Packaging Visionary Expanding Effort

John Bitner, CPP, president of Bitner Associates Inc. and a member of PMP News’s Editorial Advisory Board, is expanding his pharmaceutical packaging consultancy established in 2004. “With today’s competitive marketplace, there is increased need to differentiate with a purpose, not just to be different,” Bitner says. “Accomplishing this by avoiding additional cost is a mandate. Actually saving dollars has been the more predictable outcome.”

Over the years Bitner has pushed for the development of functional packaging that promotes safe product use along with extended shelf life and manufacturing efficiency. His expertise includes concept feasibility, problem solving, efficiency improvement, and resolving the technical challenges of commercial implementation. He has researched improved barrier performance through materials science, advanced adhesion technology, tooling innovations, and structural design.

Bitner’s focus on package functionality has resulted in a number of design awards and patents. In 1966, the Institute of Packaging Professionals designated him a Fellow member, and his work has been acknowledged worldwide from the Wall Street Journal to the Public Broadcasting System for being “evangelical” towards improvement of child resistant/senior friendly packaging. He has been involved with the administration of CPSC protocols for over 25 years.

Bitner included “Associates” in their corporate name because of his extensive network of technical resources developed throughout the years. He views his associates as “staff.” He considers clients, “partners.”