Our standout demo was the semi-auto applicator for EnviroHandles, engineered for speed, consistent placement, and clean, brand-ready finishes on boxes up to 40 lbs. By automating a traditionally manual step, teams cut install time, lower labor costs, and boost throughput—while supporting sustainability with recyclable paper handles.

Attendees praised the easy integration, ergonomic benefits, and repeatable, professional results. If you missed us at the show, we’d be glad to walk you through how the applicator fits your line and ROI goals.

Another crowd favorite was our Box Latch® line—reusable closures (Medium, Large, and Twist Latch) that replace tape and staples, reduce waste, and speed WIP and changeovers across the warehouse and line. Use color coding to signal destinations, processing stages, or handling instructions—bringing clarity to even the most complex workflows.

Coming Nov 4th: Design to Spec, Build with Confidence

Designing to spec matters. Precise CAD and consistent die line cuts mean faster installs, less scrap, fewer reworks—and ultimately less waste.

Starting November 4, Allen Field’s box clips, carry handles, and POP display aids will be natively available in a leading CAD/die line platform. Drop our components directly into your designs for cleaner cuts, better fit, and smoother production—no extra guesswork. Stay tuned for the full reveal.

What you’ll gain

• Faster setup and installs
• Tighter tolerances, fewer reworks
• Reduced scrap and waste

Rotary Clips-twist to lock and unlock in seconds

Tape-On Paper Handle- seamless single-stream recyclability

PP901 – reinforces handholes and installs/removes fast

If labor costs have kept you from adding plastic handles, the HD Auto Handle changes the equation—delivering a faster, more cost-effective path to premium packaging.

Built for speed, the HD Auto Handle installs quickly by hand and even faster with a collaborative robot—cutting installation time and keeping product moving on both manual and automated lines.

Why it wins

• Faster installs, higher throughput
• Manual and cobot-ready
• Cut labor and strain
• Consistent placement, improved QC
• Carry up to 60 lbs. without a backing plate

Speed up. Stay Safe. Save money.

See It in Action at PACK EXPO 

@ Booth #SU-38000

September 29 – October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV

Explore efficient, automation-ready components in Las Vegas—recyclable, reusable, and ready to perform from warehouse to customer. Register free with code 51K62.

Product Gallery

Visit our Product Gallery for quick demos and how-to videos—installation tips, side-by-side comparisons, and more in one place. It’s the fastest way to see our components in action and find the right solution for your packaging challenge.

Elevate Packaging Design with Box Connecting Clips

Increase Strength and Stability for Larger & Heavier Packaging

Attach Corrugated Cover Directly to Pallet without Strapping

Designed for boxes up to 40 lbs, this semi-automatic system applies our EnviroHandles with precise placement and consistent alignment—delivering efficiency and sustainability in one solution.

Benefits:

• Eco-friendly – 100% natural paper or fabric handles support your sustainability goals.
• Efficient – Automates a manual process, cutting labor fatigue and training needs.
• Professional finish – Every package looks polished and brand-ready.
• Production-ready – Increases throughput for small to mid-volume runs without major modifications.

With EnviroHandles + Automation, you get a packaging solution that’s smarter for your team, stronger for your brand, and better for the planet.

See It in Action at Booth #SU-38000

at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

September 29 – October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas Convention Center

Explore Allen Field’s latest innovations at PACK EXPO Las Vegas! From sustainable plastic components to all-natural, single-stream recyclable alternatives, plus our automation system in action—you won’t want to miss it. Register free with comp code 51K62.

BC350 Rotary Bayonet Clip

Looking for a faster, smarter way to secure telescoping corrugated packaging? The BC350 Rotary Bayonet Clip locks and unlocks in seconds—just slip, twist, and rotate. Designed to stay attached even after disengagement, it saves time, reduces loss, and supports sustainability with full reusability.

• Size: 4.00″ Diameter
• Max. Board Thickness: 0.37″
• Sustainable Features: Reusable / Recyclable / Recycled Content / Biodegradable

Slip the clip through the cutouts and twist into place.

Rotate to lock or unlock as needed.

Clip stays attached to the box, even after disengagement.

Box Latch® – Medium & Large

The Box Latch® makes it quick and easy to open and close corrugated boxes—again and again. Unlike tape, staples, or strapping, this reusable fastener reduces waste, lowers material costs, and supports sustainable packaging practices.

Available in blue, green, yellow, red, and assorted color packs, Box Latches also serve as visual cues. Use color coding to signal destinations, processing stages, or special handling instructions—bringing clarity to even the most complex workflows.

The Medium Box Latch® is ideal for single-walled and smaller boxes in warehousing, storage, pick & pack, WIP (Work In Progress), and supply chain use. For double-walled or larger boxes, the Large Box Latch® offers greater strength and reliability in the same applications. Add one or two anchors to keep latches attached between uses—boosting efficiency and convenience.

Box Latch® Twist

The Box Latch® Twist is designed for single-wall corrugated boxes, allowing fast, tool-free closure without tape or cutters. Reuse both the box and latch—no waste, no damage, no cut fingers. Perfect for gift wrapping, craft storage, holiday decorations, scrapbooking, moving, and long-term storage in garages, attics, or rental units

Clip & Stack

The Clip & Stack holds box flaps open or down to speed up filling, unloading, and transport—especially when used on opposite corners. Apply to all four corners for safe, stable stacking of full or empty boxes. By replacing tape, it saves time, reduces waste, and prevents box damage. Ideal for pick-and-pack, QA, inventory, and logistics operations.

SAVE THE DATE

PACK EXPO Las Vegas

September 29 – October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas Convention Center

Visit us at Booth #SU-38000

Join us at PACK EXPO Las Vegas—on us! Use comp code 51K62 for free registration.
Explore cutting-edge packaging innovations, connect with 2,300+ exhibitors, and uncover new ways to boost productivity, sustainability, and brand impact. Don’t miss the most powerful packaging event of the year!

Make the most of your retail space with Allen Field’s 7″ All-Plastic Rotary Display Hook—a secure, space-saving solution for corrugated display trays.

Key features include:

• Rotary locking mechanism for quick, easy installation
• 7″ usable length—ideal for a variety of product sizes
• Durable plastic construction, compatible with board thicknesses from .17″ to .21″

Looking for a different size? This hook is also available in 4″ and 10″ options.

Insert the hook through the display cut-out and rotate 90 degrees to lock it in place.

6-Hook Merchandise Strip

Allen Field  6-Hook Strip is designed for efficiency – delivering 30-40% labor savings during assembly while keeping products securely in place during shipping.

By ensuring displays arrive store-ready, this strip reduces time spent on setup and eliminates the hassle of reattaching fallen items. A built-in sign holder boosts product visibility, making it ideal for impulse-buy areas.

Need a custom setup? We can tailor the number of hooks or the sign holder size to fit your display requirements.

Push Fit Fastener

The Push Fit is a versatile 2-piece plastic fastener by Allen Field, perfect for securing products to retail header cards, protective packaging, or store displays. It combines a press fastener with a pilfer-proof screw mechanism for quick assembly and secure attachment.

Workers can snap-fasten products easily, while removal requires a screwdriver—making it difficult for pilferers but simple for customers to discard at home.

This case study shows how we helped reduce retail pilferage and assembly time.

SAVE THE DATE

PACK EXPO Las Vegas

September 29 – October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas Convention Center

Visit us at Booth #SU-38000
Attend free with comp code: 51K62

Swivel Easy Lock Handle II

Streamline your assembly process and enhance your case design with a handle that delivers both function and style. The new Swivel Easy Lock Handle II is the latest in our Swivel Series, featuring a built-in support bar and an innovative locking mechanism—all in a clean, minimalist profile.

Swivel Slide Lock Handle

This handle features slide-to-lock support tabs, offering the highest carrying capacity in our Swivel Series—holding up to 45 lbs. Its swivel design delivers user-friendly function and secure handling. Compatible with 0.11″ board thickness, it’s a perfect fit for both corrugated and plastic cases. Make assembly smoother—try it today!

Euro Swivel Handle

This handle combines a polished finish with the strength to support up to 30 lbs. Featuring a pair of mounting tabs, it ensures secure, stable assembly every time. Packaging designers appreciate how it boosts durability while elevating the overall aesthetics of the case. For a seamless setup, add the one-piece Easy Lock Support Bar to your order.

SAVE THE DATE

Expo Guadalajara

June 10-12, 2025 | Guadalajara | Mexico

BC150
Fast, Firm, Friendly

Looking for a fast, reliable way to secure telescoping corrugated packaging? The BC150 is your go-to solution for double-wall boxes. With innovative lock tabs that prevent overturning or detachment and a fixed paddle that eliminates gaps between panels, it ensures a snug, secure fit every time. Fast to install, firm in holding, and friendly to use.

Quick to apply, Easy to remove. Built for performance.

Eliminate gaps between panels and prevent overturning.

BC125
Mini but Mighty

Perfectly engineered for thinner corrugated boards with a combined thickness of 0.25″-0.31″, the Mini Rotary Connecting Clip delivers secure, gapless fastening with ease. Its lock tabs keep it firmly in place – no slipping, no overturning – while the fixed paddle ensures a tight seal between inner and outer panels. Installation takes seconds and requires no tools.

BC350
Safe, Smart, Sustainable

Secure telescoping corrugated packaging in seconds with the BC350 Rotary Bayonet Clip. Just slip, twist, and lock – no tools required. Need to reopen? A quick turn unlocks the box with ease.

Designed to stay attached even when disengaged, these clips minimize loss and save time. Fully reusable, the BC350 is a simply brilliant choice for sustainable packaging.

Clips stay attached after disengagement.

Designed to facilitate a simple packaging experience.

BC600
Simply Slip and Secure

The BC 600 delivers a sleek packaging solution for telescoping corrugated designs. Just slip and turn through the cutouts for a clean, secure closure. When access is needed, simply unlock and remove. Fully reusable and designed with efficiency in mind, this product supports your sustainability goals without compromising on strength or style.

SAVE THE DATE

EskoWold 2025

June 3-5, 2025 | St. Louis Union Station Hotel | St. Louis, Missouri

Packaging design is equal parts art, engineering, and problem-solving. Today’s designers are asked to deliver innovative, on-brand solutions that perform across the supply chain – all while meeting tight timelines, budget constraints, and rising sustainability demands. With physical prototypes, evolving specs, and stakeholder input to manage, even small delays or sourcing issues can throw off a project.

At Allen Field, we work alongside packaging professionals to overcome these roadblocks with adaptable components and fast prototyping support. Below, we explore five of the most common challenges packaging designers face – and actionable strategies to address them.

1. Prototyping Delays Can Derail Momentum

Speed is everything in a product launch cycle, but when prototyping isn’t integrated into the early stages of development, it creates unnecessary lag. Packaging decisions often hinge on small structural tweaks or component adjustments, yet designers may have to wait weeks between iterations – especially when working with third-party fabricators or offshore tooling partners.

This lack of agility in the prototyping phase can:

• Disrupt launch timelines and lead to missed retail windows
• Limit the ability to test variations of form, function, or aesthetics
• Force teams to compromise on packaging quality to stay on schedule

Accelerating the prototyping process allows designers to refine packaging details in real time, reducing delays and preserving creative flexibility. With immediate access to prototyping support and a broad component library, teams can test, adjust, and finalize designs faster – ensuring quality decisions aren’t sacrificed for the sake of speed.

2. Material Sourcing Is Still a Major Pain Point

Global supply disruptions and shifting material regulations have made sourcing a top concern for packaging designers. Finding components that are readily available, meet sustainability criteria, and align with brand goals is rarely simple. Even if a material checks all the boxes, inconsistent lead times or MOQ issues can stall development.

Key material sourcing challenges include:

• Finding durable, scalable materials that meet environmental goals
• Navigating availability issues tied to raw material shortages or transportation delays
• Managing compatibility across packaging systems (especially for multipurpose designs)

One way to mitigate this is by selecting standardized, multi-use components that are easy to source in different markets. For instance, our Repulpable Handles and Recyclable Hangers are engineered for both environmental performance and material availability. By choosing components designed with sourcing realities in mind, designers can reduce surprises and simplify procurement workflows.

3. Off-the-Shelf Parts Limit Creative Freedom

Stock components are convenient, but not always compatible with the structural or aesthetic direction of a custom package. Designers looking to push boundaries with shape, closure mechanisms, or fold styles often find that standard clips, handles, or supports simply don’t fit.

These design mismatches can result in:

• Awkward workarounds that reduce packaging integrity or usability
• Incompatibility between structure and branding elements
• Delays while waiting on tooling or custom fabrications

Rather than forcing a design to conform to available parts, some of our partners choose to co-develop solutions that match both their brand and their structural needs. For example, packaging formats that prioritize collapsibility, minimalism, or modularity often require components that don’t exist off the shelf – especially when balancing aesthetics with structural performance. By modifying one of our existing Box Connecting Clips, we created a streamlined component that was both functional and visually discreet – without the high cost or delay of a fully custom part.

4. Tight Budgets Add Pressure to Simplify and Consolidate

Design innovation is often constrained by the need to reduce material waste and keep production costs manageable. While premium packaging components or layered designs may enhance the user experience, they can quickly become unsustainable at scale – especially in high-volume product lines.

Cost-conscious designers are often tasked with:

• Reducing material inputs without compromising performance
• Consolidating parts to simplify packing and assembly
• Choosing designs that scale easily across multiple SKUs

One effective way to reduce costs is through thoughtful component consolidation. Handle & Clip Combos integrate structural reinforcement, carry support, and closure functionality into a single component – reducing part count while enhancing overall packaging efficiency. This approach can eliminate the need for multiple internal components, reducing material usage, streamlining assembly, and often improving overall packaging strength and stability.

5. Sustainability Targets Keep Evolving

Sustainability is no longer an add-on, it’s an expectation. Whether driven by corporate goals, retailer mandates, or consumer preferences, packaging now needs to reflect a company’s environmental commitments. This is especially true in markets like food, beverage, and health and wellness, where packaging is a direct extension of the brand.

The challenge for designers is to:

• Choose materials and components that meet recycling or composting standards
• Reduce reliance on mixed-material elements that complicate disposal
• Maintain strength, usability, and visual appeal while lowering environmental impact

Allen Field offers a range of solutions to help designers meet these rising standards. From our Recyclable Box Handles to our Repulpable Paper Solutions and Reusable Display Clips, these components are designed to meet sustainability expectations without increasing packaging complexity. The goal is simple: to support eco-friendly designs that work in the real world – both operationally and environmentally.

Designing Smarter Starts with the Right Support

Each of these challenges, whether tied to speed, sourcing, structure, cost, or sustainability, can be solved through the right combination of planning, materials, and collaboration. Packaging design doesn’t have to be a trade-off between vision and execution.

At Allen Field, we’re here to support packaging innovation from concept to completion. With decades of component engineering experience and responsive design support, we help bring your best ideas to life without the usual slowdowns.

Packaging functions as a strategic brand interface, influencing consumer perception, reinforcing loyalty, and shaping behavior from the moment of engagement. Today’s consumers are drawn to packaging through more tangible and immersive interactions. Whether it’s the ease of carrying a product, the feel of a closure, or the convenience of a built-in display feature, these functional details play a powerful role in how consumers experience a brand.

At Allen Field, we partner with package designers to transform creative visions into practical, user-friendly packaging that performs in the real world. From custom handles and connecting clips to display aids and mobility solutions, our components do more than solve design challenges – they elevate consumer interaction at every step.

Functional packaging plays a pivotal role in shaping how consumers interact with products; understanding its strategic applications can help elevate both design impact and user experience.

Usability Makes an Instant First Impression

When a package is easy to lift, carry, or open, it creates an immediate positive response. Functional components like ergonomic plastic handles, reinforced hand holes, and easy-access clips make packaging more approachable while minimizing user frustration. These details not only improve the unboxing experience but also add a sense of care and intentionality to the brand.

Examples of usability-driven packaging features include:

• Adjustable hand hole protectors that reinforce corrugated boxes and prevent tearing during transport
• Ergonomic carrying handles in various load capacities and finishes to match brand aesthetics and consumer needs
• Snap-fit or locking clips that simplify opening and reclosure for reusable or multi-part packages

Enhancing handling comfort strengthens overall packaging performance by minimizing damage during stocking and transit, while supporting efficiency across the entire supply chain. In doing so, it transforms packaging from a passive container into an active contributor to product protection, brand perception, and operational efficiency.

Interactivity Drives Brand Connection

In retail, packaging is often the first physical interaction a customer has with a product. Purposeful elements like display aids, modular hooks, and reusable components can add layers of interactivity that invite consumers to touch, try, and explore.

Allen Field’s line of POP display aids, box wheels, and custom hangers supports enhanced retail experiences by making merchandise easier to access, examine, and compare. These features also provide brands with more creative ways to showcase their value – through motion, placement, or reuse.

Interactive packaging helps foster:

• In-store engagement: Products that stand up, roll out, or hang in new ways attract attention
• Post-purchase usability: Reusable components encourage longer-term brand association
• Stronger emotional connection: Smart design builds a sense of quality and care that consumers remember

When function meets creativity, packaging becomes part of the product experience, not just its container. It invites consumers into a sensory dialogue with the brand, reinforcing value through repeated interactions. By integrating interactive elements that align with both aesthetic and performance goals, brands can create memorable retail moments that influence purchasing decisions and foster lasting brand affinity.

Visual Simplicity Enhances Shelf Impact

In a crowded retail environment, clarity is key. Specialized packaging components help eliminate unnecessary bulk, improve structural integrity, and support minimalist design aesthetics – allowing key branding elements to shine.

Functional features that support visual simplicity include:

• Box connecting clips that eliminate the need for excess adhesive or internal bracing
• Handle & clip combos that combine multiple structural elements into a single, compact part
• Flat-mount hand hole protectors that reinforce boxes without altering their silhouette

By consolidating packaging elements, designers can reduce clutter while maintaining, and often improving, performance. The result is a cleaner, more refined appearance that resonates with modern consumers who value form and function equally.

Sustainability Messaging Begins with Intentional Design Choices

Today’s consumers are increasingly influenced by how sustainable a package feels, not just what it claims. Packaging that’s obviously reusable, recyclable, or minimal in materials reinforces a brand’s environmental values at a glance.

Allen Field’s Repulpable Paper Solutions, Recyclable Handles, and Reusable Display Clips translate sustainability commitments into tangible, high-performance packaging outcomes. Designed with circularity and compliance in mind, these components support clear sustainability messaging without compromising usability or design flexibility.

Sustainable functional packaging promotes:

• Credibility with eco-conscious buyers: Components made from recycled or repulpable materials validate environmental claims
• Operational benefits: Lighter, consolidated parts reduce material use and simplify packing
• Retailer and regulatory alignment: Designs that meet recyclability standards support shelf placement and compliance

In this way, functional packaging becomes a visible, tactile representation of a brand’s values, resonating with today’s purpose-driven shoppers. It reinforces credibility at the point of purchase, where alignment between product design and ethical standards increasingly influences consumer choice.

Modular Design Enables Customization and Brand Differentiation

Standardized packaging solutions often fall short in meeting the nuanced demands of diverse product lines and distribution environments. Modular components give brands the flexibility to adapt packaging across SKUs, markets, and retail channels without reinventing the entire structure. This adaptability also accelerates speed to market, enabling quicker design iterations and more efficient scaling of new product launches.

Allen Field supports modular thinking through:

• Custom prototyping services that accelerate development and testing
• Collaborative design support for component adaptation or innovation
• Material and manufacturing guidance to ensure scalability and practicality

This modular approach allows brands to differentiate products through small but meaningful design shifts, like swapping in a specialty handle for a premium line or using display-ready wheels for a limited-time retail launch. Operationally consistent, visually distinctive packaging strengthens brand identity across every touchpoint.

Start a Conversation About Smarter Packaging

Strategic packaging plays a vital role in both addressing technical requirements and shaping the way consumers engage with a product, from initial impression to repeated use. By integrating well-designed, purpose-driven components into your packaging strategy, you unlock new opportunities for brand engagement, cost savings, and operational efficiency.