Protective/transport packaging

Expert analysis

January 8, 2010

Materials: Page 438

Closures

Wine packaging pops a toast to new closures

Some sparkling wines are shedding corks for crown caps and other closures. These changes come on top of the category’s more playful labels and new packaging formats.

January 8, 2010

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

Switch from banding to bagging triples towel packaging speeds

Machine controller keeps track of towel counts, collects stats, and takes pressure off packaging operators.

January 7, 2010

Closures

Wegmans: Market savvy and co-packing lift private label

Northeast grocer delivers products that resonate with its customers by understanding trends and nurturing effective supply chain relationships.

January 7, 2010

Closures

Intoxicating poppy top perfume packaging

In March 2009, France-based Kenzo Parfums launched a worldwide introduction of its FlowerbyKenzo fragrance (with hints of violet, vanilla, and rose) in svelte, customized glass packaging from SGD.

January 7, 2010

Plastics/resins

Belgian brewer believes in PET barrier bottles

Belgian brewer believes in PET barrier bottles Belgium-based Martens Brewery is using stretch blow-molded, barrier-coated PET bottles to package beers in three sizes: 0.5-L, 0.66-L, and 1-L.

January 7, 2010

Sustainability

Canadian spring-water company takes the 100% rPET plunge

Following years of R&D, Naya Water becomes the first bottler of still water to employ a 100% recycled PET container.

January 6, 2010

Additives, coatings & inks

Cool CD cover is body heat-activated

The secret surprise to the unassuming package is the use of a nontoxic, thermochromic ink from Chromatic Technologies Inc.

January 6, 2010

Closures

12 notable packaging innovations in 2009

One blogger’s perspective calls attention to packages from around the world that consider sustainability and also answer functional needs with defining structural designs.

January 6, 2010

Containers

Can chic co-exist with the club experience? Target testing it

Retailer taking seven weeks to determine whether the warehouse approach has staying power in its stores, trying packaging sizes unfamiliar within its stores.

January 5, 2010

Sustainability

Nanotechnology in packaging presents rewards and risks

Nanotechnology is not without risks, but it packs potential for packaging applications and medical breakthroughs.

December 21, 2009

Flexibles

Sales heating up with microwave packaging

Freedonia report says this packaging format will enjoy healthy gains over the next four years. Its convenience benefits and related new technologies attract busy consumers.

December 18, 2009

Labels

Do uninviting labels jeopardize sales of good beers?

One author’s observations suggest this possibility. Consumers may be turned off by unappealing graphics and question brew quality when certain information is absent.

December 15, 2009