When you want packaging options that really stand out, you don’t need to start from scratch or put together a huge budget. It is far more important to have an innovative packaging partner who has an appreciation for creative solutions, knowledge of the many options available, and expertise with providing an excellent finished product.
In our latest employee profile, we are introducing a member of the MJS Packaging team who excels at doing does just that. Get to know James Daniell and why we so are confident you will enjoy working with him to expand your brand’s reach.
Diverse Product Experience
James would tell you in a more humble fashion, but we are proud to highlight how he has served as key player on both the brand manager side and packaging supplier side. He has even helped launch quite a few products over the last 10 years and worked with a wide range of products. This includes products in categories like personal care, foot care, skincare, sun-care, and over-the-counter medicines.
James’ official title at MJS Packaging is Senior Director of Business Development, but he focuses on what his position means for customers.
“What that really means is that I have the pleasure of helping manufacturers navigate the vast world of packaging,” James explained.
James demonstrates many abilities in this role, but we would highlight how well he matches manufacturers with the best solutions for their containers, closures, and dispensing systems. He draws upon the experiences listed above and also from a past experience when he consulted companies in the food and beverage industry. Each experience was unique, but James believes there is a common theme with packaging.
“If you need to extend the reach of your brand, my experience has taught me that you can go a long way just by exploring new product forms and packages.”
Remarkably Innovative Packaging Options
Much to our customer’s benefit, James believes that truly innovative packaging options have a certain something extra about them. Part of this perspective comes from his own extensive work delivering innovative packaging. However, he also takes a healthy approach to studying remarkable packaging from a variety of sources.
“To me, true innovation is one that brings a unique eye-catching value and function to the end-user while still being workable in high volume on the manufacturing side,” James elaborated.
“Sometimes it can highlight a product selling point, too. Look at the European watch line by Festina. It markets their watches suspended in water within see-through pouches. One glance and you instantly know what the main selling point of the watch.”
Festina did not need a big budget for pouch packaging itself. However, creativity and familiarization with packaging options surely went a long way.
Similarly, sometimes a package can sell a product feature and also provide a protective benefit.
“I love the Nike Air shoe packaging,” James said. “The shoes float in an air filled bag, so the packaging and the name of the product are perfectly paired. They are also fully-protected during shipment.”
Some innovative packaging options bring a more fruitful approach, literally speaking.
“Take a look at these juice boxes from Japan,” James directed as he pointed to the pictures shown here. “Can you guess what flavor they are? You can almost taste them.”
James does point out that some of these examples may be eccentric. Some may also involve higher investment. Even so, they still demonstrate how imagination and innovation can add appeal.
“The key is to consider all aspects of the product and its travels from the manufacturing line to the consumer’s home,” James shared. “Sometimes just a simple change can add a lot of value along the way. The change can be in design, in shipping configuration, or even shipping location or scheduling. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering to bring value.”
Trends to Watch
It can be complicated to navigate packaging trends and packaging innovations, but James points to three main trends readers should know about. The first involves innovative packaging that has a subtle appeal to both customers and manufacturers.
“Green packaging has been a particularly hot topic,” James pointed out. “It has been that way for a few years now, but there are new trends you should know about so you can be even more than eco-friendly.”
“For businesses with budgets to consider, it’s helpful to know how lightweight designs and less plastic can contribute to cost savings and increased efficiency, too. Environmentally-conscious packaging solutions are a commendable choice. We’re helping you explore exactly what those options are so you can make it a win-win.”
In addition to sustainability considerations, James adds that he is also seeing more customers considering new container forms.
“Rather than sticking with the ‘standard’ container style for a product category, you may consider differentiating your product. In certain cases, this can also reduce filling or shipping expenses.”
Similarly, James says he is also seeing a significant expansion of options.
“More and more innovative packaging manufacturers are bringing new choices to the market,” James added. “It’s getting more complicated to navigate them, but it is definitely worth it!”
Advice on Avoiding Packaging Pitfalls
Navigating the options and the world of packaging can be tricky, especially for companies who have never done so before. James advises front-loading the work a bit and making sure you get quality consultation.
“When you are seeking a new package, make sure you take the time to let your packaging partner know as much as possible about what you do. It can help tremendously to know all the background about your equipment, your retail and shipping requirements, your thoughts about future products and any issues you have had in the past.”
“One important aspect to this involves letting your packaging professional know where you can be flexible and where you can’t. Allow them a few minutes up front to ask you all the questions they need to know. It will save you time in the end and you will get a better solution in many cases. So often we try to be brief in business communications. That is not usually best when it comes to a packaging sourcing project.”
Experienced Help for Your Product Launch
James has helped with many product launches over the years. Some were smaller, simple designs aimed at cutting costs to an absolute minimum. Others were more involved, including small, intricate parts with tight tolerances. Each have contributed to his ability to deliver a solution that fits a customer’s need.
“When one customer needed help with developing a very small package for an OTC medicine in a miniature pellet form, it was new territory, but they knew they could count on the MJS Packaging team for both experience and resources.”
With an uncommonly small cap measuring less than 7mm diameter, the customer got a great package that helped them highlight an innovative product form. And while that customization was quite practical, James has also done well with aesthetic value to packaging.
“One of our customers, an up and coming distillery, wanted to customize their bottles,” James detailed. “In this project, we utilized their logo to brand their package with a mark of distinction and quality. With this case in mind and many other projects, too, there is always some fun to it, but nothing beats the pride the customer takes in the finished design.”
Sometimes the challenges involve regulations. You might think these are the worst part of the job, but James still finds joy in making it work for the customer.
“From time to time, we have to work through some challenging federal regulations, but the MJS Packaging team is always happy to help.” James assured.
“One common area we work within is customs duty entry fee for imported products. It can be a challenge to identify the correct category and duty rates, but at least it’s nowhere near as bad as working with the US tax code.” James said with a smile.
Champion Your Product
For customers, the best edge in working with James is that he has a passion for what he does. He is very clear in demonstrating how he brings that to his work and how he wants his customers to succeed.
“I love helping entrepreneurs of small companies and within large ones champion their ideas through to market. I also love the fast-paced activity of daily operations where inevitably something comes up as an unexpected challenge or hurdle to test our reaction skills.”
“There is never a dull day in our business and it keeps us passionate to be the best!”
Get a champion like James on the side of your product and your company. Start a conversation with MJS Packaging today.
