Flexible packaging

Pouch is economical, ecological

The formed hamburger patties produced at Micarna require a thermoformed tray for a package because their shape must be protected through distribution. Unformed ground beef, however, needs no such protection, so Micarna relies on a simpler, less expensive and "greener" alternative: modified-atmosphere pouches produced on a vertical form/fill/seal machine.

June 30, 1999

Rigid: Page 274

Feeding/inserting/unscrambling

Combining machinery functions while we broaden options

The big show at Dsseldorf, interpack 99, proved to be another education in the worldwide scope of packaging. Coming just seven months after Pack Expo 98, there are some parallels between the shows, though there's also a whole host of differences.

June 30, 1999

Controls & Machine Components

Parker Hannifin Cylinder Div.: Pneumatic cylinder

Parker Hannifin's Cylinder Div. (Des Plaines, IL) introduces the P1M series pneumatic cylinders, which feature bolted construction, transfer tubes, customized stroking and integral sensors.

June 30, 1999

Filling/capping, liquid & viscous

Serac Inc: Net weigh filler

Serac (Carol Stream, IL) has released a color brochure featuring its Electronic Net Weigh Filler technologies. The brochure describes the filling, weighing, capping and operator interface capabilities, plus special features and options like the pressurized tank, tilted device for angle-neck containers and no-tool changeover.

June 30, 1999

Flexible packaging

Sigpack Systems Div., a Bosch Packaging Technology Co.: Sigpack Systems Div., a Bosch Packaging Technology Co.: Vf/f/s machine

The improved Eagle Phaser vf/f/s machine from SIG Pack Eagle (Oakland, CA) now features a Koyo PLC that allows for the inclusion of features such as memory for 20 different set-ups and a single point of control for auger and bagger.

June 30, 1999

Tamper-evident machinery

Mouthwash closure does it all

“It’s the first time we’ve been able to offer a closure that combines child-resistance, tamper-evidence and a dosing feature.”That’s how packaging buyer Colyn Kemp of The Boots Co., Nottingham, England, describes the closure on the new package launched in May for advance total care mouthwash with Plaque– guard™.

June 30, 1999

Converting equipment

Ocean Spray firmly grasps handled PET

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., broke new ground in mid-April by introducing a 1-gal, clear, heat-set polyethylene terephthalate bottle that incorporates a preformed polypropylene side handle.

May 31, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Textbook seller learns a lot about cushioning

Follett Educational Services cuts both costs and customer complaints by switching from foam-in-place to an air cushion void-fill system.

May 31, 1999

Flexibles

Unconventional packaging fuels a product launch

A nonround canister and a 12-count 'purse pack' are the package formats chosen by Mead Johnson to launch a new kind of calcium supplement called Viactiv.

May 31, 1999

Secondary Packaging

Somewhere, over-the-counter, the FDA waits for drug packers

OTC drug makers will have to become packaging 'wizards' to fit new Drug Facts information on cartons, containers, tubes and bottles.

May 31, 1999

Filling/capping, dry

Sidewalk Cafe pack 'sticks' out

In Target department stores nationwide, Fullerton, CA-based Hunt-Wesson is testing 1-oz Slim Stick(TM) packs of Swiss Miss® Sidewalk Caf/® instant cappuccino in six-count cartons.

May 31, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Can packaging improve one's golf game?

An innovative plastic 'sleeve' keeps golf balls fresh while providing an excellent barrier to distance-robbing moisture.

May 31, 1999

Conveying & accumulation

Filling in a Jiffy

Chelsea Milling's new dual-lane auger filling system produces 20 boxes/min more than the filler it replaced while cutting in half the amount of giveaway of Jiffy baking mix.

May 31, 1999