HomeMarci MerolaAssociate EditorHomeEXPO 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.Contract packagingCBD: Cooperation to Outdo CompetitionAt the CPA 2020 Annual Meeting, Bruce Bernstein, President of UBIX Processing, talks about the opportunities for CPGs and contract packagers in the growing CBD market.COVID-19An Appeal to Support Our Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure WorkersThe COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be a tremendous global challenge that we must work together to defeat. Now, our essential and critical workers are being relied upon to provide the services we expect every day and we must do everything to support them.Business intelligencePACK EXPO Rewind: Risk AssessmentHear PMMI’s Bruce Main, Safety Expert and Technical Advisor, and Sean Riley, Senior Director of Media & Industry Communications discussion of risk assessment at PACK EXPO East earlier this month.Business intelligencePet Food Market Shows Solid Growth through 2025The U.S. leads the world in pet food sales, says a new study from PMMI Business Intelligence, as pet owners around the world seek fresher, healthier and ethically produced ingredients—the same as they expect for themselves.HomeUltrasound Gel Pouch Gets Ergonomic Design, Reduces WasteDesigned to be easy to hold and evacuate more product, this multilayer spouted pouch replaces the traditional bottle while requiring less energy to manufacture and transport.
