Arkay has achieved the Carbon Neutral Certification. Can you elaborate on the steps and initiatives taken to reach this milestone?
Arkay is proud to have achieved CarbonNeutral® Certification through the global standard, CarbonNeutral Protocol. Through measuring and monitoring our GHG emissions, we have significantly reduced our energy consumption. Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits has allowed us to further offset our energy usage. In continuing our efforts to protect our environment, Arkay has made numerous changes to our Roanoke facility including the implementation of LED lighting and installing a white roof greatly helping to reduce our “Carbon Footprint.”
What are some of the technologies Arkay employs in its packaging solutions? Can you explain the impact of the Paint on Press method and any other proprietary technologies?
We begin by offering our customers a range of substrate options including premium materials with post-consumer recycled fiber content. In production, we utilize decoration techniques that include in-line cold foil, multiple coatings, hot foil stamping, embossing, and windowing.
Paint on Press® is our registered and trademarked process that begins with our customer providing a production art file. Our New York design team reviews that file with our Virginia plant team to make recommendations on how we can either improve the shelf appearance or provide cost savings. Once there is agreement with the customer, we provide production cartons showing multiple options so that the customer can optimise their design. This technique is ideal for new launches or rebranding to develop the ideal package.
How does Arkay partner with designers and clients to create bespoke packaging solutions? Can you provide examples of notable collaborations?
Arkay uses a team approach with customers and prospects that includes sales and customer service, production planning, structural design, and graphics to coordinate with the customer to develop packaging that meets their appearance, function, and cost requirements. We recently worked with a skin care company launching their initial packaging by developing a combination form production that included cartons and inserts for multiple products. This provided cost savings while creating a unified appearance for the multiple products within the desired branding image.
What trends do you foresee in the packaging industry, and how is Arkay prepared to stay ahead?
Sustainability continues to be a top priority. Arkay has our published 2023 ESG Report on our website – Arkay.com – which reveals all our environmental certifications with reference to our many alliances in this area. We are proud that Arkay has achieved EcoVadis Platinum Certification two years in a row, placing us in the top 1% of companies worldwide. Additionally Arkay has joined SBTi, a partnership between CDP, UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and WWF. Established for businesses to reduce GHG emissions by setting ambitious targets, Arkay has already set two: The 1st to be achieved by 2030 and the 2nd by 2045, an incredible accomplishment. Now Arkay can track and report on progress year-over-year, evidence of our ongoing commitment – and dedication – to global sustainability!
