Controls & Machine Components

Laser measurement sensor

ZX laser measurement sensor system from Omron has a single amplifier unit that supports 11 different sensing heads interchangeably, eliminating the need to purchase unique amplifiers for each sensing head.

June 30, 2004

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1480

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

A molded-pulp first in cosmetics

When New York-based Estée Lauder’s Aveda unit introduced its Uruku Lipstick a little over a year ago, the firm’s commitment to environmentally responsible packaging led to what is essentially a refillable case.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

Blue crab in 'Cadillac' package

A zipper reclosable pouch is now making its debut for pasteurized blue crabmeat in a 16-oz pouch sold under refrigeration. The Zip’n Store™ pouch was co-developed by Pyramid Flexible Packaging and by Presto Products, maker of the polypropylene Fresh-Lock® zipper for retort applications.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

Reclosable pouch for dried fruits

Sundora Foods of York, England, has relaunched its line of dried fruits in 250- and 500-g stand-up reclosable pouches using the Flexcan from Amcor Flexibles.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

FOODSERVICE PACKAGING DEMAND LOOKS HEALTHY

Rising disposable personal income will fuel the growth of food eaten away from home, stimulating U.S. demand for foodservice packaging to $7.6 billion in 2008.

June 30, 2004

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

X-ray inspection boosts QC

A leading producer of frozen gourmet desserts, Montreal-based Martin Dessert recently upgraded its quality-control efforts by adding X-ray inspection equipment to detect foreign objects that might find their way into the product.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

A labeling/taping solution

When a high-volume retailer expressed interest in a 2-lb package of donut gems from Sara Lee Bakery Group, the Madison, WI, firm met the request by way of a clear thermoformed PET tub and a snap-fit lid of the same material.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

Bud Light goes to no-label look

Bud Light 12-oz glass bottles get a fresh look this summer as glue-applied paper labels give way to clear film labels and the no-label look.

June 30, 2004

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Packaging Services Expo gains CMPA approval

UPDATE: The Packaging Services Expo recently accepted support by The Contract Manufacturing Packaging Association, a national, not-for-profit trade association for companies that offer contract manufacturing, packaging, and related business services.

June 30, 2004

Labeling

Campbell Soup selects vision system for soup cans

Campbell Soup Co., Newark, NJ, has announced that it selected the MVS-8500 vision system from Cognex Corp. to ensure proper labeling of all of its canned soups.

June 30, 2004

Flexibles

Clear pouch claims to be first

A clear stand-up pouch holding 6.75 oz of flavored water is now reaching store shelves in select eastern U.S. markets. It’s claimed to be among the first clear pouches in a category where opaque metallized films or foil-based laminations dominate (see CapriSun from Kraft Foods and Hi-C Blast from Coke’s Minute Maid Div).

June 30, 2004

Controls & Machine Components

A center for excellence

Dr. Ken Ryan is director of the Center for Automation and Motion Control at Alexandria Technical College, Alexandria, MN. He’s also the chairman of OMAC Packaging Workgroup’s PackLearn group. Here he talks about establishing a center for excellence in packaging automation technology.

June 30, 2004

Containers

New custom design

XanGo, LLC is releasing its dietary supplement beverage, also called XanGo, in stylish, custom-made glass bottles. The bottle is designed to solidify the brand and set it apart from other health and wellness beverages on the market.

June 30, 2004