Controls & Machine Components

Delta robot mechanics new from ELAU

With expiration of key patents, packaging machine designers now have the option of designing or purchasing delta picker robot arms from ELAU. The purpose-built robot mechanics complement ELAU’s robotic library.

November 26, 2007

Industries: Page 453

Bakery/Snack

Markem and Imaje join to form Markem.Imaje

Dover Corporation announced the combination of two of its Dover Engineered Systems companies: Markem Corporation, Keene, NH, and Imaje S.A., Bourg-lès-Valence, France.

November 21, 2007

Labels

Welch's graphics dazzle with panel-less PET

Custom 14-oz bottle used for six juice varieties is an industry first.

November 15, 2007

Flexibles

Smart label sensor gives Superior results

Bacteria-triggered smart label ensures freshness for Superior Farms MAP meats.

November 13, 2007

Beverage

Semi-automatic turntable stretch wrappers with 5,000 lb load capacity

Orion Packaging Systems introduces the first two models of its new Flex Series semi-automatic turntable stretch wrapping machines - the Flex HPD and Flex LPD. Shown here at Pack Expo Las Vegas, this machine features 5,000 lb load capacity, 14 RPM turntable, and more.

November 8, 2007

Containers

Embossed bottles keep Pepsi young

“Manifesting brand essence through packaging is powerful at retail,” declares Ron Pence, Pepsi senior marketing manager for packaging innovation. The Pepsi brand reflects youth and vitality, and those virtues shine through on its new 20-oz bottle for the U.S. market.

November 7, 2007

Dairy

Weight-loss shake embodies the 'new natural'

Valerie Jacobs makes her living by helping consumer product companies identify and capitalize on consumer trends, and the director of trend analysis at LPK notes a rise in the number of “natural” products. Not in the sense of natural versus organic, but natural as a barometer of aesthetic enjoyment.

November 7, 2007

Bio-based

Industry Watch

November 7, 2007

Containers

Paint by the numbers: New line cuts costs, speeds filling

Brought in-house to save the costs of copacking, a new, fully automated packaging line for Ace Paint fills paint-sample containers at 50/min with minimal operator intervention.

November 7, 2007

Meat/Poultry/Seafood

Bagger doubles speeds, reduces product giveaway

In the wake of Katrina, shrimp processor/packer rebounds, rebuilds, and re-invigorates efficiencies by installing an automated scale/bagging system.

November 7, 2007

Flexibles

Air-pouch void-fill system packs a big payback

A mail-order nutraceutical company packs up the loose-fill peanuts and switches to air pouches for greater productivity, less mess, and reduced costs.

November 7, 2007

Beverage

The other half of the battle--getting to shelf

There’s another often-overlooked step in the innovation process. Relatively few brand owners consider innovating how they get their products to shelf.

November 7, 2007

Sustainability

Cooking up a recipe for innovation? Serve it up in manageable steps

Start by defining innovation within your company culture. Then organize it, approach it strategically, and source it properly. If you fail, resolve to try again.

November 7, 2007