Pregis Opens Innovation Center

Pregis Corp. recently opened an Innovation Center in north suburban Chicago as a developmental “think tank” for the creation of the next generation of protective packaging materials and systems. The Center will also be dedicated to finding custom solutions for those packagers who have specific protective packaging challenges they need to address.
 
“We want to tackle multiple issues such as protective packaging solutions which minimize material usage, while maximizing performance benefits,” says Tom Wetsch, vice president of new product development. “For example, we want to develop the next generation of lighter grade materials which provide improved strength and performance over what is currently available.”
      
On the systems end of the business, Pregis hopes to take its capabilities to a new, more customized level. “Packagers want their protective packaging systems to go one step further,” Wetsch added. “This might mean a higher level of automation by providing accessories that increase throughput and minimize labor. We are looking for ways to facilitate this, either by developing standardized accessory kits or by providing custom solutions.”
      
To support this initiative, Pregis has added “system specialists” in each of its sales regions. The objective is to help facilitate dialog between customers and Center staffers so that development projects are in sync with marketplace requirements.
     
“At Pregis, we know that our future growth is tied into our ability to continue to provide leading edge solutions. The innovation center is dedicated to developing products, systems and services that will meet our customers’ evolving needs,” Wetsch concludes.

For more information, visit www.pregis.com.