Introduction
Helping 270 successfully launch a new product
270 Vision, a leader in the field of medical monitoring devices, approached GWP Protective to help them create a packaging solution for a new product launch. The new product consisted of valuable sensors, equipment and a tablet computer, which meant a requirement for a reusable and robust solution that would provide adequate protection.
Following a collaborative design approach with 270 Vision, GWP Protective manufactured and supplied a protective case with foam that met and exceeded all aspects of the brief (including helping the business with another related challenge).
Contents
About the customer
270 Vision (BPM Pro)
Founded in 2011, 270 Vision is a developer of simple-to-use, highly accurate body analysis technology for use in injury prevention and rehabilitation in the medical, employee welfare and elite sports sectors.
Their advanced, medical-grade BPMphysio sensor technology utilises cutting-edge software to provide real-time feedback that aids in assessment and therapy in areas such as stroke recovery, spinal cord injury, and sports performance.
Their solutions also allow patients – such as those undergoing hip or knee replacement – to be discharged as early as the day of their surgery, with clinicians remotely assessing their recovery. This equipment has the potential to reduce the length of a patient’s hospital stay, freeing up NHS beds and minimising exposure to hospital-acquired infections.

The challenge
The challenges 270 Vision faced with its packaging
Part of the challenge for 270 vision was that BPMphysio was a brand-new product, which, for its launch, required a suitable packaging solution. With no previous experience of the requirements for this, the company were unsure what packaging materials or options would be suitable.
Another significant challenge was that there were numerous smaller items, and displaying these in a neat, compact format (particularly leads, straps, etc.) was crucial. Ease of packing and unpacking was also vital.
Additionally, the items within the kit, which sometimes included a tablet computer, were of high value. As such, protection against accidental damage was also paramount.
The final consideration was that, as a new product and brand, reflecting the company’s corporate identity would also be beneficial.
The solution
GWP's design-led approach
Having heard about GWP Protective’s services and products after picking up a brochure at the Medtec tradeshow, 270 Vision contacted GWP Protective for help.
GWP Protective designer William Lamb, following initial visits with key personnel at 270 Vision, quickly identified that a durable, reusable case with foam inserts would be the most suitable option for their application.
The next step was for Will to digitise all components, allowing him to create a 3D model within the CAD systems for initial proofing.
Upon acceptance of an initial layout, GWP supplied pre-production samples for testing and evaluation. The initial samples originally featured black on blue foam; however, after a couple of amendments and further meetings, it was decided to switch to orange and black foam to better reflect the 270 Vision branding.
Finally, GWP Protective manufactured the full run of protective cases and foam inserts, primarily using CNC routing, at our foam conversion site in Salisbury. Production incorporated laser etching to enhance the foam inserts, adding logos plus the names of the contents of the various recesses.

The results
How 270 Vision benefited from the project
The in-depth design approach undertaken by GWP Protective, in collaboration with 270 Vision, ensured that GWP’s solution met all criteria of the brief.
Firstly, at the time of writing, there have been zero reports of damage to BPMPhysio equipment in transit. Effectively, the cases and bespoke foam inserts have provided a 100% protection rate.
Beyond this, the design of the foam inserts also allows for a very clean appearance, hiding any messy cables, leads, and adaptors while also making all parts of the kit easily accessible and professionally presented.
On a more practical level, the recesses, combined with laser-etched part numbers, facilitate the packing and unpacking of the kit. Unpacking and setup times can be as much as 50% quicker than if items were packed loose within the case. The orange and black foam, besides reflecting the brand colours, also quickly highlights if an item is missing from the case.

Finally, GWP Protective were able to assist 270 Vision in a slightly unusual way.
Due to the nature of the plastics 270 Vision uses in the manufacture of its products, particularly their anti-microbial properties, 270 Vision found it impossible to apply labels or print on the products. GWP suggested that our laser etching machine, which is usually used exclusively for foam, could potentially etch important details onto the product itself. The process successfully enabled the inclusion of the CE mark, legally required information and other essential details on the products.
Customer feedback
270 vision comments and feedback
Jane Gossling, Creative Director at 270 Vision, commented on the excellent working relationship that developed between the two parties.
Everyone at 270 Vision thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with GWP Protective, and it was a learning curve for us as well, given that this was a new product launch. GWP was very creative with regard to ideas for the inserts and also offered advice on ideas generated by us. These were then developed and incorporated, along with suggested alternatives, while not dismissing our original thoughts. GWP were quick, responsive, patient, eager to help and incredibly tolerant of gaps in our knowledge. I would absolutely recommend GWP to other companies looking for a similar service.

Summary
Sourcing cases and foam for your business
GWP’s expertise in protective cases and foam inserts allowed 270 Vision to source the perfect reusable packaging solution for their medical equipment. Benefits included completely eliminating the potential for damage in transit, as well as enhancing usability for equipment users.
If you have a new product launch, feel that your current cases and foam are not performing as expected, or simply want a fresh perspective on your existing packaging, we can help. Please contact a member of our team today.
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About the author

Will has exceptional knowledge of 3D CAD design and various materials, which he uses to engineer high-performance foam packaging.