HomeMichael BelfioreAutomation World Contributing WriterCOVID-19Covid and Latin American TechnologyThis post prepared with information received from 951 respondents across Latin America to a reader survey asking about changes brought about by the COVID-19 crisis in the capital equipment investment plans of CPGs in the region.COVID-19OEMs and CPGs Navigate CoronavirusCPGs and OEMs offer pain points and solutions amid evolving conditions. Topics hazard pay and employee welfare, facility access during a pandemic, preparing for supply chain disruption, and much more.Materials & containersCompostable Coffee Capsules Deliver EspressoItalian coffee roaster Covim produces its own brand and private-label products in 100% bio-based, compostable coffee capsules engineered to meet the unique requirements of European espresso machines.Materials & containersEnd-to-End Connectivity in the Cards for ConvertersFor label, flexible packaging, folding carton, and corrugated industries, the entire production chain needs to become more agile, flexible, and interconnected, according to one leading converting equipment supplier.MachineryNew Digital Press for Abbott LabelIn February of this year, Dallas-based Abbott Label added the Domino N610i digital UV inkjet press to their label printing arsenal, expanding their capabilities and taking their business to the next level.HomeMarket Snapshot: Meat, Poultry & SeafoodConventional meat consumption has declined, but plant-based meats are growing rapidly, and while the number of industry establishments have declined, the number of employees has grown 3.2%.MachineryPick-and-Place Robots, Flow Wrapper, Fuel High-Volume BakeryWith daily volumes in the millions and demand growing, this Canadian bakery automated what was once a manual process and is now hitting speeds of 280 product/min.COVID-19Covid-19 Challenges for Latin American CPGsAn immediate challenge of the coronavirus crisis on CPGs has been the devaluation of many Latin American currencies, driving up the purchase price of imported raw materials and supplies.Controls & automationProviding Remote Access to Plant Floor EquipmentThere was a time when IT took a dim view of providing remote access to machinery on the plant floor. With this platform it’s an entirely different story.Business intelligenceCOVID-19 Survey: Latin American CPGs Redouble Efforts to Keep their Supply Chains ActiveClose to two thirds of CPGs surveyed by Mundo PMMI in Latin America (65%) affirm that their companies will continue to work despite Covid-19 crisis. Problems with supply chain persist.Package DesignChef-Inspired Frozen Food for FoodiesSee how this emerging brand is targeting a youthful, food-loving audience with healthy, convenient frozen food in eye-catching packaging.HomeEXPO PACK México Canceled Amid COVID-19 ConcernsSustainabilityReusable Egg Carton in PilotHumane egg brand Pete and Gerry’s Organics offers durable PP egg cartons that consumers can fill with loose eggs in a pilot for a reusable packaging scheme.SustainabilityHow Safe is Reusable Packaging During COVID-19?Last year, Loop launched its revolutionary shopping platform anchored by reusable packaging. Here, Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle and the driving force behind Loop, provides an update on the platform and how it’s faring in light of COVID-19.E-commerceE-Tailer Reduces Packaging with Fit-to-Size Auto-BoxerOutdoor lifestyle brand IFG enhances order packing efficiency with two new automatic box-making machines that reduce corrugated by 39,000 cu ft/year and increase packing speeds 15-fold.HomeOEM COVID-19 #6: Overcoming Hesitations Around Remote AccessUnPACKED with PMMI podcast shines a light on the safe use of remote monitoringHomeCOVID-19 Survey: Production Demand Is Up, But Processors Lack PPEDespite current media coverage, most plant floor workers are not getting hazard pay; many feel frightened.HomeMarket Snapshot: Frozen FoodGrowth of frozen food market declined overall, but trends towards plant-based ice cream and healthy options for pizza and frozen entrees are leading growth areas, while flexible packaging gains ground as a packaging format.COVID-19COVID-19 Survey: Foodservice/Retail Imbalance Roils CPG IndustrySome CPG and food/bev manufacturer respondents to PW's survey on COVID-19 can barely keep up with demand. Others lost huge customers overnight. Meanwhile, everyone shares workforce safety and labor concerns.HomePet Food Manufacturers Look to OEMs and Contract Packagers to Stay CompetitiveA new report from PMMI Business Intelligence tracks drivers in pet food market. Dog and cat food manufacturers require more versatile machinery and scalability to meet future demand, as well as co-packers and manufacturers to control capital expenditures.
