In an era dominated by digital advancements, the paper packaging industry might appear to be fading into obscurity. However, Allanae Printshop & Paper Products Corp. (APPP.Co) stands as a model of resilience, showcasing the adaptability and potential of this traditional sector.
Co-owned and led by couple Miko and Lea Nacino, the family-run enterprise has not only navigated the turbulent waters of the pandemic but also embraced innovation and sustainability as its guiding principles.
Established in 2009 by Lea’s family, APPP.Co entered a new phase when Miko and his wife, Lea assumed leadership following the passing of his mother-in-law during the pandemic. Merging their backgrounds in public policy and finance, the couple recognized the opportunity to revitalize the business and unlock its latent possibilities.
“We saw the potential, the reason why we decided to continue the business. We don’t want the business to close down. We want to try things, see what will work for us,” Miko said.
Community-centric
APPP.Co thrives on a strong sense of community, acknowledging the interconnectedness of businesses within the Philippine market.
Beyond serving major brands, they actively support fellow MSMEs with packaging advice, fostering collaboration and growth within the industry and with government partners.
Miko’s leadership as the chief innovation officer has propelled APPP.Co’s pursuit of novel ideas and expansion avenues. Though the company remains modest in scale, its ambitions are far-reaching.
“Like many others, we’re an SM baby,” Miko said. “We grew our business with SM, having been allowed to put out our products there.”
Their client roster now includes major retailers like Paper and Company, Vista Malls, Pandayan Bookshop, and Metro Department Stores, along with several brands under the Villar Group, such as AllToys. Additionally, they offer B2B packaging solutions for businesses like Cielo’s Donuts, Happy Living, and Dizon’s Catering.
The youngest in the group, Miko’s active involvement in the Philippine Printing Association as a trustee underscores his commitment to advancing the industry as a whole. By advocating for quality standards and innovation, he contributes to the growth and resilience of the printing sector in the Philippines.
With 80 percent of their projects serving major retailers, the couple is also setting their sights on the export market and investigating ways to elevate their core competency through innovative paper products.
Eyeing export market
While still a journey in progress, APPP.Co has its sights firmly set on international expansion. Through collaborations with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), they’re navigating the intricacies of global trade and pinpointing suitable markets for their distinctive products.
APPP.Co’s collaboration with government agencies grants them access to and the opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge paper products derived from local plants. This partnership nurtures a spirit of innovation and facilitates the introduction of sustainable alternatives to the market.
Partnering with gov’t
Its dedication to sustainability is evident in its collaboration with the Design Center of the Philippines on the Pinyapel project. By utilizing paper derived from indigenous plants like pineapple leaves, they champion the use of Filipino-sourced materials and actively contribute to environmental preservation.
APPP.Co’s vision transcends mere packaging provision. They function as consultants, guiding clients towards the optimal materials and designs to effectively showcase their products. This holistic approach to packaging elevates their market position and solidifies their standing as industry frontrunners.
Through their involvement in the Pinyapel project, APPP.Co spearheads the commercialization of eco-friendly paper products. Their expertise in paper gift packaging enables them to assess the viability and aesthetic appeal of Pinyapel, paving the way for its broader market acceptance.
While some might perceive paper printing as a declining industry, APPP.Co demonstrates that with the right mindset and strategy, even traditional sectors can flourish.
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