The scenery here is great to see packaging innovation leads the trend of the times

[China Packaging Network News] "Innovation" is often considered a common topic, but when it surprises people, it always captures attention and achieves its goals. The value of innovation cannot be overstated.

Can food packaging bags be eaten?

Recently, at the Hunan Food Industry "Global First Starch Airbag Products Promotion Conference," sponsored by the Hunan Provincial Economic and Information Committee, Mr. Shuai Wenwen, Chairman of Ercang Pharmaceuticals, introduced to attendees an edible starch capsule made from natural cassava starch imported from Cambodia, along with edible glycerin and purified water. This innovative product can be filled with edible contents, serving as both a snack and a food container—such as for oil, salt, vinegar, or tea.

Due to various limitations, traditional capsules have struggled to enter the food market. After ten years of research and development, Ercang Pharmaceuticals successfully created a high-end, original edible starch product—an empty starch capsule. In May of this year, the company received a food production license from the Hunan Food and Drug Administration, officially entering the food industry.

According to the provincial Economic and Information Committee, starch hollow bags can serve as a new type of food or food packaging material, applicable to 19 categories across 28 types of food. These products can be brewed with hot water or swallowed directly, offering convenience, nutrition, safety, and environmental friendliness. For instant noodle applications, the “four packs” (soy sauce, oil, vegetable, and condiment packs) can be replaced with these starch capsules, eliminating the need to open the packaging bag. Simply pour boiling water in, and the pouch melts on its own, allowing direct consumption. This is a first-of-its-kind innovation in China and even globally.

To build a complete industrial chain for starch hollow bags, Ercang Pharmaceuticals has established an annual production capacity of 180,000 tons of medicinal starch in Cambodia, along with an empty starch capsule industrial park in Liuyang Economic Development Zone. The current annual production capacity reaches 30 billion units, with the second phase adding 130 billion more. As it is derived from pure natural plant starch, it differs from traditional gelatin capsules made from animal sources. This product is called the “terminator of toxic capsules.” It also opens up a new consumption model for 1.6 billion Muslims, 1 billion Hindus, Jews, and vegetarians.

In today’s era of cost-effectiveness, whether a product or service is worth mentioning depends on customer satisfaction. Only by meeting customer needs can value be created. Adding innovative elements always makes consumers feel refreshed.

Traditional companies are investing in new service models or projects, such as online orders, e-books, or other emerging services. While these models vary, they reflect a company's current strength and future potential. The starch capsules mentioned above represent an innovative breakthrough in food packaging.

"Innovation" may seem like a cliché, but when it surprises, it always grabs attention and delivers results. Its value is immeasurable.

Two small stories of creativity

Xiao Bian came across a microblog that shared some interesting ideas. For example, Japanese dairy brands print warm messages on their boxes, such as “Thank you for folding me up” in the corner, or words related to environmental protection. These messages are well-received, and sales of the products have improved. The idea is simple—just adding some text—but the impact is significant. It warms hearts, promotes environmental awareness, and boosts product sales.

If that doesn’t seem surprising, consider another creative story. A new multi-million-dollar TV commercial launched this year presents a brand-new marketing strategy for a company. The ad titled “Postcard” tells the touching story of a family bakery owner and his son over 15 years. It begins with an original song by VeritéMusic and ends with the message “Everything you create matters,” emphasizing how Vistaprint helps small businesses promote themselves confidently.

This ad uses a storytelling approach to show the company’s evolution over time. It was the first time the company’s marketing campaign did not include coupons or discounts. As a leading e-commerce company providing DIY products for small businesses, Vistaprint hopes this ad will help increase its share of the $30 billion market.

Advertising is familiar, but a TV commercial with a compelling story stands out. This localized version will also air in Europe later this year. Throughout 2015, Vistaprint will continue to broadcast this proven successful ad.

Creativity is not ordinary—it brings unexpected results. In short, the journey of India’s printing and packaging companies toward innovation is already underway. With high quality and excellent service, they are creating new ideas that drive the development of other industries and bring new growth demands to the sector. Isn’t it worth exploring?