Packaging News & Updates | Great Northern Packaging

Great Northern’s Appleton Facility Maintains ISO Certification

Posted on April 24, 2024

The Great Northern Appleton facility has recently completed and passed its three-day ISO (International Organization for Standardization) re-certification audit and will be re-certified for another three years. The ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures a world class management system where an organization demonstrates its ability to consistently provide a product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This certification also applies to Great Northern’s Chippewa Falls, Twin Cities (MN), and Racine facilities.
Read More…

Year Four of the Great Northern Collaborative Experience at UW-Stout Is Underway

Posted on April 9, 2024

Course Background

This year’s spring semester at the University of Wisconsin-Stout marks the fourth year of the Great Northern Corporation Collaborative Experience. Back in 2020, Great Northern announced that it would be investing in a four-year pilot project focused on advanced design and packaging. The sponsored course is an advanced design selective for graphic design students and a senior capstone for packaging students.
Read More…

Great Northern’s Racine Facility Earns American Institute of Baking Certification

Posted on April 9, 2024

The Great Northern Racine facility has recently announced that it achieved its AIB (American Institute of Baking) Certification. Being AIB certified allows the Racine location to manufacture products for secondary packaging for customers. Racine joins the Great Northern – Appleton facility with the capability to provide certified packaging to food industry customers.

Environmental Impact of Single-Use Plastics

Posted on February 22, 2024

Single-use plastic products include plastic bags, straws and other plastic items that are generally thrown away after one use, creating more waste and impacting the environment.

Benefits of Sustainable pacakging

The Benefits of Sustainable Packaging

Posted on February 22, 2024

Your businesses can contribute to a green future for the next generation with sustainable business practices, such as using eco-friendly consumer packaging.

2024 Packaging Trends

Posted on November 16, 2023

Packaging has become so much more than delivering products safely to consumers. How you package your products, what materials you use and their appearance can contribute to your business’ overall success in the long run. Companies are now using different types of packaging as marketing tools to increase brand awareness and form connections with their customers.

Alternatives to Plastic Packaging

Posted on November 13, 2023

Plastic is unhealthy, and it’s all around — from landfills to oceans, lakes and rivers. Between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic seep into aquatic ecosystems annually and harm marine and aquatic wildlife.

Custom Brownie Brittle boxes by Great Northern Packaging

Complete Guide to Packaging Food in Custom Boxes

Posted on September 26, 2023

Packaging protects your products during transportation and storage while also playing a critical role in food safety. Therefore, it’s vital to package food products correctly, following Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards to ensure they arrive at their destination in optimal condition and meet food safety requirements.

Great Northern's qualified facility

Oshkosh and Twin Cities Plants Earn G7 Master Facility Re-Certification

Posted on August 22, 2023

Great Northern Packaging is pleased to announce that the Oshkosh and Twin Cities locations have been re-qualified as G7 Master Facilities and have both received a G7 Targeted designation for their digital and offset print presses. This qualification verifies that Great Northern’s digital and off-set presses meet G7 Targeted color specifications for grayscale colors, as well as primary and secondary colors (CMY and RGB).
Read More…

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Renews Their Safe Quality Food Certification

Posted on July 26, 2023

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh has completed its SQF audit for 2023 and is pleased to announce its renewal of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification. This certification validates that Great Northern has robust food safety control systems effectively implemented in its manufacturing process. SQF is recognized by retailers and food service providers around the world who require a rigorous, credible food safety management system.
Read More…

Custom packaging by Great Northern

5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Packaging

Posted on July 21, 2023

Your packaging does more than ensure your products reach customers intact. It changes how consumers see and relate to your brand. There is a definitive link between packaging and purchase behavior, and many businesses know how to capitalize on this link to boost their sales, cultivate brand loyalty and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Halloween packaging by Great Northern Packaging

Holiday Packaging Guide

Posted on June 16, 2023

During the holiday season, most stores explode into festive colors, and we owe much of that to holiday packaging. Limited-edition packaging can add a fun, exclusive touch to your product and appeal to seasonal sentiments, like the joy of spending time with family or the excitement of special peppermint flavors. Setting up holiday packaging can offer exceptional advantages with little risk, but only if you do it right. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this technique and how to customize packaging for the holidays.

Shelf-ready product packaging

How to Make Products Stand Out on Shelves

Posted on May 17, 2023

With so many products on the market, having unique product packaging will ensure your products stand out among the rest. Whether you sell fun food products or want to promote your beauty line, the best packaging designs are unique and help to enhance your product. Explore how you can use packaging to catch a customer’s eye.

Consumer packaging for Medical Devices

Requirements for Medical Device Packaging

Posted on May 5, 2023

Medical devices are essential pieces of equipment necessary for completing surgeries and evaluating patient symptoms. There are strict regulations for these items, as they must be sterile and in top-functioning condition for medical professionals to use them safely. These requirements make proper packaging essential.

Commercial packaging boxes

How to Reduce Packaging Waste

Posted on April 11, 2023

Sustainable packaging has much to offer everyone — including your consumers, your company and the planet. If your packaging is wasteful, you aren’t doing anyone any favors. Still, reducing packaging waste can be challenging. After all, you need to protect your product and accommodate marketing materials. Fortunately, you now have extensive options for efficient, sustainable packaging. Let’s take a look at how you can reduce waste in packaging and better meet your sustainability goals.

Club store packaging for cottage cheese cups

How Is Club Store Packaging Different?

Posted on April 7, 2023

Before a product hits the shelves of a club store like Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s Wholesale Club, it goes through a unique journey. Club stores have specific packaging requirements, and their customers are shopping in a distinct environment. Packaging designers must keep these factors in mind as they prepare to work with club stores. Let’s explore what you need to know about designing club store packaging.

Packaging Trends of 2023

Posted on February 1, 2023

Packaging that communicates your brand’s image, mission and products or services comes in various shapes and sizes. You’re already offering your target audience exactly what they need — now, you need to grab their attention through trending marketing strategies. Your product packaging choices can speak to your audience, making a lasting impression and promoting your brand through visual appeal.

The new year is the perfect time to revamp your brand’s packaging and get a head start on reimagining how you market your products. Trends come and go over time, so it’s essential to reevaluate what your packaging says to your consumers. Consider whether upcoming trends fit your brand’s image or spark an idea for your business’s future marketing.

WEBINAR: Paper or Plastic: Which Solution Is More Sustainable?

Posted on December 20, 2022

It’s no secret that consumers today are more environmentally aware than ever before, and that includes the packaging of your product. Product protection and print capabilities are important when developing a package, but what kind of effect does package sustainability have on the consumer’s purchasing decision?

Our recorded Paper or Plastic: Which Solution Is More Sustainable? webinar reviews:

Consumer’s impact on sustainable packaging
Consumer’s impact on retailer sustainability programs
The sustainability of paper vs plastic in each stage of the packaging life cycle

Access the Recorded Webinar

Great Northern Packaging Claims Two PPC Excellence Awards

Posted on November 29, 2022

This year marked the 79^th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Each and every year the best paperboard package designs from across North America are submitted and judged by a jury of packaging professionals, industry experts, and professors and Great Northern Packaging is pleased to announce it received two Excellence Awards!

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Earns Safe Quality Food Certification

Posted on September 14, 2022

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh is pleased to announce its renewal of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification. This certification validates that Great Northern has robust food safety control systems effectively implemented in its manufacturing process. SQF is recognized by retailers and food service providers around the world who require a rigorous, credible food safety management system.
Read More…

Protective Packaging Solutions foe E-Commerce

WEBINAR: PROTECTIVE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS FOR E-COMMERCE

Posted on July 6, 2022

In the e-commerce marketplace, it is not just your products you are protecting, it is also the reputation of your brand and the potential for future purchases. That is why package integrity is so important through the last mile.

Our recorded Protective Packaging Solutions for E-Commerce webinar covers:

E-commerce and protective packaging trends
Amazon’s requirements for Frustration Free Packaging
Best practices to ensure your package integrity

Access the Recorded Webinar

shelf-ready packaging for produce

WEBINAR: INNOVATIVE SHELF-READY PACKAGING FOR PRODUCE

Posted on April 28, 2022

With brick-and-mortar retailers requiring shelf-ready packaging in their stores and consumers paying more attention to packaging sustainability, the shelf-ready packaging market is soaring. Not only can this style of packaging benefit the retailer, but it can also benefit your brand on the shelf!

Our recorded Innovative Shelf-Ready Packaging for Produce webinar covers:

Trends in produce snack and shelf-ready packaging
Benefits for brands and retailers
What qualities you should consider when choosing a vendor

Access the Recorded Webinar

Great Northern Packaging "Targeted Packaging For Changing Market Needs" Insight Webinar banner with images of custom shelf-ready packaging

WEBINAR: TARGETED PACKAGING TO MEET CHANGING MARKET NEEDS

Posted on April 28, 2022

The retail landscape continues to change dramatically. Learn how you can be responsive, flexible, and adapt to changes in the marketplace from a packaging perspective. We also shared case studies that show examples of how to lower packaging costs and optimize packaging inventory.

This webinar covers:

Trends – The rapidly changing face of retail from shopper, consumer brands, and retailer perspectives
How you can be responsive, flexible, and adapt to changes in the marketplace
Case studies that show examples of how to lower packaging costs and optimize inventory

Access the Recorded Webinar

Beer packaging secrets

WEBINAR: BEER PACKAGING SECRETS TO GET YOUR PRODUCT TO MARKET QUICKLY

Posted on April 28, 2022

The demand for craft brews continues to rise at retail. To keep up with demand, how can you get your products to market more quickly?

We recorded our webinar which discussed what you need to know about packaging to shorten your lead time and get your products to market faster. The webinar covers:

Trends that are driving the need for speed to market
Packaging structure options that are available to you
Package graphic designs and things to look for in the design element

Access the Recorded Webinar

Custom beverage packaging solutions

WEBINAR: BEVERAGE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Posted on April 28, 2022

The alcoholic beverage market is more competitive than ever due to the emergence and growth of new segments. That is why getting your product to market quickly is critical to your brands success.

Our recorded Beverage Packaging Solutions webinar covers:

Current trends that are affecting the alcoholic beverage market
How to choose the package structure that is right for your timeline
Package graphic design and printing options that are available to you
What qualities you should consider when choosing a vendor

Access the Recorded Webinar

G7 Master Certification

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Facility Earns G7 Targeted Certification

Posted on March 25, 2022

Great Northern Packaging is pleased to announce that the Oshkosh and Twin Cities facilities have both been recertified as a G7 Master Facility. The Twin Cities facility also received a G7 Targeted designation for its offset press while the Oshkosh facility received a G7 Targeted designation for both its digital and off-set print presses. This certification verifies that Great Northern’s digital and off-set presses meet G7 Targeted color specifications for grayscale colors, as well as primary and secondary colors (CMY and RGB).

Great Northern Packaging

First Year of Collaborative Course Produces Sustainable Packaging Designs

Posted on January 19, 2022

Introduction
At the beginning of the 2021 fall semester at UW-Stout, the Great Northern Corporation Collaboration Experience kicked off. Six teams of packaging and graphic design students in the course were tasked with creating new, sustainable packaging for Reckitt, a client that makes Air Wick plug-in scented oils and diffusers. When the fall semester wrapped up, the students presented their final projects to not only the class, but also to industry professionals.

Each team was to design a single sustainable package that meets club store and Amazon packaging requirements for in-store display and online retail, while improving customer experience. During their research, the teams found Air Wick’s packaging to be unsustainable, difficult to open, and it didn’t have storage for oil refills once opened.

Retail display of crackers

4 Ways Digital Printing Can Add Value to Retailers

Posted on January 19, 2022

Retailers are always looking for new ways in which they can differentiate themselves from their competition and draw more shoppers to their store. Digital printing provides retailers with new opportunities to interact with shoppers, be that through retail customization, local and channel promotions, or market segmentation. The use of digital printing on packaging also offers opportunities for you to help retailers accomplish their goal in the following ways.

Red shopping card in a canned food aisle

4 Ways Digital Printing Can Add Value to Your Brand

Posted on November 30, 2021

Standing out on a crowded shelf has never been more important, or more difficult. As competition increases, so must your brand’s marketing strategy and ability to grab the shopper’s attention. Being able to stop the shopper at the shelf and convert them into a sale is made even more challenging by the depth of our shoppers’ omni-channel experience. With messaging coming from all different directions, how do you get YOUR brand noticed by the shopper and make them pay attention to your message? Digital printing is expanding the ways retail packaging can communicate your message to shoppers. Here are four ways digital printing can help your brand.

Great Northern Corporation Collaboration Experience for students

Great Northern Corporation Collaboration Experience is Underway

Posted on November 30, 2021

Earlier this fall, University of Wisconsin-Stout and Great Northern Corporation kicked off a four-year pilot project called the Great Northern Corporation Collaboration Experience. This sponsored course is an advanced design selective for graphic design students and a senior capstone for packaging students. The course is to be held four times over four years and is co-taught by packaging and graphic design faculty.

The inaugural collaborative experience has 24 students working together in cross-disciplinary teams. “It’s an opportunity for students to better understand and grow in appreciation of each other’s majors, skills and methodologies. It’s a chance for them to challenge each other and compromise in order to develop a package that meets the needs of the customer, just like in the industry,” said Robert Meisner, packaging program director.

Recyclable Packaging

Millennials Impact on Sustainable Packaging

Posted on November 30, 2021

It’s no secret that shoppers are more environmentally aware now than ever before, and the millennial generation is helping drive this trend. In fact, one of the main factors affecting the Millennials purchasing decisions is packaging, especially when it comes to the food and beverages they consume daily.

Findings from the EcoFocus Worlwide 2019 U.S. Trends Survey suggest that millennials are rewarding brands that align their packaging with eco-friendly needs more than any generation before them and they expect brand owners to follow their lead. Here are five examples of how millennials will change the packaging aspect of businesses for years to come.

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Facility Wins Excellence Award for Packaging Design

Posted on November 30, 2021

The annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition is a premier competition for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Every year the best paperboard package designs from across North America are submitted and judged by a jury of packaging professionals, industry experts and professors. This year marked the 78^th year of competition and our Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh facility is pleased to announce it has received an Excellence Award.

Why Paper is a More Sustainable Packaging Solution than Plastic

Posted on October 27, 2021

Sustainable packaging has become increasingly important as consumers become more aware of its impact on the environment. According to a report done by GlobalWebIndex, 42% of U.S. and UK consumers say products that use sustainable materials are important when it comes to their daily purchases. Environmentally aware consumers are more willing to support companies that share the same concern as them.

The two most common types of packaging are made up of paper or plastic. These two combined for 56.4 (69%) of the 82.2 million tons of containers and packaging produced in 2018. Here is a comparison of both packaging life cycles from their beginning to their end use.

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Facility Earns Safe Quality Food Certification

Posted on October 8, 2021

Our Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh facility is pleased to announce its renewal of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification. This certification validates that Great Northern has robust food safety control systems effectively implemented in their manufacturing process. SQF is recognized by retailers and food service providers around the world who require a rigorous, credible food safety management system.

When the general manager of our Oshkosh location, Galen Killam, was asked what the significance of this achievement means, he said, “Achieving the renewal of our SQF certification shows our commitment to the time and effort required to provide our customer with a food safe folding carton.” Killam also mentioned, “We work hard all year to operate in a clean and safe manner and this recertification is the outcome of that work.”

To learn more about our packaging solutions, click here.

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Facility Earns SFI Sourcing Label Certification

Posted on September 21, 2021

Great Northern Packaging – Oshkosh Facility is pleased to announce its renewal of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Sourcing Label Certification. This certification verifies that products from our Oshkosh facility come from recycled content or from a certified forest and that all the fiber in our products are acquired from sources that are in compliance with state, provincial or federal laws.

Custom digitally printed packaging for retail

Three Benefits of Multiple Print Versions Packaging

Posted on September 17, 2021

The retail landscape is changing rapidly and a main contributor to this is customer preference. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are more willing to try new buying channels, brands, and product varieties than ever before. An advantage of this trend is that it offers new market opportunities and opens the door for new product variations and product packaging.

However, this puts more pressure on brands to not only get their products to market faster, but also to make sure their retail packaging stands out on a crowded shelf. Click on the link at the end of the article to access our Targeted Packaging to Meet Changing Market Needs Webinar for a more in-depth look at this trend.

Custom packaging for frozen food

What to Consider For Your Frozen and Refrigerated Package

Posted on August 19, 2021

When it comes to packaging for frozen and refrigerated products, there are different qualities that need to be taken into account compared to retail packaging. The most important aspect is preserving the quality of the product, and if a package is not strong enough to withstand freezer and refrigeration environments, you risk the product spoiling. You also need to have a package design that separates your brand from others in a crowded cooler. Here are a couple things you should take into consideration when choosing your frozen and refrigerated package supplier.

Shelf-ready retail packaging

The Rise of Shelf-Ready Packaging

Posted on July 29, 2021

Shelf-ready packages are used on retail shelves more than ever. Retailers like shelf-ready packaging because it reduces labor costs. CPGs also benefit from this packaging solution because it helps brands stand out on shelf and the packaging displays the product the way it should be displayed, resulting in a better experience for the customer.

Custom alcohol packaging from Great Northern Packaging

4 Tips to Having Your Seasonal Beverage Breakthrough at Retail

Posted on July 15, 2021

Standing out in a crowded cooler inside the alcohol section of a store is getting tougher to do every year. It seems like every time you turn around there’s a new beverage with new flavors coming out, and seasonal beverages are no different. This is a result of people being more willing to try new flavors now more than ever before. So, in case you’re wondering “How can I get my brand noticed by the customer?”, here are four ways to do just that!

Digital printing machine

How Digital Printing Can Benefit You

Posted on June 30, 2021

Today, the retail landscape is changing faster than ever, making it tougher for brands to standout on the shelf. Being able to customize your package to your exact specifications is crucial, and that’s where digital printing can help! Unlike most traditional printing methods, digital printing provides brands with more benefits and features like customization, flexible quantities, quick turn arounds, and competitive pricing.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations is more than a tagline, it is an attitude. At Great Northern, customer challenges are met by an undying spirit to doing what others can’t or won’t. It’s in our DNA. And it is what our customers have come to expect with Great Northern.

How can we exceed your expectations?

Contact Us