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Save money, drive sales and provide a more satisfying customer experience. Get the numbers behind our absorbent pad solutions.

Looking to drive sales and improve customer experience? See the numbers behind our absorbent pad solutions in this helpful infographic.

Absorbent pads are a staple in many industries, from grocery and medical settings to packaging and shipping companies. However, the innovative use of these pads in foodservice is something that is relatively new and exciting.

Back-of-house operations are important to the success of the restaurant and quality of the food delivered to the customer. Foodservices prep before service is an important element that allows the kitchen staff to run more efficiently and keep the product consistent.

Novipax, a leader in absorbent pad solutions, has developed a new product called Prep Pads. As chefs chop and slice food for prep, they typically use metal or plastic containers for storage. Placing the pad on the bottom before the food is put into the containers allows excess moisture to be absorbed, limiting the impact on the quality of the produce or protein and overall freshness of the meal.

Eliminating prepped product from sitting in standing juices slows down the degradation process. This revolutionary use of pads in foodservice has the potential to transform the industry by improving the quality and safety of prepared foods.

Traditionally, restaurant staff have used paper towels to absorb excess moisture in containers of cut produce. This method can be messy, time-consuming, and unreliable, and it also creates a lot of waste. Novipax’s Prep Pads are a game changer in this regard, as they are specifically designed for this application and are much more effective than other options.

One of the key benefits of Prep Pads is their ability to absorb a significant amount of liquid quickly. This is particularly important in back-of-house settings, where time is of the essence and efficiency is key. Keeping produce fresher for longer by reducing the amount of moisture in the container helps to prevent bacterial growth and food spoilage.

Prep Pads are also incredibly easy to use. They come in a variety of sizes to fit different containers and are simply placed at the bottom of the container before the produce or protein is added. Once the product is in the container, the pads will begin to absorb any excess moisture, leaving the product fresh.

What are the top 3 benefits of using absorbent pads in foodservice preparation?

Using absorbent pads in foodservice preparation can provide several benefits, including:

  1. Longer shelf life: Absorbent pads can help extend the shelf life of cut fruits and vegetables by absorbing excess moisture that can cause the produce to spoil faster[1]. This means that retailers can keep their produce on the shelves for longer periods of time, reducing waste and maximizing profits.
  2. Improved appearance: Moisture can cause cut fruits and vegetables to become soft and unappetizing, which can turn off customers. By using an absorbent pad, the produce maintains its freshness and appearance, making it more visually appealing to shoppers[1].
  3. Preservation of sensorial characteristics: Absorbent pads can be used in the food industry to preserve the sensorial characteristics of packaged fresh or refrigerated food products[2]. This can help maintain the quality of the food and ensure that it is appealing to customers.

Overall, using absorbent pads in foodservice preparation can help reduce waste, maximize profits, and maintain the quality and appearance of food products.

Improved quality. Fresher ingredients. Less food waste. Cleaner workspace.

Not only are the prep pads a game changer, but they are a no-brainer when it comes to organizing your back-of-house food prep process. Contact us to learn more about how you can introduce prep pads to your own kitchens.

Citations:
[1] https://www.novipax.com/quality-pads-improve-appearance-in-cut-produce/
[2] https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-76573-0_3-1

Using a produce absorbent pad in cut fruit and vegetable containers at retail has become increasingly popular over the years. The benefits of using an absorbent pad in plastic clamshells can aid retailers in extending shelf life and improving the quality of fruit and vegetables.

Implementing a pad into existing operational processes is easy. An absorbent pad is placed in the bottom of a container to absorb excess moisture from cut fruits and vegetables. This moisture can cause the produce to spoil faster, leading to a decrease in shelf life and potentially a loss of revenue for the retailer.

Here are the benefits of using an absorbent pad in cut fruit and vegetable containers:

How do you determine the quality of produce?
There are several methods for determining the quality of produce, including:

Using an absorbent pad in cut fruit and vegetable containers is a smart choice for retailers. With these benefits in mind, it’s clear why more and more retailers are choosing to use absorbent pads in their produce departments.

Download our sales brochure here.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/379_70
[2] https://www.actahort.org/books/379/379_70.htm
[3] https://www.cenzasmart.com/cenza/food-beverage-training/blog.aspx?ID=1100&Title=6+Ways+to+Determine+Food+Quality
[4] https://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/608-295.pdf
[5] https://theforbesfamilyfarm.com/quality-definitions-for-produce/

When it comes to maintaining a safe and clean operating room, there can be no compromises. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure their patients receive the highest quality of care. This involves managing all aspects of their environment, such as spills and bodily fluids.

Traditional cleaning methods, such as using towels and sheets to clean up spills, may have been sufficient in the past, but they are no longer the best solution available. In this blog, we will discuss the risks of using towels and sheets in the operating room and explain why absorbent floor mats are a superior alternative.

Operating room with light shining on empty bed with a sheet and absorbent mat.

The Risks of Using Towels and Sheets in the Operating Room, The “Whatever Is Available” Method

  1. Contamination: Sheets and towels are not designed to absorb large amounts of fluids. When used to clean up spills, they can spread the fluid and bacteria over a larger surface area, increasing the risk of contamination.
  2. Ineffective cleaning: Sheets and towels are not designed to clean surfaces thoroughly. They may leave behind residue and bacteria, leading to the formation of biofilms.
  3. Increased infection risk: Spills and fluids in the operating room can contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Using sheets and towels to clean up these fluids can increase the risk of infection for patients and healthcare workers.
  4. Waste of resources: Sheets and towels are a limited resource in a healthcare setting. Using them to clean up spills and fluids can result in a waste of resources and increased costs.
  5. Increased cleaning time: Using sheets and towels to clean up spills and fluids can be time-consuming. It may require multiple passes to clean the surface thoroughly, which can delay procedures and increase total cleaning time.
  6. Slip and fall hazards: When used to clean up spills, sheets and towels can leave behind a wet surface that can be hazardous for healthcare workers and patients.
  7. Difficult to dispose of: Sheets and towels that are used to clean up spills and fluids are considered medical waste and must be disposed of properly. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
  8. Poor hygiene: Sheets and towels that are used to clean up spills and fluids may not always be disposed of and instead washed and reused, leading to poor hygiene and the spread of bacteria.
  9. Lack of standardization: The use of sheets and towels to clean up spills and fluids is not standardized across healthcare facilities, leading to inconsistencies in cleaning procedures.
  10. Environmental impact: The production and disposal of sheets and towels can have a significant environmental impact. Using absorbent floor pads can be a more sustainable option.

It’s essential to use the right tools for the right purpose. When it comes to cleaning up spills and fluids in a healthcare operating room, using absorbent floor mats is the right option. Not only are they specifically designed to absorb fluids quickly and effectively, but they also reduce the risk of contamination and infection, save time and money, and promote sustainability. By using the right tools, healthcare facilities can ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their patients and creating a safe and sterile environment for all. It’s time to leave the sheets and towels for what they’re intended for and embrace the modern, highly effective, engineered solution of absorbent operating room floor mats for the proactive capture of surgical fluids.

To learn more about the benefits of absorbent floor mats, read more here. Download our sales brochure here.

For our sixth installment of the #WinTogether CREW Spotlight, we spoke with Patrick Freeman, Rockingham Plant Manager. Patrick has had a long and successful career in the manufacturing industry, and we appreciate having him on our CREW!

We hope you enjoy getting to learn more about Patrick!

Where are you from?

“I am originally from Alabama. After graduating from high school, I spent 24 years in the Marines and eventually went into manufacturing and spent time living in California, New York, Georgia, and eventually North Carolina”

When and how did you join Novipax? 

“I’ve spent many years of my career turning around facilities in need of improvement. I joined in November 2021 to help turnaround the Rockingham facility, so I came in to take what was already good and enhance it. There’s a feeling of success in taking what’s good about a place and enhancing it.”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? 

“It all depends on the day, mainly ensuring safety, quality, and cost. Safety speaks for itself; we want everyone to come and leave work the same way. Quality, we have tried enhancing focus in quality to give to customers, and so they can pass it on to their networks. Cost, there are a lot of aspects of cost to be aware of, and many people do not realize that what happens daily can impact cost. Cost drives everything so we make sure our staff understands how it impacts our facility.

The plant manager position in my opinion is the best job in the world. We are high enough up that we have impact in the company and the wellbeing of our personnel, but low enough to maintain close ties with our communities.”

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax? 

“Coming into the Rockingham facility and the Rockingham community as a whole, the open arms mentality they bring you in with. I work with a great group of people, and everyone was very open from day 1 and willing to learn new things. I’ve been able to share my experience with the people at the plant and with leadership and we have all been able to learn from each other. We never stop improving.

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“The people. I’ve been a lot of different places and it’s hard to find a place where people look out for each other so much. From the offices to the floor, truly a family environment. We truly care and want the best for our employees.”

What is your favorite activity in Rockingham?

“My favorite activity is my walks on the floor. It gives me a chance to get off the desk and away from the meetings, but most importantly gives me a chance to speak to my hourly workers and find out how they’re doing.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the area?

“Biscuitville”

What is your favorite hobby?

“I’ve rediscovered a hobby I had when I was younger and have found time for gardening again. I’m starting to grow some long beans and I’m on my second year with collard greens. I’m planting a few more crops this year and will be trying for a peach tree soon.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The Philippines

What is the last book that you read?  

The Book of Revelations  

What is your life mantra/motto? 

“I want to get through life transparent and with the best morals I can. I believe in being truthful and sometimes people don’t like that but I think those are the two things you should live by.

The word integrity is an important word to me because that means you do things right even when no one is looking, and I believe if everyone lived like that the world would be a much better place.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

For our tenth installment of the #WinTogether CREW Spotlight, we spoke with Sales Representative, Jojo Watson. Jojo is a Grenada, MS native and has recently transitioned from working as a Production Supervisor at our Grenada plant to a Sales Representative!

We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Jojo!

Where are you from?

“Grenada, MS”

When and how did you join Novipax? 

“I joined in March 2022 after being encouraged to look into the open position by someone already working at the plant.”

What is your job title?

“Sales Representative and before that a production supervisor.”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? 

“Currently, I am the liaison between the customer and production team. I also introduce customers to our new products.”

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax? 

“My transition from production to sales. I am grateful to bring my production experience to the sales team!”

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“I’d have to say it’s the people. I like all the people I work with, and it is a great team. Everyone is very helpful.”

What is your favorite activity in the Grenada area?

“My favorite thing is to run with my daughter. She just made the track team and she’s been running with me for at least a year now.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the area?

“No Way Jose”

Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

“My mom has definitely been the most influential.”

What is your favorite hobby?

“My favorite hobby right now is creek fishing. I’ve been doing that a lot this time of year.”

Do you have any hidden talents? 

“I can still do a backflip and I’m almost 40.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Biloxi, MS is probably where I go the most, so I’d say that is my favorite.”

What is the last book that you have read?  

“I’m currently reading the Purple Book, a bible study guide.”

What is your life mantra/motto? 

“My life motto would probably be don’t stop, just keep going. It’ll get better in the end.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

In the latest edition of the #WinTogether CREW Spotlight, we spoke with Lisa Koshinskie from our Paxinos plant. Lisa has been a core member of the Novipax CREW for 35 years, and we appreciate everything she does for the Paxinos CREW!

We hope you enjoy getting to learn more about Lisa!

Where are you from?

“Coal Township, PA”

When and how did you join Novipax

“My grandmother was best friends with the woman that had this job before me and when she was retiring, she called me in to interview and I have been here ever since.”

What is your job title?

“Purchasing.”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? 

“Purchasing, receiving, answering the phone, greeting those who come visit, sending out small packages.”

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax? 

“The friendships. I’m still friends with people I met when I started working here and still deal with some of the same vendors.”

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“The people. I get along with everybody.”

What is your favorite activity in the Paxinos area?

Knoebels Grove Amusement Park

What is your favorite restaurant in the area?

“A local Italian restaurant called Ghezzi’s

Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

“My mom. She passed away a few years ago, but taught me how to work and put my full effort into my job.”  

What is your favorite hobby?

“Spending time with my grandkids, reading, and crocheting.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Lewes, Delaware”

What is the last book that you have read?

“My favorite author is Danielle Steele, so I like anything romance, but I haven’t read anything lately.”

What is your life mantra/motto?

“Just be kind, you never know what others are dealing with so I like to treat others how I’d like to be treated.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

For our eighth installment of the #WinTogether CREW Spotlight, we spoke with Andre Bridges, Grenada Production Supervisor. Andre has been a member of the Novipax CREW for 20 years and we appreciate his wisdom!

We hope you enjoy getting to learn more about Andre!

Where are you from?

“Grenada, MS”

When and how did you join Novipax

“I joined in 2003 when I was looking for a job and I have been here ever since.”

What is your job title?

“Currently I am a Production Supervisor, but I started here as an operator and transitioned to lead before becoming a supervisor.”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? 

“I come in and talk with the outgoing production supervisor and get information on the previous shift. Then I walk the floor, check and make sure they are wearing their PPE and any other safety gear needed to do their job. I also lead a shift huddle and oversee changeovers.”

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax? 

“It’s like a family and a strong team. I love coming to work and being a part of the team.”

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“The culture and team environment.”

What is your favorite activity in the Grenada area?

“I love fishing and I find it very relaxing.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the area?

“No Way Jose”

Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

“My grandmother.”  

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“New Orleans, LA”

What is your life mantra/motto?

“Treat people the way you would like to be treated.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

For our seventh installment of the #WinTogether CREW Spotlight, we spoke with Alberto De la Vega, El Paso Human Resources Manager. Alberto was our first El Paso employee, and he plays a key role in helping us grow our CREW in El Paso. We appreciate having him as our guide as we join the El Paso community!

We hope you enjoy getting to learn more about Alberto!

Where are you from?

“Born and raised in Cuidad Juárez, Mexico”

When and how did you join Novipax? 

“I joined in November 2022 after a corporate recruiter reached out on LinkedIn. I was looking to make a transition and the role aligned with what I wanted to do.”

What is your job title?

“Human Resources Manager”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of?

“Right now, a little bit of everything but I have concentrated more on recruiting to staff our El Paso Plant. We just completed our hiring frenzies which went extremely well, and we have a lot of great talent joining our team in the upcoming weeks/months. I am also focusing on transmitting the Novipax culture to our new hires here in El Paso and making sure they understand their role within Novipax. It is important that they know that they play a big role in the company and aren’t just a number, but valued members of our CREW!

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax? 

“Everything has been unique. Shutting down a plant and opening up a new one and being a part of all the planning that goes in place. Building up a plant and a staff from the ground up is unique.”

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“That’s a tough question because there are a lot of things. Great personalities and leadership and being part of such an important milestone in Novipax history. The leadership, guidance, and mentorship we’ve experienced have been amazing.”

What is your favorite activity in the El Paso area?

“Training the soccer kids that I coach. Last May we were city league division champions and hopefully, we can regain that title in the spring.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the area?

“I have two! Chicos Tacos is an El Paso tradition; cash only, hole in the wall, and has been there since 1950. Clasico Kitchen also locally owned been in business since 2010 they have the best burgers and micheladas.”

Who has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

“My parents. They have been really supportive of my decisions.”

What is your favorite hobby?

“Playing soccer.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Guadalajara, Jalisco MX.”

What is the last book that you read?  

“My PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification book, before that “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, and “Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment” by William Byham and Jeff Cox. More books about work than fun at the moment.”

What is your life mantra/motto?

“Take every opportunity. You never know what kind of experience you will get, I never want to look back and have any regrets.”

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

For our first #WinTogether CREW Spotlight of 2023, we spoke with our Customer Service Manager, Ilia Stitt. Here at Novipax, our core values are represented by the acronym CREW, which stands for Customer Focus, Respect, Excellence, and Win Together, and in her role, Ilia plays a key role in Customer Focus. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Ilia!

Where are you from?

“I was born in Philadelphia and now live in the Amish Country in Lebanon, PA.”

When and how did you join Novipax?

“I joined in May 2017 after my previous boss had joined Novipax and invited me to apply when there was an opening.”

What do your day-to-day responsibilities consist of? 

“As customer service manager I am the liaison between sales, quality, production, shipping, the client, and the customer. This means my day-to-day varies but often includes responsibilities such as managing and reporting on time and in full orders, assisting with client claims and quality, placing orders, and more!”

What is something unique that you have experienced at Novipax?

“Being the liaison of all of these different departments is very unique and I’m not sure many other people can say that.”

What is your favorite thing about working for Novipax?

“Everyone is very supportive, and it is a very caring and family-like atmosphere. If there are ever any mistakes, we hold each other accountable, but we are always ready to support through difficulties.”

What is your favorite activity in the Oak Brook area?

“Eating.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the Oak Brook area?

“Lou Malnati’s Pizza.”

What is your favorite hobby?

“Cleaning and organizing.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Anywhere that’s not my house.”

What is the last book that you have read?

“Darkfever by Karen Marie Moaning”

What is your life mantra/motto?

“Done is better than perfect.”

If you had to describe Novipax in one word, what would it be?

“Progression.”

What is one impact you would like to make during your time at Novipax?

“To spread honesty and a hard-working mentality.”