Controls & Machine Components

What's next for packaging machinery automation?

Contributing Editor Keith Campbell scoured the miles of aisles at interpack 2014 to deliver this insightful view of what might be next in the world of packaging machinery controls and automation.

September 4, 2014

Leaders (UNIVERSAL TAXONOMY PW): Page 793

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Single-serve PET stemware for wines

Induction sealing and the addition of an oxygen scavenger help ensure success of this innovative container approach in retail and foodservice venues.

September 4, 2014

Containers

Craft beers get colorful update for 25th anniversary

Gordon Biersch Brewing Company redesigns the package graphics for its German-style craft beers, with colorful hues and a custom cap with a debossed, textured logo.

September 3, 2014

Flexibles

New tissue brands make a splash

Package graphics for a new line of bathroom and kitchen paper products under the Little Duck name emphasize softness and luxury, while still conveying value.

September 3, 2014

Cartons and boxes

Sturdy box withstands e-commerce shipping demands

A new subscription service for men’s grooming products in the U.K. uses a custom-designed box, sturdy enough for shipping, while providing a positive brand experience.

September 3, 2014

Sustainable Packaging

Carton Council releases report on multi-material recycling policy

Best practices at both the state and local levels are examined for policy mechanisms that include disposal bans, recycling policies, and Pay-As-You-Throw service fees.

September 3, 2014

Sustainable Packaging

Key trends driving bioplastics for packaging

Among the trends driving the market for bioplastic packaging materials, the competitive cost and availability of fossil fuels will have the largest impact and their commercial production and use.

September 3, 2014

Operational Excellence

E-commerce resurfaces

E-commerce currently accounts for about 8% of total retail sales and is predicted to outpace sales growth of brick-and-mortar stores over the next five years with an anticipated $370 billion in e-retail sales by 2017.

September 3, 2014

Controls & Machine Components

Safety controller fits robot integrator

Taking safety inputs and keeping track of them redundantly to prevent harm to operators—it’s an important task in today’s increasingly sophisticated machines.

September 3, 2014

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Dannon’s Double Delights

Two-compartment yogurt containers are everywhere these days, but back in 1995 the concept was pretty unusual.

September 3, 2014

Flexibles

Inspired by nature: Dell debuts plastic made from air

This fall, computer giant Dell is debuting a new plastics technology that may represent its most innovative sustainable packaging project yet.

September 3, 2014

Plastics/resins

Fresh-picked bottle design for Welch's new juice

With label graphics that appeal to the farm-to-fork product lover and a sophisticated bottle shape that provides a premium appearance, easy pouring, and operational efficiencies, packaging for Welch’s new Farmer’s Pick 100% Juices is delivering multiple benefits to both the consumer and the packager.

September 3, 2014

Labels

Shrink-sleeve energizes health shot

Providing tamper-evidence and high graphic impact, a gravure-printed polyvinyl chloride shrink sleeve for Aliso Viejo, CA-based Zazen LLC’s line of herbal pain-relief drinks provides the pizzazz needed to compete in a crowded category.

September 3, 2014