Flexibles

Applications news

Oskosh, WI-based OEC Graphics is reported to be the first in the U.S. to install the digilas® computer-to-plate system made by Schepers of Germany.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles: Page 369

Feeding/inserting/unscrambling

Supplier news: Relocations, expansions

Mobil Chemical Co., Films Div. (Pittsford, NY) will use a new orienter to help boost its annual OPP packaging and labeling film capacity by 33 million lb at its Kerkrade, The Netherlands, plant.

May 31, 1997

Protective/transport packaging

PEN polymers lure beverage marketers

Superior thermal properties, chemical resistance, and high barrier to oxygen transmission have made PEN and other naphthalate-based materials irresistable for a hot-filled isotonic drink and for citrus juices.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Supplier news: Domestic acquisitions, agreements

Allegiance Healthcare Corp. (McGaw Park, IL) and Rexam PLC (London, England) have signed a seven-year global agreement for medical packaging, components and extruded film products.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Supplier news: Relocations, expansions

UCB Films (Wigton, Cumbria, England) will invest approximately $15.4 million in a specialty BOPP film plant in Melbourne, Australia.

May 31, 1997

Conveying & accumulation

Wrapping up changeover

Design House's new shrink wrapping line handles packages in various lengths without the need for changeover.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Supplier news: International agreements

Plastofilm Industries, Inc. (Wheaton, IL), an Ivex Co., announced a joint venture with Allplax (Salinas, PR) to create Plastofilm PR, Inc.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Temperature-sensitive film for fresh produce

Apio Inc. Value Added Group of Guadalupe, CA, is among the first companies to use a new technology for fresh-cut produce packaging. Developed by Landec (Menlo Park, CA), the Intellipac(TM) technology is based on an unusual "side chain crystallizable" polymer having an internal "temperature switch." At elevated temperatures, when respiring produce needs more oxygen, the polymer becomes more permeable, allowing the necessary oxygen in.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Dole tests plastic for shelf-stable pineapple

In test since January in supermarkets in the Pacific Northwest is Westlake, CA-based Dole Food Co.'s Select Fruits. The shelf-stable cups-each containing 4.6 oz of either pineapple or pineapple mixed with other tropical fruits-are marketed in pairs in attractively decorated paperboard sleeves.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Chemical packaging plant explodes

An explosion followed by a fire at a chemical packaging plant in West Helena, AR, killed three firefighters and caused the governor to declare a state of emergency as the area was evacuated due to toxic fumes.

May 31, 1997

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Freeze-dried veggies enjoy PVOH shield

A 0.84-mil oriented polypropylene with a coating of polyvinyl alcohol plays a key role in the distribution of Veggibles(TM), a novel freeze-dried vegetable snack from Beverly Hills Farmers Market.

May 31, 1997

Flexibles

Stretch film recycling

Trex (Winchester, VA) will buy excess PE film and remove it for recycling. Recyclable materials include stretch film, pallet wrap and plastic grocery bags.

April 30, 1997

Flexibles

Release sheets

Winlon® Release Sheets from Winzen Film (Dallas, TX) are an alternative to coated paper sheets and are approved by the USDA and FDA. The sheets are available from 0.5 to 0.8 mil and in standard sizes from 7.5" x 7.5" to 22" x 28", as well as custom thicknesses and sizes.

April 30, 1997