Controls & Machine Components

Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff Automation: Integrated valve manifold

The Festo CPV IP65 valve manifold is now available as an extension module on Beckhoff USA’s popular IP67 fieldbus box I/O system. Connection with a noise-immune fiber-optic cable allows the CPV Manifold to be mixed with the wide range of the company’s network couplers and I/O.

September 30, 2003

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1563

Controls & Machine Components

Danaher Motion: Danaher Motion: Microstepping drives

The Pacific Scientific Div. of Danaher Motion introduces the 6200 series of high-performance microstepping drives. Available in two versions, the 6210 step-and-direction interface is ideally suited for most common board level or PLC-based controllers. The 6215 start and stop inputs are a low-maintenance alternative to conventional clutch/brake solutions.

September 30, 2003

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

New packaging association formed

The Association of Visual Packaging Manufacturers has been formed to address growing concerns over plant closings and lost jobs to overseas competition.

September 30, 2003

Controls & machine components

Machine vision system donated to MSU

Michigan State University’s School of Packaging has received an In-Sight® 1000 vision sensor donated by Cognex for use in the school’s packaging curriculum.

September 30, 2003

Converting equipment

Seeks FDA clearance for UV/EB substances

The ability to use ultraviolet- and electron-beam-cured packaging surfaces in direct contact with food products is now being sought by RadTech, the organization of companies that produce those materials.

September 30, 2003

Flexibles

Cat litter gets a 'hand' up

Cedar Fresh cat litter from MFM Industries, Reddick, FL, is the first commercial user of a special new injection-molded polyethylene handle located in a corner of its 12- and 14-lb flexible stand-up pouches. Introduced last October, Cedar Fresh uses a handle from 2N2 that’s applied by MFM to the bags on a machine from Marble Manor.

September 30, 2003

Flexibles

Pita-perfect design

To help develop brand identity and packaging graphics for its new Pita Snax Brand Pita Chips, Pita Products of Farmington, MI, looked to Flowdesign, Inc.

September 30, 2003

Flexibles

Companies

Sonoco (Hartsville, SC) and Ball Corp.

September 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Warnings dropped for olestra

The Food and Drug Administration announced that, effective immediately, packages of products containing olestra, a fat substitute developed by Procter & Gamble, need no longer bear a required label statement indicating that olestra may cause some gastrointestinal difficulties, that it inhibits the body’s absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K, and other nutrients, and that these vitamins have been added to compensate for olestra’s effects on these nutrients.

September 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

EU biotech labeling slammed

The National Food Processors Assn. and the Grocery Manufacturers of America sharply criticized the European Union’s recently adopted labeling and traceability rules of foods and feeds containing genetically modified ingredients.

September 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Blood container labeling

FDA proposed to revise its rule on the labeling and storage requirements for blood and blood components to make it easier for the blood industry to comply with regulations, reduce the costs of compliance, and manage the supply of plasma to enhance the safety of the blood supply.

September 30, 2003

Sustainable Packaging

Repeal of foam packaging ban sought

Shaw’s Supermarkets is asking the town of Freeport, ME, to change its 14-year-old ban on plastic foam packaging in retail stores. Shaw’s is opening a supermarket in an area covered by the ban and said the ban hampers the chain’s ability to provide safe meat.

September 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

No special labeling for clones foreseen

FDA would not require labels on products from cloned animals if they are considered as safe as traditional food, according to an FDA regulatory review scientist speaking at a biotech conference in late June.

September 30, 2003