Retortable packaging captures top awards in Flexible Packaging Association competition

Retortable sauce pouch, peelable membrane end capture Highest Achievement Awards in 52nd annual Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards.

Pouch for heat-and-serve Royco sauces, gravies from Mars Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, combines outstanding barrier properties, spectacular graphics with heating/pouring convenience. Pouch from CLP Packaging Solutions, Inc., Fairfield, NJ, also captures Gold Award for Packaging Excellence. Ultra Peel membrane end from Watson Standard Adhesives, Harwick, PA, receives Highest Achievement Award as well as Gold Award in Technical Innovation category. Retortable, peelable membrane, which Watson claims is first for US market, replace standard easy-open end on cups of Soup at Hand soup from Campbell Soup Co., Camden, NJ. User-friendly, reverse-printable foil laminate offers superior opening initiation, more even draw, controlled peel compared to easy-open rigid ends. Flexible material also eliminates sharp edges. Competition sponsored by Flexible Packaging Association, Linthicum, MD, honors 26 packages, presents nine Gold Awards, 18 Silver Awards, divided among four categories -- Packaging Excellence, Printing Achievement, Technical Innovation, Environmental & Sustainability Achievement. Follow-up: At CLP, Ehud Safrai, president, US operations, +1 973-808-4441, eis@clppackagingsolutions.com; Link: www.clp-packaging.com; at Watson, Marketing Department, +1 724-274-5014.

Awards program recognizes innovation in in-mold labeling

In-Mold Decorating Association, Scottsdale, AZ, presents second annual Awards Competition to recognize best in-mold-labeled packaging, durable products. Association sets 30 May 2008 entry deadline. Judges consider creativity in design, engineering, innovation in categories that include best thin wall packaging, best injection-molded part, best blowmolded part, best label design, best product family (common style/brand). Winners receive honors at IMLCON08 North America, 22-24 October 2008, Tempe, AZ. Follow up: Ron Schultz, executive director, +1 480-473-0301, ron.schultz@imdassociation.com; Link: www.imdassociation.com.

MarketForecast: Replacing old equipment will drive sales uptick with food, personal care leading trend

American consumer and industrial goods companies plan to spend $6.3 billion on packaging machinery in 2008 – 0.6% more than in 2007. Food and personal care product applications will pace the market.

That forecast is one of the key findings of the 2008 US Packaging Machinery Purchasing Plans survey of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA. Packaging machinery purchases for food – the largest of eight packaging machinery market sectors in the PMMI study – are expected to grow 2-4% this year. Food packagers account for about 42 percent of overall packaging machinery sales in the States. Beverage packagers – coming off two years of record high packaging machinery investments – are expected to spend up to 3% less this year than last.

Personal care applications will account for machinery sales increases of up to 2% over 2007, according to the study. And equipment purchases by pharma, chemicals, paper, hard goods and non-durables packagers are expected to hover within a percentage point or two of last year’s packaging machinery investments.

“PMMI members’ customers reported they are holding steady with their packaging machinery spending plans for 2008, despite weakening economic conditions,” says Charles D. Yuska, president/ceo of PMMI. “With 85% of the respondents expecting to buy roughly the same amount or more than they did in 2007, we expect some [packaging machinery] market segments to be fine, with other groups feeling a tightening as consumer goods companies wait out the current economic quarter.”

According to the survey of 511 managers responsible for 1,564 plants, 39.8% of all machinery purchases are triggered by the need to replace older equipment to upgrade performance, i.e., improve speed, productivity, efficiency. New products/packaging formats are behind the purchase of an additional 36.2%, while 35.3% of the new equipment acquisitions are stimulated by demand to increase production and 34.4% are aimed at increasing automation. Replacing 32.6% replace older equipment to improve uptime, reliability, maintenence costs accounts for another 32.6%.

“Even with difficult economic conditions triggering fewer decisions to buy, we expect companies will see the strong value in replacing older equipment to ensure they maximize production capacity and ultimately lower costs,” predicts Yuska.

To refine projections in light of economic changes during 1Q08, PMMI plans to issue second quarter supplement to study for first time. Report sells for $1,500 to non-PMMI members. Follow-up: Paula Feldman, director of research and surveys, +1 703-243-8555; pfeldman@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org.

UK government phases out bottled water

UK Cabinet Office, London, UK, sets policy phasing out use of bottled water for meetings, other official business. Proposal by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell extends “tap water only policy” already followed by some government departments. “The Government is committed to sustainable operations across its estate, and I have made this issue one of my key priorities for the Civil Service,” says O’Donnell, who anticipates conversion to be complete by 3Q08. In 2006, before Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made switch to tap only, caterers supplied agency with 12,600 bottles.

Extrusion-blowmoldable POM exhibits better barrier than PE

Ultraform® E3120 BM polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer resin from BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany, offers high melt stiffness needed for extrusion blowmolding, exhibits better barrier properties than polyethylene. Now available in commercial quantities, easy-to-process, translucent Ultraform E3120 BM POM dyes easily, accurately replicates mold surfaces, resists alcohol, oil, hydrocarbons, withstands steam sterilization. Optimized crystallization behavior results in wide processing window, simplifies automation of blowmolding process. High stretchability permits production of thin-walled containers. Applications include bottles for products like nail polish removers, cosmetics, cans for solvents/paints, pressurized containers for hair spray. Query to company regarding food-contact status of Ultraform® E3120 BM POM resin receives no response. Classified as engineering resin in acetal family, POM is most often seen in automotive, industrial applications. DuPont, Wilmington, DE, produces POM homopolymer under trade name Delrin. It’s commonly used for injection molded moving parts in conveyors, packaging machines. Follow-up: Ultraform Information, +49 621 60 78780, ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com; Link: www.basf.de/ultraform.

RadTech gets food clearance for inks, coatings, adhesives

Several ultraviolet (UV)- or electron beam (EB)-cured coatings, inks, adhesives gain clearance for direct food contact under Conditions of Use A through H. Approval of Food Contact Notification (FCN) 772 by Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, clears food-contact use for four acrylates, one UV/EB-cured photoinitiator supplied by members of RadTech FCN Alliance, Bethesda, MD. “For food packagers, this opens use of certain UV/EB-cured inks, adhesives and coatings on thin films where there is no functional barrier to migration,” explains Ronald Golden, principal of FocalPoint Consulting LLC, Marietta, GA, who chairs RadTech FCN Alliance. “Eliminating the need for a functional barrier, allows package designers to simplify structures and reduce costs,” he adds. Approval also opens doors to use of EV/EB-cured materials by food packagers who were reluctant to consider structures with unapproved components. Specifically, FCN 772 clears for direct food contact any combination of tripropylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether diacrylate, Esacure One photoinitiator. Also acceptable are mixtures of these five chemistries with any other FDA-acceptable reactant, polymer, additive, pigment, etc. Regulation permits migration level of up to 10 parts/million (ppm) for each of cleared monomers, photoinitiator in finished coating, ink or adhesive. Follow-up: Mickey Fortune, +1 240-643-0517; Link: www.radtech.org.

Directory lists more than 200 robotics suppliers

Suppliers of robots, integrators, consultants fill pages in 2008 edition of Robotics Industry Directory. Offered free in North America by Robotics Industries Association (RIA), Ann Arbor, MI, contents include “How To” article on Top 10 Robotics Application Mistakes; plus annual User’s Guide to Robot Systems Integrators. “This directory is a great resource for customers looking for qualified robotics vendors,” says Richard O. Litt, president of RIA. Follow-up: Brian Huse, Marketing & PR, +1 734-994-6088; Link: www.roboticsonline.com.

FPA Gold Awards honor convenience along with other features

In addition to being outstanding in their category, Gold Award winners in Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards competition share one attribute: convenience. Re-Seal It packaging from Printpack, Inc., Atlanta, GA, combines proprietary label technology with high performance barrier film to protect Delizia President’s Prosciutto from Daniele Inc., Pascoag, RI. Reclosable pack also captures Gold Award for Packaging Excellence. Stand-up pouch from North State Flexibles, LLC, Greensboro, NC, for Capture Drop ’n Go carpet steamer tablets from Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, SC, receives Gold Award in Environmental & Sustainability Achievement. Single, 60-gram pouch with press-to-close feature, replaces equivalent of 12 1-gallon bottles of cleaner, cuts package weight by more than 50%, occupies eight times less space in warehouse, landfill. Another Gold Award winner in Environmental category, Hot N Handy Rotisserie Pouch from Robbie Manufacturing, Inc., Lenexa, KS, also earns Silver Award for Packaging Excellence. Microwaveable, leak-resistant pouch for store-cooked rotisserie chicken features built-in handle, resealable zipper to protect leftovers. Compared to rigid alternatives, pouch represents reduction of 92% in fossil fuel consumption, 84% in carbon dioxide emissions, 66% in solid waste versus. Although honored for Printing Achievement, FlexBox side-gusseted bag from Nordenia USA, Inc., Jackson, MO, for Fancy Feast Gourmet Gold dry cat food from Nestle Purina PetCare Co., St. Louis, MO, incorporates convenience features like resealable tape, eliminates need to put pet food in secondary container to keep it fresh. Another Printing Achievement winner, a stand-up pouch from Alcan Packaging, Chicago, IL, for 26 ounces of Perdue Bourbon Chicken from Perdue Farms, Horsham, PA, features large billboard plus LaserTear technology, Zip-Pak slider zipper for easy opening, reclosure. Easy-to-handle SteamQuick packaging from Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL, makes it possible to steam-cook Pictsweet Deluxe Steamers vegetable medleys from Pictsweet Co., Bells, TN, without even opening bag, which automatically vents at end of cook cycle. Another Gold Award in Packaging Excellence category goes to iTea Wand stick pack from Alcan Packaging for Sugart Group USA, Manchester, NH. Single-serving wand eliminates need for spoon, features built-in mechanical filter system, perforations for optimum brewing performance. Follow-up: At Printpack, Marketing Department, +1 404-691-5830, info@printpack.com; Link: www.printpack.com; at North State, Denny Wine, director of Sales, +1 336-544-4125, denny.wine@nstatepkg.com; Link: www.nsflexibles.com; at Robbie, Tara Downing, Hot N Handy product manager, +1 913-492-3400, ext. 1764; Link: www.robbiemfg.com; at Nordenia, Julie Greaser, marketing coordinator, +1 573-335-4900, ext. 2030, Julie.greaser@nordenia.com; Link: www.nordeniausa.com; at Alcan, Marketing Department, +1 773-399-8000; Link: www.alcanpackaging.com; at Pliant, Jennifer McGarry, +1 847-407-5508, jenny.mcgarry@pliantcorp.com; Link: www.pliantcorp.com.

Website promotes aluminum bevcan recycling

American consumers empty the most aluminum bevcans, but recycle containers at rate of 52%, one of lowest levels in world. In effort to raise recycling numbers to 75% by 2015, Alcoa, New York, NY, establishes recycling website to describe aluminum bevcan recycling process, help consumers locate recycling centers. Site shows how used bevcan returns to grocery shelf as new can in 60 days or less, notes recycled aluminum requires 95% less energy to produce. This energy savings translates into substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, especially when aluminum is recycled multiple times.

Alcoa formed Alcoa Recycling Co. (ARC) in 1977. “At that time and today our mission is the same: to help the public understand the importance of recycling,” says Greg Wittbecker, director, Alcoa Metal Recycling Strategy, adding, “But today recycling is even more critical, because recycling aluminum is a key element to slow and stop the growth of greenhouse gases caused by power generation.” Follow-up: Link: www.alcoa.com/recycling.

Packaging mergers, acquisitions set records in 2007

Despite challenging market conditions in last half of year, merger and acquisition (M+A) activity in packaging industry sets record in 2007 with 386 deals. This represents 10% growth over 2006 as well as fifth consecutive year of increases, according to Mergers + Acquisitions in the Packaging Industry: Annual Deal Review report by BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group, Chicago, IL. “For much of 2007, there existed very favorable conditions for M+A, including a strong economy and favorable credit markets,” reports Doug Lawson, managing director/head of BMO Capital Markets’ packaging practice. “These factors combined with healthy balance sheets, significant availability of private equity capital and a strong rationale for continued consolidation drove the record M+A levels in the packaging sector,” he adds. Deals were more international with 64% of target companies located outside US, dispersed across all sectors with 27% in rigid packaging, 26% in flexible packaging, 22% in paperboard packaging, 25% in label, machinery or other. Deals also experience growth in value with median transaction value of $35.3 million in 2007 vs. $21 million in 2006. In addition, nine out of 10 of 2007’s largest deals exceed $1 billion in enterprise value vs. only two out of 10 in 2006. “Deal flow slowed in the latter part of 2007 and is down in the first two months of 2008 vs. the prior year, however, there continues to be interest in the sector, and a strong rationale for continued consolidation remains,” Lawson concludes. Report examines activity by packaging sector, strategic/financial acquirers, geography, transaction valuations. Follow-up: Doug Lawson, +1 312-461-5471, doug.lawson@bmo.com; Link: www.bmocm.com/publications/#IndustrySpecificPublications.

Container maker expands int’l presence, preform capacity

Acquisition of two preform makers in Italy gives Plastipak Packaging, Inc., Plymouth, MI, greater presence in Europe, additional PET preform capacity, license agreements. With closing of purchase from M&G Group, Tortona, Italy, Europa Preforme Srl, Verbania, Italy; Preforme Sud Srl, Anagni, Italy, operate as Plastipak Italia, Srl. Italian operations join four other Plastipak locations, LuxPet in Luxembourg, plus facilities in Bratislava, Kechnec, Slovakia; Prague, Czech Republic. Follow-up: Marketing and Sales, +1 734-455-3600, sales@plastipak.com; Link: www.plastipak.com/.

ConferenceTheme: “Change, Innovation and Sustainability”

PMMI names 17 packaging professionals to its Conference at PACK EXPO Program Advisory Panel. The panel will evaluate proposals for presentations at the conference, whose theme is “Change, Innovation and Sustainability.”

PMMI is now receiving proposals in response to its Conference at PACK EXPO Call for Presentations and will forward them to the panel to evaluate topics and provide guidance to speakers. Deadline for submitting proposals is March 28th. Details on the Call for Presentations can be found online at http://my.packexpo.com/cpr-3167597-28739/packaging-machinery-manufacturers-institute-pmmi-/
pmmi-seeks-speakers-for-conference-at-pack-expo.aspx.

The Conference at PACK EXPO takes place November 10-12 in conjunction with PACK EXPO International, November 9-13. Both events will be held in Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The Conference at PACK EXPO Program Advisory Committee consists of Curtis Babb, director, Packaging Innovation, Coors Brewing Co.; Michael Bryant, senior packaging research engineer, Welch Foods Inc.; Robert C. Collins II, director, Global Package Development, P&G Gillette; Tom Egan, vp of Industry Services, PMMI; Mary Ann Falkman, packaging journalist; Judy K. Fischer, senior packaging engineer manager, Sargento Foods Inc.; Jay Gehring, vp, R&D Packaging, Frito-Lay; Jennifer Griffin, principal packaging engineer, Medtronic; Asad Hamid, vp of Global Packaging R&D, Campbell Soup Co.; Tom Heaslip, director, Global Oral Care Packaging, Colgate-Palmolive, Christian Keator, area manager – Packaging Engineering, BIC Consumer Products USA; Yolanda A. Malone, director of Packaging Development, ConAgra Foods Inc.; Rebecca L. Oesterle, manager – Global Packaging Development, Energizer Holdings Inc.; John G. Ratcliff, director of Packaging, Nestle Purina Product Technology Center; Sean Riley, editor, Packaging Machinery Technology magazine; James E. Scott, principal, JES Packaging, and David J. Wiemann, senior director of Packaging, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. Follow-up: Laura Johnston, PMMI Conference assistant, +1 703-516-0647, ljohnston@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org/a/expo.asp(Call for Presentations).

O-I invests $30 million to expand capacity in South America

Addition of second furnace doubles capacity of glass container manufacturing plant in Lurin, Peru, creates 65 jobs when it opens in 2009. Facility owned by Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), Perrysburg, OH, started up in October 2007, represents first O-I plant built outside US in 30 years. Production to date totals 111 million glass containers. Facility also includes engineering center, which will employ 60-80 by end of 2008. “The growing demand for glass packaging by various market segments in Peru, most notably the agricultural export market and the domestic beer market, has clearly demonstrated a need for increased production,” says Joe Lorente, president, O-I Latin America, adding, “We can meet this demand by expanding our Lurin operations, and we see the potential for some exports as well.” O-I also operates glass container manufacturing facility in Callao, Peru. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 567-336-5000; in Peru, Enrique Morante, accounts manager, +511 705 1200; Link: www.o-i.com.

BOOST Smoothies in aseptic carton supplement nutrition aisle

Packed into 8.25-ounce (244-millilitre) Tetra Prisma cartons from Tetra Pak Inc. Vernon Hills, IL, shelf-stable BOOST Smoothies provide healthy on-the-go snack/meal. Nestle Nutrition, Minnetonka, MN, selects Tetra Prisma format with attached straw, peelable seal, carton size to match other products in BOOST line. Shelf-stable beverage enhances convenience, energy savings by eliminating need for refrigeration. Aseptic process creates creamy drink, which contains 9 grams protein, 22 vitamins/minerals, as much calcium as glass of milk, retains fruit flavor, delivers nutrition, reliable energy consumers expect from BOOST products. Graphics support contents with pictures of fruit such as rosy red strawberries, creamy pink liquid. Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach flavors sell in paperboard six-pack for suggested retail price of $8.49, at supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers nationwide. Follow-up: Link: Marketing Department, +1 847-955-6000, Link: www.tetrapak.com.

Zip-Pak expands into China via office, web presence

Global provider of resealable packaging technology, Zip-Pak, an Illinois Toolworks Co., Manteno, IL, opens office in Shanghai, China.

New Chinese language website (www.zippak.com/chinese) presents information about products, services. Conveniently situated in Shanghai’s Hongqiao Development Zone, one of China’s top investment hubs, Zip-Pak’s office provides easy access to region.

Firm appoints Tracy Wang, market development manager, to oversee Customer Service and Sales, develop growth strategies across greater China. Prior to joining Zip-Pak, Wang led marketing team at Markem (Shanghai) division of Markem, Inc., Keene, NH, successfully growing its laser coder business 50%. She possesses MBA from DongBei (China) University of Finance and Economics, more than decade of experience operating new businesses in foreign markets, speaks/writes fluent English, Chinese.

“The opening of Zip-Pak’s new China office is very much on track with the company’s global expansion plans,” says Robert Hogan, director of international Sales/Marketing, who adds, “Research has shown that an overwhelming number of consumers prefer flexible packages with resealable closures that have the consistent ability to keep contents fresh and secure. We have also observed that Chinese businesses are ready to create unique, differentiated product packaging that contributes to sustainable brand recall and that offers end-users maximum convenience.” Follow-up: In China, Tracy Wang, market development manager, +86 13916102663, tracy.wang@zippak.com; Link: www.zippak.com/chinese; in US, Elizabeth Sheaffer, marketing department, +1 815-468-6500, Elizabeth.sheaffer@zippak.com; Link: www.zippak.com.

Paperboard carton launches compare/shock jelly beans

Printed key on back of small 2.5 x 3.13 x 0.63-inch folding carton dares consumers to compare traditional/odoriferous flavors of jelly beans like Licorice/Skunk Spray. Jelly Belly Candy Co., Fairfield, CA, launches outrageous BeanBoozled flavors in time for April Fool’s Day in straight-tuck, virgin paperboard folding carton supplied by Kramer Carton, Sacramento, CA. Scored indentation opens 1.6-ounce (45-gram) box to dispense beans one at time. Like carton, promotional signage, point-of-purchase, 144-count, free-standing paperboard display sports red, blue, purple, yellow checkerboard background with flavor symbol key for look-alike pairs such as Top Banana/ Pencil Shavings, Rotten Egg/Buttered Popcorn, Berry Blue/Toothpaste, Peach/Vomit. Other graphic elements include Jelly Belly logo, black-outlined yellow type that shouts, “Dare to Compare,” plus black “caution sign.” At company headquarters, 20 individually manufactured flavors run through bulk sorter to mix them up in preparation for carton filling. Available nationwide, carton sports American flag, Made in the USA identification. Follow-up: Dean Hamilton, vp of Sales, +1 916-452-5363, ext. 304, dhamilton@kramercarton.com; Link: www.kramercarton.com.

Kit expedites compliance with RFID tagging initiatives

Standalone system contains everything needed to encode, verify, hand-apply radio frequency identification (RFID) tags carrying Electronic Product Codes (EPC). Entry-level EPC Compliancy kit from Ship2Save, Montreal, QC, Canada, consists of GL408e ultra high frequency RFID-enabled printer from SATO America, Charlotte, NC, MC9090-G RFID handheld reader from Motorola, Inc., Holtsville, NY, roll of Gen2 smart labels, Ship2Save’s Windows-based OMS-EPC Compliancy software, installation documentation/support, training webcast by professor from Ecole Polytechnique Montreal. Software controls tag encoding, printing, validation of EPC-compliant shipping labels. Software also monitors devices, creates reports, supports order import, manages code numbering, generates advance shipment notices. Designed for slap-and-ship tagging operations, kit costs $7,999. For applications requiring integration of RFID tagging on packaging line, Ship2Save supplies higher level of software. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 514-631-3238, info@ship2save.com; Link: www.ship2save.com.

Upstream: HACCP…

Hands-On HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) for the Fresh-Cut Industry short course (www.insideunitedfresh.org/images/newsletters/2008/03/12/Fresh-cutHACCP_Brochure.pdf), 20-22 May 2008 at University of Georgia, Athens, GA, provides overview of food safety issues facing fresh produce, fresh-cut industries; three-day workshop sponsored by United Fresh Produce Association, Washington, DC, includes hands-on lab, development of action plan to identify, control sources of contamination…

Changeover: Pliant… Span… Schneider… FDA… Corvaglia…

Tim French rejoins Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL, as managing director/Canada, working out of facility in Orillia, ON, oversees three Canadian plants, worldwide waste disposal products business; French previously served as plant manager of Orillia facility… Contract manufacturer/packager Span Packaging Services, LLC, Greenville, SC, hires Thomas J. Nestor as southeast regional sales manager… At case packer/palletizer provider Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc., Brewerton, NY, Terry Zarnowski comes aboard as director of sales/marketing, brings expertise in sensing, imaging, optics technology where he has patents pending; Schneider also appoints Joe Hamon, marketing manager, Tissue; Ron Pietraszek, marketing manager, Food and Beverage; Pete Squires, vp, takes on additional responsibilities as marketing manager, Plastics and Replication… Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, names Janet Woodcock, MD, director of Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER); long-time FDA scientist/executive, Woodcock most recently served agency as deputy commissioner/chief medical officer, acting director of CDER… Roger Müller succeeds Romeo Corvaglia as ceo of Corvaglia Moulds, division of Corvaglia Group, Eschlikon, Switzerland; frees Corvaglia, president of Corvaglia Group, to focus on technology issues, group management...

ShortRuns: Caraustar/SPC… IFCO… Fortune ‘Most Admired’…

Caraustar Industries, Inc., Atlanta, GA, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of converted recycled paperboard, joins Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), Charlottesville, VA, to share sustainable practices, mission with other members… Dual tray family for distribution, presentation, return of small beverage container empties earns IFCO Systems, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Logistics Service Award 2008 from Bundesvereinigung Logistik (German Logistics Association), Bremen, Germany… More than dozen packaging-related companies make 2008 Most Admired list assembled by Fortune magazine, New York, NY, including Pactiv, Sealed Air, Temple-Inland, Ball Corp., Bemis in Packaging/Containers Category, Alcoa in Metals Category, International Paper (IP), Weyerhaeuser, New Page Holding in Forest/Paper Products Category, BASF, DuPont, Dow, Praxair, Air Products + Chemicals in Chemicals Category; IP also scores top ranking in social responsibility, eighth overall in people management... Relaunch of BrandPackaging magazine (www.brandpackaging.com/), Deerfield, IL, with January/February 2008 issue by new owner, BNP Media, Troy, MI, introduces updated logo, layout, oversize format, “Elevating Packaging in the Marketing Mix” tagline to stress important role packaging plays in reaching consumers…

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Editorial offices: 31408 Narrangansett Lane, Bay Village, Ohio (USA) 44140-1068; Tel: +1 440-892-0998; Fax: +1 440-892-0208; Email: bmiyares@packmgmt.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be redistributed or reproduced in any form without the written authorization of the publisher.