Jim ButschliHomeU.S. maintains lead in global packaging machinery marketNorth American manufacturers accounted for 20% of the $31 billion of packaging machinery sold globally in 2006. Sales of North American-based packaging machinery reached $6.11 billion that year, with annual growth forecast at 3.1% through 2009, reaching $6.689 billion.March 2, 2008ClosuresArtegraft switches to copolyester for vascular graft tubesCompany transitions from cylindrical glass culture tubes for its collagen vascular grafts to a copolyester-based tube with a flat side, helping to prevent breakage and save money.January 10, 2008Converting equipmentCooperation proves critical in tube manufacturingIn this Q&A, Mel O’Leary, Jr., president and CEO of Meredith-Springfield Associates, describes how copolyester resin and supplier cooperation helped make the Artegraft tube.January 10, 2008HomeHealthy prognosis for healthcare packagingPharmaceutical firms seek packaging line improvements to cut costs, biologics present packaging challenges, and medical device growth is driven by aging baby boomers.December 7, 2007Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materialsAstraZeneca relies on roboticsRobotic case packing and palletizating of Nexium blister- and wallet-packs at AstraZeneca’s Södertälje, Sweden, facility improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs.November 7, 2007Consumer packaged goodsEspoma pulls trigger on sleeve-labeled bottleRecognized for plastic-bagged natural plant foods, this lawn-and-garden firm introduces Earth-tone pesticides in a sleeve-labeled PET trigger-spray bottle.October 4, 2007Flexible packagingWater bottles deliver refreshing environmental twistAmid a wave of anti-bottled water sentiment, light-weighted bottles and bottles made with corn-based PLA flow into the market in the United States and in Europe.October 3, 2007ContainersSteel cans shape up in EuropeWhether they’re cans with curves, bowl shapes, or stunning graphics, today’s steel packages are providing consumer appeal, convenience, and functionality.October 3, 2007Sustainable PackagingGlobal growth seen in compostable bioplastic bottlesEuropean food and drink consultancy Zenith Intl. Ltd. (www.zenithinternational.com) reports that the global market for drinks packaged in compostable bottles rose 150% to reach 10 million liters of volume sold in 2006.October 3, 2007SustainabilityDoes media 'think smart' about packaging?USA Weekend’s ‘ThinkSmart, The Green Issue’ presented a negative, one-sided view.September 25, 2007Previous PagePage 146 of 192Next Page
