Coding, Printing & Labeling

Wal-Mart links RFID, sustainability

According to the retailer, RFID can help reduce greenhouse gases.

July 2, 2007

Other Packaged Goods: Page 151

Controls & Machine Components

B&R Industrial Automation: On-site mobility with the B&R Mobile Panel

Ergonomic, light and extremely impact-resistant. These qualities define the six new handheld operating devices in the MP40 and MP50 lines of the B&R Mobile Panel.

June 22, 2007

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

Controls & Machine Components

Renco Encoders Inc: Compact optical encoder

Renco Encoders has introduced a 3.3 V feature for the RCML15 compact optical encoder, which provides signals for brushless motor commutation as well as incremental position feedback in a low profile (.350” high) optical encoder.

June 11, 2007

Cosmetics/Personal care

Balluff: UV luminescence sensor

Balluff’s BLT 31M sensor effectively detects UV luminescent materials and markers with a range of 300 mm.

June 11, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Current sensors

AutomationDirect now offers the AcuAMP family of high-performance sensors offering flexibility and durability.

June 11, 2007

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

Cosmetics/Personal care

Unilever's 360º of success

Cost savings are commonly associated with a compromise to consumers. But Suave’s package redesign shows that a brand can have it all through integrated planning.

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

Closures

Teen skin care products pack inspiration

Teen Everyday Skincare System (TESS) was created a little more than a year ago, with its skincare products for teen girls developed by entrepreneurial moms and their teenage daughters, as well as with input from teen girls in focus groups around the country. To appeal to teen girls required not only good products, but also cheerful, modern packaging.

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

Flexibles

Produce in compostable trays debuts on earth day

Four Seasons Produce Inc., Ephrata, PA, one of the largest independent produce wholesalers in the United States, began using compostable produce trays made of palm fiber from Earthcycle Packaging (www.earthcycle.com) for its entire organic packaging program. The repackaging was officially launched on Earth Day, April 22. Palm fiber trays compost in less than 90 days.

June 11, 2007