VIBRANTZ
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“THE WORLD OF PACKAGING IS MUCH MORE COMPLEX THAN I THOUGHT”
Millions of packaging products from Berlin Packaging (formerly Bark) are filled annually with colorants from Vibrantz (formerly Chromaflo). The enormous packaging range is supplied by Berlin Packaging on an on-demand basis so that Vibrantz does not have to keep stock itself. “Because our production process and stock level is organized in this way, we cannot do without the added value that you provide,” says Stephanie Timmermans, who is responsible for packaging as product manager EMEA.
Over seven years ago, Stephanie began working at the world’s leading supplier of colorants. After two years, a new world opened up for Stephanie when she transitioned from the planning department to product management. “I quickly became responsible for the packaging in which our products are packaged. It took me about half a year to gain insight into the various packaging we use, their specifications, and for which products they are suitable.” A maze of different packaging, each with specific elements, turned out to be an inheritance from the various companies that merged into Vibrantz. In addition, the applications created by Vibrantz are not standard to package. The colorants ultimately used for wall paints, furniture coatings, or automotive paints must be packaged with a barrier to ensure the product does not affect or dissolve the packaging. Furthermore, the packaging must not influence the color of the product, requiring a very careful filling process. Almost every package contains a UN certification, allowing hazardous materials to be transported or stored in almost the entire packaging range. “And there’s a lot involved. I didn’t know the packaging world was so complex,” says Stephanie.
Knowledge center
Due to the complex packaging material, the specialists at Berlin Packaging serve as a knowledge center for Vibrantz. For example, when making innovations. “Our customers don’t necessarily like new packaging,” Stephanie says firmly. “They like to stick to what is good because packaging can have a huge impact on our products. Importing new packaging is a difficult process for us. In addition, a lot of valuable time is lost due to all kinds of tests. You have to come up with very good arguments if you want to convince them.”
Vibrantz and Berlin Packaging have jointly brought innovative packaging to the market in recent years. An example of this is the packaging for Vibrantz’s patented PEARLS technology. This technology consists of colorants in solid form instead of in liquid form. The product does not contain biocides, extends the shelf life of paint and is cleaner than traditional colorant technologies due to its solid form and low-dust properties. In addition, the product comes in recycled plastic packaging. “A unique project,” says Stephanie. “The packaging contains a bit of automation with regard to sealing, it contains a safety guarantee and it contributes to sustainability.”
Keep stock
In addition to these types of innovations, the collaboration with Berlin Packaging has also proven invaluable for Vibrantz in other areas. Stephanie emphasizes that Berlin Packaging plays a crucial role in delivering packaging on demand. This is essential since Vibrantz does not want to purchase bulk volumes due to limited storage space. “The ability to supply packaging on request, for example for black and white colorants, is an important added value of Berlin Packaging for our smooth production process. This way we can fully utilize our storage space for our products, and we do not lose pallet spaces due to packaging stocks.”
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Wide range of packaging
From liter cans to cardboard plates and from pouches to different types of IBCs, the packaging range at Vibrantz is enormous. “In my head, packaging was just a simple product in which we transport and store our colorants. Until five years ago, I honestly didn’t know there was so much involved. “The packaging should not have any influence on our colorant, not even over a longer period. Suppose an end user bought a red car eight years ago but had to have a screen sprayed due to an accident, then the color must still be exactly the same tomorrow. That quality must be guaranteed. Our products only leave the house once they have been checked by our laboratory and meet specific values. Packaging can disrupt that process, so we benefit from a reliable partner like Berlin Packaging.”
Sustainability & recycling
Another part of the collaboration with Berlin Packaging is the focus on sustainability and recycling. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of recycling in the packaging industry but knows better than anyone that this brings challenges. “Vibrantz is committed to using sustainable and recyclable packaging wherever possible, and Berlin Packaging’s expertise is invaluable in this regard. They know the market and can advise us on the possibilities.”