Controls & Machine Components

The packaging supply chain--what's next?

A new collaborative mentality fortified by the latest IT tools is reshaping the packaging supply chain.

March 31, 2002

Containers & Closures: Page 203

Flexibles

Poucher evolves to meet Avail's needs

A six-up poucher at Avail Medical is upgraded with custom features and added controls to increase production utilization. See in-plant video

March 31, 2002

Containers

A.R.C. counts on faster fastener bagging

From nuts to bolts, each week A.R.C. bags 500ꯠ lb of fasteners that are individually counted by high-accuracy optical-based systems. See in-plant video

March 31, 2002

Flexible packaging

Avail's upgrades up close

What did Avail Medical get for its $180ꯠ investment—comprising all costs including shipping—in its most recent machine improvements for a vertical form/fill/seal machine? In short, plenty.

March 31, 2002

Flexibles

IronKids bags bread winners

Bags for IronKids Bread from Sara Lee Bakery, St. Louis, MO, unveiled a new look in January, sporting photos of five youngsters that replace illustrated characters.

February 28, 2002

Containers

Hot cocoa mixes up a four-pack

Coco Caffe Gourmet Hot Cocoa beverage mixes from Cobblestone Kitchens, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, warmed up to store shelves last fall in a new 6.25-oz composite canister.

February 28, 2002

Sustainability

Green advice from packagers

Packagers respond to an exclusive Packworld.com survey by offering their personal advice as to what manufacturers--and suppliers--can do to improve the environmental aspects of packaging.

February 28, 2002

Additives, coatings & inks

BATF and alcohol packaging

Some experts believe that government regulation may stifle innovative packages or new packaging materials for alcoholic beverages. Unlike most food products, regulations for these products go beyond ensuring food safety.

February 28, 2002

Containers

Multipacking shines at Star Foods

Producer of refrigerated salads increases production speeds and reduces material and labor costs by employing an automated packaging system for its multipacks.

February 28, 2002

Blisters/clamshells/skin packaging

Consumers power packaging (sidebar)

Suggestions that work

February 28, 2002

Flexibles

Design: Baking kits display holiday spirit

Betty Crocker cooked up a timely product for the recent season: Holiday baking kits in four varieties. The kits from Minneapolis, MN-based General Mills are packaged in creative and colorful boxes with precision die cuts.

January 31, 2002

Converting equipment

Web Plus: Sites

New or enhanced Web sites

January 31, 2002

Converting equipment

Industry watch: Companies

Marconi Data Systems Inc. (Wood Dale, IL) has signed a definitive agreement with Danaher Corp. (Washington, D.C.) where Danaher will purchase Marconi Data Systems for $400 million USD.

January 31, 2002