New Samsung Galaxy S5 Prime built with aluminum case to mimic the visual appeal of iPhone

A picture of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S5 Prime has recently leaked on the internet showing the smartphone with a silver brushed aluminum rear case.

Instead of offering a product design different from its formidable competitor Apple, Samsung is taking a different approach. Samsung plans on releasing its Galaxy S5 Prime, also referred to as Galaxy F and Galaxy Alpha (in Korea), in September with a new case made from aluminum, similar to the case Apple has used on its past three iPhone models. This will be the first time Samsung has ever used a metal case one of its smartphones. The company hopes that the new sleek case will portray an image of higher quality to consumer than previous Galaxy products.

Consumers find Apple’s anodized aluminum unibody case appealing because they like their smartphones to feel premium. The current Galaxy S5 is made of plastic and to many consumers the product comes off cheap and unreliable.  Tech companies have conducted comparison reviews on the two company’s current flagship smartphones, the iPhone 5S with the Samsung Galaxy S5, and say that the aluminum built quality of the iPhone 5 is much nicer to look at than the Galaxy S5. Samsung was disappointed with its sales revenue from the Galaxy S5 and feels like the change in the case, along with an upgraded higher resolution display and other capability upgrades, will allow the company to take back its share of the market.

The Galaxy S5 release did not give Samsung the kind of sales the company is accustomed to when it introduces its latest and greatest device and fell behind profits Apple received when it released the iPhone 5.

By transitioning to aluminum, the Galaxy S5 Prime will be lighter and sturdier than the old plastic case. The Galaxy S5 Prime will also have the ability to be even more dust and water resistant than it already claims to be. Aluminum is able to conduct heat and therefore will be able to be thinner and run more effectively in extreme environments. Aluminum is known for being a high quality durable metal. Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide array of value-added aluminum products to meet the needs of customers across various industries. Take the time to look at our product line on our website here.

Sources: International Business Times, Tech Times, Localytics

Kristie K.//SMC Editor

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SMC Marketing Team Takes on Aluminum China 2014 Expo

 

A model of China’s High-Speed Train was on display at the Aluminum China 2014 Expo event. The bullet train is capable of reaching up to 400 km/h.

Last week the Aluminum Marketing Team at Shanghai Metal Corporation made their way to the 10^th Annual Aluminum China 2014 Event held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.  500 international exhibitors from 30 countries set up booths representing the entire aluminum production chain from aluminum raw materials, semi-finished and finished products to production and processing machinery and accessories. Attendees included around 16,000 qualified professionals and buyer delegates from key Asian markets and other global emerging markets. The expo showcased industry developments that forecast a bright future for the aluminum sector.

On the second day, the event held it’s first ever Aluminum Packaging Workshop to expand the conversation concerning aluminum packaging application. The workshop was delivered in both Chinese and English.

Many local aluminum manufacturers displayed pictures of their outstanding construction project s from around the world. Each project amplified the sleek and modern architectural appeal that aluminum portrays. Some examples include Nanhai Dali Aluminum’s work on the infamous CCTV Headquarters in Beijing that won the 2013 Best Tall Building Worldwide from the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat and Fenglu Aluminum’s involvement in the Guangzhou New International Airport expansion that is set to be completed in 2018.

A few crowd favorites included innovations in automotive and aerospace production.  Recent headlines confirm that nearly all globally renowned commercial car manufacturers are transitioning to more aluminum-based auto bodies in order to increase fuel economy and performance capabilities. Aluminum is used in aircraft carriers because it is light weight but yet still durable enough to carry heavy loads and withstand high atmospheric pressures.  Utilizing light weight materials will allow both transportation models to reach speeds that are unobtainable using other types of metals.

We would like to thank Reed Exhibitions on putting another successful event and look forward to attending Aluminum China in years to come.

Kristie K.//SMC Editor

Convenience is King: Value-added Packaging is a Must for Targeting Millennials

 In just a matter of years, a new generation will be leading the global economy in a different direction. Call them what you may – “Millennials,” “Generation Y,” “Generation WE,” “The Boomerang Generation,” “The Peter Pan Generation” – this generation were born between 1980 and 2000 and is bigger than previous generations. They have grown up in the digital age are characterized by their ability to multi-task, need to feel connected with their peers, and tech-savvy abilities. In order to target this generation, consumer products offer instant gratification or else they will not stand a chance.

The Boston Consulting Group identified of the most familiar attributes of U.S. Millennials is, “I want it fast, and I want it now.” This group puts emphasis on speed, ease, efficiency, and convenience in all their transactions. For example, Millennials shop for groceries at convenience stores twice as much as non-Milliennials. Marketers can take advantage of this by offering products in smaller quantities with on-the-go capabilities such as resealable options. Robert Hogan, director of global business development for ITW Zip-Pak, explains that retailers can implement zippers in flexible packaging in as little as six weeks, with little destruction to the manufacturing process and little-to-no capital investment.

The Boston Consulting Group discovered Millennials to outnumber Baby Boomers and to have greater influence on the market.

Millennials have been taught at a young age that collective action can make a difference and preserving our planet is a necessity. Millennials expect companies to show compassion toward social issues and are more likely to engage in brands that partner with the right causes. DDB Worldwide, a globally-renowned marketing connections network, discovered that Millennials are more willing to “pay more for an environmentally-safe version of a product” (46 percent) that Baby Boomers (41 percent).

Using more aluminum based packaging for consumer products provide an eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient option to consumers. For manufacturers, aluminums light weight, durable, and oxygen-tight characteristics are a way to cut transportation costs and improve shelf life of products. Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide variety of aluminum options for flexible packaging and sustainable manufacturing. Visit our website here for more details.

Sources: FoodProductionDaily,com, The Boston Consulting Group, DDB Worldwide

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The Pouch Trend in Food Packaging is Here to Stay

Gerber’s released it’s baby food pouches in 2012 allowing new parents to feed newborns on the go. Parents can feed infants directly from the pouch making it a more sanitary and easy clean up option.

It seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon to join the popular packaging trend. More and more food brands have been turning to pouches to package their products. From sports drinks to ketchup, pouches can be convenient for all products. There are endless varieties for shapes, sizes, and features such as stand up capabilities and resealable options.

Advantages to pouch units include portability, lightweight, reduced material use and significantly lower shipping costs. Demand for pouches in the US is projected to increase 4.6 percent per year to 9.4 billion dollars in 2018, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group. Food and beverage markets make up the majority of pouch demand, accounting for 80 percent of the total in 2013.  Nonfood markets for pouches will grow more rapidly than food and beverage markets based on further development of new applications in consumer goods. By switching to pouches, brands will be able to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and draw more attention to their products on store shelves. Pouches give off the perception of a new contemporary packaging format that consumers have proven they are interested in.

By switching to pouches, candy brands no longer need to individually wrap each piece which cuts costs significantly.

Packaged food companies will see significant cost savings when using pouches due to lighter weight, leading to decreased transportation costs, and lower material use compared to more structured containers. Aluminum is often used in the food packaging industry because direct contact between foil and food and beverages causes no reaction, extending the products shelf life. Firms will be able to keep oxygen out and maintain the desired temperature of their product.

Shanghai Metal Corporation understands the potential in the packaging industry and offers a wide array of aluminum foil for flexible packaging. We are committed to providing value-added quality products with competitive pricing and prompt delivery. View more information on this product and more at our website here.

Sources: Packaging Buzz, The Freedonia Group

Crafty Beer Labels for Craft Beers: A Creative Marketing Strategy

Many firms are entering the market in hopes of reaching fast growing revenue since customers are now more accepting toward the product. Craft Brewers are relying on marketing strategies to enhance brand recognition to survive.

The Brewer’s Association in Boulder, Colorado defines craft beer as beer made by a brewer that is small, independent, and traditional. The association includes microbreweries in this category as well even though they produce a smaller quantity of beer. Craft beer has increased in popularities among US beer drinkers as the country slowing transitions out from recession. Americans are now able and willing to spend more money on specialty beers because they possess higher levels of disposable income.

But the market for craft beers has high barriers to entry making it tough for new companies to enter. Mega-breweries such as Miller Coors and Anheuser-Busch have the ability to negotiate large supply and distribution contracts and therefore can offer a lower price to consumers. Craft Brewers, on the other hand, must charge a higher price to cover input prices. Such breweries across the United States are turning to unique marketing strategies to generate sales.

Breweries around the world are using the same artistic labeling strategy to attract consumers as well. Brazil-based Tarantino Brewery’s hand drawn labels have been proven effective.

The Big Picture, a UK-based market research agency that specialize in digital research at a global level, believes that a shift toward artistic labels will be a huge in beer packaging for years to follow. Creative labels allow companies to add individuality and character to the product. Craft beers in particular are applying this approach and are able to possess a charge that bigger brands struggle to match.  In an industry that is fighting over shelf space visibility, unique labels are an effective way to stand out among the rest.

Citation: IBISWorld Industry Report: Craft Beer Production in the US. Creative Bloq

Shanghai Metal Corporation is a leading international manufacturer and supplier of custom beer mark foil. More product details and purchasing information can be viewed here. 

 

Aluminum Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing: A Clear Winner

Aluminum is not only attractive and pliable but comes in a great variety of roofing types and designs creating a unique and modern look.

Aluminum roofs have become increasingly popular around the world due to its ease of installation, stability, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly qualities. Unlike traditional wood and oil-based roofs, aluminum roofs do not require nails to attach shingles in place. Instead, they are constructed by interlocking the panels to fit together. This attribute allows such roofs to be water tight and durable in multiple weather conditions such as heavy snow, ice, and wind.  Additionally, moss and mold are unable to grow making it a healthy and safe alternative to traditional roofs. Finally, if a building were ever to catch on fire, aluminum roofs would not burn or support combustion like other roofing material. Since metal roofs are safer than traditional roofs, some homeowner insurance policies offer reduced rates for those using metal roofs.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Solomons, Maryland, USA

Aluminum roofs have a lifetime of about 35 years and do not require much maintenance once installed. Aluminum roofs do not have to be restored or replaced. This results in cost benefits for the consumer that cannot be obtained by traditional roofs. Such roofs are not only permanent but also light weight leaving little stress placed on the top of the building.

The energy efficiency component of aluminum roofing is tough to beat by alternative materials. Typical roofing materials like asphalt, wood, and slate allow almost 90 percent of radiant heat to pass into the home. This causes the attic areas to become extremely hot, especially in the summer. Aluminum roofs are able to decrease attic temperatures by as much as 10 degrees because it is capable of reflecting most of the sun’s rays. In the winter, heat is reflected back into the building keeping it warm.

In conclusion, it is clear to see why builders are changing their roofing methods from traditional wood and oil-based roofs to modern aluminum.

Shanghai Metal Corporation provides a wide variety of aluminum panel options. Take time to review some of those options here

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