NACD helps container users maximize clout: National Association of Container Distributors uses expertise and economies of scale to aid end users

Food & Drug Packaging, July, 2004

Packaging users, no matter how large or small they are, want the most vivid, striking and effective containers possible, for the least cost.

There's a group that can help them attain that goal: The National Association of Container Distributors.

NACD is a professional association of rigid packaging distributors who supply bottles, tubes, closure systems and related packaging components. The distributor-members of NACD can serve as a liaison between container manufacturers and end users, NACD member firms can help in the development and execution of packaging concepts, including design, material selection, labeling, decoration, closure selection and more.

"There's a tremendous amount of value in the distribution-manufacturing-end user chain" says NACD President Denny Sipe. "NACD's new ad campaign, 'Get connected with an NACD Distributor,' promotes that chain, and the value-added service that the distributor will bring to the table"

Because of its position in the chain between container suppliers and end users, NACD is uniquely able to offer services and savings to users, including:

Stock selection. "Tweaking" a stock container can be an economical way to put together a striking package. This can be done through innovative pairings of stock containers with other components, like labels and closures. Minor modification of stock items can achieve unique package designs with little or no retooling costs. With access to a wide range of container stocks, and with the expertise and connections to help tweak these stocks, NACD members can offer many options to mid-range end users.

Service. NACD members can arrange for planned pool runs for several customers, to produce containers that would otherwise be unavailable or cost-prohibitive. They can investigate problems like bottle failure, label degradation and shipment damage, help determine the cause and work with the end user to prevent future problems. They have purchasing clout and early knowledge of general production delays because of tight schedules.

Closure selection. Closures are no longer simply sealing devices. The closure can enhance the beauty of a package, and can often be used as a label. NACD members can help container users choose among closure functions (e.g., dispensing, pump, tamper-evidence), materials (e.g., metal, polypropylene, spolyethylene, polystyrene), liner systems and other aspects.

Labeling/decorating. Judicious use of labeling, printing and other decorating techniques can greatly enhance a package at minimal cost. NACD members can help customers choose from stock or customized decorations, including applied labels, slip-on labels, silk screen printing, heat transfer labels and more.

Buying containers through a distributor does not add to the end user's expense--quite the contrary. "There's a perception on the part of some people out there that dealing with a distributor is more expensive; Sipe says. "The truth is we provide increased value, and we're just as cost-effective as dealing with the manufacturers. NACD distributors represent the 'who's who' of container and closure manufacturers. It's a very strong supply chain resulting in increased benefits for the distributor's customer"

For more information on how to get these benefits, contact NACD at 215-564-3484 or www.nacd.net.