The Continued Growth of Stick Packaging and its Limitless Benefits

By Neil Kozarsky, President, T.H.E.M.

Startup, expanding and even established food and beverage companies are constantly searching for innovative ways to package and distribute their products. At the same time, shoppers are seeking different ways of consuming these very same goods. Fortunately for both groups, a form of packaging exists that fulfills product production and distribution needs as well as consumer desires. Many packaging manufacturing fads have come and gone over the past few decades, but in the late 90’s one packaging design began to firmly establish itself in the U.S. market. It possesses all the tangible assets needed to remain a mainstay in the packaging industry into the foreseeable future. This product is called the stick pack.

When contemplating which product to purchase, consumers value packaging designs that provide convenience and portability. This is the primary reason the stick pack was created - to make consumers lives easier. In today’s world, people are constantly on the go and want a packaging design that is easy to store and instantly accessible. This single-serve food or beverage package can be conveniently stored in a purse, pocket or briefcase. You don’t have to deal with the aggravation and inconvenience of drinking glasses, spoons or other utensils. The sleek and versatile packaging design makes it easy to pour a powdered drink mix into a bottle or dispense yogurt directly into your mouth.

In fact, the ever-important aspects of portability and accessibility are so influential that in many cases convenience can override brand preference. In addition, stick packs represent a significant source of packaging material reduction when compared to traditional packets. This results in substantial efficiencies. It’s also the reason why brands reluctant to make the seamless transition to stick packs are in danger of being left behind. The convenience and economic rewards yield limitless benefits for both consumers and brand owners alike.

Cutting edge stick pack technology has dramatically enhanced the effectiveness and sales of many category leading products and brands as the universal acceptance of stick packs continues to grow. Whether it is coffee, cocoa, spices, drink mixes, creamers, condiments, yogurt or pharmaceutical products, stick pack packaging is applicable to just about any consumer good.

Stick packs represent an ingenious approach to product introduction. Innovative designs that catch the attention of consumers at point of sale are a critical factor in driving increased volume while strengthening brand image. Couple that with the unmatched convenience benefits of stick packaging, and it’s easy to see why this single-serve format is turning so many product categories into success stories.

The stick pack can now be found in virtually any retailer imaginable. Whether it’s a grocery store, pharmacy, gym or an airport, the stick pack is everywhere you look. If you’re a company looking to optimize product sales, choosing stick pack can help make your marketing objectives a reality. If you’re a consumer looking for what everyone wants in a product; convenience, portability and accessibility, pick up your favorite products in a stick pack today.

T·H·E·M The right place to start and the right place to finish since 1973

  1. Approaching 40 years of providing proven packaging system solutions to the world’s leading consumer goods companies
  2. Best known for helping establish Sanko stick packaging as the dominant form of single-serve in North America
  3. Working in conjunction with Power Packaging, an Exel Company, to offer comprehensive stick packaging services from initial concept to mass commercialization
  4. Global joint venture with ITW Zip-Pak to market Zipbox®, the revolutionary new package that combines the best of cartons with reclosable pouches for unbeatable advantages
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