News

What’s new at Com-Pac International®?

April 10, 2023

We are pleased to announce the start-up of our newest line of manufacturing – injection molding!

Com-Pac International® is expanding our market beyond flexible packing into specialty molding. Injection molding plays a huge role in medical components, and it is our goal to establish another strong hold on our capabilities. Injection molding is the leading production method for hard plastics and the quickest method to mass produce large quantities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

Com-Pac International has begun in-house molding of specialty medical products for use on several of our custom medical devices. This service is being offered to those who need specialty, precision-made, injection molded parts for a wide array of application. Our new technology adds fast, precise and cost-effective capabilities to our line of medical and food grade products. It can also cater to electronics, aerospace and automotive applications to achieve tight tolerances.

Injection molding plays a very important role in many medical products including beakers, test tubes, drug equipment, housings and casings, and surgical equipment. Our FDA registered White Room Facility is perfect for medical, food and beverage component production. We are able to offer large quantity, high quality parts and maintain sterile procedures to achieve industry standards.

Below is a list of our specification capabilities:

Our injection molding is built to handle many types of materials, so feel free to inquire about our full list of capabilities. For more information about our Custom Injection Molding, please do not hesitate to contact us direct. One of our sales associates will gladly assist in helping you create the perfect product!

As always, thank you for learning more about Com-Pac International!

Genuinely,
Associates of Com-Pac International®
Carbondale, Illinois
1.800.824.0817
com-pac.com

95 kPa and Category B Biological Substances – Our Effort to Eliminate the Risk

April 6, 2023

Anyone working the medical industry understands the need for safety and compliance. As a leader in medical grade, flexible packaging, Com-Pac International® pays utmost attention to the details that enable countless companies to rely on our products for complete assurance that their transport and handlings are safe.

Com-Pac International is the manufacturer of the INSPEX® 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bag, engineered to meet the strict domestic and international regulations for shipment of Category B Biological Substances. We have perfected this bag to uphold the rigid standards of the DOT and IATA requirements. Our leakproof, pressure-tested, lab specimen bags undergo rigorous testing, and design improvements have been made to include the following features:

◦Stronger laminated film material and side seals

◦Robust tamper-proof adhesive closure

◦Tear-start, which destroys the Biohazard symbol when opened

◦Order customization – rear document pouch, absorbent sheets, custom graphics and prints

In addition to providing a top of the line product, we aim to inform our users of the need for these products. Category B Infectious Substances are proven or expected to contain pathogens. This can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other infectious carriers that pose a disease risk to humans or animals. While the transport of these materials is not as high of a risk as Category A Infectious Substances, specialized transport is required at all times.

Procedures for Category B Biological Substances require infectious substances to be tripled packaged. The following steps are regulated for transport:

1. All materials must be contained in a primary receptacle. This receptacle must be leakproof or sift proof depending on the physical state of the contents.

2. After proper containment, the stored materials must be wrapped and packaged in a second receptacle. Our INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bags meet the 95 kPa capability requirements for air transport. The secondary packaging should include proper absorbents in the event the primary receptacle is damaged.

3. The contained primary and secondary receptacles must be further stored in a third, rigid outer packaging. The Com-Pac INFECON® Infectious Substance Shippers are suitable for a wide range of shipping needs. The contents of the outer packaging should be properly cushioned, and all voids and spaces should be filled.

Further handling requirements can be found through the Department of Transportation website under “Transporting Infectious Substances Safely,” and the International Air Transport Association website under “Infectious Substances Shipping Regulations (ISSR).”

To reiterate, the Com-Pac INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bags are liquid-tight, specimen transport bags, specifically designed to meet domestic and international requirements for shipping hazardous infectious and diagnostic substances. Our bags have been independently tested to meet the specifications in 173.169(f) of the DOT’s Title 49 CFR and as specified in Packaging Instruction 302 and 650 of the ICAO Technical Instruction s for Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

The engineers at Com-Pac International have taken great care in making the highest quality product available on the market. Our 95 kPa bags are made with a custom laminated film structure. The adhesive closures are pressure tight and permanent, so the contents within remain secure throughout transport. The product considerations we have included make the INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bags ideal for transporting blood tubes, tissue samples and other critical liquid or solid substances.

In additional to all of the benefits our bags provide, we ensure the product is certified to meet the thermal range expected from regular use. The INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bags withstood a temperature test range of -40°C up to 50°C. Our adhesive tape temperature range, which is used on this bag and many of our other products, met the same -40°C and exceeds up to 79°C for continuous use and 107°C for short term use. Because our products are made using the finest materials and components, our quality is unsurpassed.

Com-Pac International strives to maintain its role as leader in the flexible packaging industry, but our roots run much deeper than the surface. Without question, Com-Pac International is a leader among businesses. Within the “business” are the nearly 200 faces that define the character and back-bone of our company. One of our goals with the Com-Pac Newsletter is to convey the human aspect of our industry. When the Covid-19 outbreak struck the United States, we had a collective mission to combat the devastation caused by the disease, and we couldn’t have done it without these individuals.

Covid-19 was and still is classified as a Category B Infectious Substance. This put Com-Pac International at the epicenter of pandemic relief. Our company saw a huge push for products long offered as part of our service. In order to meet the heightened demand, we relied on our employees to be the driving force behind this movement. Members of our production team were expected to perform flawlessly to increase product output and to meet the increased demands for Category B transport needs. Our packers were making increased numbers of shipping kits, specifically catering to the 95 kPa requirements. Due to the Covid-19 classification, our INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bag paired with the INFECON Infectious Substance Shippers took the market by surprise. Every aspect of domestic and international requirements was met with these products. We were able to jump-start production and serve the community immediately. Our success falls in the hands of the employees who made this roll out possible.

We cannot stress enough the value our employees and our products bring to the medical field. The standards we exemplify are built into our corporation from the ground up by bringing a sense of quality to the everyday workforce. We are a family business, proudly owned and operated 100% in the USA. Our facility is located in Carbondale, Illinois, where our engineering, manufacturing and shipping all occur from our 100,000 square-foot plant. Since we manufacture in the United States, we are able to ship our products immediately and accommodate custom requests with short lead times. We have provided flexible packaging products to labs, hospitals and food packagers for nearly 35 years, so we understand when labs or hospitals need solutions during difficult times.

Our products are always developing and improving, so understand we will keep our information as current as possible. We are more than happy to provide samples of our products in additional to any other details you may want – pricing, lead times or minimum volume requirements for custom configurations. Regardless of your industry needs, we will gladly assist with any request.

As always, thank you for learning more about Com-Pac International. For more information on the Com-Pac INSPEX 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bag, please do not hesitate to contact us direct, or search our website for “Inspex 95kPa Bags.” Additional information is listed below.

Genuinely,
Associates of Com-Pac International®
Carbondale, Illinois
1.800.824.0817
com-pac.com

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Addition Information:

INSPEX® 95 kPa Specimen Transport Bag Product Line:
INS95-0609:        6”x9” Single pocket bag
INS95-0609P:     6”x9” Bag with document pouch
INS95-0912:        9”x12” Single Pocket Bag
INS95-0912P:     9”x12” Bag with document pouch

XP-95-0609 Inspex 95kPa Bags

INFECON® Infectious Substance/Diagnostic Specimen Shipper Product Line:
INFECON® 2000 Infectious Substance/Diagnostic Specimen Shipper – 6.2 U.N. Certified
INFECON® 2050 Infectious Substance/Diagnostic Specimen Shipper – 6.2 U.N. Certified
INFECON® 3000 Infectious Substance Shipper – 6.2 U.N. Certified
INFECON® 3050 FX-11 Infectious Substance Shipper – 6.2 U.N. Certified
INFECON® 5000 Insulated Infectious Substance Shipper
INFECON® 5500 Insulated Infectious Substance Shipper – 6.2 U.N. Certified
INFECON® 6000 Speci-Freez Insulated Overpack Shipper
INFECON® 6200/6300 Combination Shippers

Infecon Infectious Substance Shippers

Absorbent Sheets:
INF-2003:             3”x3” with a 50ml capacity (100/case)
INF-1003:             3”x6” with a 100ml capacity (100/case)
INF-1004:             4”x8” with a 250ml capacity (100/case)

Welcome to the relaunch of the Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze®!

April 5, 2023

We are excited to begin promoting the Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze (ZNS) as a leading product in the dental and medical, post-op world. Many of us know – through personal experience or that of a friend or family member – the post-operation patient procedures are strenuous, often lasting weeks or months. Part of our mission is aiding the health and well-being of the clients who use our products, and the ZNS targets a forgotten group of people.

The Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze was first developed in the late 1990s to cater to oral surgery patients undergoing maxillomandibular fixation, or jaw wiring. Our product offered patients comfort, easy food consumption and a means of receiving sustainable nourishment. Through extensive research and collaboration, Com-Pac International® determined the market went far beyond a single, limited scope. Instead, the ZNS was renewed as a method of food dispensing for any individual experiencing difficulties in consumption, whether related to physical debilitations, decline in oral motor skills, post operation medical needs, invasive dental procedures, or an array of many other circumstances.

It may be hard addressing the emotional side of recovery, but small, everyday tasks pose an embarrassment to an individual when they have helplessly lost the ability to maneuver such functions. It’s common knowledge that pain and swelling in the mouth can make drinking difficult. In addition, post-op discharge instructions specifically state patients should not overexert new wounds, of which suction is included in the context.

In fact, the Zip-N-Squeeze relaunch improvements were initiated by our company owner, Gregory Sprehe, whose wife, Victoria, was diagnosed with oral cancer. Following a 12-hour surgery, Victoria received her nourishment via a nasogastric feeding tube for two weeks because of her inability to chew and swallow due to the extensive surgery to her tongue.

At that time, Com-Pac International was selling the previous version of the Zip-N-Squeeze, and while getting the job done for thin liquids and rinses, wasn’t so perfect for puréed foods. Victoria and Greg tried several different tube designs and finally landed on the perfect tube fit and function, which made it convenient to squeeze puréed foods into the back of her mouth. This allowed her to take food orally rather than through the nasogastric tube.

Victoria continued to use the Zip-N Squeeze bags for hydration, rinsing, and puréed foods following her completion of radiation treatments, which drastically affected her ability to chew and swallow. Sometimes – necessity is indeed the mother of invention!

Understanding our market has better prepared us to promote the ZNS. The product’s original concept was drafted for patient convenience and comfort in instances where chewing, sucking and ingesting is made difficult. For oral surgery patients, the dispensing method alleviates pain and pressure. The ZNS dispensing method also minimizes bleeding, eases swelling, reduces the potential for dry sockets, and acts as a cleansing pouch when salines or washes are used. Consumable liquids can be diverted away from painful areas, and the jaw has an opportunity to rest, minimizing stress and discomfort.

For elderly individuals in nursing homes and those with intellectual disabilities who have difficulty ingesting food, a nurse or assistant is able to easily assist in bolstering hydration and nutrition. An aide would assemble the ZNS components, portion the food or liquid into the ZNS, and administer the contents by dispensing manageable amounts of food or liquids to the back of the mouth.

The process is fairly simple for anyone using the Zip-N-Squeeze. There are three pieces to each pack. The first component is the food or liquid pouch with a rigid, built-in dispensing port. All bags are 100% USA made at our in-house facility in Carbondale, Illinois. As part of our strenuous guidelines, every single bag is FDA approved for safe food and liquid containment. Next, the packs include a flexible straw that can be trimmed to an appropriate length. The straws are soft and malleable to minimize abrasiveness against the hard and soft palates of the mouth and to protect from scratching of the tonsils and throat. Finally, each straw comes with a clamp to effectively block the flow of foods and liquids when not in use. It’s understandable; people have reflected concerns of bag zippers breaking open. Fortunately for us, we have an added benefit. Com-Pac International acquisitioned the first-ever-patented, leak-proof zipper, created back in 1970. We have had over fifty years to perfect this design, so rest assured. Once the contents are added to the bag, there is no risk of unintentionally breaking or spilling.

We’ve taken this product one step further. Foods and liquids are drastically different in consistency and aesthetics. As such, the products should reflect these qualities. We offer the Zip-N-Squeeze in two standard bag types: a small ported, clear pouch, suitable for liquids; and a large ported, opaque pouch for puréed foods. As an overview:

1. Each pouch holds a designated serving of food or liquid, poured in through our leak-proof zipper.
2. The contents are dispensed through the flexible straw, which can easily be cut into shorter segments depending on the patient’s needs.
3. After the contents are consumed, the bag is disposed to prevent bacterial contamination and to offer fast, convenient cleanup.

The convenience of this product is unparalleled. We often hear personal testimonials from patients, staff and family members endorsing the benefits of the Zip-N-Squeeze. We consider ourselves blessed to hear the success stories this product has brought hundreds of people, but there is a bitter-sweet side to some of the testimonials. In the most extreme cases, the ZNS has brought peace of mind by extending the lives of those in passing. It is never easy when a family faces the loss of a loved one. We have had the humbled opportunity to contribute to making the final days before passing more comfortable for numerous individuals. It is with utmost respect that we genuinely thank the individuals who have shown gratitude for the extra time they shared with their beloved relatives. These rare moments are a true testament of our commitment to the people who support us everyday. Easily said, the Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze is a product near to hearts.

Just as mentioned above, the Zip-N-Squeeze is unique when compared to our other products. While Com-Pac International supplies many goods to the medical industry, the majority of our line is used for medical transport and in-house procedures. The ZNS is special because it is directly in the hands of our patients and supports their recovery. It has been used with thick water, broth, liquid medications, saline and mouth rinses, gelatins, strained soups, puréed foods and numerous other forms of nourishment. We have helped a diverse range of patients with this product’s versatility, and we will continue to do so in the future.

Our next plan of action is to become fully integrated in the specialized field of athletic nutrition. The goal is focused on expanding the use of protein powder, making it more accessible to consumers and a quick option for gym kiosks. We are very passionate about the revolutionary success of this product. The ZNS is a great offer for gym goers who do not regularly purchase protein powders, those who forget their protein at home or businesses hosting or sponsoring events as part of the attendee welcome package. It is a convenience that can be made readily available to thousands of gyms and millions of customers nationwide.

We intend to change the market with as many companies as possible. Our aim is to create a perfect product every step of the way, but the reality is, the market is ever changing and advancing. We would not be doing our clients justice if we didn’t do the same, so we make periodic changes and improvements as time progresses to better cater our customers’ needs. Com-Pac International continues to invest a great deal of time and effort into setting the high standards of our industry, which is why we have an excellent product line with a long running, positive reputation.

We intend to keep our market in the know as we hit landmark goals with the Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze and other products currently in development, so stay posted for company updates. As always, thank you for learning more about Com-Pac International. We greatly appreciate the continued support of our patrons.

For more information on the Com-Pac Zip-N-Squeeze, please do not hesitate to contact us direct, or search our website for “Zip-N-Squeeze.” Additional information is listed below.

Genuinely,
Associates of Com-Pac International®
Carbondale, Illinois
1.800.824.0817
com-pac.com

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Addition Information:

Com-Pac International, by way of our distributor, LabSupply.us®, is the manufacturer of the Zip-N-Squeeze® line. We are committed to maintaining substantial inventory in order to minimize order turnaround time. The Zip-N-Squeeze is customizable with company specific graphics and packaging configurations for larger volume customers.

Zip-N-Squeeze Product Line:

Zip-N-Squeeze

Z-100 Feeding Bag for Liquids Kit
Z-200 Feeding Bag for Puréed Foods Kit
Z-500 “Dinner Through a Straw” Recovery Book
Z-600 Patient Discharge Kit

Frequent users:
Facial and Mouth Surgery Patients
Individuals with craniofacial anomalies
Maxillomandibular fixation (jaw wiring) patients
Head and neck cancer patients
Individuals who experience intellectual disabilities, mental decline, declining oral motor skills or physical debilitations

COVID-19 Medical Packaging

March 25, 2020

March 24, 2020, Carbondale, IL – Among the food and medical packaging products that Com-Pac International manufactures in the Carbondale Industrial Park is a series of containers used for shipping laboratory specimens like blood samples, bacteria, viruses and, yes, COVID-19 samples.

Turns out that the commercial laboratory systems like LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics whose facilities analyze the respiratory samples taken from people suspected of having COVID-19 require that the samples be shipped in a frozen condition in order to preserve the stability of the specimens themselves. In order to address this requirement, Com-Pac launched two products in the last month which are designed around the CDC and DOT requirements for shipping these specimens which the CDC classifies as “Biological Substances Affecting Humans”, and which specify specialized containers, labeling and thermal packaging to transport the specimens so they arrive at the labs in good condition for analysis.

“We have created “pop-up” packaging systems in response to CDC guidelines before, like in the days of the H1N1 virus, Enterovirus and Zika virus. The specific transport requirements are usually a little different among such specimens, such as the temperature at which the samples must remain during shipping, such as frozen, refrigerated or ambient. We usually just use components we already have and configure them according to the Lab systems’ and CDC requirements, include the appropriate labels, instructions, shippers declarations, coolers and shipping cartons,” said Com-Pac President Greg Sprehe. The result this time is their new INF-6200 and INF-6300 Coronavirus Shipping Kits. All of their diagnostic and infectious shippers are tested and certified to UN standards.

SPECIMEN & MEDICAL PRODUCTS RESEALABLE ZIPPER & PACKAGING CUSTOM FLEXIBLES
800 Industrial Park Road Carbondale, Illinois 62901 USA Tel: 800-824-0817 Fax: 618-549-4408 www.com-pac.com

“Because this has all happened so quickly we had to come up with a “pop-up production line” to supplement our normal kit assembly in order to address the worldwide demand for these types of shipping containers,” Sprehe said. Don Wright, Executive VP at Com-Pac and his team had the new production line up and running in about two days and the first full truckload of products completed in about 4 hours, with another 5 -6 truckloads scheduled to for shipment this week.
Com-Pac was designated as an Essential Service Business under the Department of Homeland Security and Governor Pritzker’s direct order specifically because they manufacture food packaging as well as medical products, including their new COVID-19 Shippers.
“Don and I take the designation as an Essential Service Business very seriously. We feel like the Com-Pac team has a particularly important role to play in times like these by providing packaging products which our country needs during this crisis. In addition to our medical products, demand for some of our food packaging products is growing dramatically because folks are stocking-up on inhome cooking products. But our most important responsibility is for the health and safety of our workers,“ Sprehe said. “We have hired personnel to do nothing but clean and disinfect susceptible areas in the plant, prohibited any visitors to the plant, suspended all travel and provided guidance to our workers about hygiene, symptoms and actions in case they believe they might have come in contact with someone having the disease.”

Com-Pac manufactures flexible packaging products for the medical and laboratory specimen handling industries and markets them under several ComPac brand names as well as for private label customers. Additionally, Com-Pac manufactures private label packaging products for fresh-cut produce, frozen foods, stand-up pouch closures and food storage bags. Com-Pac celebrated its 30-year anniversary last November and employs over 225 workers in Carbondale’s industrial park.

Click for COVID-19 Medical Packaging Products

March 13, 2020 – COM-PAC ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)

March 16, 2020

Com-Pac International has manufactured Laboratory specimen handling, storage and shipping products for over 30 years. Due to the recent Coronavirus outbreaks in Wuhan, China, Com-Pac has added two new specimen handling products designed specifically around the recently provided guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relating to packaging and shipping this virus. The new part numbers are:

INF-6200 Refrigerated or Frozen COVID-19 Specimen Shipping Kit with 1/2 Liter Vessel
INF-6300 Refrigerated or Frozen COVID-19 Specimen Shipping Kit with 1 Liter Vessel

We have attached several documents from the CDC, LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics which provide specimen shipping guidance with the appropriate sections highlighted. Please note the following:

Per CDC Guidance, Coronavirus, or suspected Coronavirus specimens, must be shipped as “Biological Substance, Category B,” and is assigned UN 3373. Shipment of Category B
substances must be packaged in accordance with Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR, Parts171-180.

For specimens being shipped directly to the CDC: o o o “Store at 2 – 8 C and shipovernight to CDC on ice pack” or, “if a specimen is frozen at -70 C ship
overnight to CDC on dry ice.”

For the LabCorp 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19(,NAA [139900] test kit: o o “Samples/specimens should be shipped frozen due to limited stability at 2 – 8 C.”

For the Quest Diagnostics SARS-COV-2 RNA, Qualatative Real-Time RT-PCR test kit: “If a sample is being shipped directly to the performing laboratory by an overnight courier, then o transport it frozen on dry ice….-70 C is acceptable.”

As specified above, the packaging requirements for shipment of Category B substances is regulated by the D.O.T. in the U.S. and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) internationally. You and your employer can be subject to fines and penalties if the packaging regulations are not followed.

All of Com-Pac’s shippers designated for use with Category B specimens have been tested and certified to comply with the UN 6.2 Dangerous Goods Regulations, 49 CFR D.O.T. regulations for air
and ground shipments and IATA Packaging Instructions 650 for international shipment. Each of our shippers comes complete with all required absorbents, labels and labeling instructions, and shipping declarations.

It should be noted that if you are shipping specimens on dry ice, in addition to the labels required for the package containing the specimen, you must affix the dry ice label to the outside of the cooler

CLICK HERE FOR PRODUCT INFORMATION AND SHIPPING INFORMATION.

COM-PAC ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CORONA VIRUS

March 2, 2020

February 14, 2020 – COM-PAC ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS SPECIFICALLY
DESIGNED FOR CORONA VIRUS

Com-Pac International has manufactured Laboratory specimen handling, storage and shipping products for over 30 years. Due to the recent Coronavirus outbreaks in Wuhan, China, Com-Pac has added two new specimen handling products designed specifically around the recently provided guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relating to packaging and shipping this virus. We have attached several documents from the CDC which provide this guidance with the appropriate sections highlighted.

Per the CDC guidance:

Coronavirus, or suspected Coronavirus specimens, must be shipped as “Biological Substance, Category B,” and is assigned UN 3373. Shipment of Category B substances must be packaged in
accordance with Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR, Parts171-180.

Collection of three specimen types, lower respiratory, upper respiratory and serum specimens for testing is recommended.

For lower respiratory tract collect 2 – 3 ml into a sterile, leakproof, screw-cap sputum collection cup or sterile dry container. Refrigerate specimen at 2 – 8 degrees C and ship overnight to the CDC on ice pack.

For upper respiratory tract place swabs immediately into sterile tubes containing 2 – 3 ml of viral transport media. Refrigerate specimen at 2 – 3 degrees C and ship overnight to the CDC on ice pack.

For serum specimens collect 1 tube (5 – 10 mil) of whole blood in a serum separator tube. Store and centrifuge per before removing serum per CDC instructions. Refrigerate serum specimen at 2 – 8 degrees C and ship overnight to the CDC on ice pack.

As specified above, the packaging requirements for shipment of Category B substances is regulated by the D.O.T. in the U.S. and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) internationally. You and your employer can be subject to fines and penalties if the packaging regulations are not followed.

All of Com-Pac’s shippers designated for use with Category B specimens have been tested and certified to comply with the UN 6.2 Dangerous Goods Regulations, 49 CFR D.O.T. regulations for air
and ground shipments and IATA Packaging Instructions 650 for international shipment. Each of our shippers comes complete with all required absorbents, labels and labeling instructions, and shipping declarations.

It should be noted that if you are shipping Coronavirus specimens on dry ice, in addition to the labels required for the package containing the specimen, you must affix the dry ice label to the outside of the cooler.

COM-PAC INTERNATIONAL, INC. SENDING BITRAN BAGS TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

September 15, 2017

August 16, 2017, Carbondale, IL – Com-Pac International, Inc. was notified this week that NASA will be utilizing their BITRAN^® brand of leakproof specimen bags in a research project aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming weeks.  The project involves growing larger versions of an important protein associated with Parkinson’s disease in the unique micro-gravity environment of space.  The Earth-grown versions of this protein are too small for scientists to study and have inhibited development of therapies against this protein to prevent, slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Com-Pac’s bags were selected because of their capability to maintain leak-tight integrity during multiple openings and re-closings over multiple freezing and thawing cycles.  The frozen specimens will be launched aboard Space-X’s 12^th mission to the ISS, transferred to ambient temperature using automated biotechnology devices and returned to Earth in a refrigerated state for detailed analysis.

“We are certainly very pleased that NASA has chosen to utilize our products aboard the ISS, but are additionally pleased that the products we make right here in Carbondale could contribute to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease,” said Com-Pac President Greg Sprehe.  Sprehe also said the research project was developed and sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Com-Pac manufactures flexible packaging products for the medical and laboratory specimen handling industries and markets them under several Com-Pac brand names as well as for private label customers.  Additionally, Com-Pac manufactures private label packaging products for fresh-cut produce, frozen foods, stand-up pouch closures and food storage bags.  Com-Pac will celebrate 28 years of business in November of this year and employs over 250 in Carbondale’s industrial park.

More information can be found at:

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2295.html

Pack Expo 2016 November 6th through 9th at McCormick Place in Chicago

November 2, 2016

October 31, 2016 – Carbondale, IL – Com-Pac International, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of reclosable packaging solutions, will be exhibiting at Pack Expo 2016 this November 6^th through 9^th, at McCormick Place in Chicago.  Visit us at Booth #E-8017 (Lakeside Upper Hall) as our capable team will be available to answer questions and discuss the latest developments in the company’s extensive list of products and capabilities.

This year, Com-Pac will be exhibiting our Integra® RTR-1000 Pre-Applied Zipper Application System.  This system applies zipper to packaging rollstock, creates a tamper-evident opening perforation, and rewinds the zippered film for use on VFFS and HFFS baggers.

**BONUS** This year we will be offering our Demo Model RTR-1000 for sale as a show special!  These units normally sell for $249,900, but during the show only we are asking only $174,999.  Come by and see for yourself why the proven Integra pre-applied zipper application system technology is the right package for your operation!

Com-Pac’s Integra BP-I is s backpack zipper application system which mounts directly to your VFFS bagger and applies the zipper to your film web just before the film travels down the fill tube.

Com-Pac will also be demonstrating our new Fresh-Zip® Zipper-Tape being applied to package film on a Pacmac 9500 VFFS bagger.  Our patent-pending design provides twice the product-side opening force for products such as frozen poultry, fresh-cut vegetables, sugar and many other IQF products.

Com-Pac will placing special focus on our Zip-Right^® brand of resealable zipper products suitable use with almost every zipper application system for a wide range of bags and pouches.  Products to be displayed include:

• Stand-up Pouch Zippers – 10mm and 20mm ribbed and non-ribbed zippers for cost-effective, high-speed zipper application on all laminated substrates typically used to make stand-up pouches for pet treats, candy, dried-fruit, nuts, and jerky.
• Liquid, Air and Vacuum-tight Zippers – Super high integrity zipper for all barrier applications with extraordinary internal opening force, yet easy to open from the outside.
• Double Zippers – Consumer-friendly double lock design to enhance tactile feedback when closing with added assurance of positive closure.
• Horizontal and Vertical FFS Zippers – Economical single and double flanged for use on all HFFS and VFFS baggers designed to maintain maximum product freshness and easy clean-out of profile closure.
• String Zippers – Low cost zippers compatible with all in-line zipper application units offering easy-to-crush material for faster cycle speeds and improved side-seal appearance and performance.
• Biodegradable Zippers – Made with patented TDPA^® are 100% degradable within 12 – 24 months when disposed of in a landfill or soil in the presence of oxygen, heat and stress.  Complies with ASTM D6954-04.
• Inno-Lok^® Zippers – Liquid and air-tight zippers designed specifically for Inno-Lok pre-zippered applicators offers easy crushing and efficient sealing speeds.

Com-Pac International’s zipper rollstock is compatible with nearly all zipper application systems including Totani, Zip-Pak, Sunshine, Waterline, Hayssen, Bartelt, Bosch, Triangle, Ro-an, Hudson-Sharp, Park-Air, RD, Mamata and others.

While our competitors may offer their standard zipper profiles, Com-Pac specializes in custom-made zippers designed for your specific application using profile dies which are cut on our in-house wire EDM equipment and manufactured on our state-of-the-art profile extruders…..and all of our products are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Com-Pac resealable zippers can be manufactured in any PMS color desired and we offer a zipper spool recycling program to help reduce your environmental impact.

Be sure to stop by Booth #E-8017 and see the many packages which use Com-Pac zipper and pick-up some samples for yourself!

COM-PAC ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR ZIKA VIRUS

February 29, 2016

Com-Pac International, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of Com-Pac International has manufactured laboratory specimen handling, storage and shipping products for over 25 years.  Due to the recent Zika Virus outbreaks, Com-Pac has added several new specimen handling products designed specifically around the recently provided guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relating to packaging and shipping these viruses.  We have attached several documents on our new zika virus shipping containers as well as the guidance information from the CDC.

Specifically, Zika or suspected Zika Virus specimens must be shipped as “Biological Substance, Category B,” and is assigned UN 3373.  Shipment of Category B substances must be packaged in accordance with Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR, Parts171-180.  Further, the CDC has specified that specimens should be shipped either frozen (-70ºC) on dry ice or refrigerated (4ºC) on blue gel packs.

The packaging requirements for Category B substances is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the U.S. and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) internationally.  You and your employer can be subject to fines and penalties if the packaging regulations are not followed.

All of Com-Pac’s shippers designated for use with Category B specimens have been tested and certified to comply with the UN 6.2 Dangerous Goods Regulations, 49 CFR D.O.T. regulations for air and ground shipments and IATA Packaging Instruction 650.  Each of our shippers comes complete with all required absorbents, labels and labeling instructions, and shipping declarations.

Com-Pac’s new INFECON^® 6200 is comprised of a ½ liter UN certified vessel, bubble wrap, and a carton with the required UN markings to contain the vessel.  This vessel will hold up to 6 standard blood tubes.  The vessel in its carton is to be placed in the overpack cooler which is also provided, with refrigerated gel packs or dry ice.

The INFECON^® 6300 is identical to the 6200 except the UN certified vessel has a 1 liter capacity and will hold up to 20 standard blood tubes.

It is important to follow all required labeling instructions, but particular attention should be given to the following:

• If you are shipping Zika Virus specimens on dry ice, you must additionally affix the dry ice label to the outside of the cooler;

It should also be noted on the attached Ebola Guidance Sheet that the CDC reminds healthcare workers that 29 CFR 1910.1030 “requires that specimens should be placed is a durable, leak-proof secondary container for transport in a facility.”  The typical bio-hazard bag is not guaranteed leak-proof.  However, Com-Pac’s line of Bitran^® and Infecon^® resealable specimen bags have been independently tested under regulations specifying the definition of “leak-proof” and comply with all such requirements. A must for any zika virus shipping container.

On page 2 of the attached brochure, you will find information on each of these specimen bag lines, as well as the new Bitran^® Bubble Pouch Bags which combine the leak-proof capability of our Bitran^® Bags with a compartmented bubble pouch for safe and convenient handling of specimens within the facility.  We have also provided several helpful links to websites which address regulations on specimen handling and shipping.

Remember that all of the components of our Zika Virus shipping containers may be purchased separately for refurbishment and re-use.  We also specialize in custom bag sizes, printing, sequential barcoding and offer hundreds of other specimen handling and shipping products.  All of our products are manufactured in Carbondale, Illinois USA.

!!!CLICK HERE FOR OUR ZIKA VIRUS SHIPPING CONTAINER SOLUTIONS!!!

International Production and Processing Show this January 27th through 29th, at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.

January 21, 2015

January 12, 2015 – Carbondale, IL – Com-Pac International, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of reclosable packaging solutions, will be exhibiting at the International Production and Processing Show this January 27^th through 29^th, at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.  Visit us at Booth #B-6655 as our capable team will be available to answer questions and discuss the latest developments in the company’s extensive list of products and capabilities.

This year, Com-Pac will be demonstrating our new Fresh-Zip® Zipper-Tape being applied to package film on a Pacmac 9500 VFFS bagger.  Our patent-pending design provides twice the product-side opening force for products such as frozen poultry, fresh-cut vegetables, sugar and many other IQF products.

Com-Pac will also feature video demonstrations of our Integra® RTR-1000 Pre-Applied Zipper Application System.  This system applies zipper to packaging rollstock, creates a tamper-evident opening perforation, and rewinds the zippered film for use on VFFS and HFFS baggers.

An additional video demonstration will show Com-Pac’s Integra BP-I backpack zipper application system which mounts directly to your VFFS bagger and applies the zipper to your film web just before the film travels down the fill tube.

Com-Pac will be placing special focus on our Zip-Right^® brand of resealable zipper products suitable for use with almost every zipper application system for a wide range of bags and pouches.  Products to be displayed include:

• Stand-up Pouch Zippers – 10mm and 20mm ribbed and non-ribbed zippers for cost-effective, high-speed zipper application on all laminated substrates typically used to make stand-up pouches for pet treats, candy, dried-fruit, nuts, and jerky.
• Liquid, Air and Vacuum-tight Zippers – Super high integrity zipper for all barrier applications with extraordinary internal opening force, yet easy to open from the outside.
• Double Zippers – Consumer-friendly double lock design to enhance tactile feedback when closing with added assurance of positive closure.
• Horizontal and Vertical FFS Zippers – Economical single and double flanged for use on all HFFS and VFFS baggers designed to maintain maximum product freshness and easy clean-out of profile closure.
• String Zippers – Low cost zippers compatible with all in-line zipper application units offering easy-to-crush material for faster cycle speeds and improved side-seal appearance and performance.
• Biodegradable Zippers – Made with patented TDPA^® are 100% degradable within 12 – 24 months when disposed of in a landfill or soil in the presence of oxygen, heat and stress.  Complies with ASTM D6954-04.
• Inno-Lok^® Zippers – Liquid and air-tight zippers designed specifically for Inno-Lok pre-zippered applicators offers easy crushing and efficient sealing speeds.

Com-Pac International’s zipper rollstock is compatible with nearly all zipper application systems including Totani, Zip-Pak, Sunshine, Waterline, Hayssen, Bartelt, Bosch, Triangle, Ro-an, Hudson-Sharp, Park-Air, RD, Mamata and others.

While our competitors may offer their standard zipper profiles, Com-Pac specializes in custom-made zippers designed for your specific application using profile dies which are cut on our in-house wire EDM equipment and manufactured on our state-of-the-art profile extruders…..and all of our products are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Com-Pac resealable zippers can be manufactured in any PMS color desired and we offer a zipper spool recycling program to help reduce your environmental impact.

Be sure to stop by Booth #B-6655 and see the many packages which use Com-Pac zipper and pick-up some samples for yourself!

COM-PAC ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPPING CONTAINERS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR EBOLA AND ENTEROVIRUS

October 24, 2014

Com-Pac International, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of Com-Pac International has manufactured laboratory specimen handling, storage and shipping products for over 25 years.  Due to the recent Ebola and Enterovirus outbreaks, Com-Pac has added several new specimen handling products designed specifically around the recently provided guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) relating to packaging and shipping these viruses.  We have attached the two documents from the CDC which provide this guidance.

Specifically, Ebola specimens must be shipped as an “Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans, Category A,” and is assigned UN 2814.  Further, the CDC has specified that specimens should be shipped either frozen or refrigerated at 2ºC – 8ºC.

Enterovirus specimens should be shipped as a “Biological Substance, Category B,” and is assigned UN 3373.  The CDC has specified that these specimens should be shipped frozen on dry ice.

The above Categories (either A or B) which have been assigned to these substances determines the packaging requirements for each type and is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT in the U.S. and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) internationally.  You and your employer can be subject to fines and penalties if the packaging regulations are not followed.

All of Com-Pac’s shippers designated for use with Category A and Category B specimens have been tested and certified to comply with the UN 6.2 Dangerous Goods Regulations, 49 CFR D.O.T. regulations for air and ground shipments and IATA Packaging Instructions 620 and 650.  Each of our shippers comes complete with all required absorbents, labels and labeling instructions, and shipping declarations.

Com-Pac’s new INFECON^® 6200 is comprised of a ½ liter UN certified vessel, bubble wrap, and a carton with the required UN markings to contain the vessel.  This vessel will hold up to 6 standard blood tubes.  The vessel in its carton is to be placed in the overpack cooler which is also provided, with refrigerated gel packs or dry ice if you are shipping Ebola, or dry ice if you are shipping Enterovirus.

The INFECON^® 6300 is identical to the 6200 except the UN certified vessel has a 1 liter capacity and will hold up to 20 standard blood tubes.

It is important to follow all required labeling instructions, but particular attention should be given to the following:

• When shipping Ebola (a Category A specimen), the Infectious Substance label must be affixed to the outside of the cooler, whether or not you are shipping on dry ice or with gel packs;
• If you are shipping Ebola on dry ice, you must additionally affix the dry ice label to the outside of the cooler;
• When shipping Enterovirus (a Category B specimen), you must not affix the Infectious Substance label to the cooler, but you must affix the dry ice label to the cooler.

It should also be noted on the attached Ebola Guidance Sheet that the CDC reminds healthcare workers that 29 CFR 1910.1030 “requires that specimens should be placed is a durable, leak-proof secondary container for transport in a facility.”  The typical bio-hazard bag is not guaranteed leak-proof.  However, Com-Pac’s line of Bitran^® and Infecon^® resealable specimen bags have been independently tested under regulations specifying the definition of “leak-proof” and comply with all such requirements.

On page 2 of the attached brochure, you will find information on each of these specimen bag lines, as well as the new Bitran^® Bubble Pouch Bags which combine the leak-proof capability of our Bitran^® Bags with a compartmented bubble pouch for safe and convenient handling of specimens within the facility.  We have also provided several helpful links to websites which address regulations on specimen handling and shipping.

Remember that all of the components of our shippers may be purchased separately for refurbishment and re-use.  We also specialize in custom bag sizes, printing, sequential barcoding and offer hundreds of other specimen handling and shipping products.  All of our products are manufactured in Carbondale, Illinois USA.

Pack Expo 2014 Nov. 2nd to the 5th McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

October 18, 2014 – Carbondale, IL – Com-Pac International, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of reclosable packaging solutions, will be exhibiting at Pack Expo 2014 this November 2^nd through 5^th, at McCormick Place in Chicago.  Visit us at Booth #E-8141 (Lakeside Upper Hall) as our capable team will be available to answer questions and discuss the latest developments in the company’s extensive list of products and capabilities.

This year, Com-Pac will be exhibiting our Integra® RTR-1000 Pre-Applied Zipper Application System.  This system applies zipper to packaging rollstock, creates a tamper-evident opening perforation, and rewinds the zippered film for use on VFFS and HFFS baggers.

Com-Pac’s Integra BP-I is s backpack zipper application system which mounts directly to your VFFS bagger and applies the zipper to your film web just before the film travels down the fill tube.

Com-Pac will also be demonstrating our new Fresh-Zip® Zipper-Tape being applied to package film on a Pacmac 9500 VFFS bagger.  Our patent-pending design provides twice the product-side opening force for products such as frozen poultry, fresh-cut vegetables, sugar and many other IQF products.

Com-Pac will placing special focus on our Zip-Right^® brand of resealable zipper products suitable use with almost every zipper application system for a wide range of bags and pouches.  Products to be displayed include:

• Stand-up Pouch Zippers – 10mm and 20mm ribbed and non-ribbed zippers for cost-effective, high-speed zipper application on all laminated substrates typically used to make stand-up pouches for pet treats, candy, dried-fruit, nuts, and jerky.
• Liquid, Air and Vacuum-tight Zippers – Super high integrity zipper for all barrier applications with extraordinary internal opening force, yet easy to open from the outside.
• Double Zippers – Consumer-friendly double lock design to enhance tactile feedback when closing with added assurance of positive closure.
• Horizontal and Vertical FFS Zippers – Economical single and double flanged for use on all HFFS and VFFS baggers designed to maintain maximum product freshness and easy clean-out of profile closure.
• String Zippers – Low cost zippers compatible with all in-line zipper application units offering easy-to-crush material for faster cycle speeds and improved side-seal appearance and performance.
• Biodegradable Zippers – Made with patented TDPA^® are 100% degradable within 12 – 24 months when disposed of in a landfill or soil in the presence of oxygen, heat and stress.  Complies with ASTM D6954-04.
• Inno-Lok^® Zippers – Liquid and air-tight zippers designed specifically for Inno-Lok pre-zippered applicators offers easy crushing and efficient sealing speeds.

Com-Pac International’s zipper rollstock is compatible with nearly all zipper application systems including Totani, Zip-Pak, Sunshine, Waterline, Hayssen, Bartelt, Bosch, Triangle, Ro-an, Hudson-Sharp, Park-Air, RD, Mamata and others.

While our competitors may offer their standard zipper profiles, Com-Pac specializes in custom-made zippers designed for your specific application using profile dies which are cut on our in-house wire EDM equipment and manufactured on our state-of-the-art profile extruders…..and all of our products are manufactured in the U.S.A.

Com-Pac resealable zippers can be manufactured in any PMS color desired and we offer a zipper spool recycling program to help reduce your environmental impact.

Be sure to stop by Booth #E-8141 and see the many packages which use Com-Pac zipper and pick-up some samples for yourself!