Closures

The problem with patented packaging

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that patents almost always mean ‘functional.’ Does this mean trade-dress protection disappears after the patent runs out?

July 31, 2001

Sustainable Packaging: Page 562

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

Club store packaging

PPi (Union Gap, WA) has released its new Club Store Packaging. The 20-mil recycled PVC thermoforms are ideal for larger and bulk-style products. PPi will supply the thermoformed blisters, clamshells and trays, printed blister cards, insert cards, and skin-pack board.

July 31, 2001

Flexibles

Mac software unboxed

The Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, leverages the Mac difference in award-winning software packaging that’s a dramatic departure from traditional paperboard cartons used for software. Replacing prior boxed versions, Office 2001 for Macintosh was introduced in October of 2000 in a plastic "clamshell."

July 31, 2001

Flexibles

Coors carton 'on the rocks'

Just in time for the summer picnic season, Golden, CO-based Coors released its Coors Cooler Box, a disposable cooler carton with a patented barrier that holds ice and water.

July 31, 2001

Flexibles

Roll cradles adapted to package roll-up doors

Having developed a line of roll-up doors for self-storage buildings, Betco, Inc. of Statesville, NC, needed an economical method of packaging the doors for transport.

July 31, 2001

Flexibles

Cameras hit the vending circuit

Want to buy a one-time-use camera or a roll of film from a vending machine? Now you can, thanks to e-Vend.net of Kennett Square, PA. Packaging plays a key role.

July 31, 2001

Recycling

Mandatory deposit bill introduced

The National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 2001 was introduced in Congress by Rep. Lynn N. Rivers (D-MI). The bill amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require a 10¢ deposit and refund on every beverage container sold in the United States.

July 31, 2001

Additives, coatings & inks

Group opposes California plastic packaging tax bill

The California Packaging Alliance, a coalition of state and national organizations supporting a comprehensive, integrated approach to solid waste management, strongly opposes legislation in the California Senate that includes a packaging tax to support plastic recycling requirements.

July 31, 2001

Sustainable Packaging

Packaging low on the list

EXCLUSIVE NEWS FROM OUR EUROPEAN PARTNER: A newly published INCPEN-commissioned report on the environmental impact of the way we live shows that packaging comes low on the list of contributors to energy wastefulness. Click logo for full article.

June 30, 2001

Protective/transport packaging

IKON polishes image with air cradles

Inflated cushions now cradle toner cartridges in shipping packs from two remanufacturing plants, reducing damage while enhancing satisfaction.

June 30, 2001

Protective/transport packaging

Cost savings drive changes

Inside the box thinking is yielding savings for Western Digital Corp., Lake Forest, CA, which changed its protective packaging in Nov. ’00 for a six-item line of hard drives sold in the United States.

June 30, 2001

Coding, Printing & Labeling

Survey shows mixed feelings on GE foods

An in-depth survey by the Center for Science in the Public Interest of consumer views on labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods showed broad but limited support for labeling and demonstrated the difficulties of ensuring fairness in labeling.

June 30, 2001

Sustainable Packaging

Workshop explains recycling laws

An environmental packaging workshop will be held the day after Pack Expo Las Vegas, September 13 at the Hampton Tropicana Inn, Las Vegas. The one-day workshop will tackle how packagers can comply with the patchwork of "take-back" laws now on the books in 30 countries around the world. In addition, it will cover how to comply with California's recycled content mandate on rigid plastic containers.

June 30, 2001