"Plastic Packaging" Topic

My latest blog entry focuses on the use of plastic packaging in the hobby, prompted by a visit to Warfare this weekend….

link

The metal figures that I have received from Perrys have come in little sturdy cardboard packages, with wadding inside to further protect the figures. However, my understanding is that Perrys do most of their sales by mail.

Clear transparent packacing (such as is provided by plastic blisters) has the advantage of allowing customer to view the contents of the package, which is likely advantageous when viewing a product in person in store or in a show.

One option would be to use cardboard packacing with a picture of the figures (ideally painted ones) on the cover, something which has been done in the miniatures industry with boxed sets at least from the early 80's onwards (if not from even earlier).

I recycle them as well as plastic sprues. I rarely buy metal anymore but if packaged in bags they tend to get some damage to thin parts ie: weapons so I prefer clear hard plastic packaging.

…….. anyone remember the old Hinchcliffe boxes in blue?

I like getting Perry figures mail order in little card boxes that I keep to use or give away but I can understand why plastic blisters are ideal for show stock. An alternative might be far more expensive and it might use more resources in its production.

Whilst I agree with the OP 100%, as a hobby we are so low volume compared to the supermarkets. For at least 25 years M&S in the UK has been heavily criticised for its ridiculous over packing of many of their food products. Either way our refuse collections are getting much better from a recycling perspective.

How else would you propose to market them? They are the most practical method devised so far.

One option would be to use cardboard packaging with a picture of the figures (ideally painted ones) on the cover, something which has been done in the miniatures industry with boxed sets at least from the early 80's onwards (if not from even earlier).

A much poorer solution for smaller and/or fewer minis that wouldn't otherwise *require* packaging and displaying in a box. You can't directly see what your getting, and such packaging is far more likely to suffer shelf-wear than super-durable clamshell packs.

You might bring GW and their imitators to task for packing minis in needlessly oversized packaging, to make it appear you are getting more for your heard-earned buck.

I recycle the ones I have to cut open (grr), and use the others for pegboard storage of bits. Some I use to ship minis I sell or trade (in a padded envelope, which I also reuse).

My guess is single use plastic will be widely targeted over the next decade. Fair subject for your post David.

Mr. Manley, I would encourage you to go out tomorrow, if not yet today, and found your own miniature manufacturing company! Take as your model Jack Scruby, who always shipped miniatures to me in cardboard boxes packed with sawdust--everything biodegradable.

Better still, organize a boycott and refuse to advertise your blog on TMP until all manufacturers meet your standard for packaging. Please.

Or, if we're being remotely serious, go back to small plastic bags stapled to cardboard--only this time put the actual item description and not just some catalog number on the cardboard. (I an pretty much done playing "mystery miniatures" in the vendors hall as they explain "that's the way they shipped them to us from the UK.")

No, I am not remotely interested in seeing what the manufacturer wishes the product would look like once it's been assembled, deflashed, filed and puttied and finally painted. "A picture of the painted miniature" indeed!!

only this time put the actual item description and not just some catalog number on the cardboard.

Yes, if I ever go blind, I'm blaming Essex for making me stand around in stores for hours squinting at little baggies of 15mm minis.

"Prefix PRN…Prussian? but that's the wrong headgear for a cuirassier…"

Stick the plastic in your recycle bin. Job done.

Last week I asked Northstar about their packaging "peanuts"…as to whether they were biodegradable…and they are.

Most of the plastic warganmes companies use is also recyclable.

That said,I think all the companies need to revisit their production facilities and materials and ensure they are recyclable, and more importantly reduced in the first place.

This is the 21st century. We know the damage plastic etc is doing to the environment. Most companies would probably score brownie (greenie?) points if they could say their material was Reduced, Recyclable or Re-useable.

I also use many spare sprue and packaging for scenery.

Its a no-brainer.

I still remember the Airfix boxes that had a little cellophane window so you could look at the figures inside (sort of…).

Why does packaging need to be see through anyway?

Surely these days the vast majority of figures are sold via the web. All you need is a box or padded envelope to send through the post.

OK, at shows people want to see the figures. Most sellers have some form of display case featuring an example of each figure. Again, no need for see through packaging!

Personally I hate plastic blister packs. Most of 'em are a right to open…

Popped up again: link

and link

I do support plastic-free packaging.