlock a myriad of options in materials, inks, and finishes, potentially leading to the creation of an innovative product presentation that surpasses imagination.

Tip #4: Deliver the ‘Feel Appeal’

In a 2014 study, 80% of respondents indicated that they pick up items to evaluate their merits to determine if they would purchase that specific product. The study further highlighted that products featuring a tactile finish not only attracted more buyers but also garnered a willingness to pay a premium. 

Integrating a textured element into your nutraceutical packaging and label design can elevate the consumer experience, offering a spectrum from pronounced to subtle, enhancing the 'feel appeal' and setting your product apart in a tangible way.

Tip #5: Leverage Expertise for Excellence

At Premium Label & Packaging Solutions, our expertise spans across the dynamic nutraceutical packaging and labeling sector, from leading global enterprises to emerging brands and contract packagers. 

Our deep understanding of the unique requirements of this industry, combined with our proficiency in a variety of printing techniques, positions us to craft labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging that truly captivate. Elevate your product's presence on the shelf by consulting with our experts, poised to transform your packaging vision into reality. Reach out to enhance your labels and packaging strategy today


In conclusion, mastering the art of nutraceutical packaging and labeling is about daring to be different while maintaining clarity and compliance. Engaging consumers through innovative design and tactile experiences, backed by expert collaboration, can pave the way to capturing market share in this competitive space.

Looking Back on This Year’s Biggest Packaging Trends

Packaging remains a crucial component for businesses looking to maximize their profits. According to The Dieline, 33% of shoppers are likely to avoid a product if they dislike the packaging — a statistic that demonstrates the importance of following the latest packaging trends. This year, we have seen numerous developments in the packaging industry, including a surge in the popularity of peel and reseal labels. Here are some of the year's biggest packaging trends.

Communication

Now more than ever, businesses are using packaging to communicate with customers. A typical example of this is cruelty-free brands using labels to let customers know their products are not tested on animals. Additionally, as more consumers gravitate towards sustainable materials, companies are using specialty labels to let potential customers know their products are environmentally friendly or use sustainable packaging.

Minimalist Designs

Minimalism has been a trend in every industry for the past several years including the packaging industry. Businesses have revamped their websites and packaging accordingly, using one or two colors instead of elaborate designs. Crisp, clean lines have become the main theme for new packages. As minimalism continues to enjoy mainstream popularity, we can expect to see this design style continue throughout the following year.

Earth Tones

Earth tones are another major trend that has made its way from interior design into the packaging industry. Using these colors blur the lines between our lives and the natural world surrounding us. As outdoor living trends increase, more companies have started to include tones of green, red, orange, and brown in their packaging. Multiple packaging formats, from peel-and-reseal labels to shrink sleeves, can benefit from implementing this color palette.

Peel and Reseal Labels

Peel and reseal labels remain a massive component in the arsenal of many labeling and packaging companies due to their versatility.. Companies utilize these labels to give customers more information when working with limited space. As customers become more curious about the specific details of products, brands must find innovative solutions to convey the necessary information. This is especially critical for industries such as beauty, healthcare, and food and beverages, which require consumers to know certain information about products for the sake of their health and safety.

Knowing the latest trends in the packaging industry will help your brand stay at the top, even in a competitive market. If you are ready to improve your packaging and ensure it stays up to date with the current trends, contact Premium Label & Packaging Solutions to learn more about how our products can benefit your business.

Uncovering the Benefits of Expanded Content Labels

In an economy where every second and penny counts, businesses continually seek efficient solutions to streamline their operations. One such advancement is the use of expanded content labels, which have significantly impacted the packaging and labeling industry. These labels not only encapsulate more information in a compact format but also promote significant financial savings. This innovation has contributed to the recent growth in the industry, as evidenced by recent statistics. According to IBISWorld, the market size of the packaging and labeling services industry experienced a 2.5% increase in 2022.

Continue reading to uncover the ways in which these innovative expanded content labels can reduce labeling complexity and streamline your labeling needs.

Provide Customers With the Information They Need

As a responsible manufacturer of goods, you have a duty to provide customers with the information they need to use your product safely and correctly. This often requires more space than a typical label can provide. With expanded content labels, you are able to relay all relevant information directly to the consumer in a compact and user-friendly manner.

Financial Savings

One of the biggest benefits of expanded content labels is the resources they save. By including all the relevant details about a product on a single label, there is no need for an additional booklet insert. The fewer labels a product uses, the less resources a company will need to spend on the materials and labor required for production. Communicating all important information on one label also saves time and streamlines the production process. Businesses may be able to use the time and resources they save this way to increase their inventory.

Meet Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Any company that sells pharmaceutical or chemical products must adhere to various regulatory and compliance requirements for packaging. When products are not labeled properly, it may put the safety of your end users at risk. Compliance issues can additionally result in fines for your company. Providing consumers with the information they need through expanded content labels is an efficient solution that helps ensure consumer safety and adherence to any applicable regulations.

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions is the company to rely on for all of your label and packaging needs. From expanded content labels to eco-friendly packaging, we provide our clients with everything they need to present their products attractively, convey key information, and ensure product safety and quality. Contact us today to learn more about the ways that our products and services can benefit your brand. We look forward to assisting you!

The Vital Role of Medical Device Labels in the Evolving Healthcare Industry

In the constantly evolving landscape of healthcare, the technology inherent in medical devices is no exception. With current trends and industry innovations always at the forefront, the significance of effective medical device labeling is paramount. Notably, according to AP News, the Biden administration provided $600 million in funding to produce COVID-19 home tests in September 2023, underscoring the critical role of effective labeling in such vital health initiatives. It is essential these labels not only dictate accurate and precise product information but also comply with the stringent regulatory requirements and industry standards. 

The challenge for medical device manufacturers is twofold: remaining contemporary with these rigorous demands and preserving a competitive edge in an ever-crowded marketplace. This article will delve into the technological evolution and its amplifying effect on the necessity for effective medical device labeling, the ongoing regulatory requisites, and the most recent advancements adopted by companies to maintain market dominance.

Evolution of Technology Increases Needs for Medical Device Labels

With an increased focus on technology, medical devices are becoming more advanced, and with this comes an increased need for innovatively designed and accurate medical device labels. The products may include pressure-sensitive labels, expanded content labels, pattern adhesive labels, tamper-evident, and tamper-proof labels, as well as other specialty labels. Among these, labels that are durable, economical, and require low maintenance are commonly used in medical devices. 

In light of the evolving technology, healthcare regulatory requirements are also becoming increasingly complex, which places an additional burden on manufacturers to ensure that their labeling accurately complies with industry standards. In many instances, failing to meet regulatory requirements can cause delays and downtime, which can directly impact a company's ability to compete in the market.

Stay on the Right Side of Regulatory Requirements

To remain compliant and keep things running smoothly, it's essential that a manufacturer chooses the right medical device label supplier that has the necessary facilities with certification. Medical device labels must adhere to industry-standard printing with enough capacity to produce accurate and precise medical device labels for certification purposes. 

The modern medical device label must be highly accurate and incorporate durable adhesive, specialized inks, and coatings to protect from environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and other contaminants. Medical device manufacturers often incorporate color-coded labels to signify the device or the patient's needs. The medical device labels that are peel-and-stick, and easy-to-read have always been critical to patient safety.

Summing Up

In short, the healthcare industry continues to grow and innovate by incorporating cutting-edge technology to create advanced medical devices. Medical device labels are an integral part of the overall performance and safety of a medical device, ensuring that accurate and precise information is available for patients and healthcare professionals alike. The growing demand for more robust and accurate medical device labels has been magnified by the increasing complexity of regulatory requirements that medical device manufacturers need to meet. 

Due to the complexity and capabilities involved, it is important to select a trusted and experienced company like Premium Label & Packaging Solutions for your medical device labels. To discuss your medical device labeling needs, please reach out to us today.

Understanding the Impact of Recent Health Trends on Nutraceutical Labels

The shift towards a more health-conscious society has steadily risen for the last decade. With advancements in technology and medicine, people are living longer than ever. It is no surprise that the nutraceutical industry has benefitted as people continue to prioritize their health and wellness with products improving the way they feel and look. Weight loss and brain health are top of mind among many consumers, and the nutraceutical industry has grown to address these shifts. This blog examines these recent health trends and what they mean for custom nutraceutical labels.

Healthy Golden Years

With this new era of the "healthy golden years," Nutraceuticals are an attractive option for aging populations, and companies are noticing. More people are working to ensure long-term health by enjoying a healthy diet and using nutraceuticals to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, arthritis, tooth decay, and much more. Nutraceutical labels often highlight ingredients supporting healthy aging, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.  Companies offering nutraceuticals should consider emphasizing their products' health benefits to seniors as they age.

Weight Loss

The weight loss industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years by promoting more natural and sustainable weight loss solutions. Gallup found that over half of American adults desired to lose weight between 2017 and 2022. Nutraceuticals have become an essential player in this space, offering a range of ingredients that promote healthy weight loss without harsh chemicals or stimulants. As a result, we now see more custom nutraceutical labels promoting ingredients like green tea extract, garcinia cambogia, and CLA. To make products more appealing to consumers, use custom nutraceutical labels to emphasize ingredients that assist with weight loss.

Brain Health

As people become more aware of the importance of cognitive health, brain health has emerged as a major health trend. A survey from the International Food Information Council found that 74% of Americans are confident that foods and drinks have some effect on their mental or emotional health. Consumers seek products that support brain function, memory, and focus. Nutraceutical companies are responding by incorporating ingredients like omega-3s, ginkgo biloba, and phosphatidylserine into their products. Nutraceutical labels now often highlight the cognitive benefits of their products, appealing to consumers looking for an edge in their daily lives.

Regulatory Changes

Along with these recent health trends, there have also been regulatory changes impacting nutraceutical labels. The FDA has implemented tighter regulations on labeling dietary supplements, requiring manufacturers to provide more detailed information about ingredients and health claims. This has led to more standardized labels that are easier for consumers to understand. Additionally, there has been a push for transparency in the industry, with some companies going beyond what is required by law to provide third-party testing results and ingredient-sourcing information on their labels.

With increasing regulatory oversight and a demand for transparency, nutraceutical labels have also evolved to provide more detailed information about their products. As the health and wellness industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how nutraceuticals adapt to these changing trends and regulations.

Are you looking for top-quality custom nutraceutical labels that meet regulatory requirements? If so, contact Premium Label & Packaging Solutions to learn more about how our products can benefit you.

PLPS is Profiled in this Month's Label & Narrow Web

Label & Narrow Web magazine, the premier resource for label professionals and those in the branding and packaging fields  chose PLPS for this month’s “Company to Watch.” The piece showcases how we started and where we are going. https://www.labelandnarrowweb.com/issues/2023-10-01/view_features/companies-to-watch-premium-label-packaging-solutions-plps/


Acquisitions of mid-size companies by large groups result in powerhouses with combined technologies in commercial hubs around the world. Conglomerates form to cover markets in strong nations and continental regions, and smaller groups emerge everywhere. Many are powered by private equity, and all compete regardless of size.

PE firms are finance organizations with profit the primary goal. They target industries with health and growth in the short term, possibly long term. One essential to financial goals is experienced leadership on the ground.

Over the past two years, family-funded Dunes Point Capital (DPC) acquired four well-established label and packaging converters in the Northeast US. The small PE company created Premium Label & Packaging Solutions and now has seasoned industry leaders, from within the operations and from outside, honing a dynamic group with high performance in several strong packaging markets.

In 2021 and 2022, Premium Label & Packaging Solutions (PLPS) acquired Overnight Labels, Label Graphics Manufacturing, HP Mile, and Luminer Converting. PLPS now comprises eight plants in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and employs 225 people. Its customers range from small to very large manufacturers with global reach in healthcare, wellness, personal care, and industrial segments.

In the late 1980s, Luminer was launched in southern New Jersey; at the same time Overnight was being built in Long Island, NY, into a regional contender. “They were not really competitors,” says Leslie Gurland, vice president of sales at PLPS. “Overnight was in prime labels and Luminer was mostly pharmaceutical. As time went on both founders were looking to move their businesses to the next stage and found an acquirer in PLPS.”

Over the years, HP Mile in Syracuse, NY, had been busy with acquisitions of its own: Privateer and Label One, both in Old Saybrook, CT. Label Graphics, in Little Falls, NJ, was the most mature company in the group with 44 years in business. Quite a few specialists remain on the ground in all four companies. They are involved in sales, product development and general management of their facilities.

“This is Dunes Point’s first foray into packaging,” Gurland says. “They wanted to be in the beauty, personal care and wellness markets. First they targeted Overnight, which produces high end, sophisticated graphics and labels.” Overnight’s specialties are vitamin supplements, nutraceuticals, sports nutrition, food and beverage, health and beauty, and household products. But the acquirer gained much more as it expanded its reach.

Luminer focuses on the pharmaceutical business and makes extended content labels for clinical trial work and other pharmaceutical applications. HP Mile’s expertise is in pharmaceutical and medical labels, as well as specialty tapes. Label Graphics is known for its range of packaging products, like plough folds, multi-page booklets, peelbacks, tube laminate decorating, and hot stamping.

Yet each knows something about the other shops’ expertise. “Every business PLPS acquired has an overlap, additional expertise that the next company does,” says Gurland. “We are always expanding our breadth and our depth.”

One example is a project with a large customer who wants to move to 100% recyclability, with new materials, new inks, new adhesives. “It’s a huge undertaking,” Gurland adds. “Combining the technical expertise and unique capabilities of each location allows us to bring the same solutions as the bigger players in the industry with the passion and speed to market of a smaller organization. This is what is resonating with our customers.”

“We’re now making stand-up pouches. We have an entire factory doing those,” says Gurland. “It’s a big investment, the kind most people aren’t going to make. We needed a bigger press, so we just took delivery of a new Lombardi, giving us a larger ROI.”

Sales teams from the four companies are now one. Gurland, former executive VP at Lux Global Label and an industry presence for decades, heads a sales force that represents the spectrum of processes, capabilities and enhancements offered by the expanded business.

“The companies that formed PLPS were entrepreneurs, and we are keeping that entrepreneurial spirit,” Gurland says. “We are available 24/7. We have to try harder. It’s in our DNA. Our customers want that.

“Our slogan is ‘Changing the Packaging Paradigm.’ We are branding our group. We’re not just focusing on our bottom line, but also our culture, who we are. It’s about our customers, our people, our community. Our mission is whatever the customer’s need is. We make the customer’s reality.”

PLPS runs 51 presses in a wide variety of print processes. Nilpeter and Mark Andy equipment are dominant, and four HP Indigo digital presses. In addition to the new Lombardi, two older units operate in the Little Falls plant, each 24" wide with a 36" repeat. All are flexo with LED curing.

Rewind equipment is from CEI and Rotoflex, and Karlville has supplied most of the flexible packaging converting machinery to handle seaming, pouching and inspection.

PLPS pays attention to manufacturing protocols. Its Farmingdale, NY, plant has Platinum GMI certification (Graphic Measure International), which ensures that color standards are met at the facility to provide control and uniformity. Plants producing pharmaceutical and OTC labels are ISO certified and cGMP compliant.

This year the company is particularly pleased to have received Safe Quality Food Certification (SQF), also at Farmingdale. SQF will let the company expand its food, beverage, and nutraceutical label work. The certification addresses food safety and quality management in a dozen food related categories, including food package manufacturing and consumer products packaging.

Increasing the value of a business is accomplished by acquisition and organic growth. Some companies focus on one more than the other, but PLPS works on both. “Everybody targets 10% growth per year, but we’d like to see 10% organically,” Gurland notes. “Additional growth comes from acquisition.

“What appealed to me, and a big reason I joined PLPS, is DPC’s commitment not just in increasing the financial value of the group but on making the businesses a better place for their employees. In an age when cost cutting is a given, PLPS improved the health benefits of the employees of three of the companies to match the excellent benefits Luminer was offering.

“DPC doesn’t just state its values, I feel they live them: honesty, humility, curiosity, impact, and team first,” she says. “To work alongside the industry greats – the four founders of Luminer, Overnight Label, HP Mile, and Label Graphics, people I have admired for years – is such an honor and privilege.”

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Award News

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Award News