According to Sheaffer, one of the most attractive features of the zipper is that there are many ways to use it in packaging a product. “Because we can put a zipper on any type of packaging, we really try to explore the many ways it can be used to add value to our clients’ products,” she explained.

  Some of the areas that Zip-Pak is currently looking into include putting an oxygen scavenger on a resealable closure, as well as producing anti-counterfeiting zippers.

“We first thought of putting a hologram on a zipper about three-four years ago. While it is still undergoing research and development, the possibility of making it reality and marketable is very near,” Sheaffer said. “It just shows how much potential the zipper has.”

Acknowledging that different types of resealable closures are more relevant for different regions, the company tries to understand the varying needs of its geographical markets and matches the types of zippers that meet those requirements. Sheaffer gave an example: “We first implemented Zip-Pak’s Slider (an ergonomically designed ‘clip’ ideal for pre-made pouches and form/fill/seal applications) in the US. In 2007, we conducted market research on the potential of bringing it into the UK and decided that the time is not right.

“Even in the various Western markets, the needs differ. Although there is some crossover, some of the zippers we market in Europe are not sold in the US and vice versa. For example, in the UK and Asia powder detergent is more popular than it is in the US, and so we focus our marketing efforts for zippers for these products in those areas. Even zippers for food products are market dependent since consumers consume their food in different ways.”

For Zip-Pak, its market opportunities echo that of its brand owner clients. “We see a lot of growth and expansion opportunities with some of the global major players. Like the Nestles of this world that are also growing in the global emerging markets,” Sheaffer commented.

“We’ve been such good partners with them (the MNCs) and have been dealing with them on a global level. I think they are really going to help our growth as well.”