HomeIn MemoriamBrian Sears Sr., of West-Link Corp., passed away at age 65 on Friday, June 22, 2001.Aug 31st, 2001RoboticsRobotics Special Report: E-Commerce Requires new SolutionsNew robot technology addresses the specific needs of e-commerce packaging, including mixed pallet loads, labor challenges, and a variety of secondary packaging formats.HomeWorkers Wanted? Contact the Robot Employment AgencyStart-up MusashiAI introduces intelligent autonomous robots for quality inspection and forklift driving—allowing the redistribution of human labor to more value-added jobs.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Cobots Continue to AdvanceAccording to a PMMI robot report, cobots accounted for about 3% of all robot sales in North America in 2017; by 2025, that number is expected to increase to 34%. Here are some of the new cobot technologies driving that growth.SustainabilityBiodegradable and Compostable PackagingDespite COVID-19’s unwelcome intrusion into our lives this year, sustainability continues to be a substantial area of opportunity for brands and retailers. Increasingly, consumers around the world are demanding more environmentally-friendly packaging.PMMI newsPandemic Cancels In-Person PACK EXPO InternationalPMMI Media Group launches new live, web-based event: PACK EXPO Connects 2020.Package DesignBold Punctuation on Condiment Label Compels Consumers to Stop and ThinkAn attention-grabbing exclamation-point logo for U.K. condiment brand Dr. Will’s dominates new graphics for the packaging of its all-natural ketchup, mayo, and BBQ sauce.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Addressing Labor Shortages can ‘Help Feed the World’Robot manufacturer develops a system to alleviate the lack of labor in the nut industry that can sort nuts at the final stage of the conditioning process.Package DesignA Jewel of a Presentation Box for Royal Salute WhiskyA new addition to the Royal Salute whisky range, The Treasured Blend gets a presentation box with double-door design that opens to a stunning, gold foil menagerie fit for a queen.Package DesignLeinenkugel’s to Update Logo, Trader Joe’s Says “No”The Miller Brewing Company brand will remove the image of a Native American from its packaging in 2021, but Trader Joe’s stands firm against public pressure to remove “racist” packaging references.Package DesignNesquik Bunny Quiky Reimagined for Brand ExpansionFacing competition in the RTD category, Nesquik updates its packaging to emphasize its nutritional value for all ages, resulting in a more mature, silhouetted bunny mascot.Package DesignE-Comm Package StorytellingUnlike retail packaging, e-commerce packages are first viewed after purchase, providing brand owners the opportunity to present a new insight or character of the brand with each shipment.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Food-Safe Solutions EmergeNew opportunities for the direct and indirect handling of foods emerge as manufacturers begin developing robots for handling unpacked goods.Operational excellenceDigital Label Printing Comes In-houseCannabiz Supply, a packaging company serving a variety of businesses in the cannabis industry, recently improved its production capabilities with in-house digital label printing.Contract packagingHand Sanitizer Spike Here to StayU.K. co-packers’ association reports that inquiries for personal care items rocketed by more than 500% shortly after the coronavirus lockdown was implemented.Contract packagingCP/CMs Navigate COVID-19Sean Riley, Senior Director, Media and Industry Communications for PMMI, speaks with CPA Managing Director Ron Puvak about how COVID-19 has affected the co-pack/co-man industry.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Big Data is the New CurrencyNew software systems for robotics collect and analyze data to increase OEE, protect against cyberattacks, and predict failures.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Vision for the FutureNew vision systems for robotics, including 2D and 3D machine vision, enable broader packaging applications.Controls & automationEnd-of-line Specialist Moves Toward Condition MonitoringFallas Automation places an even greater emphasis on integrating early warning systems for predictive maintenance since COVID-19 set in.RoboticsRobotics Special Report: Mass Customization Demands FlexibilityA growing omnichannel environment requires that CPGs have the flexibility to produce a range of package sizes and styles. Automation provides that capability.SustainabilityAbsolut SustainabilityKarin Ekroth, Senior Manager of Communications & Sustainability for The Absolut Company, shares how the world’s sixth-largest international spirits brand—with production of nearly 26 million gallons in fiscal year 2018/19—works toward a circular economy.
