Violet Zhang
Industrial Packaging That Works as Hard as You Do
In industrial and agricultural settings, packaging isn't just a container—it's a statement of quality, durability, and brand commitment. For Superior Ag, a leading farmer-owned cooperative, every bucket and container serves as a testament to their dedication to excellence. This is the story of how ePackageSupply partnered with Superior Ag to elevate both the utility and visual presence of their industrial-grade products through expert customization.
🌾 Customer Snapshot
Business Name
Superior Ag
Industry
Agricultural Cooperative
Business Type
Farmer-Owned Cooperative
Service Area
Multi-State Operations
The Challenge: Unifying Industrial-Scale Branding
Superior Ag, a cooperative founded on the principle of local farmers joining forces, is dedicated to bringing quality products and services to its extensive member network across multiple states. Their diverse operations require packaging that is as rugged and dependable as the agricultural industry itself.
When it came to their largest packaging needs—specifically 3.5 and 5-gallon buckets for essential industrial products, and smaller containers like their 24 oz. cups—they needed a partner who could deliver:
- Industrial-Strength Containers: Packaging that can withstand the rigors of farm and field use
- Impactful Branding: Crisp, permanent, and consistent branding that reinforces their strong cooperative identity
- Tailored Solutions: Different customization methods for different container types to ensure maximum visual impact and durability
The Solution: Industrial Customization at Scale
ePackageSupply's expertise in high-performance plastic packaging and advanced decoration techniques provided Superior Ag with two distinct, high-quality solutions:
1. Heat Transfer Labeling for 3.5 and 5-Gallon Buckets
For the heavy-duty workhorses of their packaging line, we implemented Heat Transfer Labeling (HTL). This method is the ideal choice for industrial-grade durability.
Permanent Bond
HTL uses heat and pressure to fuse the custom design directly into the plastic surface, creating a permanent, seamless, and high-resolution graphic
Maximum Durability
The resulting graphics resist scratching, scuffing, and peeling, ensuring the Superior Ag brand holds up across rough handling and varied environmental conditions in the field
Mobile Billboard
This solution turns a utility container into a durable, mobile advertisement for the Superior Ag brand
3.5-gallon bucket with durable heat transfer branding
5-gallon bucket with permanent, scratch-resistant labeling
2. Dry-Offset Printing for 24 oz. Containers
For the high-volume 24 oz. containers, we utilized Dry-Offset Printing. This process is perfect for quick, precise, and cost-effective application of graphics directly onto the container body.
Precision and Speed
Dry-offset printing delivers sharp, vibrant designs that perfectly represent the Superior Ag logo and contact information with unmatched clarity and consistency
High-Volume Efficiency
This method supports the cooperative's need for large quantities of smaller, branded containers, streamlining their inventory and ensuring every product leaves with a professional, polished look
Front view: Crisp, vibrant dry-offset printing
Back view: Clear contact information and branding
The Results: Elevated Utility and Brand Recognition
The customized packaging had a significant, positive impact on Superior Ag's operations and brand perception:
💪 Brand Confidence
Durable, high-quality branding reflects the cooperative's commitment to providing reliable, top-tier products to its farmer-members
⚡ Streamlined Operations
By sourcing customized, ready-to-use containers, Superior Ag eliminated any internal labeling processes, freeing up valuable staff time to focus on core business operations
✨ Consistency Across Products
Using two distinct and tailored labeling methods, Superior Ag achieved a unified, professional look across their entire product line, from the largest buckets to the smallest feed cups
"Thoughtful packaging customization, utilizing industrial-grade techniques, can turn functional containers into powerful brand assets. Our partnership with ePackageSupply has strengthened our brand presence while streamlining our operations."
— Superior Ag
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is Heat Transfer Labeling and how does it work?
A: Heat Transfer Labeling is a premium decoration method where pre-printed labels are applied to containers using heat and pressure. The heat activates special adhesives that create a permanent bond between the label and container, resulting in a seamless, full-wrap appearance that looks like it's printed directly on the container.
Q: What's the typical turnaround time for Heat Transfer Labeling?
A: Once your design is approved, Heat Transfer Labeling typically has a turnaround time of 3-4 weeks. This includes production of the labels and application to your containers. This timeline balances efficiency with the quality control needed for premium packaging.
Q: Is Heat Transfer Labeling suitable for food-grade containers?
A: Yes! Our Heat Transfer Labeling process is fully compatible with food-grade containers and meets all relevant safety standards. The labels are applied to the exterior of the container and don't affect the food-safe properties of the packaging.
Q: What's the minimum order quantity for Heat Transfer Labeling?
A: The minimum order for Heat Transfer Labeling is 792 units (for 5-gallon buckets). This quantity allows us to maintain competitive pricing while delivering the premium quality this method is known for. If you need smaller quantities, our Pressure-Sensitive Labels start at just 60 units.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for dry-offset printing?
A: Dry-offset printing requires a higher minimum order quantity than custom labels, typically starting at 3,000 units. This makes it an excellent option for businesses ready to scale their production and benefit from lower per-unit costs.
Q: What types of products can be branded with dry-offset printing?
A: This method is highly versatile and works with a wide range of our plastic products, including buckets, tubs, and containers. It's ideal for items that need to withstand rough handling, temperature changes, or storage in wet environments like freezers and refrigerators.
Q: How does the durability compare to other printing methods?
A: Dry-offset printing offers exceptional durability because the ink bonds directly with the container surface. Unlike labels that can peel, tear, or fade, dry-offset printing creates a permanent design that withstands scratching, moisture, temperature extremes, and heavy handling throughout the product lifecycle.
Q: What's the typical turnaround time for dry-offset printing?
A: Turnaround times for dry-offset printing typically range from 6-8 weeks after design approval. This includes plate creation, production setup, and the printing process. Rush options may be available for urgent orders – contact our team to discuss your timeline requirements.
Ready to Elevate Your Industrial Packaging?
Let's create durable, branded packaging that reinforces your commitment to quality.
📞 Questions? Call us at (888) 631-0888
