Cartoning

'Flexibility' sought in machinery at Pack Expo 96

Versatile machines that will allow manufacturers multiple packaging options was one of the frequent answers in Packaging World's second exclusive survey of Pack Expo registrants. Large buying teams and longer visits are also planned this year.

September 30, 1996

Drinks, nonalcoholic: Page 35

Beverage

Paper deposit law?

Paperboard packaging may inadvertently get caught up in Oregon's deposit law if voters approve a referendum on the November ballot expanding the law to include other types of drinks.

September 30, 1996

Additives, coatings & inks

PET resins

Luminar(TM) (5122C) is a new PET resin used in custom-produced PET rigid containers to provide high clarity, low haze and good strength. It's available from ICI Chemicals & Polymers (Wilmington, DE).

September 30, 1996

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Now beverage cans will open wide-- really, really wide

Suddenly, it seems, U.S. brewers are looking to change one of the most popular and endearing features of their cans--the easy-opening features. Last month (See PW, August '96, page 8), we reported on the conversion by Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, WI, from its standard, easy-opening stay-on tab (SOT) end to a large opening end (LOE) developed for Miller by Reynolds Metals Co.

August 31, 1996

Sustainability

Packagers gain price cuts for recycled materials

Buyers of recycled plastics are seeing easing of prices, except for HDPE. Recycled paper prices have precipitously dropped as European economies stagnate.

August 31, 1996

Coding, Printing & Labeling

NutraSweet drum labeler keeps on ticking

Pity the printer/applicator that must withstand NutraSweet Kelco's Augusta, GA, aspartame plant. The artificial sweetener used in diet soft drinks is a granular substance that creates a harsh, dusty environment that's brutal on packaging equipment.

June 30, 1996

Converting equipment

Shaping technology injects market excitement in metal cans

Until a couple of years ago, American packagers using cans seemed satisfied with the straight sidewall profile and functionality of most metal cans. The cans were strong, easy to fill and seam, and offered a number of labeling, case packing and stacking options.

June 30, 1996

Secondary Packaging

Easy-open pack for bundles

Bundles of six 2-L water bottles from Perrier/Vittel, Paris, France, get an easy-open feature thanks to a new multilayer shrink film with directional tear resistance.

June 30, 1996

Beverage

Touch Top emerges from development

In development for about four years at Ball Metal Beverage Container Group (Broomfield, CO), the Touch Top(TM) aluminum 202 can end is poised to make its commercial debut.

June 30, 1996

Additives, coatings & inks

New News

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform efforts continue on Capitol Hill and food packaging stands to be affected. The Food Safety Reform Coalition (representing food and beverage manufacturers) is working to amend legislation introduced by Rep.

May 31, 1996

Beverage

Coke near ready to test 12-oz bottle

A 12-oz soft drink bottle made of a blend of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) is expected in a test market this July.

May 31, 1996

Beverage

Lean look courts young adults

Call it the no-label look that's almost no label at all. Hereford, U.K.-based H.P. Bulmer is hoping the minimalist look of its Decoda alcoholic soda will appeal to its targeted 18-to-22-year-old demographic.

April 30, 1996

Beverage

Do Germany's package restrictions restrict trade?

In what may be just one challenge to the European "Union" policy, the European Commission has formally charged that Germany's policy of requiring high percentages of refillable containers for beverages unlawfully restricts free trade.

March 31, 1996