Abstract: A length of plastic material may be formed into a helix and lantern rings may be cut therefrom for utilization with conventional packing adjacent a shaft in rotating or reciprocating equipment. The material exhibits a generally H-shaped cross-section defined by continuous side walls extending between radially inner and outer edges. Radially inner and outer surfaces are spaced inwardly from the inner and outer edges respectively. A plurality of generally radially extending holes pass from the outer surface to the inner surface and are spaced apart along the length of the material. These holes are utilized for the passage of cooling and lubricating fluid to the rotating shaft. Also, a plurality of generally axially extending holes pass from one side wall to the other and are spaced apart along the length of the material. These holes are utilized for extraction of a lantern ring from a stuffing box should the necessity arise. Several methods are also disclosed for producing the aforementioned product.