Secondary Packaging

Video: Automatic Cartoner - up to 40 CPM

The Spartan Cartoner: Intermittent, horizontal cartoner for erecting, loading and closing glue or tuck style cartons at up to 40 cpm. This video from Econocorp shows automatic bottle orienting, loading, and cartoning on a nutriceutical production line.

February 10, 2010

Prepared Foods: Page 19

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Study: Package damage significantly affects sales in freezer case

A new study in the frozen-foods aisle has found that damaged packaging profoundly affects shoppers’ purchasing decisions.

February 4, 2010

Protective/transport packaging

PUR pack extends cheesecake company's reach

Cold-chain packaging using custom-molded polyurethane foam cushions protects Jubilations’ gourmet cheesecakes over long distances, cuts shipping costs.

January 8, 2010

Flexibles

Nestlé replaces CPET with paperboard for Stouffer's trays

A change from plastic to paperboard trays for family-size Stouffer’s entrées, as well as other packaging changes, yields a material savings for Nestle of nearly 3,000 tons annually.

December 16, 2009

Sustainability

Healthcare packaging: Forecast 2010

An optimistic job outlook, Rx-to-OTC switches, and upbeat packaging sales predictions offer a beacon of hope for healthcare product packagers.

December 7, 2009

Flexible packaging

Value and health drive new food and beverage packaging

A depressed economy and consumers' increasing concerns about personal, as well as environmental, health and wellness drive food and beverage packaging innovations.

December 6, 2009

Flexibles

A fiber-based food pack first

Finnish food marketer introduces a new kind of tray that permits unusual shapes and functionalities.

December 6, 2009

Contract packaging

Companies

December 5, 2009

Sustainable Packaging

European study confirms what we already know--enough already--green is here to stay!

Nine countries across Europe confirm that there is a “big move” to sustainable packaging solutions. Why is this even news any more?

December 2, 2009

Recycling

PLMA Show, like the private label market, is booming

First time observations from show floor—packaging still has a long way to go.

November 16, 2009

Secondary Packaging

Modified-atmosphere packing done in the supermarket

A completely automated line—slicing, MAP vacuum packing, weighing, labeling—is done in an Italian supermarket on a compact system just 16 feet long.

November 13, 2009

Protective/transport packaging

Cold chain products

October 31, 2009

Prepared Foods

Manufacturers bear ultimate cold-chain responsibility

Technological advances made during the past 10 years bode well for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, but a complex distribution chain can still be something of a “black hole.”

October 30, 2009