In Latin America, a repackaging by Sanford Argentina, Buenos Aries, Argentina, has slashed the theft of Waterman, Parker and PaperMate pens.
Eight different pens are each sold in a two-piece, clear plastic case injection molded of Eastar copolyester from Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, TN). The assembled case, which measures 8'' x 3'' x 3/4'' , replaces a heat-sealed polystyrene case. A "bubble" molded in the contoured lid draws attention to the pen. The sidewall thickness is 0.09''.
A standard two-piece lock/alarm button from Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) holds the unsealed case parts firmly together. Similar to the device used to safeguard clothing, it sounds an alarm at the store exit if not deactivated by a special magnet. The plastic button is filled with magnetized steel pellets that lock with a small steel pin. An SBS insert carries graphics.
Sanford had tested a number of polymers, including modified PS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), and several materials combinations. Eastar copolyester was selected because of its superior clarity and toughness. "One of our tests involved holding the assembled case by its ends and trying to break the lid by twisting it," explains Matias Caride, Sanford Argentina brand manager. "Eastar copolyester definitely had the best resistance to torsion."
The new case was introduced in February 2001 in supermarket chain stores in Argentina. It has proven highly successful: Sanford's top two customers, Carrefour and Ahold, have reduced in-store theft by 70 to 80%, Caride reports.
