In informing the marketplace about Crystal’s services we frequently encounter questions about various subjects concerning designs, machinery and licenses. Hereby a summary of those frequently asked questions and the answers.

What proof exists about the claimed benefits of Crystal^® Airbox?

Crystal^® Airbox was tested by the BBA / Fraunhofer Institute in Germany on insect infestation and proven to be successful. It was compared to other sealed carton solutions, in a project that was concluded in 1998. Crystal^® Airbox turned out to be the most cost effective solution. Of both topics a summary of the reports will be sent to you on demand.

What special machinery is required to produce Crystal^® Airbox?

None. Some of our licensees and we ourselves produced cartons with patches on an existing Kohmann F950 and Heiber & Schroder windowing machine. Other existing windowing machinery should not experience problems placing paper patches.

On what filling machinery can Crystal^® Airbox be used?

In principal on any vertical filling machine. However, small adjustments are needed, including an appropriate glue application to lay down the glue pattern demanded. We know it runs without problems on CIBA machinery. Also Senzani machinery is being used. At the moment we are looking into the possibilities horizontal filling machinery offers.

Can everyone take out a license for Crystal^® Airbox?

No. It is our policy to work closely with a limited number of licensees for each country in order to preserve the quality aspects of Crystal^® Airbox.

We manufacture product X and we are supplied with cartons by converter Y who is mainly working for us. Can we take out a license as a manufacturer and what about market sector-exclusivity?

Crystal^® Airbox is targeting the fast moving consumer goods markets. In this volume market it’s possible to keep charging a modest royalty for each product manufactured. This automatically leads to selling licenses to converters, knowing they usually work with a number of clients. On the other hand, we recognize special market situations can occur. So we need to act flexibly and keep an open mind. We are willing to discuss this situation.

As far as market sector-exclusivity, it’s obvious given the above explanation that we are not able to give any exclusivity.