MeadWestvaco Deters Retail losses

To date, most retailers rely on plastic packaging to discourage thieves who were slitting packages open, grabbing the contents and dropping empty packaging back on shelves. This same packaging, however, often leaves consumers with increasing frustration at having to fight their way into a recently-purchased toy, electronic gadget, cosmetic product or printer ink cartridge once home. In response, MeadWestvaco introduces Natralock, the high-visibility packaging solution that is consumer-friendly as well as theft-resistant. What's more is that the paperboard-based Natralock is an environmentally-sustainable alternative to the current 100 percent plastic solutions that are rapidly becoming the focus of increasing regulatory onslaughts. "While plastic clamshell solutions have decreased theft, they have raised environmental concerns, saddled supply chains with growing consumer aggravation and increased transportation, inventory and shelf space demands," says MeadWestvaco's Don Hodapp, security packaging business development manager. "Natralock reduces recycling stream impact, eases consumer irritation and decreases supply chain costs -- while still locking thieves out. Bottom line, we are making cost-effective security products that are predominately renewable, recyclable in many communities, and much safer for consumers to use."