Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

UF squeezes out more R&D projects

From RFID to barrier containers to shelf life prediction, there's more to packaging research at the University of Florida than even staff expected.

November 5, 2006

Materials: Page 518

Flexible packaging

Nothing nutty about this bagging system

The need to pre-mix spices and sugar in small batches is an inconvenience that has been overcome since this purveyor of nuts implemented a dosing/bagging upgrade.

November 5, 2006

Feeding/inserting/unscrambling

Want innovation that drives sales? Slow down

Inventive package structures require at least 18 months, but economic pressure too often speeds up the design. Approach innovation as a cross-functional process, two gurus say.

November 5, 2006

Flexibles

Costco unboxed

Out-of-the-big-box eco-thinking drives Scott Carnie­—and new packaging—at Costco.

November 5, 2006

Coding, Printing & Labeling

California dreamin'

Drug ‘pedigree' compromise in Golden State has RFID vendors expecting wider drug industry adoption.

November 5, 2006

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Web Plus

New or Enhanced websites

November 5, 2006

Labels

Tamper-evident RFID

It's another sign of the times we live in that authentication technologies, including RFID tags, may themselves need to be made tamper-evident to indicate when they've been messed with.

November 5, 2006

Converting equipment

Missing: one extruder

Maybe you were as surprised as I was to hear about the major recall from Ross Products for its 32-oz plastic bottles of Similac.

November 5, 2006

Sustainability

Water, water is everywhere, perhaps not what you think

When it comes to bottled water, there is more to it than you may think, and less to it than you may think.

November 5, 2006

Flexibles

Barrier pouches protect sensitive yeast products

Wyeast Laboratories, Hood River, OR, a leading producer of pure liquid yeast products (fermentation cultures) for beer and wine making, has introduced 50-mL and 125-mL retortable stand-up pouch packaging for its home brewers and vintners line of products.

November 5, 2006

Flexibles

PU protection at DePuy

At medical device maker DePuy Orthopaedics, polyurethane protective packaging from Barger Packaging (www.bargerpackaging.com) is playing a key role in getting hip and knee replacement products to DuPuy's intended patients.

November 5, 2006

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Wal-Mart launches plan to reduce packaging

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. caused quite a stir when it put the heat on its suppliers to incorporate RFID to create supply-chain pedigrees.

November 5, 2006

Sustainability

Industry Watch

November 5, 2006