Carton Service CSI, a leading supplier of packaging for consumer goods, food, and pharmaceuticals, is making a significant investment in its liquid packaging production facility in Shelby, Ohio. The company is expanding its operations with over $10 million in new equipment and facilities, expected to be operational this fall. This investment includes state-of-the-art offset and flexo printing presses, advanced skiving and sealing equipment, and a brand new packaging laboratory equipped for liquid filling. This lab will allow Carton Service to rapidly test new and innovative uses for liquid-filled cartons, pushing the boundaries of traditional packaging.
The expansion also includes a 20% increase in their workforce, solidifying their position as one of the few North American companies accredited for printing and producing liquid-filled, direct contact gable cartons. Carton Service is setting itself apart with its commitment to innovation, developing cartons for liquid contents that have never been attempted before in North America, including non-dairy milks, soaps, cleansers, lubricants, beverages, and various alcohol-based products. They are also proud to hold patents for these unique and eco-friendly container designs.
Company President Reid Lederer emphasizes the importance of this expansion, stating, “Carton Service associates embrace innovation, and we know that based on the school milk carton shortage in late 2023, there is a limited supply of North American printers and converters for liquid-filled cartons. We would like to be the ‘supplier of choice’ for any liquids, whether traditional like milk or non-traditional like soaps and cleansers.”
Carton Service is acutely aware of the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, especially as government regulations on single-use plastics tighten. The company believes that paper-based packaging offers a more environmentally responsible alternative, and their Cartons4REarth brand is leading the charge in this space.
The company boasts a dedicated team of experts specializing in gable-top cartons, ensuring customers receive personalized support and development for their unique packaging needs. They also have an in-house creative services team, ready to assist with structure and design, crafting visually appealing and functional packages.
Carton Service’s latest patents focus on eco-friendly packaging options capable of containing a wide range of liquids, including viscous and soapy products like body wash and shampoo. These paperboard containers are designed for wet environments, ensuring leak-proof performance and preventing leaching.
The company is actively pursuing additional patents for their own brand, Cartons4REarth, further reinforcing their commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.
Carton Service is a proud holder of FSC® (FSC C-182277) certification, signifying their commitment to responsible forest management practices. They have also achieved a silver Ecovadis sustainability rating, a testament to their dedication to environmental and social responsibility.
Reid Lederer concludes, “We intend to be sustainable packaging leaders and innovators into our next generation of Carton Service.” This expansion represents a significant step forward for Carton Service, demonstrating their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving needs of their customers in the packaging industry.
