Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Automated pack line aids successful company launch

Organic cereal processor carefully selects bag f/f/s, cup-filling, and case-packing equipment to optimize new plant efficiencies.

April 5, 2007

Containers & Closures: Page 164

Containers

Automated multipacking

Primary packaging of Bifi snacks isn’t the only operation that has been upgraded through automation at Unilever’s Ansbach plant. Multipacking of unit packs into multipacks also took a step forward about a year ago when a Model CP5.14.14/S vertical form/fill/seal system from Hastamat (www.hastamat.com) was installed.

April 4, 2007

Flexibles

Air cushioning brightens Sunrise Medical's shipments

Shipments of the company’s Quickie-brand wheelchairs now arrive undamaged. Sunrise packaging personnel also appreciate the new protective cushioning.

April 4, 2007

Containers

Martin's makes ink and coding concerns disappear

Thermal-transfer printers on baggers at Martin’s snacks improve legibility and accuracy, lower labor costs, and provide coding flexibility.

April 4, 2007

Flexibles

Salmon jerky pack serves Iraq and Afghanistan

Fledgling wild salmon product manufacturing company Alaska Spirit LLC, Kodiak, AK, with assistance from the University of Alaska Fisheries Industrial Technology Center pilot plant, has developed Kodiak SOLSTIX™ wild salmon jerky, vacuum-packed in multi-layer film. Designed as “pocket protein” for hikers, climbers, other sports enthusiasts, and vending machine sales, the product currently is being marketed to several small regional retail outlets. It’s packaged in 0.7-oz (2” x 6” package dimensions), three-count jerky stick packs. Average retail price is $1.99 per package.

April 3, 2007

Labels

Food Fight

Some in Congress want a new agency for food safety as well as new standards for safeguarding the nation’s food supply.

April 3, 2007

Containers

Ecolab's bottle is better, faster by design

Modeling studies cut eight months out of the package development process for its ProForce cleaning solution bottle sold at Sam's Club.

April 3, 2007

Conveying & accumulation

Data flows from ERP to packaging machines

Just five operators run two lines that span three floors and churn out 600 bottles/min. An automated order system plays a pivotal role in streamlining changeover.

March 9, 2007

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Frozen treat package mimics energy drink can

Hershey’s Ice Cream, Harrisburg, PA, has co-branded with Hammond, IN-based Swanel Beverages Inc., the manufacturer of an energy drink called Banzai, to create Banzai Energy Ice. The 4 oz treat is packaged in a squeeze-up tube made of solid bleached sulfate from Solo Cup Co. (www.solocup.com). Hershey fills the tubes using a Flex E Fill Rotary Filler from Solo Cup Co. and heat seals them with a thin foil lid, also from Solo Cup.

March 8, 2007

Containers

Frozen treat tube mimics energy drink can

Hershey's Ice Cream cobrands with Banzai energy drink manufacturer Swanel Beverages Inc. to create Banzai Energy Ice in a 4-oz squeeze tube.

February 16, 2007

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Tubs clearly a 'nutty' choice for Hampton Farms

High-barrier thermoformed tubs' unique shape and clear view of premium roasted nuts deliver a point of difference for Hampton Farms' product launch.

February 13, 2007

Flexibles

Coping with coffee demand

Auger fillers above a vf/f/s machine was just the beginning. A checkweigher with electronic feedback to the filler saves $25,000 in just eight months.

February 9, 2007

Contract packaging

Multi-dimensional branding: Paste emphasizes attributes, store environment

Recognizing the need for a novel approach to introduce yet another product in the whitening segment, a Manhattan-based cosmetic dentist focused on brand name, package color, and the right distribution channel.

February 9, 2007