Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Universal Protective Packaging, Inc. ISO certified?
- What is the difference between static dissipative and anti-static materials?
- Which material (PET or PVC) is the best choice for my applications?
- What is Universal Protective Packaging, Inc.'s average lead-time?
- What is required by your engineering group to begin a project?
- Why should I deal with a company located in Mechanicsburg, PA when I'm in Wisconsin?
- What is the average cost of tooling?
- Do I have to have a separate package made for each of my products?
- Why does Universal Protective Packaging, Inc. manufacture clear protective packaging?
- Can UPPI form parts in assorted colors?
- How can I be sure that my packaging will be consistent when I use subcontractors from around the world?
- Is thermoformed plastic packaging recyclable?
1. Is Universal Protective Packaging, Inc. ISO certified?
Universal Protective Packaging, Inc. (UPPI) Quality Management Program
is certified to ISO 9001: 2000 International Quality Standard by Quality
Management Institute (QMI). QMI is North America's leading management
systems register. QMI is accredited by the following organizations: ANSI-RAB,
SCC, RVA and EMA. UPPI upgraded its quality system from the 1994 Standard
to the 2000 Standard and received accreditation in July 2003.
2. What is the difference between static dissipative
and antistatic materials?
Static dissipative materials will not generate a potential hazardous charge
while also grounding many potentially hazardous charges. Static dissipative
material is commonly used for highly sensitive electronics and is certified
to meet electronic industry standards. Antistatic materials are incorporated
into packaging for less sensitive and passive electronics entering a static
sensitive environment. The ant-static material is similar to static dissipative
material in that it will not generate a charge, but differs in that it
will not dissipate a charge. In short, both static dissipative and antistatic
materials reduce the risk of producing a charge, but only static dissipative
protects against existing charges as well.
3. Which material (PET or PVC) is the best choice for
my applications?
Material selection is based on your specific application and ultimately
where your product is to be shipped. PVC material holds several advantages
over its PET counterpart. These include superior resistance to heat and
flames and better overall sealing capabilities; however, many packaging
industry insiders regard PVC to be an environmental concern. While the
potential hazard PVC may present to the environment has been largely unsubstantiated,
PET material holds an advantage in the fact that it is more widely accepted,
especially in the European community, than its PVC counterpart. At UPPI,
we offer packaging made from both PVC and PET materials and can make an
accepted package for your product no matter where it may be headed.
4. What is Universal Protective Packaging, Inc.'s
average lead-time?
UPPI's average lead-time is approximately three to six weeks. This average
entails the entire concept-to-production process including generating
CAD conceptual drawings, prototype tooling, sampling of the prototype
tool, production tooling, and material lead-time. While three to six weeks
is a company average, UPPI understands the customer's need to meet specified
"product-to-market" dates and will work with a client to meet these deadlines.
UPPI's unique relationship with its customers through a fully developed
customer service department and an accessible engineering team allows
for reductions in lead-times.
5. What is required by your engineering group to begin
a project?
Ideally, current samples of the target product are required to be able
to accurately design a package. The latest in revision drawings indicating
as many dimensions as possible are also beneficial. Other important information
includes the specific fragility/drop testing requirements for the product
and knowing the intentions of the packaging (bulk package, single-use
clamshell, retail display, etc.). In short, the more information the design
team is provided, the shorter the conceptual drawing lead time will be,
which ultimately shortens the overall lead-time of the project.
6. Why should I deal with a company located in Mechanicsburg,
PA when I'm located in Wisconsin?
As a leader in the thermoformed static control packaging, UPPI is able
to purchase materials in large quantities at lower than average prices.
Due to our "bulk buying power," UPPI is able to pass these savings on
to our customers. Our price advantages are maintained even when freight
is factored into the piece price. Moreover, with a UPPI product, your
not only getting a less expensive alternative to traditional packaging,
your getting value in the product through our award-winning design services,
our innovative proactive customer service department, and our ability
to deliver good products in a relatively short amount of time. With a
UPPI product, you get it all: a good product supported by great service
at a superior price.
7. What is the average cost of tooling?
Each product is custom designed per the customer's request. Tooling is
generally based on the size and number of cavities involved as well as
the overall complexity of the product being packaged. The average cost
per tool ranges from $3,000 to $25,000.
8. Do I have to have a separate package made for each
of my products?
No. . UPPI routinely develops custom packages that can contain and accommodate
multiple products. You can have one package that is used for most or all
of your products. Also, UPPI offers some standard packages that eliminate
the costs associated with tooling and design while greatly reducing lead
times.
9. Why does Universal Protective Packaging, Inc. manufacture
clear protective packaging?
Clear plastic packaging provides several advantages. First and foremost,
clear packaging allows for inspection of sensitive products, both by the
manufacturer and potential customers, without having to open the package.
This prevents potential damage to the product. Clear packaging also allows
for bar code reading, which also reduces the amount of handling endured
by a sensitive product. Finally, in a retail setting, clear packaging
allows the product to be view by the consumer while providing the product
the opportunity to "sell itself."
10. Can UPPI form parts in assorted colors?
Yes. UPPI has the ability to produce packaging in an assortment of colors;
however, many times there is minimum purchase requirements (in pounds)
associated with buying the material.
11. How can I be sure that my packaging will be consistent
when I use subcontractors from around the world?
The answer to this question lies with UPPI's tooling as well as our global
presence in the packaging industry. UPPI's award-winning design team creates
tooling that can be shipped anywhere in the world to any of our many packaging
partners. Whether your subcontractor is located in Guadalajara, Glasgow,
Bangkok, or Boston, UPPI has got you covered.
12. Is thermoformed plastic packaging recyclable?
Yes, both PVC and PET are recyclable materials. PET can even be deposited
in your local curbside refuse container. At UPPI, we realize that everything
we do ultimately has an impact on the environment. As a result, we have
a recycling program in place with our primary material supplier in which
we grind both PVC and PET scrap and then sell it back to the material
supplier through a closed-loop recycling program. You can learn more about
this program on the front page of our web site.
