Michigan State University (sidebar)

Michigan State UniversityPackaging classes started: 1952Packaging undergrads currently enrolled: 550Distinction: More than 6000 alumni since school’s inceptionWeb site: www.packaging.msu.eduContact: Sara RischPhone: 517/355-9580Email: sjrisch@msu.eduSee the story that goes with this sidebar: Students and Industry learn at MSU

Oct 31st, 2004

Pw 12514 Tillman

Michigan State University School of Packaging

Thanks to a new AbilityOne contract, Transylvania Vocational Services needed to increase production of its instant non-fat dry milk to better serve food banks.

Bagger Helps Dry Milk Packager Meet Food Bank Demand

With a new contract to serve increasing food pantry needs amid the pandemic, the maker of ready-to-eat foods and various powdered products chose a VFFS bagger and auger combination to help improve efficiency as well as sanitation.

Exclusive Interview: PepsiCo’s Ongoing Sustainable Transformation Keeps Pace with Changing Landscape

In 2018, Packaging World spoke to Tom Mooradian, Sr. Manager, Environmental Sustainability at PepsiCo, about the brand's recycling initiatives. Three years later, we catch up with him to check on progress, changes, and see what's on the horizon.

News from CPA, The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers

The CPA has been busy of late, releasing its ‘2021 State of the Industry Report’ and lining up a number of value-added services for its contract packaging/manufacturing members.

Robby Martin, Engineering Specialist, Bush Brothers & Company

Exclusivity Within a CP/CM, Customer Relationship

When is it time to develop an exclusive agreement with your contract packager/manufacturer around a new product or technology, and what factors should you consider? Bush Bros. Robby Martin shares his experiences.

Prior to the MGS assembly module, bulk actuators are dumped into a hopper; a centrifugal bowl is utilized to singulate and orient them.

Metered Dose Inhaler Line Centralizes Control from Canisters Through Pallets

A deep dive into a “one machine” concept for a metered dose inhaler line, with system integration for 18 pieces of machinery and components from a variety of OEMs.

Syntegon's checklist for confectionery packaging

Syntegon's checklist for confectionery packaging

Wondering how to select the optimal solution for your specific product and packaging needs? We packed all the important questions for you to consider into a handy Confectionery Packaging Checklist.

IoPP’s 2021 Salary Survey Results: How Did Your Compensation Stack Up?

After a flat salary year in 2020 with heightened uncertainty about both traditional salary increases and bonuses, 2021 results indicate confidence returning. Meanwhile, job security is high and fewer people are seeking greener pastures at new jobs.

Getty Images 826359470

Increase in Online Grocery Shopping Impacts Beverage Pack Sizes and Machine Needs

Manufacturers are being pressed to readjust strategies or accelerate previously made plans in order to address the e-commerce channel surge and meet related demands.

Last year's salary freezes are thawing, and compensation optimism is slowly but surely heating up.

2021 IoPP Salary Survey: Salary Freezes Begin to Thaw. How Does Your Compensation Compare?

After a flat salary year in 2020 with heightened uncertainty and worry about both traditional salary increases and bonuses, 2021 results indicate that confidence is returning. Meanwhile, job security is high and fewer people are seeking greener pastures.

Getty Images 182690736

Which Post-Pandemic Consumer Trends are Here to Stay?

Experts at the Consumer Goods Forum Global Summit discussed how the pandemic has impacted consumers, and which trends are here to stay, including e-commerce, CPG accountability, and sustainability.

With the SeaWell system, trays are thermoformed with cavities into which a GRAS technology blend is dropped and secured with a heat-sealed piece of nonwoven fabric.

Active Packaging Technology Improves Seafood Safety, Shelf Life

SeaWell Protective Active Packaging from Aptar Food + Beverage – Food Protection integrates technology that keeps excess liquid from accumulating around the seafood, reducing bacterial growth, preserving quality, and improving consumer perception.

Syntegon's checklist for confectionery packaging

Syntegon's checklist for confectionery packaging

Wondering how to select the optimal solution for your specific product and packaging needs? We packed all the important questions for you to consider into a handy Confectionery Packaging Checklist.

Emma Cole, a member of the Batavia Environmental Commission, presents Green Ole Award to Hector Leon, director of operations for GreenSeed Contract Packaging.

GreenSeed Contract Packaging Recognized as Local Leader in Environmental Sustainability

The company was awarded the 2021 Green Ole Award by the Batavia Environmental Commission for making the city more “eco-friendly” through operational initiatives that resulted from its strategic and collaborative partnership with global CPG Danone.

AMERIPEN retained John Dunham & Associates to analyze the financial and societal impact made by the U.S. packaging industry, which is the largest producer of packaging in the world.

Report Details Packaging Industry’s Massive Impact on the U.S. Economy

Commissioned by AMERIPEN, a first-of-its-kind report details the financial and societal value of the U.S. packaging industry, providing data that can be used to help educate policymakers as they consider packaging-related legislation.

Nestlé’s Vittel Water Beta Tests Both a Durable Reusable Bottle and a Paper Bottle

Take Five Video: Vittel® mineral water used the Tour de France to test prototypes for two bottle types: One uses a durable plastic outer shell for reusability, the other uses a paper outer shell for easy recycling. Both use thin film inner liners.

When consumers scan the unique QR code on the back of the pouch, not only do they get verification that the package is authentic, they also get customized messaging.

A Whole New Connected Packaging Platform

A leader in digitally printed flexible packaging, ePac Flexible Packaging has launched a platform that leverages the power of digital printing to create serialized, trackable packaging especially suitable for small and medium-sized brands.

Getty Images 641361088

Beverage Manufacturers Turn to Dynamic Machines and Automation to Meet SKU Expansion

Manufacturers are being pressed on all fronts to expand offerings in the beverage market, and they are turning to OEMs and suppliers to offer solutions at all points in the manufacturing process.

Groovy beach vibes and sun-drenched coastal signage inspire the look and feel of packaging for the new Beach St. Vodka Soda beverage.

5 New Beverage Packaging Designs Celebrate Summer

From a soda can that provides access to virtual hip-hop concerts to a tequila seltzer package illustrated to conjure that ‘south of the border vacation’ feel, these recently released package designs celebrate summer togetherness.

Colgate-Palmolive products range from personal and home care items to pet food.

Colgate-Palmolive Focuses on Machine Health to Improve Supply Chain Operations

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the connection between production operations and the supply chain. In response, Colgate-Palmolive is connecting asset health and the supply chain to free up capital for strategic growth.

Figure A—Alan Day of State of Flux describes SRM as consisting of six main pillars that are all interconnected.

Kellogg and Mars: Views on Supplier Relationship Management

A growing body of evidence shows that if CPG companies are excessively fixated on price and price alone, other forms of value are not being capitalized on.

More in Home

Three Growth Opportunities: Functional Beverages, Plant-Based Products, & Men’s Personal Care

If ‘Knowledge is power,’ then understanding changing consumer preferences can help you grow your business. Here are three markets showing significant opportunities: functional drinks, plant-based protein alternatives, and men’s personal care products.

Paul Palmieri, CEO and co-founder at Tradeswell

What CPG Brands Can Learn from DTCs About Improving Holiday Sales

CPG brands should know winning online is not about staying ahead of new, challenger brands. It’s about anticipating the needs of the market and taking control of their ecosystems.

This gusseted wraparound carton format is favored by some retailers over traditional plastic can handle formats.

Goslings Adopts Paperboard Wraparound Carton for Improved Appearance, Sustainability Profile, and Retail Function

This gusseted multipack format is less expensive than fully enclosed packs, while providing brand-endorsed billboard space, retailer-approved can retention, and consumer-favored sustainability bona fides. Co-packer Polar Beverages automated the process.

Each consortium company has successfully manufactured sample bottles, based on Carbios’ enzymatic PET recycling technology, for some of their leading products.

Global Brands Pilot Bottles Made Using ‘Transformational’ Recycling Technology

L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe pilot the world’s first food-grade PET plastic bottles produced entirely from enzymatically recycled plastic.

Alignment 81 Copy

Beverage Manufacturers Use Reformulation and Labeling to Align with Consumer Trend

Health-conscious consumers are looking for better-for-you food and beverage options and are willing to spend more to get them. Manufacturers are meeting this demand with cleaner formulations and clearer labeling.

The M302L, an in-line twin-auger filling system, elevates the container with each fill cycle and then vibrates it on its way down so that product can settle.

Motion Control Synchronizes Auger Filling

Servo-driven auger fillers made by AS&E rely on an advanced motion control platform to synchronize three critical operating parameters, greatly improving accuracy.

Top Shelf, the original line of Real Treat cookies, caters to adult flavor palates. The paperboard hexagon design was inspired by honeycombs.

Real Treat Cookies Cater to Adult Tastes and Niche Market Sales

This specialty cookie brand is using Instagramable package design and organic ingredients to position itself as a premier ‘Top Shelf’ treat while finding unique channels to grow market share beyond retail.

Colgate-Palmolive is inviting European consumers to make toothbrushing part of their beauty ritual, with its new Elixir line of three toothpaste formulas in a striking PET package.

Colgate Toothpaste in PET Ushers in a ‘Frictionless Future’

The use of a recyclable, clear PET toothpaste bottle is enabled through the use of slippery coating on the inside of the container that allows the viscous product to be dispensed easily and completely.

GSK Cuts Advil Bottles’ Plastic by 20% with New Tech

On today's Take Five with Packaging World: GSK implemented a new resin technology that offers similar protection to existing bottles while using less plastic and remaining recyclable.

Sylvain Perrier, president and CEO, Mercatus

A Year of Reckoning for Grocery E-Commerce

Grocery retailers must continue to increase their e-commerce offerings to meet continuing online demand in 2021. This is no time to ease off.

Thanks to a 100% inline seal inspection process, leak-free packages ensure product quality and leave no unwanted residue on machinery.

Inline Seal Inspection Maintains Quality of Retort Pouches

Investing in a state-of-the-art production facility, the Brazilian pet food manufacturer also opted to move to 100% inline seal inspection for its flexible pouches, eliminating concerns about poorly sealed product getting to the customer.

Functional beverages are a fast-growing segment of the beverage market.

Ready-to-Drink Functional Beverages the Latest Growth Market

Nootropics and pre, pro, and post-biotics are all popular growing beverage offerings, particularly in RTD or premium packaging. These offerings do come with challenges for beverage manufacturers, however.