Flexibles

3M saves bundles with new bundle

The Audio and Video Products Div. of St. Paul, MN-based 3M Co. has scored an impressive victory in packaging source reduction. This leading producer of bulk videotape for the film duplication industry designed a returnable and reusable package for its products that: * eliminates 1.4 million cu' of waste annually, * reduces the number of packaging components from 11 to three, * reduces the variety of packaging materials from five to two, * reduces labor costs not only in 3M's Hutchinson, MN, plant but at its customers' plants, too, and, * saves $4 million annually in packaging costs.

November 30, 1997

Machinery: Page 1108

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Vf/f/s percolates at S&D Coffee

To meet the growing sales demands of its foodservice and institutional customers, this Concord, NC, roaster fills ground coffee into a paper filter bag then overwraps between one and five bags in plastic film on the same machine. Strong sales help S&D reap a six-month payback on the unusual machine.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

For Arizona, packaging is the medium and message

The secret behind a series of drop-dead gorgeous packages? Packaging decisions are made at the highest levels of a company that's willing to spend big.

November 30, 1997

Labeling

Single food safety agency proposed

Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate to establish an independent food safety agency. It would consolidate all food safety, inspection and labeling functions now spread among various government agencies.

November 30, 1997

Flexible packaging

Vitamins in a vacuum

Vacuum packages of vitamin tablets in foil, believed to be a first, provide Amway's Nutrilite Div. with a unique look for Pacific Rim markets.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Pediatric labeling

In an October 27 public hearing on FDA's proposed regulation on mandatory pediatric labeling for drugs and biologics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended the formation of a pediatric drug labeling advisory panel to determine, among other things, which drugs really need to be studied.

November 30, 1997

Converting equipment

Supplier news: International agreements

Cognex Corp. (Natick, MA) has acquired Mayan Automation (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), a supplier of inspection systems for the plastics, nonwoven and converting industries

November 30, 1997

Converting equipment

HDPE-based Tropicana bottles project fresh, 'local dairy' image

In the first stage of a national roll-out, coextrusion blow-molded bottles for Tropicana FruitWise smoothies are finding a place in the refrigerated cases of supermarkets in Cleveland and several other markets.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Congress tries to wrap up approval process

Companies using new materials would have to submit to the FDA a notification of intent to market, and the agency would have 120 days to rule. But fees are likely to be charged for the first time.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

'Made in the USA' means it

The Federal Trade Commission is backing off a proposal to ease the requirements for labeling a product "Made in the USA." Faced with protests from unions, consumer groups, and influential members of Congress, including Rep.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

New kids' Tylenol label

In line with recommendations from FDA's over-the-counter drug advisory committee, labels of Tylenol will begin warning parents of the danger to children from overdosages.

November 30, 1997

Coding, Printing & Labeling

More country-of-origin opposition

Opponents of the U.S. Customs Service's proposed mandatory front-panel country-of-origin marking picked up two strong consumer-oriented allies when both Washington, DC-based consumer advocacy group Public Voice for Food and Health Policy and the National Consumers League (NCL) submitted comments against the requirement.

November 30, 1997

Feeding/inserting/unscrambling

Supplier news: Domestic acquisitions, agreements

Adept Technology, Inc. (San Jose, CA) and Hoppmann Corp. (Chantilly, VA) have entered an agreement whereby Hoppmann will develop centrifugal part feeders based on Adept's programmable flexible feeder technology.

November 30, 1997