Inno-Lok^®
Pre-Applied Zipper

INNO-LOK^® TRANSVERSE PRE-ZIPPERED FILM SYSTEM VERSUS OTHER ON-LINE AND IN-LINE RE-CLOSEABLE PACKAGING METHODS

• Inno-Lok^® transverse pre-zippered film runs at the same speed as standard, non-zippered film.
• In-Line or On-Line Transverse System and On-Line Non-Transverse System slows production rates as much as 15%.
• Other re-closeable packaging methods (In-Line or On-Line Transverse System and On-Line Non-Transverse System) require cutting, positioning, placing and heat sealing in-line -- difficult and complex, especially in hostile environments.
• On-Line Non-Transverse System requires sealing through thicker zipper profile, causing up to 30% reduction in production rates.
• Inno-Lok^® (zipper pre-applied to film) can run 15% faster than In-Line or On-Line Transverse System and up to 30% faster than On-Line non-transverse system.

INNO-LOK^® CAN SAVE UP TO 50% IN ZIPPER MATERIAL

• With Inno-Lok^®, length of zipper is not determined by width of package.
• Zipper length is determined by the size of the product.
• Zipper is typically attached only to the front wall of package versus opposing walls.

INNO-LOK^® SAVES UP TO 15% IN PACKAGING MATERIAL

• Inno-Lok^® front panel zipper requires no additional package length for product head space saving up to an inch or more of film in each package.
• Conventional in-line zipper packages require added package length below the zipper for product head space (up to 2.0").

INNO-LOK^® SAVES UP TO 20% IN LOST SCRAP

• Systems using in-line or on-line zipper application can cause as much as 20% scrap and waste due to zipper sealing problems and machine set-up waste.
• Zipper application apparatus requires 2 times as much film for machine thread-up.
• Machine adjustments or roll changes also result in additional scrap.
• Returning to a non-zippered package also causes additional scrap.
• With Inno-Lok^®pre-zippered film, zipper is pre-applied to the film prior to running in form, fill and seal machine, resulting in no additional scrap or waste.

INNO-LOK^® SAVES DOWN TIME

• Fewer roll changes due to Inno-Lok^® using a single roll of material.
• In-Line or On-Line systems require separate zipper and bag material rolls, which require roll changes at different times - resulting in additional down time and additional scrap due to butt rolls of zipper or packaging film.

INNO-LOK^® ACHIEVES A BETTER QUALITY PACKAGE

• Rolls of pre-zippered film, unlike in-line or on-line zipper applicator systems, provide the converter another inspection point before product is shipped to the processor.
• The form, fill, and seal machine operators have more time to pay attention to quality related concerns since they are not required to operate a more complex in-line or on-line system.
• Zippers are applied by the Inno-Lok^® machine at our North Canton plant more consistently by trained converting personnel.
  

INNO-LOK^® OFFERS MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY

• For end-users - no need for additional equipment, equipment installation or space expansion.
• Quick and easy product introduction.
  • Bring a new product into the market in 4 weeks instead of 4 months, since no new equipment needs to be purchased.
• Better form, fill and seal machine utilization.
  • Machines can run either Inno-Lok^® or non-zippered film without any additional changeover time.
• Lower freight costs - companies with multiple locations or use co-packers that have form, fill and seal equipment (and without zipper capabilities) can produce re-closeable packaging.
  • Capacity is never lost due to a zipper applying machine being out of service due to maintenance or repairs.
• Expensive, additional space requirements not required (no new equipment).
• Less inventory $ required (pre-zippered film vs. zipper inventory PLUS packaging film).

INNO-LOK^® INCREASES PRODUCT SALES AND MINIMIZES LOSS

• Simple to produce - Inno-Lok^® reduces zipper failures - the front panel zipper is never under stress from the product.
• Less costly returns and customer credits for zipper related failures, especially compared to MD zipper tape systems.

INNO-LOK^® GIVES END-USERS THE LOWEST CAPITAL INVESTMENT

• Lowest capital investment and lowest ongoing maintenance expenses.
• End-users do not have to purchase or maintain any zipper application equipment.

PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION

• Unique appearance and functionality of packages utilizing Inno-Lok^®pre-zippered film system.
• Attractive, pouch-like appearance.
• Higher quality graphics highlighting the zipper.
• Inno-Lok^®easy-open thumb tab does not require package to be cut open.
• No material waste on opening.
• Less potential for a choking hazard due to material waste.

Inno-Lok^® Bag Top
Pre-Applied Zipper

• Bag Top creates a traditional opposing wall opening feature.
• Identical to packages created on in-line systems.
• Bag access would require cut-top or perforation.
• Potential to add capacity for producer on existing lines without zipper attachments with the same package appearance as in-line zipper.
• Minor machine (seal jaw) modifications required to have the same top entry package as an in-line zipper attachment procedure.