Blog

Thanks for visiting at MD&M; get your attendee technical briefs

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 29, 2024 3:03:09 PM

Dordan had a successful show at MD&M in Minneapolis; thank you to those who visited! The custom thermoformer shared its expertise in packaging design and manufacturing, distributing technical briefs on medical packaging design, tooling, cleanroom manufacturing, and quality control.

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See you this week in Minneapolis at MD&M!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 14, 2024 10:11:37 AM

MD&M Minneapolis begins Wednesday, October 16th, bringing togethers innovators from across the med tech supply chain to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the medical sector. 

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Dordan's golden birthday: 62 years of thermoforming since 1962

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 4, 2024 11:34:25 AM

Dordan celebrates its golden birthday today, turning 62 and custom thermoforming since 1962. 

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Medical packaging design, tooling, cleanroom thermoforming & quality control technical brief

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 27, 2024 7:39:35 AM

Dordan is a full service medical thermoforming company with in house packaging design, tooling, and ISO Class 8 Cleanroom manufacturing. This integration between engineering and thermoforming allows for the development of high-quality medical packaging that meets the safety and regulatory requirements for medical device manufacturers worldwide. 

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Dordan to giveaway technical medical packaging briefs @MD&M Minneapolis

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 25, 2024 7:42:14 AM

MN, Minneapolis—Oct. 16-17th, 2024—Medical packaging thermoforming company Dordan Manufacturing to distribute technical medical packaging briefs at Medical Design and Manufacturing, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Conference and Expo. MD&M brings together medtech professionals across the supply chain, sharing the latest innovations and trends.

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Medical Packaging Innovations on Display by Dordan at MD&M Minneapolis

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 12, 2024 11:50:12 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Medical Packaging Innovations to be Showcased by Dordan Manufacturing at MD&M Minneapolis

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Plastics News on Dordan's Progress in Medical Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 27, 2024 9:28:17 AM

Dordan's progress in medical packaging was featured in the latest edition of Plastics News. 

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Thermoform Packaging Pricing Structure

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 10, 2024 1:41:29 PM

As a custom thermoformer, all pricing is based on specific project requirements. However, there are shared pricing indicators in all thermoformed packaging quotes. These include package size, material type and thickness, order quantity, tooling, quality requirements, and production environment.

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Medical Packaging Pricing Structure

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 21, 2024 12:14:11 PM

Dordan is a custom thermoformer of medical packaging, so all pricing is based on specific project requirements. However, there are shared pricing indicators implicit in all medical packaging quotes. These are package size, material type and thickness, order quantity, tooling, quality control, and production environment.

DOWNLOAD MEDICAL PKG COST STRUCTURE

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Packaging Digest on Dordan's ISO 13485:2016 Certification

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 7, 2024 7:26:16 AM

Industry publication, Packaging Digest, pens an article about Dordan's recent ISO 13485:2016 certification.

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Dordan Achieves ISO 13485: 2016 Medical Device Certification

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 1, 2024 10:00:32 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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What Packaging Enthusiasts at MD&M West Were Most Interested In

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 12, 2024 2:43:32 PM

Dordan had a great time showcasing its medical packaging at MD&M West last week in Anaheim, CA. 

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Dordan in Plastics Today on Thermoforming Advancements

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 8, 2023 9:46:50 AM

Dordan is featured in Plastics Today's article on developments in thermoforming, which compares the cost, trends, and applications of heavy-gauge forming, injection and blow molding, twin sheet forming, and thin gauge thermoforming.

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At MD&M? Meet our medical packaging experts, booth# 2738

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 10, 2023 10:56:22 AM

Dordan is in Minneapolis at MD&M, a part of Advanced Manufacturing. In addition to displaying its thermoformed medical packaging, Dordan's booth is staffed by veterans in the thermoforming industry with decades of experience in package design and manufacturing. 

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Free MD&M Minneapolis registration with Dordan's comp code

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 27, 2023 4:27:15 PM

Dordan is exhibiting its medical packaging at MD&M Minneapolis (October 10th-11th), booth #2738.

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Medical packaging supplier, Dordan, to exhibit at MD&M Minneapolis

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 12, 2023 11:15:40 AM

Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 10-11th, 2023-- Dordan Manufacturing, a designer and manufacturer of medical packaging like device and catheter trays, surgical/procedural kits, sub-component assembly trays, and more, to exhibit at MD&M Minneapolis, booth #2738. MD&M is the region's most comprehensive medical design and manufacturing conference, with hot topics including cardiovascular, 3D printing, and robotics. 

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How to manage new thermoformed packaging projects

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 29, 2023 11:38:45 AM

Dordan is a full service thermoform packaging supplier of clamshells, blisters and trays with in house design, tooling, thermoforming, and cleanroom manufacturing of medical packaging. ISO 9001 certified, we have a structured and documented approach to all services, including the sales process. Here transparency and consistency allow for the development of custom thermoformed packaging that meets our customers' expectations for performance, price, and lead time. What follows are the steps taken for managing new thermoformed packaging projects at Dordan. 

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Understanding the costs of cleanroom tooling for medical packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 14, 2023 9:03:35 AM

Thermoformed medical packaging is made by using pressure and vacuum to push malleable plastic into a CNC machined aluminum tool. While the design of the package is critical, the development of the thermoform tooling is paramount to the production of high-quality parts.

Dordan's medical tray packaging on display at MD&M in Anaheim

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Costs of cleanroom medical packaging vs. standard production

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 2, 2023 7:45:46 AM

Thermoformed medical packaging, like medical device trays, blisters, kits, and assembly trays, can be manufactured in a cleanroom or standard production facility. The main difference is that cleanrooms are sterile, controlled environments, where airborne particulate is monitored, and bio burden agents mitigated.

The cost of cleanroom medical packaging exceeds that of standard production packaging because one is investing in quantifiable assurance that the thermoformed package will meet the requirements for medical device safety and efficacy.

In order to provide a sterile environment for manufacturing medical packaging, investments in new equipment, materials and procedures must be made; understanding these helps provide guidance when deciding which manufacturing environment is appropriate for your medical device or product.

Dordan's ISO class 8 cleanroom for thermoforming medical packaging

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Dordan featured in Advanced Manufacturing video

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 12, 2023 8:07:39 AM

Dordan Manufacturing is profiled alongside other manufacturers in a promo video from the Mchenry County Economic Development Corporation. The MCEDC works to position the county, which is located about 60-miles northwest of Chicago, IL., as the ideal place to live and work. 

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Nuts & Bolts of Dordan Manufacturing

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 23, 2023 7:32:50 AM

Dordan Manufacturing is a full service packaging designer and manufacture of thermoformed packaging solutions like clamshells, dunnage trays, and medical packaging. We have in house package design, prototyping, tooling, thermoforming, and cleanroom manufacturing.

Dordan is a third generation, privately held family company based outside Chicago that has been manufacturing custom thermoformed packaging since 1962. Get a short overview of our products and services below. 

Third-generation siblings and owners, Chandler (left) and Aric Slavin 

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How to develop medical device trays & blister packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 9, 2023 8:25:49 AM

Medical device trays protect and keep clean medical devices. When sealed to Tyvek lidding and sterilized, medical trays and blisters maintain the safety and efficacy of the device. Here are the main design considerations when developing medical device packaging.

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What to know when developing thermoformed dunnage trays

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 21, 2023 10:44:14 AM

Thermoformed dunnage trays protect, secure, and orient products during automated or manual part assembly, shipping, and storage. While each plastic dunnage tray is custom designed, there are shared design features. These include: Tray size/parts per tray; stack & rotate, denests, and hand access design features; automation; and material type and thickness.

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Photos: Medical packaging types & applications

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 7, 2023 2:23:26 PM

The function of medical packaging is to maintain the safety and efficacy of medical devices and can come in many forms. The two most popular are thermoformed trays with Tyvek lidding and Tyvek pouches. Thermoformed packaging for medical devices offers enhanced product protection, security, organization; and, facilitates a positive end-user opening experience when compared to pouches. 

Dordan is a designer and manufacturer of medical packaging like medical device trays, blistersclamshells, and handling trays. Below are photos of our work with details on design features, application, and material type. 

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Free MD&M West registration from Dordan

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 6, 2023 9:37:49 AM

Register to attend Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) in Anaheim, CA, Feb. 7-9th for free with Dordan's exhibitor complimentary registration code.

To register, click here, and enter our promo code, MYGUEST335.

MD&M West is the premier west coast event for the medical industry, bringing together thought leaders from across the supply chain to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in the medtech space.

Dordan Manufacturing designs and manufacturers thermoformed packaging for the medical industry, specializing in medical tray and blister packaging, surgical and procedural kits, and dunnage trays for shipping and/or automated assembly operations.

Please visit us at MD&M West, booth #335. We'll be displaying over 30 new medical packaging products and hope to provide insight to attendees on how to develop thermoformed medical packaging.

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Dordan to display 30+ new medical packaging designs @MD&M West

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 6, 2022 8:04:26 AM

Anaheim, CA, February 7-9th—Dordan Manufacturing, a medical packaging designer and manufacturer, to educate MD&M West attendees on what to know when developing thermoformed medical packaging in an interactive display of over 30 new medical packaging designs, booth #335.

Dordan is a 60-years-old thermoforming company that committed to manufacturing packaging for sterile medical products and devices in 2018 with the certification of its ISO Class 8 cleanroom. Since this and while weathering COVID, Dordan was able to develop dozens of new thermoformed medical packaging solutions for an array of medical device OEM’s and their supply chain partners.

The medical packaging types to be on display at Dordan’s booth #335 include: Medical device trays for heat sealing; medical blisters and automation considerations; surgical and procedural kits; and, sub-component medical assembly trays for automated and manual handling operations.

Show attendees are encouraged to interact with Dordan’s packaging and booth staff to learn about medical packaging materials and thicknesses, critical design features, tooling and manufacturing capabilities, and quality control requirements.

Dordan President & CEO, Daniel Slavin, comments:

“We are excited to display our new medical packaging at MD&M West and hope that show attendees will take advantage of our 60 years of thermoforming experience to gain insight into how to develop thermoformed medical packaging.”

Dordan's CMO Chandler Slavin-Bond displays a medical device tray at Dordan's booth at MD&M in 2019.

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Dordan Manufacturing is a full service custom thermoformer of medical packaging with in house package design and engineering, tooling, plastics thermoforming, and cleanroom manufacturing of medical packaging. Dordan is ISO 9001:2015 Certified with Cleanrooms meeting ISO 14644 Air Cleanliness Standards.

Medical Design and Manufacturing West is a conference and expo held in Anaheim, CA, February 7-9, 2023. It works to bring together decision makers across the medical supply chain to foster collaboration and innovation.

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Dordan nominated for Chicagoland Business Champion Award

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 25, 2022 10:23:48 AM

Dordan Manufacturing has been nominated for the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation's (MCEDC) Business Champion Awards!

The MCEDC is a private/public partnership that works to support and develop the economic vitality of McHenry County, which includes 10 cities located in the greater Northern Illinois region.

Dordan was nominated for the award by anonymous members of the local business community and has since been reviewed by an independent board of business and educational professionals. The Business Champion Award recipient will be announced at MCEDC's Annual Gala on November 1st.

When asked what makes Dordan different during the nominee screening process, President & CEO Daniel Slavin comments:

"We are a third generation family owned and privately held company. Since 1962, Dordan has made continuous investments to allow for sustainable, long-term growth. This is contrary to the plastics industry, which has witnessed market consolidation fueled by private equity, favoring short-term results over long-term growth. As a privately held company, Dordan maintains the corporate culture, values, and priorities of its founding; and, is able to focus 100% on its core capabilities of package design and custom thermoforming. This is in opposition to those entities resulting from M&As that re-prioritize and modify products and services to gain more market share, compromising quality and reputation."

On October 19th, Dordan celebrated its 60th anniversary, making 2022 a special year for the custom thermoforming company. To meet the growing demands of its customer base, Dordan hired another packaging engineer and quality control technician to support the company's engineering and quality control departments.

Looking ahead to 2023, Daniel explains that the company has committed to achieving ISO 13485 certification for medical product and component manufacturing. As an existing supplier of medical tray packaging with an ISO class 8 cleanroom, Dordan’s dedication to implementing this new quality management system reflects its adherence to long term and sustainable growth. The certification will allow for increased market penetration, further positioning the thermoformer as a premier medical packaging manufacturer. 

Dordan is grateful for the opportunity to be considered as this year's Business Champion and eagerly awaits the award ceremony. Pictures to follow!

Siblings and company principals, Chandler and Aric, in front of Dordan Manufacturing

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Photos: Games & raffles abound at Dordan as 60th anniversary nears

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 13, 2022 9:22:58 AM

Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoformer of packaging, gears up this week as its 60th anniversary fast approaches. Daily games reward winners with tokens of the company's affection, like gift cards and baskets. The anniversary on October 19th and the following celebrations are timely, as all need a period of levity after this years' manufacturing challenges.

Below are some photos from the daily festivities. There are many smiling faces, so enjoy!

Quality Manager holds spinner for Tooling Technician to determine his good fortune.

Dordan GM prepares to draw the winning raffle ticket

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Local newspapers report on Dordan's 60th anniversary

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 19, 2022 8:09:24 AM

Dordan Manufacturing is based in Woodstock, IL. Local newspaper, the Woodstock Independent, published an article that highlights the custom thermoformer's progression over the last 60-years. 

The Northwest Herald, a McHenry County based publication, likewise published an article about Dordan's 60th anniversary, available here.

Dordan is a packaging design and manufacturing company that is third-generation family-owned and operated. Dordan began in Chicago, moving to Woodstock, IL, in the mid 1990s. The thermoforming company specializes in developing packaging like plastic trays, blisters, and clamshells, for the automotive, electronics, medical, and consumer end markets. 

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Photos: Notable thermoformed packaging over the last 60 years

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 14, 2022 11:09:51 AM

Dordan has been designing custom thermoformed packaging since 1962, manufacturing packaging for electronics, automotive, medical, and consumer products. Over the last 60 years, market demands for thermoformed packaging have evolved in response to larger economic shifts and technological advancements. As a custom thermoformer, Dordan has evolved alongside these market shifts, as shown by the images below. Enjoy your walk through thermoforming time!

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Family thermoforming company celebrates 60 years of business

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 22, 2022 11:15:51 AM

Woodstock, IL—October 19th, 2022—Family-owned plastics thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, celebrates 60 years of business as a packaging designer and manufacturer.

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Plastics Today interviews Dordan CEO on trends in thermoforming

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 13, 2022 7:49:58 AM

Dordan's CEO and President, Daniel Slavin, brings nearly 50-years of experience in custom thermoforming to this interview with Plastics Today.

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How custom thermoform tooling can reduce total packaging spend when compared to stock tooling

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 22, 2022 12:28:48 PM

Thermoform tooling is the metal tool (and other machined components) that forms heated plastic into clamshells, blisters, and trays. ‘Stock’ tooling means that the tool has already been made, is owned by the thermoformer, and the parts produced are of no customization. Examples of stock packaging include simple plastic blisters and clamshells with basic dimensions and generic cavities. Stock packaging is popular in the food and retail facing markets. There is typically no cost associated with stock tooling, aside from set up charges.

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Dordan hires new packaging engineer, QC, sales, to meet demand

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 9, 2022 10:23:24 AM

Woodstock, IL-- 60-year old custom thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, hires a new packaging engineer, quality control inspector, and account executive to meet the growing demands of its customers. These new hires join some who have been at Dordan for decades, bringing new enthusiasm that marries well with the insight and experience of the legacy employees. While aging manufacturers struggle with the generational divide, 3rd-generation Dordan has found success attracting new talent by continuous investment in itself-- the people, processes, and equipment.

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Thermoforming technical briefs

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 4, 2022 8:54:12 AM

Plastics thermoforming seems rather straight-forward: You take heated plastic sheet, push it into and pull it over a CNC-machined tool, and then die cut the formed part from the plastic 'web'. While these fundamentals exist for all thermoformers, where they differ is in their commitment to quality.

In its most basic form, the degree to which a thermoformer strives to control the movement of the plastic throughout the conversion process demonstrates the company's commitment to quality. Be it by making a package that challenges the limitations of thermoforming, or developing complex tooling to hold tigher-than-standard tolerances, quality thermoformers strive for continuous improvement. However, it is not just equipment, technology, and talent that assists in these efforts; but also, a robust quality management system that is the blueprint off which all plans are drawn and executed.

Dordan is a custom thermoforming company that specializes in the design and manufacturer of high quality packaging, like dunnage trays for automation and medical tray packaging. With all design, tooling, manufacturing, and cleanroom thermoforming in house, Dordan is a nimble supplier that utilizes its ISO 9001: 2015 certified QMS to support its core capabilities of package design and manufacturing excellence.

Below are technical briefs on our engineering, tooling, thermoforming, and cleanroom manufacturing capabilities. You can download these tech briefs here.

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Selecting the right material thickness for thermoformed packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 16, 2022 8:55:29 AM

When determining the appropriate material thickness for thermoformed packaging, one needs to consider the trade offs between performance and cost. Typically, the thicker the plastic, the more expensive the package. Thus, many strive to use the thinnest ‘starting gauge’—that is, the thickness of the plastic sheet before its thermoformed into a package. This approach, however, can beckon impediments to the form, fit, and function of the packaging.

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Faster speed-to-market w/ 4 thermoforming basics for package design

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 31, 2022 8:02:12 AM

It is easier to build a house from scratch then renovate an existing model. By understanding four fundamentals of the thermoforming process, packaging can be designed with a strong foundation, saving time and money.

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Pricing structure for thermoformed medical packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 18, 2022 6:32:46 AM

Dordan is a custom packaging thermoformer, so all pricing is based on specific project requirements. That being said, there are shared pricing indicators implicit in all medical packaging quotes. These include package size, material type and thickness, order quantity, tooling, quality control, and production environment requirements (cleanroom vs. standard). The below content is available via PDF download.

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9 video segments from sustainable packaging podcast w/Mfg. Alliance

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 5, 2022 9:04:31 AM

I sat down with the Manufacturing Alliance Podcast creator and producer, Tony Demakis, to discuss sustainable packaging in an hour-long podcast that aired last month. Topics covered include life cycle analysis, the New Plastics Economy, ocean trash, and more.

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Dordan's most popular content of 2021

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 30, 2021 11:32:52 AM

Every year, I put together a 'best of' list that recognizes the content which was most interesting to our followers. Scored by opens, views, clicks, and more, below is Dordan's most popular content.

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Evolution of thermoform tooling, 1960s to present

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 1, 2021 7:31:09 AM

Plastics in Packaging magazine published my new article on the history of thermoform tooling in its 20th Anniversary Special Supplement. This supplement is not available online for free, but I received permission from the editor to post my article here. Continue below to learn how thermoformed packaging was manufactured before machines and computers talked to each other.

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When to enlist a thermoform packaging engineer to meet your TTM and budget goals

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 21, 2021 12:44:29 PM

All engineers understand that designing a package is one thing, and manufacturing it is another. By enlisting a thermoformer that has in house packaging engineers, product manufacturers can share, or completely outsource, the responsibility of developing the thermoform package to those highly-skilled in design-for-manufacturing methodologies. In doing so, timelines are condensed and unforeseen costs mitigated, because thermoforming engineers are able integrate the challenges and opportunities inherent in the manufacturing process into the packaging developmental process.

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Dordan 1 of 5 manufactures to meet w/ Rep. Underwood & USTR Ambassador

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 2, 2021 7:48:31 AM

On Tuesday, August 30th, Dordan joined four other women-owned or operated manufacturing companies at a round table discussion with Congress Representative, Lauren Underwood, and USTR Ambassador, Katherine Tai.

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Photos: 3rd & 4th-gen Slavins Unite at Custom Thermoformer

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 24, 2021 8:34:39 AM

The super tall guy to my left is Julian, my NEPHEW. This picture was taken at MDM in CA a few weeks back. He just moved into sales after working in QC, prior to which, he spent a few years in the plant learning the nitty-gritty of thermoforming. It's official: I'm old (-ish). 😏

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Meat and Potatoes of Dordan.com

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 27, 2021 6:14:04 AM

Easily digest our whole website with these bite-sized servings. The tasting menu includes:

→Company history, 1962-present

→Package design/engineering, tooling, and thermoforming capabilities

→ISO 9001:2015 certified QMS with ISO Class 8 certified cleanroom

→Facility overview and process flow

The menu is available for download here. *Vegan and Gluten-free substitutions available.

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20% off MDM West Registration with Promo Code

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 20, 2021 8:15:03 AM

MDM West (Anaheim, CA, Aug. 10-12) is the premier medical device design and manufacturing event, bringing together leaders in medtech, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and more.

Get 20% off attendee registration with promo code MYGUEST. Click here to register.

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Show Medtech Team Spirit at MDM West w/Temporary Tattoos from Dordan

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 15, 2021 7:55:36 AM

Anaheim, CA, August 10-12th —Dordan Manufacturing, a custom designer and manufacturer of thermoformed medical packaging, to giveaway medtech-themed, temporary tattoos at MDM West, booth #2856.

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Dordan Nominated as Manufacturer of the Year; photos from Awards Gala

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 10, 2021 9:26:04 AM

Woodstock's Chamber of Commerce's celebrated its city's retailers, manufacturers, leaders, volunteers, non-profits and more at its Annual Awards Gala at the Woodstock Opera House last week.

Dordan was nominated for manufacturer of the year by the community for manufacturing plastic face shields for healthcare workers, reported here by the Woodstock Independent. While Dordan did not win 😔, our most sincere congratulations to winner, Rush Creek Distilling, for retrofitting their operations to provide hand sanitizer to combat the spread of COVID. Fellow Nominees included:

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Packaging Digest on How to Handle Dunnage Trays for Parts Assembly

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 27, 2021 8:29:04 AM

My new Packaging Digest article discusses how to develop automation to successfully handle thermoformed dunnage trays for parts assembly.

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Stop by our Digital Tradeshow Booth in this Product Photo Gallery

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 7, 2021 10:33:34 AM

COVID halted business travel, including trade shows and conventions. Dordan has not exhibited since 2019, but looks forward to showing off its new medical packaging at MD&M West (Anaheim, CA, August 10-12, 2021).

In the meantime, visit Dordan's digital booth, in this product photo gallery.

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Photo Slide Show of Dordan's Facility, Equipment, Technology, People

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 18, 2021 8:57:17 AM

Step inside third-generation and family-owned custom thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, in this photo slideshow.

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Women in Manufacturing who I Admire #internationalwomensday

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 8, 2021 9:04:58 AM

My long-time sustainability friend and champion, Sean Sabre, compiled a list of the most influential women in supply chains in appreciation of International Women's Day. I was honored to be among profiled. I am going to pay it forward, and recognize the women in manufacturing who I admire.

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Video: Medical Packaging for Beginners

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 4, 2021 3:23:57 PM

Watch this video for an introductory discussion of sterile medical packaging types, supply chain scenarios, quality considerations, and pricing structures. Video script pasted below.

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Dordan in Plastics News for Groundhog PPE

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 4, 2021 2:06:59 PM

The face shield that Dordan fashioned for Woodstock Willie in preparation of Groundhogs Day was featured in Plastics News, alongside other plastics manufacturers that are helping their communities during the pandemic. While Dordan's efforts pale in comparison to the others profiled in the article, we're glad that we were able to offer some humor to our community, along with the readers of Plastics News.

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Dordan fashions Woodstock Willie with face shield for Groundhog Day

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 1, 2021 9:25:07 AM

Here's some pop culture trivia for you:

Dordan's Woodstock, IL, is the 'Punxsutawney' of Bill Murray's 1993 classic, Groundhog Day. Every year, Woodstock celebrates this legacy by reliving the movie's events, which commence with the Groundhog's prognostication and continues through the day. Read more about Woodstock's social-distancing Groundhog Day in this Woodstock Independent article.

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Dordan's Top-Twenty Achievements of the Last Ten Years

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 23, 2020 11:00:56 AM

Dordan has celebrated nearly 60 years of Christmas together. This year, we want to celebrate the blessings of the last ten, to offer hope and inspiration for the next decade. In looking back, we recall Kierkegaard's saying that "life is lived forward, but understood backwards"; never has this rung so true as we reflect on 2020. 

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Dordan in MPN on how hospitals can save money by recycling PETG trays

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 8, 2020 9:25:57 AM

Medical Plastics News Magazine published my new article on how hospitals can save money, while working towards a circular economy, by recycling medical tray packaging.

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Video: Learn from clamshells how to make your packaging recyclable

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 15, 2020 1:54:59 PM

Learn how clamshell packaging became recyclable in this new video. All packaging can be recycled; it just requires work, time, investment, and collaboration. Make your packaging recyclable, too, by working with all stakeholders to isolate the challenges in order to develop the solutions.

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Video: Plastic ocean trash, where it comes from and why

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 7, 2020 9:32:35 AM

Check out my new video on plastics ocean pollution to learn where it comes from and why so we can stop the spread. Transcript with corresponding references and citations below.


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What to know when developing medical tray packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 5, 2020 3:49:03 PM

There are two standard formats for medical packaging, pouches and thermoformed trays. Thermoformed trays offer product protection and orientation, workflow organization (if a procedural kit), and ease and grace of opening. Pouches provide a sterile barrier, but do not provide the same structural protection to medical products, nor do they offer a controlled opening experience, when compared with thermoformed trays.

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Video: Dordan's trialed algae plastic now foam in sneakers

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 29, 2020 2:24:09 PM

 

Dordan thermoformed ALGIX's algae plastic in 2010, as part of its sustainable plastics research. The material was comprised of 15% algae, 85% PP. The algae acted as a filler, reducing the amount of plastic needed per application.

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Saluting American unity through ingenuity this Independence Day

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 2, 2020 3:46:07 PM

COVID-19 presents many challenges to communities and businesses. Lack of PPE for healthcare workers became one, of many, problems facing America. Upon discovery of these inadequacies, makers, small and large, rallied to produce the critical supply:

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McHenry County web series features Dordan on business during COVID-19

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 23, 2020 2:06:05 PM

McHenry Country web series, Stronger Together, interviews governmental leaders, business owners, community champions and more about life during COVID-19. In sharing these stories of hope, Stronger Together works to create a digital space of unity for the community.

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Third-generation siblings offer COVID-19 protection to small companies

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 8, 2020 9:52:11 AM

The first half-of-a-million face shields that Dordan produced were for hospitals. During that time, we were contacted by many small businesses and manufacturers that did not need thousands of shields, but a few hundred. Because these shields were being manufactured to fill a custom order, we were unable to sell to the smaller firms looking to procure face shields for their employees returning to work.

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Real Woodstock on Dordan's Face Shields

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 26, 2020 2:42:49 PM

Real Woodstock is a public relations campaign that works to generate interest in Woodstock, IL, to encourage tourism and commerce. Few know all that Woodstock has to offer and why one should live and work here, so Real Woodstock has become that mouthpiece. 

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Order Free Face Shield from Dordan Manufacturing

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 13, 2020 11:10:35 AM

Dordan Manufacturing is donating disposable plastic face shields with an adjustable plastic headband strap and foam forehead strip. Face shields act as splash guards, reducing contact with aerosol propellants of bodily fluids. Face shields are worn to protect against exposure to COVID-19.

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Woodstock Reports on Dordan Manufacturing Face Shields

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 1, 2020 11:06:31 AM

Local newspaper, The Woodstock Independent, reports on Dordan's efforts to manufacture plastic face shields for healthcare workers fighting against the spread of COVID-19.

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Dordan Provides Face Shields to Combat Spread of COVID-19

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 30, 2020 7:44:48 AM

Chicago, IL --March 30, 2020-- Custom thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, to manufacture plastic face shields for healthcare personnel nationwide to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Collaborating with four other Chicagoland manufactures, Dordan begins production of face shield lenses early April and anticipates providing 500K/month.

Dordan is also now offering the fully assembled face shields to retailers, healthcare supply chains, and others working to combat the spread of Coronavirus.

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Download Dordan's Medical Packaging Fact Sheet

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 6, 2020 9:35:04 AM

With the completion of its in house ISO Class 8 cleanroom, custom thermoformer Dordan Manufacturing is offering medical packaging solutions. Dordan has been designing and manufacturing custom thermoformed packaging since 1962. This addition of medical packaging to its product portfolio demonstrates how the family-owned thermoforming company continues to evolve to meet the changing demands of the plastic packaging market. 

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Step Inside Dordan's Cleanroom @MD&M with Interactive Video

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 12, 2020 8:11:50 AM

Step inside Dordan’s Cleanroom for Manufacturing Medical Packaging with an Interactive Video @MD&M

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Bill Murray's Super Bowl Jeep Commercial filmed in Dordan's Woodstock

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 4, 2020 11:24:03 AM

Bill Murray's 1993 Groundhog Day was filmed in Woodstock, IL, which is where Dordan Manufacturing is located. Woodstock has long prided itself on being the setting of Punxsutawney, commemorating its role in the movie with week-long Groundhog Day celebrations. This year was particularly exciting, because Bill Murray HIMSELF was in Woodstock filming a Jeep commercial that aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday. You can learn more about his visit to Woodstock here.

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Dordan Brings Sustainable Packaging Expertise to MD&M West

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 9, 2020 10:25:48 AM

Anaheim, CA—February 11-13, 2020—Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoform packaging designer and manufacturer, brings its expertise on sustainable packaging to MD&M West attendees, booth# 348.

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Dordan in Photos: Celebrating the Year's End

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 30, 2019 2:59:08 PM

While Dordan has made significant investment this year to provide continuous process improvements, 60-years of business has taught us that it is not just the infrastructure of a company that determines its success; its also the people.

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Dordan Manufacturing's Year in Review: 12 Developments in 12 Months

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 18, 2019 10:04:09 AM

As 2019 draws to a close, we'd like to take this opportunity to reflect on all that has happened at Dordan this year. Below are Dordan's 12 most notable developments in the last 12 months.

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Packaging Digest Feature: New Cleanroom Enables Sterile Medical Packaging Capabilities

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 11, 2019 3:47:59 PM

Packaging Digest reports on Dordan's new cleanroom in, "New cleanroom enables sterile medical packaging capabilities." Author Kate Bertrand writes:

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Dordan to Debut Exclusive Video of Cleanroom at MD&M, Minneapolis

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 30, 2019 11:03:53 AM

Minneapolis, MN—October 23, 2019—Custom thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, to debut its ISO Class 8 Cleanroom for producing medical packaging in an exclusive video at MD&M, booth #2417. MD&M Minneapolis is the largest med tech event in the Midwest, bringing together experts across the supply chain for a two-day, three-track educational workshop and expo.

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Plastics Today Feature: Dordan Unveils Cleanroom for Medical Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 19, 2019 8:44:29 AM

Industry publication, Plastics Today, visited Dordan for an exclusive look inside it's new cleanroom for the manufacture of medical packaging.

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Project Vesta: Removing CO2 with Weathering of Beaches

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 23, 2019 9:25:42 AM

My understanding of climate change is always evolving. While fundamental changes in agriculture, transportation, energy, and consumer behavior are necessary to reduce the generation of greenhouse gases, I know little of what technologies exist, in the near future, to "turn the tide on climate change."

Enter Project Vesta, a not-for-profit that is working to accelerate Earth's natural long-term carbon cycle that removes CO2 from the atmosphere through a chemical reaction between volcanic rock, CO2, and water, with green beaches! And when I say green, I mean literally, green.

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New Packaging Digest Article: Plastic Discovered That Offers Solution to Pollution

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 30, 2019 1:42:38 PM

Berkeley Lab discovers a new plastic that can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing its quality, thereby changing the economics of recycling.

Check out my new Packaging Digest article to learn about the discovery of PDK and how it offers a solution to pollution.

Above: Time-lapse video of PDK dissolving into original monomers

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1-page Snap Shot of Dordan's Medical Packaging Products and Services

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 23, 2019 3:44:46 PM

60-year old custom thermoforming company, Dordan Manufacturing, is now offering cleanroom-produced, medical packaging solutions, like device tray packaging and procedural and surgical kits.

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NPR on Understanding Plastic's Carbon Footprint

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 11, 2019 11:24:27 AM

NPR published an article this week, "Plastic Has a Big Carbon Footprint-- But That Isn't The Whole Story."

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The Woodstock Independent Reports, Dordan Enters The Next Industrial Age

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 23, 2019 11:05:54 AM

Dordan is based in Woodstock, IL-- the setting for Bill Murray's Groundhog Day; a cultural oasis for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs alike, 50-miles outside Chicago.

The Woodstock Independent is the community newspaper, which just published an article on Dordan's move into medical packaging. Titled "Entering the Next Industrial Age," the article ties together Dordan's recent investments in cleanroom thermoforming and Industry 4.0 technologies to further extend its core capabilities of custom design and manufacturing excellence to the medical device industry. 

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Dordan Integrates Industry 4.0 Technologies for enhanced agility & how you can, too

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 7, 2019 3:23:49 PM

For many small and medium sized manufacturers, the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are abstract. Terms like interconnectivity, IoTT, customization, flexible automation, AI/machine learning, and Big Data are routinely referenced in the corresponding rhetoric. Yet, many don’t understand how these technologies can be applied to existing operations and systems to manifest the prescribed benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While improving quality, increasing productivity, and reducing waste has always driven manufacturers’ business decisions, when viewed through the principals of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a more elegant approach is provided. Smart factories don’t have to be fully automated, fancy factories of the future; instead, an evolution of existing equipment and processes married with thoughtful investment in new technologies and talent.

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Dordan's ISO Certified Thermoform Design Process

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 26, 2019 10:59:24 AM

Dordan Manufacturing has been designing custom thermoformed packaging since 1962.

In that time, we have developed a proprietary process for developing thermoform designs. Formalized within our ISO certified quality management system, Dordan's design process facilitates the production of highly-engineered and high-quality thermoforms that meet our customers' expectations in quick turnaround at competitive pricing. Gain insight into our ISO certified thermoform design process, 60-years in the making, below.

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Thermoforming Player Expands into the Medical Device Arena

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 1, 2019 1:27:07 PM

Medical Plastics News featured Dordan in its new article, "Thermoforming player expands into medical device arena."

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Nike’s New Green Lobster Shoe Box by Dordan Tests Thermoforming Limits

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 28, 2019 8:29:08 AM

Packaging Digest's new article, "Nike's new Green Lobster shoe box tests thermoforming limits," narrates the challenges that Dordan overcame in the design and manufacture of limited-edition packaging for the debut of Concepts x Nike SB collectable sneakers.

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Dordan's Top 5 Posts of 2018

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 28, 2018 3:41:27 PM

Thank you for your interest in Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoformer since 1962. Each year our digital footprint grows: Our blog, viewed by just a few-hundred people in 2009 is today seen by over 30,000. Our website traffic has increased 25% this year compared to last, bringing our unique visits to roughly 125,000. We have grown our social media following to 1,500 on Twitter and 2,000 on LinkedIn.

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Remembering Dordan Co-founder Vivian Slavin this New Year

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 22, 2018 10:41:09 AM

My grandmother and Dordan co-founder, Ellena Vivian Slavin, passed away on August 19th; she would have been 103-years-old Christmas Day.

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Plastics News on Dordan's Move into Medical Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 12, 2018 12:52:22 PM

Trade publication Plastics News reports on Dordan's move into medical packaging in a December 4th feature by Jim Johnson:

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Trends in Medical Device Innovations

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 27, 2018 9:59:26 AM

What follows is the first post in my new series on medical device design and manufacturing; this content is the result of attendance at MD&M Minneapolis (Oct 31-Nov 1).

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Dordan Proceeds with Onsite Hardwall Construction ISO Class 8 Cleanroom

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 13, 2018 1:56:19 PM

November 13, 2018—Woodstock, IL—Dordan Manufacturing, a full-service custom thermoform designer and manufacturer, proceeds with building an onsite and fully enclosed hardwall construction ISO Class 8 Cleanroom for the production of medical device packaging solutions.

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Intro to New Series on Medical Device Design & Manufacturing

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 12, 2018 4:54:09 PM

My family company, Dordan Manufacturing, has been designing and thermoforming plastic packaging and product solutions for almost 60 years. Our core capabilities, which we have refined over the years, are design and thermoforming excellence. We are not your typical mom and pop shop; we employ the highest quality and most sophisticated technologies, equipment, software, and talent, which allow us to cater to a variety of quality-critical end-markets.

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Insight into the PET/RPET market from Dordan CEO/President

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 25, 2018 11:09:26 AM

After years of controlled pricing in the PET/RPET resin and sheet market, recent upsets to the global supply chain have resulted in substantial price increases. Dordan Manufacturing President & CEO Daniel Slavin shares his 45+ year of thermoforming industry experience to help contextualize this unprecedented upswing in material pricing and lead-times; and, what Dordan is doing to combat these increases:

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Dordan to Debut ISO Class 8 Cleanroom Thermoforming Capabilities at PACK EXPO International

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 25, 2018 9:49:59 AM

Chicago, IL, Oct. 14-17—Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoformer of plastic packaging and product solutions like dunnage/WIP trays, functional components, and insert trays, clamshells, and blisters, to debut ISO Class 8 Cleanroom thermoforming capabilities at PACK EXPO International.

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PACK EXPO International, Free Registration

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 11, 2018 12:41:50 PM

Plans to attend PACK EXPO International in Chicago, Oct. 14-17? Register for free with Dordan's complimentary code.

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What IS Sustainable Packaging?

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 23, 2018 10:24:51 AM

"Bio-based," "biodegradable," "compostable," "recyclable," "recycled"; what do these terms actually mean? Educate yourself with Dordan's Sustainable Packaging Summary.

Part 1: Introduction

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Dordan's New Website Like Its Custom Thermoforms: Elegantly Functional

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 25, 2018 4:00:49 PM

June 2018—Woodstock, IL—Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoformer of plastic clamshells, blisters, trays, and components, unveils a new website Monday that offers simplicity, corporate transparency, and ease-of-use. Elegantly functional, the website is an extension of Dordan’s brand, which differentiates itself by staying true to its core capabilities of thermoform design and manufacturing excellence.

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New Packaging Digest Article: Cleanyst, the intersection of sustainability and ecommerce optimization

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 18, 2018 2:44:56 PM

Learn how reusable packaging platform Cleanyst intends to revolutionize the health and cleaning products industries in my new article for Packaging Digest. Titled "Cleanyst: The Intersection of Sustainability and Ecommerce," this article describes how consumers can make anything from surface cleaner to shampoo at home via concentrates and a mixing appliance, reducing water weight and packaging materials throughout the supply chain.

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New Packaging Digest Article: Regenerative Packaging Puts the Cherry on Top of Sustainability

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 4, 2018 3:25:11 PM

Check out my latest article for Packaging Digest, "Regenerative Packaging Puts the Cherry on Top of Sustainability"; this describes the concept of regenerative products, which James Connelly, VP of Products and Strategy at the International Living Future Institute, describes as those products that result in a net-zero or net-positive environmental impact over their life-cycle. Connelly is to keynote sustainable packaging conference SPC Impact in San Francisco later this month, and plans to educate attendees on what's possible with sustainable packaging when viewed through the regenerative products paradigm.

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ISO 9001:2015 Cert. Improves Quality System w/ Risk-Based Thinking

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 22, 2018 9:13:31 AM

Woodstock, IL—March 2018—Dordan Manufacturing, a custom thermoformer of plastic packaging, is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the design, manufacture, and distribution of thermoformed products and packaging. Building on the Quality Management System of the ISO 9001:2008 Standards, which emphasize continued process improvement through monitoring, measuring, and analyzing Dordan’s ability to satisfy its customers, the 2015 Standards incorporate risk-based thinking as a means to continuously improve the value of it’s products and services.

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Three Generations Later, Innovation & Sustainability Drive Dordan Manufacturing

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 9, 2018 9:15:18 AM

Dordan was featured in the Real Woodstock, a campaign dedicated to promoting Woodstock, IL, as the ideal place to visit, relocate, live, and start a business.

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New Packaging Digest Article: How Brands can Capitalize on Cleaning the Planet

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 5, 2018 9:20:22 AM

Check out my new article for Packaging Digest on Litterati, a crowdsource clean-up model, titled, "How Brands can Capitalize on Cleaning the Planet." Litterati Founder & CEO Jeff Kirschner to keynote sustainable packaging conference SPC Impact (San Fran, April 24-26), where yours truly will be reporting, on behalf of Packaging Digest. I hope to see you there!

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Pricing Structure for Custom Thermoformed Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 5, 2018 1:44:26 PM

Dordan is a full-service thermoform designer and manufacturer of custom packaging solutions like plastic clamshells, blisters, insert trays, dunnage trays, and medical packaging. Therefore, all pricing is based on specific project requirements. There are, however, shared pricing indicators that are implicit in all thermoforming quotes. These include: material type and thickness, run quantity, part size/design, tooling, and quality control requirements.

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To Attend SPC Impact as Contributing Writer/Reporter for Packaging Digest

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 18, 2018 2:54:51 PM

The last few years I have had the pleasure of attending sustainable packaging conference SustPack as a writer and reporter for Packaging Digest. This year, SustPack has evolved into two different sustainable packaging conferences: SPC Impact (San Francisco), produced by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and Sustainability in Packaging (Chicago), produced by Smithers Pira. Packaging Digest has partnered exclusively with the SPC for their spring conference, SPC Impact; so, I get to go to San Fran to report from the front lines of sustainable packaging!!!

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Dordan's Year in Review: Most popular content of 2017

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 27, 2017 3:03:22 PM

As we approach 2018, it's time to look back on our most popular content of 2017, as demonstrated through views, clicks, likes, shares, and downloads. Thank you for your interest in Dordan this year; we look forward to continuing to engage you with content in 2018.

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Woodstock's Christmas Clearing House delivers joy Saturday

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 14, 2017 9:10:29 AM

Dordan has been in Woodstock, IL, since the early 90s, but just became aware of it's Christmas Clearing House this year. Produced by the Woodstock Rotary Club, Christmas Clearing House is an impressive operation that delivers toys and meals to over 1,000 families, children, and elders in Woodstock and Wonder Lake. Hundreds of volunteers donate their time to the organization and execution of Christmas Clearing House, which ensures that no family goes with out a Merry Christmas. 

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PET Sheets & Thermoforms Summit: Recycling black thermoforms and the circular economy

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 28, 2017 3:29:37 PM

Hey guys!

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How to Expand Recycling of PET Thermoform Packaging in Europe

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 15, 2017 9:01:51 AM

Check out my new article for Packaging Digest, "How to expand recycling of PET thermoform packaging in Europe" for an update on thermoform recycling in the EU. It begins,

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How Dordan Designs Packaging for Thermoforming in 6 Steps

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 8, 2017 1:30:10 PM

Dordan is a full-service thermoform designer and manufacturer. Because we have complete control over the design and production of thermoformed packaging, our approach to package design is collaborative, leveraging our engineering, production, and quality control expertise.

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Woodstock's Dordan Manufacturing Celebrates its 55th Anniversary

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 2, 2017 8:22:13 AM

Hey guys!

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Dordan Celebrates 55th Anniversary Thermoforming Custom Packaging with the Implementation of Robotics; hosts tour with City of Woodstock

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 25, 2017 9:27:57 AM

Woodstock, IL—October 25th, 2017—Custom thermoforming company Dordan Manufacturing, of Woodstock, IL, celebrates its 55th anniversary with the implementation of robotics, marking yet another milestone for this family-owned and operated business. Dordan hosts tour with the City of Woodstock to commemorate the occasion.

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Dordan fits mold for successful family business

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 23, 2017 1:16:18 PM

Hello!

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Dordan Pens Third Most-Read Article for Packaging Digest in September

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 6, 2017 10:47:15 AM

Hey guys!

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Interaction, Virtual Reality, and Automation Trend at PACK EXPO

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 2, 2017 2:17:15 PM

International PACK EXPO descended upon Las Vegas last week, where attendee interaction, virtual reality, and automation trended on the show floor. It's hard to think about my time in Las Vegas without thinking of the atrocities commited. My thoughts and prayers are with Las Vegas.

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Dordan to Host a Tour with the City of Woodstock, Mayor Brian Sager

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 20, 2017 11:53:56 AM

Woodstock, IL—October 3rd, 2017—Custom thermoforming company Dordan Manufacturing, in celebration of its 55th anniversary October 25th, hosts a tour with representatives from the City of Woodstock and Mayor Brian Sager. This is the first time Dordan has hosted a tour with the City of Woodstock since it moved to Woodstock from Chicago in the early 1990s.

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New Packaging Digest Article: How to Change Plastic's 'Waste' Reputation

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 5, 2017 9:52:35 AM

Dear sustainable packaging friends,

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Woodstock Mural Nears Completion: Photos of Dordan's Slavin with Mural Artist, and Designer

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 28, 2017 4:13:58 PM

Hello, my sustainable packaging friends!

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Where were you during the last total solar eclipse, in 1979?

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 21, 2017 11:32:42 AM

Hi guys!

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Julian Slavin brings Family-Owned and Operated Custom Thermoformer Dordan Manufacturing into the 4th-Generation

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 14, 2017 3:39:18 PM

Dordan Manufacturing is an engineering-based designer and manufacturer of custom thermoformed product and packaging solutions.

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Dordan Featured in Plastics Today's Molder Spotlight Series

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 28, 2017 10:55:20 AM

Hello, my sustainable packaging friends!

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New Packaging Digest Article: Sustainable Packaging Insights Ignite Social Sharing

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 5, 2017 2:15:13 PM

Hey guys!

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Free Webinar TOMORROW: Innovations in Sustainable Packaging with Amazon

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 30, 2017 1:46:44 PM

Hey guys!

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Dordan Donates to Woodstock Mural Project

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 25, 2017 10:38:13 AM

Hey guys!

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Ellen MacArthur Foundation call for innovators: design plastic packaging that keeps the value of plastics in the economy and out of the oceans

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 22, 2017 3:10:19 PM

Hey guys,

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Dordan Manufacturing is Re-Certified by PJR for ISO 9001:2008 for the Design, Manufacture, and Distribution of Custom Thermoformed Products and Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 15, 2017 11:36:38 AM

 

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Dordan breaks 1,500 followers on Twitter

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 8, 2017 11:25:51 AM

Hey guys!

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Keep Woodstock Beautiful

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 4, 2017 4:01:18 PM

Hey, guys!

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SustPack17 Video Interview, Procurement at BestBuy

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 2, 2017 8:42:51 AM

Hey guys!

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Thank you SustPack17!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 1, 2017 10:44:08 AM

Hey guys!

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Download Dordan's Easy-Open Clamshell Presentation

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 3, 2017 4:38:55 PM

Hey!

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My New Packaging Digest Article on SustPack17 Keynote: Let's 'Do' Sustainable Packaging; Imagination Converts Ideas to Action

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 29, 2017 10:38:11 AM

Hey guys!

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Interview with SUSTPACK17 keynote Adam Montandon, article in Packaging Digest coming soon!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 9, 2017 1:49:51 PM

Hello, world!

I interviewed SUSTPACK17 keynote speaker Adam Montandon for an article I am writing on the presenter for Packaging Digest. He is a man of many trades, but his byline for the conference website lists Co-Founder of Factory of Imagination. After consulting the bios and abstracts of the various speakers lined up to present at SUSTPACK17, I had absolutely no idea what the Factory of Imagination was or why Adam was keynoting a sustainable packaging conference; hence, he became the first one on my "wish list" of interviewees.  After an almost 2-hour Skype session with Adam, based in Denmark and originally from the UK, I can not WAIT to witness his presentation, which promises to be nothing like what I've seen at SUSTPACK before. Imagine strange, silly, and anything but boring.

Associate Professor of Product Design and Innovation at SDU in Denmark, Adam has given keynotes at many universities and events around the world, including: The Royal Institute of Science in London, Berkeley University in CA, Transmedial in Berlin, MipTV in Cannes, TEDxLinz in Australia, and many more.

He is a teacher, author, event organizer and producer, workshop extraordinaire and life-long advocate of how fun and business can, and should, intersect to create truly fascinating products and experiences. 

Look out for the full interview in Packaging Digest, coming soon!

Above: Adam Montandon

 

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Dordan's Woodstock, IL, actual "Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania" of Bill Murray's Groundhog Day

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 1, 2017 3:31:57 PM

Hello!

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Weekend WSJ Article Describes "Liberal Dystopia" of CA's Plastic Bag Ban

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 30, 2017 12:03:37 PM

Allysia Finley writes in "In California, 'Paper or Plastic?' Is Against the Law,"

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Dordan to Attend SUSTPACK17 as Reporter for Packaging Digest

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 27, 2017 8:22:40 AM

Dordan Manufacturing to Attend SUSTPACK17 as Reporter for Packaging Digest

Dordan is an engineering-centric designer and manufacturer of custom thermoformed product and packaging solutions like plastic clamshells, blisters, trays and thermoformed components.

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Dordan Named Among Exhibitors that Generated Most Amount of PACK EXPO Attendees

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 19, 2017 2:07:09 PM

Hello and happy 2017!

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Dordan's Year in Review: Most Popular Content of 2016

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 30, 2016 11:33:54 AM

Hello, my sustainable packaging friends!

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Happy Holidays from ME

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 16, 2016 2:10:18 PM

Dear my sustainable packaging friends,

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Dordan Manufacturing Co-Founder Turns 101 Christmas Day

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 15, 2016 3:10:13 PM

Hey guys!

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Standard Clamshell Voted Easiest to Open @PACKEXPO

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 11, 2016 10:43:17 AM

Good morning, my packaging friends!

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Help Put Wrap Rage to Rest

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 31, 2016 12:44:31 PM

Good morning and happy Halloween!!!

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Which clamshell design is the easiest to open? Vote @Pack Expo

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 23, 2016 8:52:13 AM

Hey guys!

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Plastic: Doing More w/ Less, Trucost's Plastic & Sustainability Report

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 31, 2016 11:25:02 AM

What would the impact on the environment and economy be if all plastic packaging were replaced with alternative materials, like paper?

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Sustainable Manufacturer Conference Cancelled

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 30, 2016 2:06:56 PM

Guys I have bummer news: We have cancelled the Sustainable Manufacturer Network Annual Conference because of low attendee registrants. Womp womp.

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The Sustainable Manufacturer Network Annual Conference e-Brochure

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 1, 2016 11:02:10 AM

THE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURER NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR LACK OF INTEREST.

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To Cover New Study for Packaging Digest: Plastics Reduce Environmental Impacts

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 28, 2016 6:51:56 AM

Good morning, my sustainable packaging peeps!

And what a GOOD morning it is! Why, you may ask?! Because we the plastics people finally got thrown a bone from environmental researchers, courtesy of a new study. 

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Honored to be featured in Plastics News' special edition on women in plastics

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 25, 2016 9:07:08 AM

Hello my sustainable packaging friends!

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Sustainable Manufacturer Conference Keynote Featured in GreenBiz Article

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 21, 2016 12:49:34 PM

THE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURER NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR LACK OF INTEREST.

Hay my sustainable packaging friends!

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Wrap rage? Vote on which easy-open clamshell prototype is the easiest to open in Dordan's NEW PACK EXPO International Exhibit!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 7, 2016 10:19:35 AM

 

NEW PACK EXPO International Exhibit:

 

Experience Wrap Rage? Vote on which easy-open clamshell prototype is the easiest to open in Dordan’s NEW interactive exhibit at PACK EXPO!

International Pack Expo is produced by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

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Walmart & 'Merica!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 30, 2016 10:52:17 AM

Hello my sustainable packaging people!

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Meet SMN Keynote Tom Murray: Retired scientist for the EPA reflects on the birth of the agency and its collaboration with industry over the last 45 years

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 21, 2016 12:19:21 PM

THE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURER CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR LACK OF INTEREST.

Hello!

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FINALLY after 40 years, Toxic Substances Control Act to be reformed

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 26, 2016 3:40:40 PM

Hello my sustainable packaging people!

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Dordan Featured in Plastics News' Special Edition on Family Businesses

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 17, 2016 3:12:16 PM

Dordan is pleased to be included in Plastics News' Special Edition on Family Businesses!

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SUSTPACK16 Video Interview: Meet RePack, a company dedicated to eliminated ecommerce packaging waste

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 28, 2016 7:45:12 AM

Good morning, sustainable packaging friends!

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Call for Speakers: Present at the Annual Sustainable Manufacturer Network Conference

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 26, 2016 9:48:38 AM

THE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURER CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR LACK OF INTEREST.

Good morning my sustainable packaging friends!

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METHOD's love for Chicago runs deep as the watershed

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 22, 2016 9:05:03 AM

Hey guys!

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Dordan Manufacturing is Re-Certified by PJR for ISO 9001:2008 Certification for the Design, Manufacture, and Distribution of Custom Thermoformed Products and Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 10, 2016 3:03:50 PM

 

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Coming to Chicago for SUSTPACK16? Eat and drink like a local at these South Loop hot spots

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 9, 2016 4:39:46 PM

Hello my sustainable packaging friends!

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A Visual History of Dordan's Package Designs

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 18, 2016 10:47:56 AM

Hey guys!

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My guest blog post for the Chicago Family Business Council at DePaul University

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 12, 2016 9:38:47 AM

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Federal Microbead Ban, Mango Materials Update

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 11, 2016 10:50:21 AM

Hey guys!

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Dordan reporting LIVE from SUSTPACK16 in Chicago!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jan 4, 2016 9:51:25 AM

Hey guys!

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A very Dordan Christmas

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 28, 2015 9:27:24 AM

Back to reality!

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Happy Holidays from our Dordan family to yours

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 22, 2015 10:09:52 AM

My sustainable packaging friends,

From our Dordan family to yours, Happy Holidays! Thank you for making 2015 another successful year, now 52 years experience designing and manufacturing custom thermoform product and packaging solutions.

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Best of 2015: Dordan's most popular content

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 15, 2015 11:48:58 AM

As 2015 draws to a close, we want to take this time to reflect on highlights from the year. What was Dordan's most popular content: It's most viewed and shared blog posts, eblasts, tweets and more? What issues resonated loudest with our audience?

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Dordan pens 2 of 7 most-read sustainable packaging articles in PD

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Dec 9, 2015 4:04:56 PM

Whoa. Let's repeat: Dordan contributes 2 of 7 most read sustainable packaging articles for Packaging Digest in 2015?!? WHOA!!!

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My new article for Packaging Digest: "Waste, Repackaged"

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 18, 2015 3:37:38 PM

GUYS!

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Plastic Clamshells vs. Paperboard Boxes: Life cycle environmental impacts and consumer convenience

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Nov 10, 2015 2:04:55 PM

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Dordan clamshell package featured on Season 4 of Breaking Bad!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 27, 2015 9:37:54 AM

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For #ThrowbackThursday, circa 1980s Dordan advertisements

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 8, 2015 10:52:23 AM

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My article on Green Plastics for Thermoforming #1 on Packagingdigest.com!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Oct 5, 2015 9:52:40 AM

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Dordan Video Testimonial: The Chicago Management Institute at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 30, 2015 10:25:18 AM

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Happy 20th Birthday Pack Expo! To celebrate, my favorite Pack Expo memories!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 29, 2015 12:07:05 PM

Greetings my sustainable packaging friends.

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Green Plastics for Thermoforming

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 21, 2015 11:56:35 AM

Hello and happy Monday!

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"The Future" of sustainable plastics for packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 18, 2015 8:53:55 AM

Greetings my sustainable packaging people, happy Friday!

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Yesterday's Promising 'Green' Materials: Where are they now?

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Sep 8, 2015 8:45:27 AM

Guys, my new article for Packaging Digest Magazine titled "Yesterday's Promising 'Green' Materials: Where are they now?" was published last week!

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REGISTER: The McHenry County Economic Development Corp's Business Breakfast Series

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 28, 2015 1:36:00 PM

Hello and happy Friday!

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New Packaging Digest Article Preview: Bioplastics for thermoformed packaging, where are they now?!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 24, 2015 3:04:00 PM

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From the Archives: 1989 Packaging Digest Case Study on Dordan and Bosch

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 12, 2015 9:29:00 AM

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New content coming soon! PET recycling in Europe, Bioplastics, and Benefit Corporations

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Aug 7, 2015 8:53:00 AM

Hello my long lost packaging and sustainability friends!

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Q&A with Dr. Molly Morse of Mango Materials on methane based bioplastic

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jul 14, 2015 3:15:00 PM

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Leading Ladies of Packaging Recognition

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 29, 2015 3:39:24 PM

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Interview with Co-Founder & Co-CEO of edible packaging company LOLIWARE

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 18, 2015 10:11:00 AM

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Miss the Sustainable Manufacturer Conference???

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 15, 2015 10:57:00 AM

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Interview with Jason Foster, Founder & Chief Reuser at Replenish

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Jun 4, 2015 1:51:00 PM

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How clamshells became recyclable and recycled

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 28, 2015 8:20:00 AM

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Walmart's Made in USA Sourcing Initiative and the implications for sustainable supply chains

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 19, 2015 8:36:00 AM

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Download Trends in Sustainable Packaging Presentation

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 18, 2015 2:41:41 PM

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4 Countries Generate about Half of the Plastic Marine Debris

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 11, 2015 11:28:00 AM

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Interview with Director of Trash Free Sea Program @Ocean Conservancy

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 7, 2015 7:52:26 AM

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50% off Sustainable Manufacturer Conference Registration

Posted by Chandler Slavin on May 4, 2015 8:42:00 AM

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Learn how Dordan is Different: Download new presentation

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 29, 2015 10:58:25 AM

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#EarthDayEveryDay

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 22, 2015 2:56:55 PM

Hello and happy Earth Day! The only day when social media rains environmental love.

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REGISTER NOW: Sustainable Manufacturer Conference

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 17, 2015 1:40:00 PM

Hello world!

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Takeaways from SUSTPACK15, part 1: material science

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Apr 15, 2015 2:41:00 PM

Hello my sustainable packaging friends!

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Made in America article, Packaging Digest, and SUSTPACK15, oh my!

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 30, 2015 9:09:00 AM

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New Design for Thermoforming Package Design Case Study: Retail Clamshell

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 24, 2015 8:11:00 AM

Hello my sustainable packaging friends!

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SUST PACK 2015: Sustainable Packaging

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 11, 2015 3:44:00 PM

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Reporting LIVE from Sust Pack 2015 in Orlando

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Mar 2, 2015 7:35:00 AM

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TONIGHT: Woodstock Manufacturers Roundtable

Posted by Chandler Slavin on Feb 24, 2015 8:16:00 AM

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