HomeJames R. KoelschAutomation World Contributing EditorControls & 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.SustainabilityReusable 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.HomeEXPO PACK México Canceled Amid COVID-19 ConcernsE-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.Contract packagingCPA in 2020: ‘Dynamic and Active’CPA President Mark O’Malley shares news on the association’s recent Annual Meeting as well as on upcoming initiatives and opportunities for members.Business intelligence5 Drivers of the Retail-Ready Packaging MarketAmong them, advantages of RRP for retail, suitability for use in c-stores and discount stores, and brand interactivity.COVID-19Cannabis and the CoronavirusMedical and recreational cannabis growers and retailers deemed essential services to help Americans cope with “stay-at-home” orders.MachineryTexas Brewer Upgrades Bottling and Adds CansInstallation of a canning line became a top priority as Altstadt Brewery opened new markets in Houston and Dallas. Also getting some serious upgrades was an existing bottling line.COVID-19Without Wholesale Venues, Brands Reaching Out to ConsumerSocial media, e-commerce and donations to those in need are various ways brands are trying to directly reach consumers in light of COVID-19 cancellations and closures.COVID-19COVID-19 Survey: Early Results Reflect CPGs' Current Resolve, Future UncertaintyResponses indicate that companies producing packaged goods tend to be “So far, so good, all things considered” as one phrased it, and supply chains remain intact. But when asked to forecast into the future, there's far less consensus.SustainabilityCompostable Steam BagsUK-based Planit Products, owner of the Toasta bags brand, has added renewable and compostable film to its portfolio for its new microwavable steam bags, sold in retail outlets in the UK.SustainabilityEuropean Recycling Markets Reel from CoronavirusChanges in consumer behavior, the reduced cost of virgin materials, logistics disruptions and other trends driven by COVID-19 may have a lasting effect on the European recycling industry.
