Conveying & accumulation

Big changes in tools for mechanics of the future

The most popular handtool for future packaging mechanics may well be a laptop computer, our experts say. Electronic controls have already arrived in many machines, and are expected to dominate by the turn of the century.

September 30, 1996

Bakery/Snack: Page 117

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

Secondary Packaging

Big changes in tools for mechanics of the future (sidebar)

Raising the bar on training

September 30, 1996

Bakery/Snack

Machines to fuel the future

New exhibit space at McCormick Place in Chicago lets Pack Expo 96 grow by over 21%, compared to '94. Greater international emphasis truly helps create a world show.

September 30, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Carton conveyor cleans up beverage act

As an alternative to roller conveyors, a chain conveyor carries beverage packs 900' without scuffing or marring.

September 30, 1996

Additives, coatings & inks

Recycled HDPE pellets

Recycle (S. Plainfield, NJ) has developed a system which can turn HDPE chips accumulated from destroyed drums into clean, high-quality recycled resin pellets.

August 31, 1996

Flexibles

LDPE resin for bags

Quantum (Cincinnati, OH) has designed a new LDPE resin for high-clarity blown and cast films used to make extruded bags that are easy to open for bakery products or produce.

August 31, 1996

Secondary Packaging

HDPE films

Process modifications have improved the tear performance of Monax® Plus oriented HDPE films produced by Tredegar Industries (Richmond, VA). Traditional paper/poly/foil/poly pouches, product overwraps and stand-up pouches are examples of packaging that can benefit from these improved films.

August 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

A reusable case for automation

New equipment at Herr Foods is among the first that erects, packs and seals tough-to-handle corrugated cases that are reused up to five times.

August 31, 1996

Sustainable Packaging

IP revs up recycled linerboard machine

International Paper enters the recycled linerboard manufacturing market with what it touts as "the world's largest recycled linerboard machine." The machine produces up to 1겨 tons/day at IP's Mansfield, LA, mill. Box makers respond positively.

August 31, 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

Conveying & accumulation

X-ray provides total inspection

A metal detector at the end of each packaging line may be fairly typical for any type of food packaging operation. Herr's tried that route a few years ago, only to experience many false rejects.

August 31, 1996

Flexibles

Drop-in replacement film cuts costs

President Baking Co., Atlanta, GA, saved 10% in material costs by making a switch in films for its Famous Amos® brand cookies in a 16-oz bag-in-box package.

August 31, 1996