Controls & Machine Components

Fluid power catalog

Clippard Instrument Laboratory has released its new 388-page, full-line catalog, which includes features, specs, technical drawings, color photos, and application highlights throughout.

May 8, 2007

Trends: Page 555

Controls & Machine Components

Everett Graphics, Inc: Artisan chocolate bars on-the-go in sleeve-pouches

Recchiuti chocolate bars debuted in February 2007 in innovative, pouch-like sleeve packs that allow consumers to break off a few pieces and tuck the rest of the bar back into an elegant “sleeve-pouch” for safekeeping for carrying and travel.

May 7, 2007

Contract Packaging

Hi-Res printing--it doesn't have to be computer science

Squid Ink’s PZ Pilot Plus is designed for people who run packaging lines, not computers. Watch this short informative video for more.

May 1, 2007

Controls & Machine Components

Why demographics will drive your packaging automation

Don't wait for a workforce crisis to develop before you consider the effect of automation on your employees.

April 24, 2007

Flexible packaging

Co-packing industry assesses opportunities and challenges

The contract packaging industry has no shortage of opportunities and challenges, and some of them were discussed formally and informally at the Contract Packaging Association’s annual meeting, which concluded April 2 in Tucson, AZ. First, the opportunities. One of the hottest segments of contract packaging today is pharmaceutical products, and it’s promising even more growth for co-packers with the right facilities, capabilities, and certification approvals. Speaking to association members, Bill Sharpless said the $400 billion pharma industry is growing at 3% annually. Sharpless is marketing director of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical packaging at Alcoa Flexible Packaging.

April 17, 2007

Contract Packaging

Modified Packaging Summit spotlights contract packaging

Changes will integrate former Packaging Services Expo and Containers & Materials Expo. Outsourcing will be one focal point of this year’s conference sessions.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Study identifies product damage risks of poor unit load wrappings

Losses during transport could cost CPGs $388 million annually. Closely examining a load unitization may yield answers, with stretch hoods being one possible solution.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

J Lieb Foods expands services with purchase of Welch's Plant

Ready-to-operate facility in Kennewick, WA, triples the company’s capacity and adds flexibility in co-packaging services to Pacific Northwest.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Amenities put the TLC in hospitality

It’s a $400 million industry for motels through five-star resorts. The flexibility needed to package in-room ‘freebies’ provides insights into contract packagers’ work.

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Report: Heavier reliance on 'network pharma' model

Product manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry are finding it increasingly difficult to drive strong growth, for reasons such as governmental cost-containment measures like promoting more economical generic drugs, in an attempt to limit spiraling healthcare costs

April 12, 2007

Contract Packaging

Fighter pilots don't look back, and neither does the association

Your Contract Packaging Association Board of Directors and management team are not looking back on what was a very successful 2006. Instead, we are moving forward with enthusiasm, dedication, and vigor for 2007.

April 11, 2007

Contract Packaging

The threat of overseas competition

An article in this issue paints an optimistic picture of the growth prospects for contract packaging for products involving rapidly advancing technologies. In many cases, it makes sense for marketers of these products to focus on core development functions and leave the rest—including package development—to external vendors.

April 11, 2007

Contract Packaging

Annual meeting emphasizes strategy

The Contract Packaging Association’s just-concluded annual meeting in Tucson, AZ, explored the many challenges facing companies as opportunities for contract packaging and services grow and expand. The meeting provided time to share ideas with peers while exploring strategies for solutions.

April 11, 2007