Secondary Packaging

General Mills: packaging equipment must be 'worth it'

At the second annual Packaging Automation Forum sponsored by ELAU and other automation suppliers, packagers zeroed in on the supply chain impact of flexible, standards-based automation technologies on the packing floor. The keynote speaker in particular nailed the topic.

June 18, 2007

Consumer packaged goods: Page 95

Controls & Machine Components

Schneider Electric ELAU Packaging Solutions: Ethernet/ip scanner module

The new Ethernet/IP scanner module OM-NE was designed by Elau to meet the requirements of builders in the U.S. market.

June 11, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Anti-counterfeiting strategies begin to take shape

From the automotive aftermarket to personal-care products to pharmaceuticals, new brand authentication and anti-counterfeiting initiatives are swimming into view.

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

Flexibles

Pickle packs debut

Retortable single-serve barrier cups have generated a number of headlines lately. First was cat food, then tuna for humans, and now, from Mt. Olive Pickle Company of Mt. Olive, NC, pickles.

June 11, 2007

Consumer packaged goods

U.S. machinery purchases stabilizing: PMMI

A 1% growth in U.S. packaging machinery purchases this year “reflects a cautionary reaction to the uncertainty of the U.S. economy, rather than decisions based on financial imperatives,” according to the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (www.pmmi.org).

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

Secondary Packaging

Industry watch

CompaniesThe Bosch Group plans to acquire Pharmatec gmbh, Dresden, Germany, from Fresenius proserve gmbh. The transaction also includes the acquisition of the Pharmatec subsidiary Schoeller-Bleckmann Medizintechnik gmbh, Ternitz, Austria.

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

Consumer packaged goods

Pakistan report on fruit and vegetable packaging

Fascinating paper from a doctor in Pakistan laying out specifications to improve basic fruit and vegetable distribution and packaging's role...

May 31, 2007

Prepared Foods

Also in China, cold chain begs improvement

Serious problems exist in the processing, packaging and transportation of perishable goods in China.

May 31, 2007

Consumer packaged goods

U.K. music giant revamps CD case

Universal Music Group will sell CDs in basic cardboard sleeves in a bid to compete with online sales.

May 31, 2007

Recycling

Recycling hits British Band's CD packaging

Single-serve potato chip bags are being used by British band Recoup to package its first CD.

May 31, 2007