Controls & Machine Components

PLC-based control tames obsolescence headaches

This manufacturer of thermoformers and trim presses finds multiple benefits in its newly developed PLC-based controls platform.

March 8, 2011

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1037

Flexible packaging

Iconic candy meets stand-up pouch

Necco Sweethearts have been an American favorite since 1902, but even the most iconic confectionery can benefit from a packaging upgrade.

March 8, 2011

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Sound off

March 8, 2011

Sustainable Packaging

61 million tons of trash recycled in 2009, says EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its annual report for 2009 on municipal solid waste (MSW) in the U.S., which includes a wealth of information on national recycling and composting trends.

March 8, 2011

Sustainable Packaging

New carton launched for eco-conscious wine enthusiasts

Bota Box, a wine producer of premium 3-L California varietals in Napa, CA, has announced an extension of its environmentally sensitive portfolio with the launch of 500-mL cartons from Tetra Pak.

March 8, 2011

Secondary Packaging

Wrapping machine

Multipack’s Tekna Flat wrapping machine runs at speeds up to 120 packs/min., and size changeover can be completed in as little as 5 minutes.

March 8, 2011

Controls & Machine Components

OMAC shows signs of life

The Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) held its annual meeting in conjunction with the annual ARC Manufacturing Forum in Orlando Feb. 7–10. The organization has seen some major accomplishments during its 14-year life, but recently, it has struggled with ownership and mission.

March 8, 2011

Flexibles

FPA winners are good as gold

Notable advances in sustainability, shelf impact, laser micro-perforation, and shelf life extension are all on display in the Flexible Packaging Association’s Gold Award winners.

March 7, 2011

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Medical device pathway gets touch-ups

It might soon get easier to be OK with the 510(k).

March 7, 2011

Labels

Harnessing digital printing's potential

Mike Ferrari, president of Ferrari Innovative Solutions LLC and retired from Procter & Gamble as associate director for package development, believes digital printing is ready for a surge in packaging. He discusses why—and the potential roadblocks at CPG companies.

March 7, 2011

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

New compostable snack bags are easier on the ears

Look out Frito-Lay! Boulder, CO-based snack food manufacturer Boulder Canyon Natural Foods may have cracked the compostable snack chip-package challenge.

March 7, 2011

Coding, Printing & Labeling

EPI Labelers celebrates 30th Anniversary on March 15, 2011

To celebrate 30 years of designing and building labeling equipment for the packaging industry, EPI Labelers will be offering 30th Anniversary prizes to Facebook fans (http://facebook.com/epilabelers) and Twitter followers (@epilabelers).

March 7, 2011

Controls & Machine Components

Beckhoff Automation: Bus terminals for extreme climates

Beckhoff Automation’s Extended Temperature (ET) Bus Terminals provide I/O solutions for applications in areas with severe heat or cold.

March 7, 2011