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

Containers & Closures: Page 145

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

Containers

Bag inserter can increase production speed, cut operating costs

Pearson Packaging Systems' BI18 Bag Inserter opens, inserts, and cuffs plastic bags from roll stock into a wide variety of corrugated cases at speeds up to 18 cases per minute. This versatile machine is designed with features to increase production speed, cut operating costs, and reduce the machine's profile to better fit in any production line.

December 8, 2009

Flexible packaging

Global collaboration enables Kraft Foods' culture change

Project-by-project, Kraft Foods’ global business units, with leadership from the company’s corporate sustainability team, are creating a culture where sustainability is a part of every package design.

December 8, 2009

Flexibles

Coca-Cola gets it, how about you?

Among the more noteworthy trends in packaged goods manufacturing over the past few years has been the push to give packaging a seat at the table.

December 7, 2009

Flexible packaging

Value and health drive new food and beverage packaging

A depressed economy and consumers' increasing concerns about personal, as well as environmental, health and wellness drive food and beverage packaging innovations.

December 6, 2009

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Steel aerosol cans get enhanced green makeover

In the fourth quarter of 2008, CRC Marine Products adopted new lightweight, polymer-coated steel aerosol can packaging for some of its marine cleaning/maintenance products.

December 6, 2009

Flexible packaging

Cloud Packaging adds mid-speed expertise with purchase of Toll Packaging

Acquisition made in part to respond to current market demands for shorter packaging runs.

December 4, 2009