Boston-based Arthur Blank & Co. announced it is introducing the AB HybridCard into its GreenLine suite of environmentally friendly products. An industry first, the AB HybridCard is part recycled and part virgin PVC. The .03″ thick material is comprised of a recycled plastic core sandwiched between two layers of traditional bright white PVC resulting in a 50 percent recycled plastic and 50 percent traditional PVC product. The outer layers of traditional PVC provide an excellent printing surface while the recycled core provides all the environmental benefits associated with recycled material including helping to reduce energy consumption and reducing the amount of PVC entering landfills.
Read MoreTowel Specialties Garners First Place Honors from SGIA
Baltimore-based supplier Towel Specialties announced it received first-place recognition in the annual Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Golden Image/Andre Schellenberg Competition. The awards were recently announced at the SGIA 2008 Convention and Exposition in Atlanta. Towel Specialties received its award in the Screen Printing on Textiles category. The submitted sample was a four-color process beach towel design for Snap-On Tools. This is the fifth time that Towel Specialties has received first-place recognition for this award in the last 10 years. “We’re very proud to be recognized by SGIA as one of the best screen printers in the industry,” commented Shawn Kanak, vice president
Read MoreDollars and (Fashion) Sense
ECONOMY SHMECONOMY. NOT to be glib, but that headline has sold one too many papers these days. Yes, things are not necessarily prospering, however, what the general public should be talking about is how to respond to these given circumstances. Facing the unenviable challenge of helping end-buyers find value in items that can all-too-easily be considered “extraneous,” now more than ever, suppliers and distributors must continuously prove the worth of their wares. Showing how each garment can be used in a practical wardrobe application attaches a tangible benefit to every dollar spent, an essential formula for continuing to drive business through financially uncertain
Read MoreMoxie Interactive Adds VP and Makes Other Executive Moves
Atlanta-based Moxie Interactive, a division of Zenith Media Services and one of the top five interactive marketing agencies in the world, announced it has tapped Michael Winter to serve as vice president, group media director. Winter will be responsible for driving Moxie’s media vision, growing the New York offering and managing existing client relationships. He will work closely with Joanna Sammartino-Bailey, New York senior vice president general manager, to build the client base and office culture. “Landing a strategic, passionate executive like Michael—who has extensive experience working in our industry and a proven track record of success—is a huge win for Moxie,” stated Kris
Read MorePlan B Releases First Annual Industry Report
Jupiter, Florida-based Plan B Associates, a group of executives formed from leadership positions within the promotional products industry, released its first annual Industry Observer report. The report presents a business outlook for 2009 and is available to everyone involved in the promotional products field. Senior partner Stuart Putnam stated, “While this is a rather gloomy look, it is nevertheless a realistic look at what is happening in the world. By looking at the economic situation in an objective way, industry practitioners can make informed choices about how they approach business in 2009.” Observations in the report are based upon interviews with industry suppliers and
Read MoreMWV Introduces Natralock Packaging
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 300,000 people visit the hospital annually as a result of injuries incurred while trying to open plastic packaging, ranking “unintentional cut/pierce” as the fifth most common cause of nonfatal injuries. Global packaging solutions company MeadWestvaco, based in Richmond, Va., has developed a packaging solution to help avoid the injuries often associated with opening plastic clamshell packaging. Natralock security packaging is an alternative to clamshell packaging that is designed to satisfy environmental sustainability objectives, deter theft and increase brand security. Natralock packaging starts with a recyclable, theft-resistant, laminated paperboard. This is then
Read MoreEd Begley Jr. Gets Green With Geiger
As a participant in the Living and Building Green Event at the St. Louis Community College this October, Judie Meyer of Lewiston, Maine-based Geiger, took steps to insure that smart choices are available for marketing. Meyers was one of 30 exhibitors providing healthier options for Mother Earth while meeting consumer and business needs. In addition, Ed Begley, Jr. an actor/ environmentalist, My Green Cottage Spokesperson and co-star of the hit TV show “Living with Ed,” discussed new and remodeled residential home strategies for going green at the event. Local St. Louis green-build home designers, builders, realtors and architects were also present. As a
Read MoreLeed’s Plans Early Launch of 2009 Tote Line
New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America announced it is planning an early launch for a portion of its 2009 line of nonwoven, polypropylene totes. Four tote styles in 11 colors will debut on Leed’s Web site and be available to order on Monday, October 27, with available inventory on Monday, November 17. The remainder of the line, which includes three additional totes, will be introduced and available in January. One hundred percent recyclable, reusable up to three years and holding up to 30 pounds, Leed’s nonwoven, polypropylene totes provide sturdy yet inexpensive options for tote promotions. To round out the
Read MoreA Comforting Thought
MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY had a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket as kids—something soft and cuddly they clutched while sleeping, or maybe even dragged everywhere like Linus from Peanuts. Growing up causes the childhood bears and blankets to be abandoned, but the emotional hook that made them so important never really leaves. Instead, those feelings mature to include the related longings for luxury and relaxation that accompany adulthood. Given the mental focus paid to such desires, an item that could become an omnipresent piece of comfort in someone’s life would certainly be of great value as a promotional product. Even though, too, there
Read MoreSmartPower Launches $10,000 YouTube Ad Contest
Washington-based SmartPower announced it launched an online video ad contest to promote its national marketing campaign on energy efficiency. The SmartPower Energy Smart Online Ad Challenge uses new media and online social networking to promote conservation and energy efficiency. Anyone can participate by submitting a 30-second public service announcement to SmartPower. “Our YouTube online ad contest is not only an opportunity to win a $10,000 grand prize and be featured on national television,” said SmartPower president Brian F. Keane, “it is also a fun way to educate Americans about how to save energy, save money, protect the planet and promote national security.” The
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