Paper, Printing, Plastic, and…Preservation? BBF Private Label Printing Provider Goes Green!

Sustainability. Global Warming. Recycle. These environmental buzz words fly with such frequency in contemporary vernacular that they often barely register. But here at BBF, they’re more than just buzz words. They are deeply interwoven into our company culture. In the last two years, BBF has introduced several innovative globally conscious product options into our suite of services: recycled plastic cards and eco-friendly labels.

In 2009 BBF launched a 50% recycled content PVC card for our plastic card division. Then, in 2010, the BBF label division added a couple of eco-friendly label options in the form of a new label substrate called PLA, or Polymerized Lactic Acid and various recycled paper substrate options. PLA is derived from plant based resin, usually from corn starch, that is compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, and petroleum free. While PLA is compostable and biodegradable in industrial composting conditions, companies can rest assured the labels will not degrade or disintegrate on shelves. In order to degrade, PLA must be exposed to temperatures greater than 140 degrees F and relative humidity greater than 90% for approximately 60 to 80 days.

There are many other packaging products currently on the market, including plastic bottles that are made using PLA. BBF’s PLA labels will provide those customers wishing to complete their product offering with a label that compliments their PLA or other eco-friendly ensemble. Whether a company wants environmentally friendly beverage labels, food labels, cosmetic labels, lotion labels, juice labels, jewelry labels, or nutraceutical labels, BBF can help!

These innovative and environmentally friendly products are just the beginning. According to Mike Barrett, VP of Business Development, “This is an ongoing process and we continue to look for new products and processes that support our sustainability efforts.”

New BBF Custom Label Product Truly Exemplifies Marketing Outside the Box!

Lately BBF Integrated Solutions has been thinking outside the box. And not just in the clichéd, metaphorical “Our company is different” sense (though we are…!!!)…but more in the literal sense. The latest custom label product we have in the works is a full-color, peel off coupon that will actually affix to the outside of a shipping box! What makes this concept so unique is that, at present, the exterior of a drop-shipped box is virtually unchartered territory in the realm of marketing campaigns.

BBF plans to first test the promotional effectiveness of the OutBox coupon with a current product label customer. BBF will create full color custom designed coupons that will be affixed to drop-shipped corrugated boxes leaving a drop shipping order fulfillment center. The prominently displayed coupons will contain a “details of offer” slip, UPC/Coupon Code, AND an alphanumeric code for online orders. The goal is for the coupons to grab people’s attention, driving them to either peel them off and physically redeem them at a local grocery store or enter the promotion code and place an order through the company’s ecommerce website.

For many years, package inserts have been placed inside product shipment boxes, but this is an entirely different approach for marketers. The response rates to these OutBox coupons have been remarkably higher than typical campaigns – as high as 15% versus 1%. It is a very unique touch point because the consumer has ordered the product and will therefore trust the “partner” message on the box as well. The peel off capability makes it very convenient for the consumer to utilize the offer. Various other campaigns can be integrated with the label including Social Media efforts and the use of QR Codes. Several companies offer specific demographic targeting options to ensure that the right offers are being shipped to the most viable customers.