Converting equipment

Paper--with special converting--shows new versatility

The oldest packaging material is finding new opportunities by combining with other materials like barrier plastics and special inks.

June 30, 2003

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 1580

Flexibles

Philips automates shaver head packaging

Norelco replacement shaver heads are packaged in Holland in a fold-over blister package on a two-part packaging line that’s almost completely automated.

June 30, 2003

Flexibles

A case-ready meat tour

A visit to a Wal-Mart Supercenter—and input from industry experts—provides a snapshot look at case-ready meat packaging.

June 30, 2003

Flexibles

Countering the counterfeiters

Aventis Pharma Argentina is using a printed holographic push-through blister pack to fight counterfeiters of its popular Novalgina analgesic tablets.

June 30, 2003

Containers

Distributor bags benefits

For many years, New Berlin, WI-based Anderson Seal received seals, clamps, tubing, and related items from their manufacturers, then distributed them, primarily to midwestern hydraulic, medical, and automotive original equipment manufacturers.

June 30, 2003

Additives, coatings & inks

Smoothening torque transfer

Auger fillers are fast, flexible, and accurate thanks to the composite disc couplings used to transfer torque from servo motors to auger shafts.

June 30, 2003

Closures

Not all sweetener packs are created Equal

New container and closure let consumers use Equal’s no-calorie sweetener by the Spoonful.

June 30, 2003

Secondary Packaging

Tyson's fixed-weight future

This attractive, but otherwise unassuming shrink-wrapped tray introduced in early 2003 is packed with far more than chicken. For Tyson Foods, Springdale, AR, it represents enhanced category management--and the future of case-ready meat.

June 30, 2003

Sustainability

Wild Oats debuts 'corn-tainers'

Natural and organic food retailer Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Boulder, CO, is reportedly the first North American firm to pack deli foods at retail in containers made of NatureWorks™ PLA from Cargill Dow LLC. PLA is a renewable-resource-based polylactide resin derived from corn.

June 30, 2003

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

FDA flashes red light to patent stays

Agency doesn’t want branded drug manufacturers to delay development of generics because of packaging claims. New limits on patents go into effect August 18.

June 30, 2003

Flexibles

Heinz 'bottles' marinade in a bag

To capitalize on the trend towards marinating foods, H. J. Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, PA, has added an extra bit of convenience for consumers: liquid marinades in three flavors all presented in a handy bag ready for the food.

June 30, 2003

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Print-and-apply labeler

The MP2000 print and apply labeling system for multi-pack packaging identification from Imaje USA was designed to print and apply labels at up to 60/min.

June 30, 2003

Controls & Machine Components

SICK, Inc: Safety interlocks

Sick has added more than 20 new safety interlocks to its product line to include safety position switches, safety locking devices, noncontact safety sensors, safety operating and emergency stop switches, and safety switches with separate actuators.

May 31, 2003