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Article | October 31, 1996

3M honors paper packaging innovations

"Last year, for the first time, consumers spent more money on food at foodservice outlets than at retail grocery stores, a trend that presents significant future opportunities for the packaging community." These comments from Robert Esse of Esse Technologies, (Monticello, MN) were made at 3M's (St.

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Paul MN) fourth annual Scotchban(TM) innovation awards program in September. Providing a "packaging industry perspective" Esse was one of four panelists to present "Outlook: Packaging & the Environment." Other panelists were David Hayes a partner with the law firm Latham & Watkins; Bruce Anderson president of Earth Day USA; and Michael Santoro 3M's environmental operations manager. For the first time the awards competition was extended to Europe. In fact the top "Pick of the Pack" honor selected among North American and European gold and silver winners went to Spillers Europe for a pet food bag converted by Gascogne Emballage in France. The bag (shown) was singled out because of its grease- and tear-resistance which is important because the pet food contains aggressive fatty acids that can migrate causing seepage and grease damage to the package. An easy-carry handle was also deemed innovative. The bag's inner ply is made with 40% recycled fibers. Scotchban FC-845 Protector is applied to the inner ply FC-807 to the outer ply.