Beverage

Vitamin-fortified water in PET fights hangovers

A PET bottle and shrink-sleeve label help start-up company DTK launch a relief drink for “the day after.”

June 11, 2007

Beverage: Page 210

Flexibles

A global perspective on sustainable packaging from kraft foods

The recently redesigned PET-based bottles for Kraft’s Crystal Light and Fruit2O brands (pictured) are 18 percent lighter than the bottles they are replacing. Following the completion of the phased introduction of the new bottles in the U.S., Kraft will reduce its PET usage by 8.7 million pounds per year.

June 11, 2007

Beverage

Target VP: experiences inspire great design

Compelling design gives consumers what they want before they know they want it, says Minda Gralnek, vice president and creative director for Target Stores. Target and SuperTarget reflect this philosophy in the design of store brands, and the company’s recent development of the Wine Cube carton offers one example of this thinking.

June 11, 2007

Beverage

The outlook for aseptically processed low acid beverages in pet bottles

After many years the flood gates are about ready to be opened: Aseptically processed low-acid beverages in PET bottles produced in the U.S. will finally be a reality. Look out America! Anyone who has followed the saga of aseptically processed low-acid beverages in PET bottles knows that this is a story that would be challenging to describe in a just a 750-word column. Consider this the abridged version.

June 11, 2007

Beverage

MSU's school of packaging awarded new instruments

A digital burst tester, universal material crush tester, and an internal bond tester were awarded to Michigan State University’s (MSU) School of Packaging from the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (www.careersincorrugated.org).

June 11, 2007

Flexibles

Better pack for Betta Foods

Betta Foods, Australia’s largest manufacturer of ice-cream cones and specialty confectionery products, is introducing a resealable feature on its Natural Real Fruit Flavored Liquorice AllSorts and Liquorice Bullets candy packages.

June 11, 2007

Closures

High-style glass wine bottles

Australian vintner Angove has repackaged its Nine Vines rose wines in premium 750-mL flint glass bottles supplied by O-I (www.o-i.com), with metal screw caps from AusCap (www.auscap.net) and pressure-sensitive labels provided by Collotype (www.collotype.com).

June 11, 2007

Beverage

Coors' label shows beer temperature

A thermochromic label that debuted in May indicates when Coors beer is at the optimal drinking temperature.

June 11, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Baking soda label acts as a freshness timer

WS Packaging Group (www.wspackaging.com) has solved a long-standing consumer conundrum of knowing when to replace the Arm & Hammer-brand Baking Soda refrigerator air filter.

June 11, 2007

Flexibles

Deli-quality sandwiches in microwave packaging

Madison, WI-based Oscar Mayer, a unit of Kraft Foods, has teamed up with Graphic Packaging International, Inc. (www.graphicpkg.com) to launch Oscar Mayer Deli Creations refrigerated, modified atmosphere-packaged sandwiches in GPI QuiltWave™ microwave receptor trays.

June 11, 2007

Beverage

Abbott Labs wins by flying with JETT

Waunetka A. Clark is the validation program manager of Global Pharmaceutical Operations, GPO Division Validation, Abbott Laboratories. Abbott’s Waukegan, IL, facility recently hosted a monthly meeting of the Joint Equipment Transition Team (JETT).

June 11, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Back in the U.S.A.

Drug reimportation legislation seems likely to pass in Congress. It may jumpstart track-and-trace packaging technology.

June 11, 2007

Adhesives/tape

Caribou Coffee, Gaviña select ICA's advanced baggers

At the recent SCAA conference in Long Beach, a ‘sold’ sign and a popular open house testified to the popularity of ICA Quality Packaging, which specializes in sophisticated, ELAU-equipped high speed bagging systems.

June 4, 2007