Four decades of innovation in rigid plastic containers...
Since the introduction of the original all-plastic shipping container to replace the metal can in the USA in 1968, LINPAC Ropak has demonstrated its design and engineering strengths through a number of key industry firsts. Some of these are shown at the foot of this page.
Our unique mix of plastic packaging expertise and resources brings a special dimension to our relationships with customers. We work closely with them to deliver advanced packaging solutions that meet all their needs while adding value to their operations.
Focus groups, market research and retailer input are all part of the design process. Trained personnel visit customers’ plants to learn more about their particular filling and shipping activities, and the special requirements of their customers.
Development of new products starts with our design engineers who brainstorm with the marketing team to develop design concepts. These are reviewed in virtual form with the customer (illustrated) and their feedback incorporated into the development of prototypes. Our in-house rapid prototyping machines then create physical representative models that the customer can touch and fill with their product to confirm container size. As a value-added service, we can also decorate the prototype models with the customer's artwork to showcase the brand.
We can also produce virtual retail shelf renderings (illustrated) to demonstrate how the final decorated packages will look when displayed. After further consumer testing our implementation team works with the customer to quickly put the new package into production. LINPAC Ropak's comprehensive approach is designed to consistently deliver the highest quality products and services in the industry.
In recent years, our engineers have turned their inventive brains to lightweighting – reducing the plastic content of packaging without compromising strength or functionality. In 2008, LINPAC Ropak launched the patent pending Diamond Technology (illustrated) – a unique design for round, square and rectangular containers that uses diamond pattern reinforcement on the container walls for structural strength – so that the amount of resin used to create the container can be significantly reduced. By cutting weight between 20 and 37%, Diamond Technology generates significant environmental benefits through source reduction and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Both factors help in attaining better Walmart Scorecard results.
Much has changed since LINPAC Ropak’s seminal innovation over four decades ago – when it introduced the first all-plastic container – but one thing remains constant… our dedication to creating advanced packaging solutions that customers can trust.
Here are some of the many industry firsts we have been responsible for over the years...
EZ Cover®
A patented lid that provides easy opening and resealing without the use of a tool, and yet offers the stacking safety, shipping integrity and tamper-evidency of a conventional lid. It is available in round, square and rectangular shapes in multiple sizes.
EZ Stor®
Rectangular containers featuring unique hinged lids for convenient dispensing of product. EZ Stor provides highly visible product differentiation at the point of purchase, and creates a handy reusable container when empty.
Ring Pull®
A patented feature on the lid to intuitively point out and aid in lid removal.
EZ Grip™ Handle
Patented ergonomic two-piece all-plastic handle with rotating grip to lift heavy packages comfortably. Can be color-coordinated with the rest of the package for added shelf impact.
F-Gasket
One of the first liquid-tight seals for square and rectangular packages.
A5 Screw Cap
Patented two-piece ergonomic screw cap with built-in tint plug. Perfect for paint applications – just remove the EZ pull diaphragm, tint and reseal the cap to avoid spills.
NXT Graphics®
Permanent, picture quality graphics on clear, white and colored pails for superior shelf appeal.
In-Mold Labelling (IML)
State-of-the-art decoration that maximizes billboard area with wrap-around-the-corner photo-quality graphics. We were one of the first to commercialize large containers with this method of decoration and received the Ameristar packaging award, IMDA award and Best of Show and Gold Awards from Canada's National Packaging Competition for different IML-decorated commercial containers.