Conveying & accumulation

Aseptic system drives gabletop coffee creamer

Norwegian dairy stlandsmeieriet Hedmark Trrmelk is first to use aseptic system to produce 1/4-L gabletops of coffee creamer. New system lengthens shelf life by 50% and triples output of prior extended shelf life equipment.

March 31, 1996

Prepared Foods: Page 82

Flexible packaging

U.K. firm ships Costa Rican fruit via Canadian technology

Unique packaging lets Geest ship fresh-cut pineapplein clear thermoforms to markets not only in the UK but also France and the U.S. Shelf life is 35 days.

March 31, 1996

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Health claims

Everyone from mom to Uncle Sam urges people to eat more fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet. So why did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allow only raw fruits and vegetables to make a "healthy" claim on food labels?

March 31, 1996

Flexibles

Will silica coatings become more affordable?

From a relatively inexpensive liquid source, PC Materials extracts silica and chemically bonds it to the surface of polyester to create clear, high-barrier films.

February 29, 1996

Flexible packaging

Films let produce breathe comfortably

Passive controlled atmosphere technology that lengthens the shelf life of fresh-cut produce takes many forms, as these three FPA award winners demonstrate.

February 29, 1996

Flexible packaging

Flexible packaging advances reap rewards

This year's FPA awards recognized converters for packages that permit product viewing--even touching the product--without compromising package integrity. Reclosable and/or stand-up pouches drive into new product categories.

February 29, 1996

Flexible packaging

When the package becomes the 'oven'

Designed for the military, a flameless ration heater is now used for a shelf-stable consumer entree that converts the carton into an oven. HeaterMeals packs 'everything but the appetite' into meals for people on the go.

February 29, 1996

Flexibles

Premium package for bagel chips

Long known as a marketer of frozen bakery products, Chicago-based Sara Lee Bakery has expanded into a number of new nonfrozen categories. In its current test of a new bagel chip product, it's relying on some powerful packaging to provide protection and sharp graphics.

February 29, 1996

Cartoning

Cartoner serves up tasty results at Boca Burger

To meet growing nationwide demand for its meatless burgers, Boca Burger turns to automated wrapping and cartoning machinery. As a result, speeds soar while labor costs plummet.

January 31, 1996

Conveying & accumulation

Marigold sweetens sour cream line

New line lets Marigold Foods double its filling speeds for 8-, 12-, 16-, 24- and 32-oz cups of sour cream or yogurt. Programmable limit switch plays a key role, too.

January 31, 1996

Closures

Aluminum "bottle" a first for vodka

While the cool, sleek appearance of brushed aluminum is not uncommon for health & beauty aids, it is unusual to see it in the spirits category. Hertford, U.K.-based MDT Wines & Spirits believes it is the first to use such a container for vodka.

January 31, 1996

Meat/Poultry/Seafood

USDA keeps on trucking with HACCP

USDA is ready to issue a joint proposal with FDA on warehousing and distribution of packaged foods. New safety requirements could affect packaging.

December 31, 1995

Flexibles

Produce packs make produce snacks

Cut, washed, packaged, and refrigerated fresh produce continues gaining in popularity in supermarkets across the country. Among the more innovative marketers is Salinas, CA-based Tanimura & Antle.

December 31, 1995