Materials: Page 747

Closures

Glass decoration clearly wins

Jelly jars' decoration brings movie to life, wins award and even becomes a collector's item.

April 30, 1999

Containers

Supplier news: Appointments, promotions

CCL Container Tube Div. (Oak Ridge, NJ): Andrew S. Beuschel, account mgr.

April 30, 1999

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Source tags provide measured security improvements

Stanley Tools houses a security label in a patented PVC capsule that clips onto the back of its tape rule package.

April 30, 1999

Sustainability

Beta testing will determine U.S. plastic beer bottle spec(s)

Some time after a computer software code is written, but before it is commercially launched, it undergoes a period of beta testing. During this period, select users try the program out, spot bugs in it, figure out function shortcuts, criticize the program's performance and let the developer know what they like and don't like about the software.

April 30, 1999

Containers

Fomo tracks many happy returns

A tracking system better controls Fomo Products' fleet of returnable containers holding foam insulation chemicals. That helps the company save up to $60ꯠ/yr.

April 30, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Fire gives snack baker a clean slate

Fire claimed Pretzels, Inc.'s Indiana headquarters plant on Christmas Eve '97. By the following August, a new plant with a streamlined packaging room had risen from the ashes.

April 30, 1999

Sustainability

More than just a pretty package (sidebar)

Additional winners include:

April 30, 1999

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Rollstock, Inc: Rollstock, Inc: Linerless labeler

Marprint's new labeler from Paragon(TM) (White Bear Lake, MN) prints and applies linerless labels to pallets, cases, cartons or products. Because the rollstock labels do not use a carrier web, there is no leftover material to discard, and rolls contain up to 40% more labels.

April 30, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Robotic tray loaders speed cookie loading

A state-of-the-art line at Voortman Cookies in Canada uses 10 vision-guided robots to simultaneously pack cookies into five trays at 1걄 cookies/min. Saves C$450ꯠ/yr in labor costs and provides 10-minute tool-less changeover.

April 30, 1999

Flexible packaging

Salons sample new pack

Regis salons give away an unusual sample pack printed with a $1-off coupon to entice customers to purchase regular-sized hair-care products.

April 30, 1999

Labeling

Change means quick changeover

In an effort to reduce storage of preprinted tubes, Henkel Home Improvements decided to label in-house. In addition to saving space and gaining flexibility, the company also enjoys quicker changeover.

April 30, 1999

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

Film's flexibility fits ice packs

Puncture-resistant film protects Forever Ice's 'reusable' ice to withstand repeated freezing and thawing. A custom tf/f/s machine improves efficiency.

April 30, 1999