It seems as though retail space is more like a battle ground. Different companies and categories clutter the shelves fighting for consumers’ attention.

Douglas Machine’s new Vantra IM intermittent motion cartoner enables packers to setup, load and close cartons and trays at speeds as fast as 55 packs a minute within a single platform.

Tuscan winery Ruffino is putting its secondary packaging to work in its upcoming Ruffino Modus Luminaria gift box.

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is showing its school spirit for the University of Tennessee football team by showcasing the school’s colors on its packaging.

Batman has Robin, Andy Taylor has Barney Fife, Han Solo has Chewbacca, and Pinocchio has Jiminy Cricket. While sidekicks might be the background character in all of these famous duos, secondary packaging has more of a spotlight position in its role as primary packaging’s sidekick.

When the recession hit, consumers started purchasing fewer items on shopping trips, in effect adding importance to a product’s packaging to get shoppers to pick up the product and examine it, says Charles Pavia, director of marketing for Proactive Packaging & Display, Ontario, Calif.

Versatility can be a key component in many forms of business. For beverage manufacturers, developing products that are not only refreshing but also functional is not an uncommon practice; however, versatility doesn’t end with the finished product; it also can extend to its packaging — even its secondary packaging.

 These days, people often are asked to do more with less.