News ReleasesPrent News Releaseshttps://www.prent.com/news-events/news-releasesLET’S GET TECHNICAL: Snap Fit versus Retainerhttps://www.prent.com/news-events/news-releases/postid/100/lets-get-technicalNewsPrentTue, 05 Jan 2021 17:04:00 GMT<p><img alt="" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/SnapfitVSRetainer.PNG?ver=Rlae5ZqdM7XiqwTXTmo7Mg%3d%3d" style="width: 800px; height: 341px; float: right;" /></p> <p>Often, thermoformed trays that hold medical devices are designed with a snap fit that uses undercut geometry to contain the device. But, based on feedback from nursing panels across the nation, this type of packaging can be cumbersome when ejecting products in a sterile, surgical field. </p> <p><span style="color:#e74c3c;"><strong>“</strong></span><strong>When you snap in a device, it immediately causes ergonomic challenges for the end user,”</strong> says Chris Bladl, VP of Product Development. <strong>“Prent promotes using retainers because the non-barrier component of the packaging contains the majority of the complex geometry required for product retention. From a design perspective, the complexity can be in the retainer and not affect the sterile barrier.”</strong> </p> <h4><b></b><b>The benefits of using a retainer include: </b><br />  </h4> <p><strong>* No stress on the device or thermoform as the device simply lays into its cavity</strong></p> <p><strong>* Ideal for delicate, fragile, small or small-diameter devices</strong></p> <p><strong>* Easy loading/unloading of the device</strong></p> <p><strong>* No thin areas or denest height increases</strong></p> <p><strong>* Retainers offer an extra layer of protection between the device and lidstock</strong></p> <p>Additionally, if the retainer is not subject to the same specifications as the tray, the retainer can have more challenging geometry to form to do the bulk of the work,” says Senior Designer Jason Erickson. “This allows for a simpler, easier-to-form thermoform that can result in a more robust, thicker tray.” </p> <p>One of the deterrents for customers could be that a retainer requires an extra thermoform to purchase and manage, according to Erickson. However, the advantages of a retainer justify the extra cost, says Bladl. And, a new FDA standard that will require user feedback on medical device packages before releasing them, could encourage more customers to consider moving to a retainer in 2021.</p> <p>To find out if a retainer is right for your product, please email <a href="mailto:sales@prent.com.">sales@prent.com</a>.</p> 100Prent’s Collection Clamshell Tray Design Earns National Recognitionhttps://www.prent.com/news-events/news-releases/postid/98/prents-collection-clamshell-tray-design-earns-national-recognitionNewsPrentTue, 22 Dec 2020 16:40:00 GMT<p><img alt="clamshell" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/prentClamshellheader.png?ver=zkNIa30dOeTiaSjHUdefkA%3d%3d" style="width: 1518px; height: 395px;" /></p> <p>The Institute of Packaging Professionals recently honored Prent Corporation with a prestigious 2020 AmeriStar Packaging Award for its Collection Clamshell Tray. The package exceeded expectations in innovation, product protection, package performance, and environmental impact, and was born out of a collaboration between Prent’s Product Development Department and the customer, says Michelle Rademacher who was the project’s lead designer.</p> <p><img alt="clamshell" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/Collection%20Clamshell%20Trays.PNG?ver=WUO9xJesHuwVPXYL5A8i2A%3d%3d" style="float: left; padding-right: 25px; width: 300px; height: 279px;" /><strong>“We learned about the concerns and issues from the end user up front and came up with a design solution that could house the devices and not damage them in transit,”</strong> says Rademacher. <strong>“We also incorporated less components for sustainability purposes, and came up with a collection method that had better performance over the previous bulk loose pack out.” </strong></p> <p>The tray’s double-hinged design enables the distal end to remain snapped in place, while the proximal end has a hinge within the large lid to aid the user in opening only the handle end to easily insert and remove the device.</p> <p><strong>“Finger tabs were added to help users distinguish the opening to make it intuitive,”<span style="color:#e74c3c;"> </span></strong>says Rademacher. <strong>“This design allows for ease of use and storage in both the hospital and customer facility.”</strong></p> <p>Information was also added to the bottom of the tray to help users identify where each component goes from the dilator to the stopcock off the handle. These engravings help improve hospital usability.</p> <p>The clamshell organizes and stores the device for easy handling and protects the device and dilator from damage. Previously, used devices were shipped loosely in a collection container from the hospital back to the customer facility to be re-sterilized. Damage was occurring to the tips of the devices and, therefore, the devices could not be reused. Now, when the medical device is no longer being used, the end user can unsnap the handle portion of the clamshell to slide the catheter or dilator into the correct location and snap it closed. </p> <p>Sustainability is also a crucial element in this package. The tray is made from recycled APET material, which is a sustainable resource. Prent has won 11 AmeriStar awards and 16 WorldStar awards.</p> 98Prent Helps Customers Meet Their Goalshttps://www.prent.com/news-events/news-releases/postid/97/prent-helps-customers-meet-their-goalsNewsPrentThu, 03 Dec 2020 16:39:00 GMT<p><img alt="company logo" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/PrentHeaderLogo.png?ver=SplgBPxBPTJjveqcKE7T7w%3d%3d" style="width: 1518px; height: 395px;" /></p> <p>Prent understands its customers’ sustainability and cost-saving challenges– both in the marketplace and within their own operations. That’s why we are committed to designing more with less and helping our customers meet their sustainability goals. Prent also encourages its customers to evaluate their existing products and let us know if they are interested in alternate materials. Often times, Prent can help minimize costs and add sustainability in new ways.</p> <p><strong>“Prent has always strived for a small carbon footprint by making environmentally conscious business decisions,”</strong> says Director of Supply Chain Andy Fallon. <strong>“We have aggressive goals for minimizing the loss throughout the thermoforming process. All of the plastic that is scrapped is then ground and recycled for future use in different, non-medical applications. In addition to grinding scrap generated, Prent returns the plastic pallets and raw material PVC cores back to our sister company, GOEX Corporation, where they are reused for new orders.” </strong></p> <p>Prent’s superior design process also provides packaging that optimizes functional performance, minimizes material usage, reduces costs, and meets industry standards. Prent also continually works to reduce package weight through improved process machinery, design, tooling, and materials to decrease both environmental impact and costs. </p> <p>And, Prent is committed to the development and prequalification of new materials and processes to support its customers’ needs around the globe. Through extensive research and development, and a partnership with GOEX, Prent helps customers identify acceptable and environmentallyfriendly new materials, including commercially available, compostable, and bio-based materials. All Prent packaging and packaging processes are RoHS compliant and contain no lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls or polybrominated diphenyl ethers. </p> <p>Prent uses returnable containers (shown above) to enhance product protection and improve freight efficiencies by eliminating wood skids and related corrugate packing materials. Returnable containers offer customers durable, clean packing, increased part protection, warehouse optimization, closed-loop packing, and reduced freight costs.</p> 97Prent Seeking FDA Registration for Face Shieldshttps://www.prent.com/news-events/news-releases/postid/99/prent-seeking-fda-registration-for-face-shieldsNewsPrentSun, 15 Nov 2020 16:01:00 GMT<p><img alt="face shields" src="/Portals/0/Images/News/Prent%20Face%20Shield.PNG?ver=Q2kbxW2txaaBG4UjRUV0zA%3d%3d" style="width: 900px; padding-right: 25px; height: 410px; float: left;" /></p> <p>The plastic face shields that Prent designed in response to the pandemic are in the process of becoming registered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prent continues to manufacture the face shields for frontline healthcare and first response teams as well as other industries and the general public.<br /> <br /> This is the first product design that Prent has full ownership of, according to Vice President of Quality Assurance Dave Henry.<br /> <br /> <strong><span style="font-size:14px;">“Everything is in place, so my expectation is that we should have the Class 1 FDA registration in early 2021,” </span></strong><span style="font-size:14px;">he said. </span><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">“Having the FDA seal of approval ensures that safety and quality control standards are met and provides assurance to our customers that we have all checks and balances required to produce a Class 1 medical device.”</span></strong><br /> <br /> For more information about this PPE, or to place an order, please visit <a href="https://pcfaceshield.com" target="_blank">pcfaceshield.com</a>.</p> 99