Containers

European tube suppliers report relatively stable 2009

The tube’s versatility, and a strong presence in cosmetics and pharma, helped this package weather the economic storm across Europe.

January 18, 2010

Containers & Closures: Page 144

Controls & Machine Components

Six packaging automation trends to watch in 2010

I know the year is already a little long in the tooth for New Year’s predictions; most people get those out of the way much earlier than January 15.

January 15, 2010

Containers

Aluminum can-packed dog drinks

Judy In November 2009, specialty pet products company Petrol, Inc., Cornelius, NC, introduced a vitamin-enhanced hydrating drink for dogs.

January 8, 2010

Sustainability

Packaging is key to club-store success

The unique environment of the wholesale club store demands that packaging be retail-ready, eye-catching, innovative, and environmentally friendly to secure product sales.

January 8, 2010

Flexible packaging

Checkweigher delivers healthy packaging results

Used primarily for dietary supplement multipacks, a new checkweigher helps PA-based contract packer Quality Packaging Specialists meet quality demands with accuracy and at high line speeds.

January 8, 2010

Sustainability

Contract-packed tattoo moisturizer tubes offer multiple benefits

Tattoo lotion specialist After Inked® adopts consumer-convenient, easy-open/reclose packaging that enables material source reduction and enhanced graphics, while shortening lead times and reducing inventory requirements.

January 8, 2010

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Switch from banding to bagging triples towel packaging speeds

Machine controller keeps track of towel counts, collects stats, and takes pressure off packaging operators.

January 7, 2010

Plastics/resins

Belgian brewer believes in PET barrier bottles

Belgian brewer believes in PET barrier bottles Belgium-based Martens Brewery is using stretch blow-molded, barrier-coated PET bottles to package beers in three sizes: 0.5-L, 0.66-L, and 1-L.

January 7, 2010

Sustainability

Canadian spring-water company takes the 100% rPET plunge

Following years of R&D, Naya Water becomes the first bottler of still water to employ a 100% recycled PET container.

January 6, 2010

Additives, coatings & inks

Cool CD cover is body heat-activated

The secret surprise to the unassuming package is the use of a nontoxic, thermochromic ink from Chromatic Technologies Inc.

January 6, 2010

Containers

Can chic co-exist with the club experience? Target testing it

Retailer taking seven weeks to determine whether the warehouse approach has staying power in its stores, trying packaging sizes unfamiliar within its stores.

January 5, 2010

Sustainability

Nanotechnology in packaging presents rewards and risks

Nanotechnology is not without risks, but it packs potential for packaging applications and medical breakthroughs.

December 21, 2009

Secondary Packaging

Robotic handling of bottles sets the bar high

Maximum versatility, minimal operator involvement, gentle handling, high speed, and automated end-of-arm tooling changes are highlights at VCP champagne plant.

December 10, 2009