Innovative Food Packaging Solutions Could Keep Food Fresh

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By Samantha Lees

Many consumers think that packaging is only useful for transporting food. It can have a big role to play in keeping food fresher, helping to minimise wastage and save consumers money. The industry has to raise awareness of this fact to prevent the technology from being wasted.

Packaging is not just used for keeping food safe in transit. Innovations within the industry mean that bags and containers can actually keep the food inside fresher for longer. This message doesn’t appear to be reaching the consumers and many are still discarding the wrappers once they get home. How can the industry change these perceptions?

In recent years, the packaging industry, including bagmaking and weighing machine suppliers, has developed a number of new technologies. These include vacuum packs, re-sealable packs and the use of hormone strips within packaging. Many of these allow food to be kept within the packaging and stay fresh for much longer than in traditional bags.

Consumers remain unaware of how they could be limiting the life of their produce by taking it out of the bag and packaging and weighing machine suppliers need to better inform them. Many items of fresh fruit and vegetables, including apples, peppers and carrots, will actually last far longer if they’re kept in their bag and in the fridge.

Consumer Perceptions

A recent report by WRAP, in conjunction with INCPEN, The Packaging Federation, Food and Drink Federation, Kent Waste Partnership and British Retail Consortium, found that perceptions of food packaging hadn’t kept up with technology.

13% of those questioned didn’t think that it was important to keep food in its packaging once they got home. In fact, 61% of them believed that food would actually go off quicker if it remained in the bag. This lack of information could be responsible for a huge amount of wasted food that would be dramatically reduced if consumers were better educated. The report found that an average family could save 270 a year by simply following the storage instructions on the pack.

How the Packaging Industry Can Change Attitudes

The industry is up against many years of consumers adopting certain behaviours. They’ve always thought it was better to take some items straight out of their bags when they get home, rather than actually reading the label to see what’s best. According to the WRAP report, only 22% of them would study the storage information on the pack.

The advances that the industry has made have helped supermarkets to reduce their waste, but this is not being replicated in the home. Supermarkets, industry bodies and manufacturers have to work together to better inform the general public or the technology will not be worth it.

As technology advances further, there will be more developments and these could simply be wasted opportunities to reduce food waste if consumers aren’t educated about them. Leading packaging and weighing machine suppliers are looking to smart technology and in the future packaging could actually tell us when food has gone off.

About the Author

Samantha Lees writes regularly on packaging for a range of manufacturing websites and blogs. She works with a number of manufacturers and industry bodies to keep up to date with technology. For further information on food packaging click on this page.

The Hotel Business

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In the past few years, due to the recession ,travel is down and hotels have had to do increased marketing and provide more ammenities to draw customers. Most hotels have established reward programs to encourage customer loyality since competition is fierce .

All of this adds to the bottom line, especially the additional marketing cost. So hoteliers have had to find new ways to cut costs while still providing excellent customer service.  Many are providing additional amenities, and have only been able to do this by utilizing a Hotel Amenities Supplier like PeachSuite Hotel Supply  who  offers a wide variety of Hotel Supplies Online.

Others have outsourced marketing and even maintenance services to discount firms. However, it is important to be very careful and not to outsource core business matters, and customer service, the heart of hotel business. Nothing drives customer away faster then a front desk that isn’t responsive or a housekeeping that is below par.

Some hotels have added entertainment and happy hour specials including free appetizers.  And of course providing breakfast as part of the room rate is a big draw for customers, especially families and business travelers.

 

Bounties Of Buying A Folding Utility Cart

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By David Ram

Do you find difficulty in lugging small or big objects in your office?

Storage carts come as a great rescue for individuals who have problems moving objects,may be a heap of files and other useful tools while they are at their workplace. Not only this, these carts serve a variety of uses at the workplace. From delivering goods and services to keeping useful equipment close at hands, different types of carts have become an essential part of a modern workplace. You can use them anywhere as they are designed to cater to a number of requirements.

These days, different types of storage carts are available in the market. Out of all, the one that is most popular is a folding rolling cart. It is mainly used in offices where there is less space to accommodate equipment or other office objects. Individuals prefer using these carts because it can be folded easily and kept in a corner when not in use.

A folding rolling cart is not only popular in offices but finds great application in homes too. It is a multipurpose cart and is perfect and convenient for anyone who carries heavy loads. It serves best when used for shopping grocery items from a nearby grocery shop.  You can easily use it to transport a lot of grocery items from a department store to your house.  By doing this, you are going to save money on fuel and also time. You can also use this cart while you are working in your garden. People use them while gardening because they save multiple trips and time. You can easily transport tools, fertilizers, plants and shrubs from one end of your garden to another while working in your garden.

Day by day, more and more people have started using these rolling carts in their daily routine because it prevent them from having severe back problems as a result of carrying heavy loads. Also, a number of injuries can be prevented by using a cart that has good quality handle and wheels. Manufacturers dealing in these carts consider a lot of safety parameters while designing, so that the users are safe while using them. These days, almost all the carts available in the market come with wheels and good handles so that users can carry heavy loads with ease.

If you too want to make your shopping experience better or working easier in your garden, buy a folding rolling cart for your use. You can shop for it online because there are a number of websites on the Internet that offer the facility of shopping different types of carts. You just need to visit one of the best online shopping websites to browse through their different products and buy one according to your choice and requirement.

About the Author 

David Ram is a strategist working for dbestproducts.net, a consumer products company that designs and develops unique, trademarked products like the folding rolling cart and storage cart. David is also an active blogger who loves to share his knowledge and experience in the i industry.

 

 

Commercial Grade Large Planters for Your Restaurant

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restaurant patio umbrella

photo by gobucks2, Flickr

By Kevin Anchi

Restaurant planters or hotel planters are usually large, elegant and functional. Their unusual sizes aren’t just for style, but for a purpose. They can serve as a border or a liner of the restaurant outside institution. Instead of putting fences or railings, large planters are trendier and beauty can add to the restaurant. Large fiberglass planters are the most commonly used planters in commercial establishments. Fiber glasses are lightweight and durable making them ideal for outdoor settings. Some would even large planters use on wheels, so that it can be easily moved when they change their outside arrangements. Most restaurants are not only used as planters’ today ordinary containers for plants for a restaurant decoration. Four of the highest rank restaurant planters that a combination of function and style for restaurants today are as follows:
Premier Coronado planters

These large commercial planters are used by the famous Hotel Del Coronado, one of the oldest wooden hotels. It is 36 inches long and 13 inches wide that is ideal for outdoor dining areas because they will not occupy too much space. It looks like wood, but it is actually made of Premium cellular PVC.

The good thing about PVC is that guests cannot really say that the large planters are not real wood. The material is durable in comparison with real wood, because it will not rot and poor weather conditions can resist. They can also be painted with any color and can be easily cleaned. Capri rectangle Flower planters
The Capri rectangle Flower planters are very simple yet innovative and elegant. They create an illusion of floating slightly above the ground. The compartments of these great planters are larger than the supporting footprint below. The planters Capri come in a variety of textures, colors, shapes and finishes that compliments each plants, flowers, shrubs and even trees. They are slightly larger than the Coronado Premier Planters, but they can be ordered in custom sizes. Cairo vase planters

The Cairo vase Planters is long in ancient Egyptian time. Their wonderful beauty and elegance fits perfectly in Classic theme restaurants or luxury dining areas. They may not be functional compared to the Coronado and Capri Planters but with her charming appearance, you have an unusually large vase as a centerpiece in any indoor or outdoor environment. Custom planters for the Cairo vase planters are also available. So they can be made in medium-sized or small sizes that can be placed anywhere as a group accent restaurant doorways, reception area and other spaces. Valencia round fiberglass planters

These are commercial grade planter who has the classic Mediterranean style that refreshing for open air restaurant settings can be. The Valencia round fiberglass planters are very durable and resistant to possible damage such as stains, scratches or wearing off. These round planters have small circular footprint which can occupy less space in your restaurant. Large commercial Planters are high quality making them long-term. They will be a good investment for any commercial establishments not only in terms of function, but also in attracting more customers or clients.

Hotel – Motel Supply

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Finding way to make your business cost effective and efficient are a must in the competitive travel and conference industry. The right supplier can really make a big difference in your bottom line.

If you are looking for  hotels, motels or resorts check out PeachSuite Wholesale Hotel Supply & Restaurant Supplier.  they are a well known supplier for major hotel chains, restaurant chains. Products included  are  professional quality cookware, catering supplies and room in a box services.

Hotel Supply of room in a box service is especially popular, and efficient, allowing you to set up a suite  complete with everything needed  for your customers to have a perfect stay. Hotel Supplies & Catering Supplies are also available for most conference or meeting room needs.

Expand your catering business easily with the right supplies, good cookware can make the difference between an average meal and a great one.  you are sure to get repeat  business because of the great meals you can prepare and serve.

Make Your Display Stand Out

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3 Tips for a Successful Trade Show Experience

by Kyle McCarthy

In today’s fast-paced and complicated economy, it is important that individuals, small business, and big corporations stay ahead of the game by constantly creating new contacts in their industry, while maintaining those that they have already established

Since trade shows are all about networking, they can be an excellent opportunity to stay relevant in your field.  However, before you go gallivanting throughout the concourse of just any conference hall with your banner stands and pop-up displays, there are several important keys to remember in order to maximize your experience.

Plan Your Budget Well

One of the first things to keep in mind when scheduling a trade show is your budget.  Often, it may seem that a strict and accurate budget has been determined, only to discover midway through the event that there have been some serious miscalculations, which obviously results in a poor trade show experience.  In order to get the most out of the trade show, make sure to account for travel expenses like transportation, meals, and overnight accommodations.  If you have an expense account for the trade show, great!  But don’t upset your boss by taking advantage of company funds.  You also want to budget your time.  It will be difficult to establish new contacts if you are stuck at your booth for the entirety of the trade show.  Allot yourself some time to browse the other booths in order to network.

Choose the Right Trade Show

Another vital element in working a trade show is finding the right one to work in the first place.  Make sure that the event is relevant to your field to ensure efficient sales and networking.  Search the web for quality trade shows and call or email colleagues to ask if they have any advice about the most optimal show for your business.  Many times, contacts you have already made in your industry can make helpful suggestions about quality trade shows.  The primary goal is to develop your business, so do your research and find the right trade show opportunity for you and your business.

Finally, it is important to remember that your visual marketing tools are going to create a lasting image for potential clients.  This means that your banner stands and pop-up displays have to make a statement about the legacy and direction of your business.  Do all you can to stimulate prospective clients’ interests by using custom backdrops and lighting along with glossy pop-up displays .  Take time to consider the message that you want your display to convey and be sure to communicate it clearly on your banner stands, backdrops, and in your promotional brochures.

Top 5 Uses For Glass Jars

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By Emily Floyd

If you’re like most people who live and buy things no doubt you have run through your fair share of glass jars and bottles.  Most people throw them away without a second thought.  Some people actually do save them compile them to send them to a recycling to redeem for cash.  Good for you if that’s what you’re doing!  But you might want to set aside a couple of jars after reading this before sending them off to be melted and reused.  If you want to channel your inner hobbyists/artisan crafter then grab a seat and check out the tips below to give you some great ideas.  Hopefully this will give you enough reason to recycle your glass bottles and jars if you haven’t been doing so.  This is not exactly a detailed ‘how-to-‘ but hopefully it will whet your appetite enough to try something new with glass jars you may already have or bring a reason to buy some for that next project.

Mason Jar Terrarium

Have a piece of outdoor living inside.  People  have made beautiful terrariums using simple items so get creative!  You will need a clean glass jar, soil, rocks, seeds, and whatever you wish to decorate with.   This is a great idea for decorating open window sills where there is a lot of sunlight or a fun project for kids. For more creative ideas,  you will find a plethora online.

Booze Anyone? Vodka Infusions! Mmmmm

Use a glass jar or bottle of any size to do this and impress your friends.  This is something glass jars works best for! And it’s a great reason to invite friends over as well and serve up some tasty organic infused vodka.  This is a healthier alternative for some of the other infusions you may find in the store.  All of them contain fillers, and unpronounceable chemicals that are pretty scary once you find out what it really is. Try this natural and safer alternative.  Simply get a clean glass jar, a funnel, a cheese cloth (for straining) and whatever fruit, herbs or veggies you decide to infuse.

Cut up your fruits or veggies in chunks and poke holes several times into the pieces. For herbs you obviously don’t need to do this. Put them into the container, fill it with vodka and let it steep for 2-3 days.  Afterwards strain your concoction with the cheese cloth a couple times to get out as many grit and floating pieces as possible. You may need to practice a couple times to get the amount of flavor you want infused but this is a great starter to get you doing.  Experiment and try new combos! You can try lemon and cucumber, basil and pomegranate, whole vanilla beans, pear or anything you like!  You can also mix this with a little simple syrup and soda water to add pop. Get experimental and try fun combos! Drink and enjoy!

Style Your Own Painted Vase

This is a very easy project to do on your own or with other crafters and hobbyists.  These bottles can also be used to decorate events or your home or garden.  Simply get some glass jars or glass bottles of your choice. You can choose to make a white vase or any color you like.  Make sure you clean your jar and dry it thoroughly.  Take a little oil based and pour it into the jar.  You shouldn’t need much for regular sized wine bottles or similar sized glass bottles.  For larger glass jars, of course use more.  Put a lid on it and swivel it around several times until glass is fully colored by the paint. Pour out any excess and let dry.  Voila! You may now insert flowers, plants or anything you wish.  You can also paint or further decorate the outside of the vase as well. There are some beautiful examples of this on the Internet.

Make A Sun Jar

I thought this was a pretty cool idea.   This is a fun craft you can place in your home as a night light, you can use it for camping trips, or more.  What you will need of course is a glass jar of your choice, preferably one with a lid.   You may also use a plastic container, its really put to you.  You will need a solar light, glass jar, rechargeable battery, blu tak  and tracing paper.  Get creative and have fun!

Colored Sand Paperweight Jar

This makes beautiful paperweight.  Kids also love it as it makes for pretty cool eye candy.  There are various mediums you can use besides sand.  You may use sugar or even salt if prefer not to use sand.   You can buy pre-colored sand or you may go a more fun route and color the sand yourself! There are two ways you can color sand.  An easy way is to use colored chalk.  Simply put sand in a bowl and grind chalk against the sand until color is thoroughly mixed.  Another way it so use a few drops of food coloring.  You can use food coloring for salt, sand or sugar.  Food coloring will add a deeper colors.  Chalk is best for pastels.  Have fun!

Pet Project:  Snails

This is another project kids will love. This will teach children the importance of being careful and properly caring for other forms of life.  Caring for a snail will be a great learning experience.  Snails in particular will revert into their shell when temperature or outward conditions are not suitable.  They will not come out until conditions are right for them.  A large glass jar such as a mayonnaise jar or larger will be suitable for this project.   You will need to store food such as leaves and other greenery and they will need a vent for air.  When it is time to change the habitat you will know, as the snail will not come out of his shell.  Try this out with your little one and have fun!

 

Is Specialised Hunting Storage A Viable Proposal?

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As someone who works in the UK self storage industry I am constantly looking for new ways to attract business.  This often involves seeing what is happening over the pond and considering that America is the home of self storage; I do sometimes find helpful inspiration.  Storage facilities in the UK have evolved a lot in the last few years and we now see many companies running their whole business operation from them.  In addition, the introduction of specialised solutions for certain industries, such as wine storage, has become commonplace.  It was whilst thinking about similar possibilities that I pondered on whether there is a need for specialist hunting storage?

When could it be needed?

Immediately I thought of a couple of instances where specialised hunting storage might be of use.  The first being when the owner of a firearm has a child or children in the home.  Obviously any gun should be kept in a safe place that is securely locked.  However, having a weapon on site is a risk and some parents could feel more comfortable if the weapon was stored elsewhere.  In addition such a storage site may also be of use on a temporary basis for someone who is away from home.  A great example being a student who is studying at a university that is some distance from the town or city in which they live.  In this case any shared accommodation would prohibit the firearm being on site and it would also be unwise to have it around young adults who would likely be drinking on a regular basis.  UK gun laws also state that the weapon must be stored in a secure place and it is hard to imagine that any dwelling with so many teenagers will be deemed as being safe.

Market demand

Whilst there may be some call for specialised hunting storage in the UK, the truth is that there wouldn’t be enough to make it a profitable venture.  The number of hunters is continuing to fall and many of those that do hunt use air rifles rather than bullet rifles.  Also, the fact that the UK is relatively small means that students are able to travel back from university on a fairly regular basis.  This of course means that they are able to carry out a spot of hunting whilst visiting and don’t have to worry about fees that storing their gun would incur.  Certainly a factor when you consider that students are often short of money.

Considering the US

Whilst need for such storage in the UK isn’t ever likely; the USA is a different beast.  Hunting is a more widespread pastime across the pond, perhaps due to more relaxed gun laws and more readily available access to firearms.  Likewise those that are away from home for prolonged periods, such as to study, do not usually return as frequently.  Therefore there could be a viable demand for such a service.  The question is, with guns banned from most storage facilities, how much would customers be asked to pay?  Any company running such a facility would certainly face large insurance premiums, which would obviously filter down to those wishing to use the service.

Hip Trade Show Displays

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Having an attractive and hip trade show display is essential if you are gong to attract customers and distributors. Hands on interactive displays work best, trying out the product or seeing it in action can close a deal.

But first you must attract them to your booth.  So bold colors like bright yellow can be quite effective displayed on a logo canopy especially if your booth is outside.

Think about the whole area as one, look up, down and sideways. Will the customer see something interesting about your product in every direction. If you get fortunate enough to be popular, will your display area have activities or items of interest to keep customers busy while waiting.

Don’t for get the floor consider using attractive trade show flooring to reinforce your message.   Logo mats are great for retail display areas and catch the eye for those looking up and down racks. They can have a logo or full color digital image.

Takeaway items can leaving a lasting message, a pen, flash drive or other item with your logo and contact information can be a constant reminder about your products and increase sales.

 

Utilising Self Storage During Company Expansion

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The aim for any new business is to survive the first few turbulent years and consolidate their position within the market.  Trying to grow too quickly and overstretching has been the downfall of many businesses over the years.  However, expansion will be the eventual aim of most businesses and when the time is right it is essential to plan carefully.  One of the main factors that need to be considered during company expansion is whether a larger property is required and when is the right time to make that move.  Timing can be essential as you look to keep costs as low as you can until a larger and more expensive property becomes a must.  In some instances it could be that self storage could help you through this period.

File storage

The nature of many companies’ business means that they are required to keep hold of certain documents for a set length of time to comply with laws and regulations in place.  Obviously these can take up a large amount of space which can be especially problematic when you need to house new members of staff to handle increased business.  By storing the files that you are unlikely to require in self storage you can free up space in your current property and squeeze in the desks for your new staff members.

Non-essential furniture

Most companies try to create a pleasant working environment for the staff members and research suggests that doing so can greatly impact on productivity levels.  As such many business properties contain various bits of comfortable furniture where employees can relax during their lunch break or perhaps hold meetings.  Whilst this is a commendable approach to business; this comfortable furniture isn’t really a necessity for your business to succeed and could easily be relocated in self storage on a temporary basis.  Once you move into the new premises you can then re-install your non-essential furniture items and provide your staff with the comfort they deserve.

A trade solution

When you think of companies using self storage you will probably think of office based businesses.  However, there is a growing trend amongst businesses working in the various trades to make use of self storage facilities.  Initially many start-up businesses in the trade will run the company from home and store their various tools and equipment in their garage.  As the company expands and new staff members are taken on and additional vehicles added to the fleet; storing items an already cramped garage can prove problematic.  There is of course the option of leaving items in the works van, although they are frequently targeted by thieves.  To overcome these problems forward thinking trade workers are using storage facilities that are located a short distance from their home; visiting each morning to collect the items they will need for the day.