To say that COVID-19 hasn’t thrown us all a curve ball would be an understatement. The latest? Mandatory mask wearing in the State of Washington beginning 6/26. Yet amidst it all, inspiration can definitely be found as people are adapting, changing and embracing this “new normal” in myriad ways. One great example we noticed right here on our factory floor. With “mask required” rules in place for all of our staff here at Portco, employee Evangelina Balbuena crafted her own set of washable/re-usable masks by re-purposing old Portco t-shirts. Made of heavy cotton, Evangelina worked to get the Por ..read more

“Sustainable solutions for your brand”…and…”Where functions meets sustainability.” I just love these two headings, which serve to define the new brand and product line being offered by Portco Packaging…EarthGuard. Targeted at companies seeking to feature flexible packaging that (post-use) can go directly into the compost bin and/or recycling center. And while nearly every single “how to recycle” or “how to compost” graphic out there says, “NO Plastics!,” these products from EarthGuard are indeed a lovely, green exception. Further, a line of packaging products that utilize post-consumer recycle ..read more

As the COVID-19 pandemic grips the planet, essential goods and services have risen from the chaff, becoming key elements for societal protection and continuity. Necessities like water, power, critical medical services and, of course, food, must naturally be prioritized. And while global supply chains are experiencing fluctuations the likes of which we’ve never before seen (at least in the last couple generations), suppliers of food, food packaging, and related services are crucial to the effort. But the big question hitting many these days is, “Is my food safe?” We are happy to report the most ..read more

We are firmly in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic and major changes are taking place all around us. With some states ordering “shelter in place,” and others, at a minimum, recommending social distancing of 6 feet or more and no group gatherings, the impact on our daily lives is just beginning to be felt, let alone understood. We are working hard to “flatten the curve.” However, we as Americans are strong, resilient, resourceful and full of innovative power. We will get through this and we will come out the other side stronger, more connected and less concerned about some of the petty items w ..read more

O.K. it’s just mid-February here and still quite frigid, but spring is just around the corner and, well, I’ve already had to mow my lawn! So, now that we are starting to see more patio and garden-related items appearing in stores, this should come as no surprise. Hard to believe, but blooming flowers, buzzing bees and the smell of barbecues are truly not too far off. Will you be ready? Well, one regional business sure aims to give you a fighting chance: Eugene, Oregon-based Down to Earth Distributors; a wholesaler that sells and ships natural and organic fertilizers, gardening and floral suppl ..read more

Many of the below quotes say it all, but suffice that the new How2Recycle labels being rolled out by its namesake program are raising consumer awareness on recycling and firmly increasing views of positivity towards brands that participate. A recently-released report from the How2Recycle program details a survey of over 5,400 participants and the message is clear: Having the How2Recylce label on your product is heavily positive, increasing consumer confidence (in your brand/product), educates them on how best to recycle and builds their perception of responsibility your company undertakes with ..read more

Portco has long had deep capabilities across the spectrum of flexible packaging. And when you already have a great thing, why not make it even greater? Well that’s just what Portco has done with the addition of a Comexi S1-DSB laser slitter. Not only does this new machine increase Portco’s capacity, it opens up many new doors via the onboard laser system. Customization, changes and unique treatments have never been easier. And the precision? Off the charts. Just watch the video to see just how exciting this new addition is:     For more information about this new machine and what it can do ..read more

ReposiTrak, Inc., a leader in compliance, food safety and risk management, has been adopted by Portco Packaging for its software platform. Recently endorsed by SQF, ReposiTrak’s software gives Portco a, “holistic platform to manage its food safety documentation, audits and processes,” said the CEO of ReposiTrack, Randy Fields. Mr. Fields added that, “by using ReposiTrak, Portco will ensure that its manufacturing facilities are meeting SQF’s high standards.” And while Portco has long been SQF compliant, this new system simply further ensures their success as the preeminent food packaging suppli ..read more

No question when we see the word “cancer” it gets our attention. Almost everyone knows someone who has had it. Maybe they’ve had it themselves. So when I saw this recent article titled, “Cancer in Your Food Bowl” I instantly clicked. What I found was firmly disturbing and it has definitely impacted my forward, fast-food plans. So what’s the big story? Molded Fiber bowls (and other molded fiber food packaging). Touted as “environmentally friendly,” “green,” “biodegradable,” and the like…this form of food packaging, popular at places like Chipotle and Sweetgreen, has long been a “feel good” elem ..read more

Without a doubt we, as humans, generate a heck of a lot of trash. And it’s one thing to see trash now and then on the side of the road, but when it comes to being “farther out in nature,” well, we prefer a much cleaner, trash-free experience. Thus, initiatives like Solve Oregon’s Spring Beach Cleanup is something that Portco, as a whole, gets behind. In fact, just like last year, Portco has gone way above and beyond, this time removing a record amount of trash from one of the designated Solve Oregon beach cleanup sites. How much? Try 5 tons of broken asphalt and a slew of other, un-wanted debr ..read more