Converting equipment

Paper--with special converting--shows new versatility

The oldest packaging material is finding new opportunities by combining with other materials like barrier plastics and special inks.

June 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling: Page 220

Additives, coatings & inks

Smoothening torque transfer

Auger fillers are fast, flexible, and accurate thanks to the composite disc couplings used to transfer torque from servo motors to auger shafts.

June 30, 2003

Sustainability

Wild Oats debuts 'corn-tainers'

Natural and organic food retailer Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Boulder, CO, is reportedly the first North American firm to pack deli foods at retail in containers made of NatureWorks™ PLA from Cargill Dow LLC. PLA is a renewable-resource-based polylactide resin derived from corn.

June 30, 2003

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

FDA flashes red light to patent stays

Agency doesn’t want branded drug manufacturers to delay development of generics because of packaging claims. New limits on patents go into effect August 18.

June 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Print-and-apply labeler

The MP2000 print and apply labeling system for multi-pack packaging identification from Imaje USA was designed to print and apply labels at up to 60/min.

June 30, 2003

Additives, coatings & inks

Pick-and-place robot

The SIG Delta Robot from SIG Pack Systems has a common modular design incorporating both the robot and controls, resulting in minimal space requirements.

May 31, 2003

Converting equipment

Sidel, Pressco announce an alliance

At NPE 2003 in Chicago this week, Sidel Inc. and Pressco Technology announced their signing of a strategic alliance agreement for the distribution and sale of Pressco's Intellispec™ PET container vision inspection system.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Whatever happened to...?

In an effort to reduce its regulatory backlog, FDA decided to withdraw 83 proposed actions published more than five years ago.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

COO labeling for seafood

The Alabama House is considering country-of-origin labeling legislation that would place new restrictions on seafood processors that use imported seafood in finished food products sold in the state.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Manual on anticounterfeiting, no; useful compendium, yes

Whether a book or an anthology, this volume on pharmaceutical anticounterfeiting is both interesting and valuable, but flawed.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Companies

Schubert Packaging Systems (Addison, TX) opened a new 5.5 million Euro (US $6.08 million) Warehouse Logistics Center (above) in Crailsheim, Germany.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

COO comments

The American Frozen Food Institute, Grocery Manufacturers of America, and the National Food Processors Assn. submitted joint comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture detailing their objections to the proposed country-of-origin labeling guidelines that will be used as a model for mandatory regulations taking effect on September 30, 2004.

May 31, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Labeling for flavored malt beverages

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ Tax and Trade group is proposing changes to the regulations governing “flavored malt beverages,” which are growing in popularity and constitute as much as 5% of the overall U.S.

May 31, 2003