Industry-related terms

Blow molding

Injection molding

Retort

The process where plastic resin is melted and then forced into a mold containing single or multiple cavities. Once in the mold, the plastic is cooled to a shape reflecting the cavity.

The thermal processing or cooking of packaged food or other products in a pressurized vessel for purposes of sterilizing the contents to maintain freshness for extended storage times.

Composite can/Paperboard can

Laser scoring

Retortable end

The composite or paperboard package is a container comprised of a body with two ends made from a variety of materials. The package can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes. The container body is made from paper, various liner materials to achieve barrier requirements and a printed label for package graphics.

Use of high-energy narrow light beam to partially cut through a material in a straight line or shaped patterns. This process is used to provide an easy-opening feature to various types of flexible packaging materials.

Metal or flexible closure for a rigid package that is designed to withstand the retort process.

End closure

Membrane closure

Rotogravure printing

A rigid metal, film, plastic or paper structure that is mechanically or adhesively attached to the end of a package or laminated plastic film, foil or paper membrane heat sealed to the end of a rigid package

A flexible material attached to the end of a rigid package with a heat seal. This material can be comprised of plastic, foil, paper or a combination of these materials.

A printing process in which letters and pictures are transferred from an etched cylinder to a web of paper, plastic, foil or similar material on a printing press.

Extrusion

Packaging supply chain

Service Centers
(formerly Pack Centers)

A continuous process where plastic resin is melted using a screw and cylinder combination along with heat and pressure, and forced through a die to obtain a resultant profile shape.

The steps required to create and manufacture the packaging, package the product, distribute the packaged product and sell it in the stores, through point-of-purchase (POP) displays or other means.

A facility where client's product/ components/packaging/display/fulfillment/ logistics come together.

Engineered carriers

Point-of-purchase (P-O-P)

Stick packs

Paper- or plastic-based tubes and cores used as carriers for such products as textiles, film, paper, tape, metals and others. Generally highly engineered to allow take up of materials, such as those listed, at very high speeds.

Displays, signs, structures and devices that are promotional and are used to identify, advertise or merchandise an outlet, service or product and serve as an aid to retail selling.

A narrow flexible packaging pouch commonly used to package single-serve powder beverage mixes such as fruit drinks, instant coffee and tea and sugar and creamer products.

Flexible packaging

Recovered paper

Thermoforming

Non-rigid packaging structures used to package and protect various food and nonfood products in the retail and industrial business forum. Snacks and frozen foods, medical appliances, beverages, pet food, etc., are a sampling of products packaged in this medium.

Paper and paper byproducts that have been separated, removed or diverted from solid waste disposal and are intended for sale, use, reuse or recycling, whether or not such paper requires subsequent separation and processing.

A process by which plastic sheet material is heated close to the softening point, moved over by a male or female mold and shaped by forcing the softened sheet by movement of plug, application of air pressure and/or vacuum. The shaped article is solidified in the mold prior to ejection from the mold cavity. This process is commonly used to form blisters, trays, cups, tube and other open containers and forms.

Other terms

British thermal unit (BTU)

Earnings per share (EPS) (diluted)

Return on total equity

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit when the water is near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calculated by dividing the reported earnings available to common stockholders (net income) by the weighted number of average shares outstanding, including the assumption of the exercise of all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. Diluted EPS are always less than or equal to basic EPS.

Net income divided by average total equity.

Debt to total capital ratio

Price/cost relationship

Sustainability

Used by the Company to access its financing leverage. Calculated by dividing total debt by the summation of total equity, total debt and deferred income taxes.

The net dollar impact to the Company, or its segments, of the year over year change in the selling price of its products and the purchase cost of the raw materials consumed in making the product.

Meeting the economic, social and environmental needs of today without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves.

Earnings per share (EPS) (basic)

Return on net assets

Calculated by dividing the reported earnings available to common stockholders (net income) by the weighted number of average shares outstanding.

Tax-affected earnings before interest and taxes, plus equity in earnings of affiliates, divided by the net of average total assets, minus average cash, minus average current liabilities, plus average short-term debt.