California Innovations

California Innovations has expanded a January recall of gel packs used in lunch bags to include over 800,000 items. Although some California Innovations bags are available to distributors, none of the recalled items are available in the promotional products industry.

California Innovations, a Toronto-based manufacturer of coolers, tote bags and drinkware, in conjunction with the CPSC, has issued a voluntary recall of two of its insulated food bags. According to the CPSC, the "Cryofreeze" freezer gel packs included in the bags can leak chemicals when damaged that are potentially poisonous when ingested.

Leed's, a member of Polyconcept North America (PCNA), announced that it has partnered with retail brand Arctic Zone to expand its cooler category.

New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, announced it will launch nine exclusive cooler designs from Toronto-based California Innovations. After roughly 20 years in the industry, California Innovations will offer its promotional coolers only through Leed’s. California Innovations products feature Ultra Safe linings, which are PVC- and lead-free and exceed federal and international safety requirements. “We are very excited by our partnership with Leed’s,” stated Lorne Mogil, CFO of California Innovations. “This agreement allows California Innovations to focus on designing innovative, high- quality products. That is what we do best. We knew that Leed’s would be the best supplier in

EVER SINCE PRODUCT recalls hit the promotional and retail sectors this past summer, Proposition 65 has been the watchword on the lips of both suppliers and distributors. With the start of the 2008 trade show season, the sense of greater awareness became especially evident. “Prop 65 compliant” signage is more prominently displayed. Education programs on the law are offered. And suppliers are adopting product designations and new testing procedures to ensure they’re keeping pace with Prop 65, which is said to be the most strict product-safety law in the country. Otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,