Almost everyone who takes prescription medication is familiar with attaching. Every prescription must include a slew of government-required instructions and warnings. They often take the form of pharmaceutical inserts, the micro-folded sheets of paper attached to the inside or outside of the medicine's packaging.
 More than Paper: Liquid packets and floor tile samples are just two of the many items Rickard Bindery can attach. |
But attaching isn't just for drug companies, and it isn't just for paper. Few marketing tactics can match the impact of a free sample. Items such as lotion, shampoo and tablet packets; magnets; gift cards; material samples like floor tile and fabrics; and sleeved CD or DVD discs can all be attached to a carrier piece to create highly effective marketing and promotional materials.
Many non-paper items are substantially thicker and bulkier than the carrier pieces to which they're attached. Ensure these items reach end users in top condition by determining the best packaging and shipping methods in advance.
Accounting for Bulk
When product samples are being attached, unique packing challenges may be created. For instance, if the sample involves encapsulated liquid - i.e. shampoo packs - pressure during banding or packing must be carefully controlled. Also, inefficiencies caused by irregular or bulging shapes mean far fewer pieces can be packed than usual, increasing packing and shipping costs.
An experienced bindery can help you choose a packing solution that offers sufficient protection for your attached items without throwing budget considerations out the window. Here are a few:
Stagger stacking - By locating the attached item on a side or corner of the carrier, pieces can be stagger-stacked 180 degrees to minimize wasted airspace within each package.
Shrink wrapping - Particularly fragile attachments such as packets of liquid may require shrink-wrapping in small quantities to provide ample protection.
Shingle packing - In a telecarton or Gaylord, aligning pieces like the shingles on a roof often makes the best use of container space without compromising item protection.
Planning Considerations
- Don't forget to account for the hot-melt adhesive used to attach your items to the carriers. Items that will be marred or difficult to detach, such as CD or DVD discs, must be wrapped. Inks and coatings should be removed from the target placement area on carriers.
- The thickness, weight and texture of attached items will all factor into how your project folds and glues. Discuss these details with your bindery in advance to identify the most economical production methods.
- While attaching placement is highly accurate, it isn't exact. Industry standard is to leave a quarter-inch (.25") perimeter around your target placement area.
The Rickard Advantage:
Do you have a project that calls for specialty item attachment? At Rickard Bindery, we've attached everything from shampoo packets and floor tile chips to plastic gift cards. And with our unmatched miniature and pharmaceutical folding capabilities, we can efficiently produce PI inserts by the millions.
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