Coding, Printing & Labeling

Controls technology leads to breakthrough in PTI-compliant marking

This Florida grower and shipper looked high and low for an automated method of marking palletized cases of produce. Finally, it built its own.

November 2, 2012

Fruits/Vegetables: Page 9

Cartons and boxes

Stronger, smarter produce tray & erector

International Paper displays open-top produce trays with a partial lid that includes special features for greater strength and ergonomics; and also shows us a compact tray erector to automate tray use.

October 29, 2012

Secondary Packaging

Earthbound Farm installs robotic systems to case-pack produce clamshells

Gentle handling, accuracy, cost, and environmental benefits help this California grower of organic salads and produce.

October 26, 2012

Sustainability

Mushrooms launch in water-resistant, compostable pack

Champ’s Mushrooms becomes one of the first produce companies to use new, more water-resistant packaging made from renewable compostable palm pulp-based material.

October 18, 2012

Cartons and boxes

Traceable tomato products

In Italy, Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro, one of Europe’s biggest tomato products manufacturers, together with the C.I.O. (Consorzio Interregionale Ortofrutticoli) association, has opted for an unusual initiative to provide consumers with information about the source of its product ingredients.

June 4, 2012

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Pomegranate arils crowned with custom container

POM Wonderful launches another design original, with its custom cup, lid, and spoon for a Fresh Arils pomegranate product, available in stores during the pomegranate harvest season.

May 3, 2012

Containers

1-gal plastic jars for foodservice olives

Aceitunas del Guadalquivir of Seville, Spain, is the first to commercialize an innovative six-layer coextrusion blow molded jar for olives that is notable for its size and for its ability to withstand high-temperature filling processes (hot fill, pasteurization, or sterilisation to 122◦C in retort).

March 28, 2012

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Tray packs promote tomatoes as nutritious ‘candy’ for kids

On-the-go snack and lunch-box packaging options for cherry tomatoes are as kid-friendly as the contents are nutritious.

March 1, 2012

Fruits/Vegetables

Single film fits range of microwavable products

FPA’s Gold winner for Technical Innovation is Berry Plastics Corp.’s microwavable “One Size Fits All” film packaging.

February 23, 2012

Material handling

Time/temperature-monitoring system for fresh-cut fruit

Blue Skies employs RFID technology for shipments of fresh-cut fruit from African fields to U.K. tables.

January 9, 2012

Flexibles

Steam bag packed along with fresh potatoes

Chicago-based Agrow Fresh Produce Co. has launched fresh, petite red potatoes in a “Simply Season & Steam” format that includes a dual-ovenable steaming bag inside.

December 13, 2011

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

OFF THE SHELF: Innovative approaches to packaging tomatoes

Editor Pat Reynolds takes a look at some unusual and clever takes on tomato packaging that come from Mastronardi Produce of Canada.

December 9, 2011

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Ink-jet coders take hold at this food manufacturer

A trial installation of ink-jet printers that rely on a piston pump system for ink circulation led quickly to widespread use at the Suter Company.

December 2, 2011