Bundles of six 2-L water bottles from Perrier/Vittel, Paris, France, get an easy-open feature thanks to a new multilayer shrink film with directional tear resistance.

If Sen. Al D'Amato (R-NY) has his way, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be forced to develop a screening program for estrogenicity that would test all substances-including chemicals used in packaging-for negative effects on the human estrogen system.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged toy industry retail giant Toys 'R' Us with exacting heavy-handed agreements from toy manufacturers that dictate how toys should be packaged for different accounts.

In May, French fruit juice company Pampryl began selling 11 varieties of aseptically filled juice and nectar within France in a 1-L plastic bottle. The bottle maintains the 12-month unrefrigerated shelf life of its glass predecessor.

Bottles combining upscale graphics, convenient dispensing and, in at least one instance, post-consumer resin sandwiched between virgin layers, helped Phoenix-based Dial Corp's Consumer Products Group introduce K"y"(TM) Nature's Creative Energy personal care products early this year.

In preparation for a discussion on international eco-labeling standards, a coalition of 12 associations organized by the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), is advocating standards similar to the "Green Guides" of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Sleek aluminum tubes give the Zirh Skin Nutrition line for men an eye-grabbing point of differentiation. The line was launched last March and is available nationwide at retail outlets and mass merchandisers.