June 2003: Mechanical Binding Covers

The ways in which we organize, manage and share information have changed drastically in the past few years. Packaging that information has become equally complex. When it comes to designing a package that will properly manage that information, it helps to partner with someone who can help you navigate your options. At Eckhart & Company, we take the time to help you develop a package that suits your individual needs. To get you going in the right direction, here are three important questions to consider when planning a package.

1.What Is Being Packaged, and How Will It Be Used?

The first step in project planning is determining exactly what your package will hold. At Eckhart & Company, we can create packaging to house virtually any information-related product, including perfect, mechanically-bound or saddle-stitched books; pamphlets; notepads; video and audio cassettes; CDs and DVDs; software diskettes; pens and pencils; pocket calculators and more. Once you’ve determined what will be packaged, consider how it will be used. For example, a set of reference books might be housed in an attractive slipcase. If your project is a set of CD-ROM software discs and complementary instruction manuals, you may want to design a custom binder to house and protect it. 

2. What Perception Do You Want To Create?

On the most basic level, packaging is used to collect and protect the information it holds. Typically, packaging needs to do much more. For example, do you need packaging that will impress prospective customers or shareholders? Are there high corporate image standards that must be met? Will your package be used to display the materials it holds? Will it be used to attract consumers in a retail environment? The design of your packaging should match the time and effort you’ve invested in the project. If it’s a retail application such as a software box, attractive packaging is critical to the success of the project. It’s much easier for us to help you create the ideal information packaging solution when we’re familiar with the perception you’re looking to create.

3. What Is Your Budget For the Project?

Just as the design of the package should match the perception you’re after, your budget will help determine which options are feasible. After all, a beautifully-designed package won’t benefit you if its production isn’t within your budget.

The Eckhart Advantage

Every day at Eckhart & Company, we work with construction and decoration materials ranging from rigid plastic and heavy-gauge vinyl to bonded leather. We can also perform techniques such as foil stamping, embossing and UV coating to give you even more decoration options. We’ll work with you from concept to completion to be sure your information packaging project fits your particular needs.

Back Issues

• April 2004 Turn Your Binder into a Display Piece
• March 2004 Material Options
• February 2004 Ring Binder Solutions
• January 2004 Our Capabilties for 2004
• December 2003 Versatile Pocket Styles
• November 2003 Create Attractive Dust Jackets
• October 2003 Point-of-Purchase Displays
• September 2003 Make Products User Friendly with Index Tabs
• August 2003  The Advantages of Prototypes
• July 2003  Creating the Perfect Package
• June 2003  Mechanical Binding Cover Styles
• May 2003  Custom Ring Binders
• April 2003  Mechanical Binding Options
• March, 2003  Award Holders
• February, 2003  Slipcases, Slantcases & Boxed Sets
• January, 2003 Serving Our Customers
• December, 2002 Media Packaging Options
• November, 2002 Ring Metal Options
• October, 2002 Customized Binder Options
• September, 2002 Turned Edge Possibilities