Packaging Digest

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Mixing packaging and academia
September 18, 2007

 suppose it would be best to start this blog off with an introduction of sorts, as it should help you understand my point of view. My name is Emilio Frattaruolo. I am currently a senior in the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Packaging Science program, with a technical option for the major.

So far, I’ve had two co-ops to date, where I’ve worked with packaging companies. My first co-op was with Sanofi Pasteur in Taylor, PA, where I was exposed to cold-chain packaging. This is a topic I find extremely interesting due to the many issues that must be taken into consideration to maintain product efficacy. My second co-op was with Becton, Dickinson and Company in Hunt Valley, MD. While there, I was able to work with primary and secondary packaging, as well as spend extensive time performing package testing.

The topics I plan to cover in this blog will be related to the Packaging Science program here at RIT, such as courses I am currently taking or have taken in the past. I’ll also write about packaging-related projects being done by students. I hope to not only showcase student projects here at RIT, but those at other campuses that have packaging science programs. Along with all that, I’ll be writing about new and interesting packages I come across and anything related to packaging that I think would be of interest. I’d also like to extend an invitation to anyone to comment on my topics or share blog ideas.

While on the topic of packages I’d like to discuss a package that I came across recently and found extremely innovative. This is the cartridge package for Shure’s M44G phono cartridges. The package is basically an acrylic tube with two soft-rubber side plates with a cardstock insert. Starting from the outside, the package is really neat as it is stylish and functional. The cartridge itself is very small, so the large package helps deter theft and protects the very sensitive stylus attached to the cartridge.

The end caps allow for stacking and are made of a soft material that keeps the packge from moving when set down. As we move inside the package the cardstock insert, which has all sorts of information about the cartridge and some very colorful graphics, actually hides the instructions and the accessory package which contains the items required to mount the cartridge to your turntable.

My favorite part about this cartridge, though, is the fact that the end caps have hard plastic inserts that not only help retain the shape of the caps but also act as a mount for a headshell/cartridge which turns it into a storage case for two mounted cartridges. The most amazing part about this is the fact that this feature is not mentioned anywhere on the package! I can only assume that this innovative feature is not mentioned due to the fact that Shure also sells a branded case for cartridges. They may not want to advertise a feature that would basically negate the need for another one of their products.

Posted by Emilio Frattaruolo on September 18, 2007 | Comments (1)