Contract Packaging

Hi-Res printing--it doesn't have to be computer science

Squid Ink’s PZ Pilot Plus is designed for people who run packaging lines, not computers. Watch this short informative video for more.

May 1, 2007

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1335

Closures

Low-cal sweetener in high-class packaging

Tate & Lyle has introduced its new Redpath Half sweetener in a barrier paperboard/foil canister.

May 1, 2007

Flexibles

Bagged carry-on bottles kit takes off

A TSA-compliant kit for airline passengers offers spill-proof bottles in a zippered bag.

April 30, 2007

Secondary Packaging

Medium-speed, vertical case packing

Video shows drop packer handling a wide range of container and package types, including glass, plastic, cans and paperboard in round and non-round configurations.

April 26, 2007

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Six Sigma and pharmaceutical packaging

In this article, Kent St. Vrain of Paxonix reports on Six Sigma benefits, economic justification, and streamlining the process of getting product more quickly to market.

April 26, 2007

Sustainable Packaging

How to grow and innovate

The annual Executive Leadership Conference held by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute is known for, among other things, its ability to attract some pretty terrific business session speakers.

April 24, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Why demographics will drive your packaging automation

Don't wait for a workforce crisis to develop before you consider the effect of automation on your employees.

April 24, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Baking soda label acts as a freshness timer

Special label eliminates replacement guesswork for a refrigerator air filter.

April 20, 2007

Flexible packaging

Co-packing industry assesses opportunities and challenges

The contract packaging industry has no shortage of opportunities and challenges, and some of them were discussed formally and informally at the Contract Packaging Association’s annual meeting, which concluded April 2 in Tucson, AZ. First, the opportunities. One of the hottest segments of contract packaging today is pharmaceutical products, and it’s promising even more growth for co-packers with the right facilities, capabilities, and certification approvals. Speaking to association members, Bill Sharpless said the $400 billion pharma industry is growing at 3% annually. Sharpless is marketing director of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical packaging at Alcoa Flexible Packaging.

April 17, 2007

Sustainability

New Plastics Data in the U.S. LCI Database

Within a matter of days, important new data sets will be available in the U.S. LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) Database. The data will include all steps from “cradle to resin” for nine common plastic resins (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, HIPS, GPPS, PVC, ABS, PET) and two polyurethane polyols. These materials are commonly used in packaging systems as well as in durable products (for example, building products such as insulation).

April 17, 2007

Sustainable Packaging

April Sustainability News Digest

Important news items on Sustainability, April, 2007.

April 17, 2007

Flexibles

A Global Perspective on Sustainable Packaging from Kraft Foods

The recently redesigned PET-based bottles for Kraft’s Crystal Light and Fruit2O brands are 18 percent lighter than the bottles they are replacing. Following the completion of the phased introduction of the new bottles in the U.S., Kraft will reduce its PET usage by 8.7 million pounds per year.

April 17, 2007

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Finding value in RFID

The sweet spot can be found in certain applications, according to this Webinar held April 5 that cited two RFID implementations.

April 17, 2007