Interphex crowds seek ways to protect brands/quality, track product and automate

Traffic at Interphex, the annual pharmaceutical trade show, which was held last week in Philadelphia, shows surprising strength considering the state of the economy.
On the show floor, concerns about improving operations, regulatory compliance and product protection override worries about the price of oil, cost of the Bear Stearns bailout and war in Iraq and even uncertainties about the upcoming change in the White House.
Exhibitors report steady traffic as well as high-quality leads. Major packaging themes center on counterfeiting/diversion prevention, e-pedigree compliance, automated aseptic systems and quality control. However, there also were numerous exhibits devoted to barrier materials, cold-chain management, blister machines, vial fillers, and other packaging equipment, printed cartons, labels and inserts and contract packaging.
- Hallie Forcinio

Robots move into syringe-filling isolator enclosure

Robots add another primary packaging task to their resume with development of Stericlean robot from Stäubli Corp., Duncan, SC.
Testing by Sanofi-aventis, Paris, France, at vaccine plant in Le Trait, France, of six-axis Stericlean TX60 robot in work cell integrated by ATS Automation, Tooling Systems, Cambridge, ON, Canada, shows robot works faster, more consistently than half-suited human operators using glove ports, boosts productivity of syringe filling line by more than 100%.
“The robot replaces [operator] action through glove ports,” explains Gerald Vogt, R&D manager for Stäubli. “This opens up a lot of opportunities where operators are the bottleneck in the process or there are other issues [such as product toxicity or repetitive motion concerns],” he adds.
Stericlean robot, which is rated ISO Cleanroom Class 4 (Class 10 under US Federal Standard 209E) withstands vapor hydrogen peroxide sterilization. Other sterile environment-compatible features include smooth surface coating, lip seals at joints, internal lines/connections, round, smooth base. Stäubli can adapt Stericlean design to various models in its robot line.
Follow-up: At Stäubli, David Arceneaux, business development & marketing, +1 864-486-5416, d.arceneaux@staubli.com; Link: www.staublirobotics.com; at ATS, Laurence Oldacre, +1 519-653-6500; Link: www.atsautomation.com.

California defers e-pedigree deadline; packagers work on developing item-level serialization best practices

Breaking news on first day of Interphex that California deferred deadline for compliance with its e-pedigree law for two years until 1 January 2011 did not dampen visitor enthusiasm for exploring ways to apply, track item-level serialized codes needed to create electronic history of drug’s travels from point of manufacture to consumer.
California State Board of Pharmacy, Sacramento, CA, extends e-pedigree deadline after concluding industry needs more time to develop, adopt technology and adherence to 2009 deadline might disrupt availability, increase costs of prescription drugs.
System shown by FP Developments, Williamstown, NJ, due to be installed by US drug maker at plant in Ireland, depends on ultraviolet laser to apply serialized, two-dimensional Data Matrix code to bottom of plastic vials. FP supplies material handling for system, which marks vials on the fly at 300/minute. Integrated vision system from Cognex Corp., Natick, MA, verifies code quality/accuracy. ProTrack traceability software from Crest Solutions, Little Island, Ireland, the integrator of the system, captures, stores code data, maintains pedigree records. Meanwhile, to comply with Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007, FDA issues requests for information regarding drug identification, pedigree (track and trace), and authentication.
Docket No. FDA-2008-N-0120 asks for answers to specific questions related to standards for identification, validation, tracking and tracing, authentication for prescription drugs. Docket No. FDA-2008-N-0121 seeks information about status, strengths, weakness, costs, suitability, interoperability of potential pedigree-supporting technologies such as RFID, encryption, and nanotechnologies, other methods, as well as standards that would be necessary for supply chain use of each technology. Submit comments on either Docket by 19 May 2008 to http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.Regulations.gov.
Follow-up: At Crest, Niall Carty, director, +353 21 4524767, niall.carty@crestsolutions.ie; Link: www.crestsolutions.ie.

Packaging technology fights counterfeiting/diversion

Counterfeiting/diversion solutions depend on adding one or more visible or covert authentication devices or fingerprinting the packaging material itself.
CPI Security Foil from Constantia Hueck Foils, Wall, NJ, for example, embeds fine-line graphics, text, logos or other micro-features in foil during rolling process. Embedded images cannot be removed, rely on high precision laser technology not readily available. With same thickness/strength as standard foil, CPI Security Foil requires no changes to packaging process, performs identically.
Cortegra, Parsippany, NJ, offers technique called Biometric Authentication. On-line camera captures image of specific area on package as it passes at rate of up to 15 items/second and creates digital “fingerprint” of structure. Comparing stored image to one captured by handheld reader/verifier permits product authentication at any point in supply chain. Digital image can be converted to numerical code serving as unique item level identifier for pedigree records. Cortegra seeks US partners to commercialize Biometric Authentication.
Follow-up:At Constantia Hueck, Joanne McCartney, business manager, +1 804-217-7889, Joanne.McCartney@constantia-hueck.com; Link: www.constantia-hueck.com; at Cortegra, Brian McCarthy, vp of Sales and Marketing, +1 800-242-4657, brian.mccarthy@cortegra.com; Link: www.cortegra.com.

HPP processing, package design differentiate 'guac-in-the-box'

High pressure pasteurization (HPP) preserves freshness of healthy, single-serving, refrigerated on-the-go snack.
Fresherized Foods, Fort Worth, TX, adds 100 Calorie Snack Packs to Wholly Guacamole lineup in easy-open, 2-ounce pouches housed in three- or six-count windowed cartons. With 94% avocado content, name reflects product – “it’s Wholly Guacamole.”
In HPP method, trademarked “The Fresherized process,” water pressure kills pathogens, preserves freshness without heat degradation of thermal pasteurization so product retains authentic “made-from-scratch” flavor.
Since fresh guacamole browns when exposed to oxygen, pouches rely on multilayer barrier film from Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL.
Secondary cartons consist of Aqua-Kote solid unbleached sulfate (SUS) from Graphic Packaging International Inc., Marietta, GA. High wet-strength of clay-coated virgin paperboard ensures packaging integrity in high humidity conditions of filling line, distribution, usage.
Converted by Southern Champion Tray LP, Chattanooga, TN, folding carton graphics differentiate all-natural, preservative-free guacamole that stays fresh for up to 30 days, longer, if frozen. Graphics for Snack Packs resemble design of 7-ounce size, match avocado green of product inside. According to company spokesperson, “The box has been our signature. Consumers didn’t know our name, but DID know the packaging. For many, many years consumers referred to us as the ‘guac-in-the-box’ which is how they directed friends to store shelves to find our product.” Launching with Classic flavor, Wholly Guacamole 100 Calorie Snack Packs carry suggested retail prices of $2.19-$2.49 for three-count carton, $4.29-$4.69 for six-pack.
Follow-up: At Graphic Packaging, Patti Gettinger, folding cartonboard, patti.gettinger@graphicpkg.com, Link: www.graphicpkg.com/paperboard/aquakote.html; at Pliant Corp., Jennifer McGarry, +1 847-407-5508, jenny.mcgarry@pliantcorp.com; Link: www.pliantcorp.com; at Southern Champion, Marketing Department, +1 423-756-5121; Link: www.sctray.com.

MeadWestvaco rebrands itself as MWV

MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, VA, adopts new name, corporate identity, MWV: How brands take shape.
“The new MWV brand identity is part of our company’s progression toward our vision of global leadership in packaging and packaging solutions,” says John A. Luke Jr., chairman/ceo. “Now, our visual identity more clearly states to customers that with our complete platform of global capabilities and innovative solutions, MWV is uniquely positioned to help their brands take shape.” Company supplies paperboard, folding cartons, injection-molded plastics, trigger sprayers, pharmaceutical packaging, packaging equipment, range of design, fulfillment services.

Braskem adds bio-derived LLDPE to its PE offerings

Linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) derived from biobutene joins family of “green” polyethylenes available from Braskem, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Destined primarily for flexible packaging for food, material ranks as first LLDPE made from 100% renewable raw materials. Beta Analytic Inc., Miami, FL, certifies 100% bio-based content. Company also offers high-density PE derived from sugar cane ethylene. Development of LLDPE represents important technological leap, since production depends on second monomer, butene, derived from 100% renewable source. Renewable source results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, smaller carbon footprint. “This achievement once again demonstrates the capacity of our teams to be at the forefront of rupture technology research,” says José Carlos Grubisich, president of Braskem. Lab-scale production system currently provides sufficient quantities of LLDPE for customer testing.
Follow-up:Marketing Department, +55 11 3576-9999; Link: www.braskem.com; at Beta Analytic, +1 305-667-5167, beta@biobasedtesting.com; Link: www.biobasedtesting.com.

High-speed aseptic fillers boost capacity for two firms

Long-time user of aseptic packaging machines from SIG Combibloc GmbH, Linnich, Germany, boosts capacity with installation of first CFA 124 machine.
“This is part of our expansion strategy and an important step for the future growth of our company,” reports Ian Gearing, managing director of Friesland Foods Foremost (Thailand) PCL, Bangkok, Thailand, a 45-year-old member of Royal Friesland Foods Group, Meppel, The Netherlands. Relationship with SIG Combibloc, part of SIG Holding AG, Neuhausen, Switzerland, dates from 2001, includes 12 12,000/hour aseptic carton fillers for long-life dairy products.
With CFA 124 for combiblocMini capable of filling 24,000 cartons/hour, Friesland plans to replace all its older machines with the new models, effectively doubling output with virtually same floor space, labor requirements.
With plans to become one of top 20 dairy companies in world by 2013, piloting high-speed equipment like CFA 724 for combiblocSmall represents important step in growth of nine-year-old Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.
Servo-driven CFA 124, CFA 724 aseptic carton fillers increase output by packing six tracks in essentially same space earlier models required for four tracks. Higher capacity cuts costs related to operation, service, capital investment. Aseptic filling systems also combine volume flexibility with easy changeover. CFA 124 for combiblocMini fills 125-, 150-, 200-, 250-millilitre (ml) cartons. CFA 724 combiblocSmall fills even wider range, 150, 200, 250, 300, 330, 350ml.
Follow-up: Follow-up: Axel Meier, marketing, +49 2462 79 0, axel.meier@sig.biz; Link: www.sig.biz.

Reclosable aluminum bottle holds vitamin-enhanced water

Recyclability of aluminum container sells Power Brands, Van Nuys, CA, on 24-ounce Monster Cap Can for its Aqua Planet enhanced water.
Cap Can container from Rexam Beverage Can North America, Chicago, IL, offers reclosability, portability, protection from product-degrading oxygen/light, quick chill capability. Based on technology developed by Dayton Systems Group, Miamisburg, OH, container also differentiates slightly carbonated Blueberry Pomegranate water. “We are committed to helping consumers and protecting our planet by offering refreshing purified water in a 100% recyclable aluminum container,” says Darin Ezra, ceo, Power Brands. Under Refresh Recycle Reuse tagline, Power Brands also sells Aqua Planet water in 12-ounce Sleek cans, 16-ounce cans supplied by Rexam. Rexam’s Graphic Art and Printing Plate Operation in Elk Grove, IL, sets color/graphic tolerances to ensure perfect reproduction of Aqua Planet brand identity on cans.
Follow-up: Kevin Nordquist, business development manager, kevin.nordquist@rexam.com; Link: www.rexam.com.

Sidel equips new plant for German beverage supplier

Three beverage filling lines maximize efficiency at new plant in Bruchsal, Germany, owned by Hansa-Heemann AG, Rellingen, Germany.
Although original proposal called for two lines, Sidel Group, Clichy la Garenne,
France, recommends three. “Sidel’s configuration featured several advantages,” recalls spokesperson for Hansa-Heeman.” It offered greater production flexibility with far fewer changeovers and longer dedicated production runs. Furthermore, the total cost of ownership calculation confirmed the profitability of three lines compared to two high efficiency lines.” So installation, which was commissioned in September 2007, includes three complete lines consisting of Eurotronica fillers, Rollquattro labelers, air conveyors, Flat Top air conveyor for remote cap feeding, palletizers, pallet wrappers. Sidel also supplies three blowmolding machines for on-site operation run by Alpla-Werke, Hard, Austria. After blowmolding, bottles travel via suspended air conveyor to filling area. Three-line layout maximizes protection of filling zone, makes it possible for one team to run all three lines. Sidel supports Hansa-Heeman through 24-month maintenance program. Experience with Sidel, Alpla proves so positive, Hansa-Heeman, adds another blowmolding machine to facility in Lehnin, Germany, near Berlin.
Follow-up: At Sidel, Corporate Office, +33 1 41 27 70 00; Link: www.sidel.com; at Alpla, Marketing Department, + 43 5574 602 0, office@alpla.com; Link: www.alpla.com.

RFID tag works at extreme temperatures

First battery-assisted, passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag capable of handling extreme temperatures reads at -40-125 Celsius (-40-257 Fahrenheit).
Durable SXT-7110 tag from Intelleflex Corp., Santa Clara, CA, features resin casing, battery that tolerate hot, cold temperatures. Other design elements ensure reliable operation in challenging RF environments near metals, liquids. It also reads across wide range of angles due to patent-pending inverted F-plane antennae. Applications include equipment subject to washdown or freezing conditions. SATO America, Inc., Charlotte, NC, begins integrating battery-assisted passive RFID products from Intelleflex like SXT-7110 tag with its i-TRAK software to track items like reusable containers, high-value assets.
Follow-up: Link: www.intelleflex.com.

Second set of labeling heads eliminates downtime

Two pairs of pressure-sensitive labeling heads provide backup to each other to eliminate downtime on front/back labeler.
If labels run out, operation automatically switches to alternate pair of 3115 Wipe-On applicators on Inline Series 6000 Front/Back Zero Downtime Labeling System from Label-Aire, Fullerton, CA. Seamless transition eliminates need to stop packaging line to replenish label supply.
Modular, open frame design of labeler permits configuration with various length conveyors. Top trap mechanism stabilizes containers during label application, helps achieve speeds of 200 containers/minute with placement accuracy of +/- 1/32 inch (0.8 millimetre).
Follow-up: William Claproth, senior marketing manager, +1 714-441-0700; wclaproth@label-aire.com; Link: www.label-aire.com.

Three-ply paperboard provides strength, yield with less fiber

KlaFold three-ply natural fiber, coated unbleached kraft (CUK) paperboard from MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, VA, offers alternative to lightweight coated paperboard.
Manufactured by Klabin SA, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and available through MeadWestvaco via sales/marketing agreement between two companies, KlaFold CUK delivers superior printability, machinability at price point competitive with coated recycled board. Three-ply structure gives KlaFold CUK strength with less fiber, higher yield at same caliper, presenting opportunities for source reduction. According to third-party testing by Applied Paper Technology, Atlanta, GA, KlaFold delivers 15%-25% yield advantage, plus significant strength/pound advantage at lower basis weight versus most competing coated paperboard grades. In comparison to major competitive brands at 13.4-point (pt) or 220 grams/square metre (gsm), 15.6-pt (250 gsm), 16.9-pt (275 gsm), KlaFold CUK demonstrates clear advantage with more cartons/ton, greater stiffness/pound. Tests also show KlaFold CUK outperforms competitors in smoothness, brightness, stiffness. “…KlaFold delivers value and performance,” says Sean McDonald, MeadWestvaco’s manager of strategic alliances. “It is the perfect paperboard for brand owners who demand high shelf impact, smoothness and printability from their lightweight packaging applications, but also want a great value.” Compliant with direct-food contact requirements of US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, ISEGA GmbH, Aschaffenburg, Germany, applications include frozen foods as well as cosmetics, personal-care products, electronics. KlaFold CUK also carries chain-of-custody certification from Forest Stewardship Council, Bonn, Germany. Portfolio available from MeadWestvaco outlines material specs, provides printed/unprinted samples.
Follow-up: Sean McDonald, +1 804-201-2590, spm6@meadwestvaco.com; Link: www.meadwestvaco.com.

Omron opens second facility in Mexico, adds gm

New headquarters for Omron Electronics de Mexico, SA at Apodaca, Nuevo Leon (Monterrey), Mexico, provides additional sales, technical support for customers in region.
Facility for subsidiary of Omron Electronics LLC, Schaumburg, IL, houses customer training center for programmable controllers, motion controllers, other industrial automation systems, includes fully equipped machine vision testing lab, complements existing sales, service teams in Mexico City. With room for expansion, 3,000-square-foot (279-square-metre) office also provides potential for additional staffing, warehouse needs.
Omron’s Paul D. Witt, vp/president, Mexico and Latin American operations, says, “Omron Electronics de Mexico’s new general manager Ricardo Lomeli brings over 10 years of experience working with industrial automation distributors and a thorough knowledge of the Mexican market needs.”
Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 800-556-6766; in Mexico, +52 81 1156 9910, mela@omron.com; Link: www.omron247.com.

Tyvek replaces rigid plastic for desiccant canister

Proprietary equipment forms, fills, seals desiccant ‘canister’ from single web of uncoated Tyvek spunbonded polyolefin from DuPont, Wilmington, DE.
Permeability of Tyvek material means CanPack canister from Aridien, Inc., Belen, NM, packs more drying power in less space at approximately same cost as traditional rigid plastic container, eliminates problems with dusting, cap loss. Shorter canister results in weight savings of 30%-50%. However, since flexible-, rigid-wall canisters share same diameter, conversion to CanPack desiccant requires no adjustment to high-speed dispensing equipment.
Introduced at Interphex, 26-28 March 2008 in Philadelphia, PA, CanPack desiccant options include silica gel, clay, 50/50 silica gel/clay blend in 1-, 2-, 3-gram sizes. All components rate acceptable for food contact under Code of Federal Regulation 21. With patents pending worldwide, Aridien plans initial shipments on 1 May 2008 from its operation in Belen, intends to establish manufacturing facilities in Asia, India by end of 2008, on east coast by 4Q09. In addition to manufacturing desiccants, Aridien provides contract packaging services. Company was formed in 2005 after purchasing assets of Prototype Packaging. Investors include Mesa Capital Partners, Santa Fe, NM; Mc Combs Enterprises, San Antonio, TX.
Follow-up: Steven A. Moya, president/ceo, +1 505-765-9898; smoya@aridien.com; Link: www.aridien.com.

OPP ream wrap adds tear strip for easy access to paper

Easy-open tear lines in clear, glossy, acrylic-coated oriented polypropylene (OPP) ream wrap speeds access to paper for quick photocopier loading.
Latest addition to Propaream lineup, Propaream T710EO performance film from Innovia Films, Wigton, Cumbria, UK, addresses need for increased consumer convenience.
Film provides product visibility, helps product stand out in retail displays, convey quality image, protect paper inside, differentiate brand, runs well on wrapping machines.
Follow-up: Innovia Films Inc., Atlanta, GA, Malcolm Cohn, +1 877 822 3456, malcolm.cohn@innoviafilms.com; Link: www.innoviafilms.com.

mPE film replaces blends, offers downgauging potential

Metallocene polyethylene (mPE) trademarked Enable mPE helps converters achieve more stable operations, extend film line output, downgauge, simplify resin sourcing.
Launched by ExxonMobil Chemical Co., Houston, TX, single resin offers unprecedented combination of film processing, higher alpha olefin performance benefits. Applications include collation shrink for bottled water, beverages, canned goods, hand soaps, detergents, health products, beauty aids; large pallet load unitization; multilayer cast stretch handwrap; medium/heavy-duty bags; laminations.
“This new product generates films with exceptional performance, but the additional value to converters can be measured through formulation simplification, extrusion energy savings, film line output benefits, more sustainable flexible film solutions, and application versatility,” says ExxonMobil’s David McConville, polyethylene global market development manager. In addition, he notes, “These benefits include the replacement of complex linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends and significant downgauging opportunities for low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-rich blends.”
Enable mPE extrudes at lower melt temperatures on LLDPE, LDPE equipment, thus saving energy, increasing output up to 20%. Designed to replace blends, single resin solution lowers inventory costs, opens up new application opportunities without addition of new equipment. “Enable mPE has been designed to complement Exceed mPE, with both brands offering exceptional downgauging potential,” McConville concludes.
Follow-up: Sales Department, Americas, +1 281-870-6000; Link: www.exxonmobil.com.

PSA tape maker invests $3.5 million in expansion

Five years of double-digit sales growth at Pro Tapes & Specialties, Edison, NJ, necessitates move into larger quarters, purchase of new equipment.
Leading provider of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes for industrial, commercial applications invests $3.5 million, plans to move from two-building, 40,000-square-foot operation to 140,000-square-foot facility in North Brunswick, NJ, by 1 June 2008 to accommodate continued sales growth in its contract converting, private-label services for retail, paint, hardware, graphic arts markets. New converting, packaging equipment includes 74-inch (1880-millimetre)-wide FA-300 fully automatic slitter-rewinder, fully automatic ATI 30/SP shrink wrapper, fully automatic roll transporter with automatic box filler from Ghezzi & Annoni SpA, Milan, Italy; Siat L-33/3DC Die-Cutting Press from Siat SpA, Turate, Italy.
According to Ed Miller, president of Pro Tapes, “The decision for the G&A purchase was based on our long standing relationship….We currently own a TG 300 semiautomatic slitter-rewinder and have had tremendous success with it. Adding a fully automatic G&A was a natural progression for our business. The decision for the Siat L-33 was made much the same way. We currently operate 10 Siats throughout our specialty business unit. Our latest purchase…will add additional capabilities to our growing specialty slitting and fabricating business unit. While most companies are holding back on capital expenditures, we will invest aggressively in our business over the next few years because we’re confident in our business plan and historical sales performance.”
Pro Tapes anticipates expansion will necessitate increasing its workforce 15% during next one to three years.
Follow-up: At Ghezzi & Annoni, Sales Department, +39 02 9944161; Link: www.ghezzi-annoni.com; at Siat, Sales Department, +39 02 964951; Link: www.siat.com.

Smurfit Kappa adopts software trio

To improve estimating, order processing, inventory, manufacturing control, job costing, shipping, invoicing, Smurfit Kappa Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, adopts trio of software suites.
Designed for multi-plant packaging manufacturing operations, Business VantagePoint software from VantagePoint Systems, Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada, seamlessly exchanges data with new planning/scheduling software from OM Partners NV, Antwerp, Belgium, ArtiosCAD design software from EskoArtwork, Gent, Belgium. Smurfit Kappa Ireland plans to implement programs at three corrugated plants, seven specialty packaging plants in Ireland. “We are impressed with the way Business VantagePoint displays open order data, and the flexibility to move jobs between plants,” reports Paul Cash, head of Information Technology for Smurfit Kappa Ireland. “The software provides us with full visibility of all orders being processed in all plants, across the whole organization, and allows us to establish optimum order routing for cost savings and maximum efficiency,” he adds.
Follow-up: At VantagePoint, Sales, +1 866-685-4209, info@vpgroup.com; Link: www.vpgroup.com; at OM Partners USA, Atlanta, GA, Sales Department, +1 770-956-7118, sales@ompartners.com; Link: www.ompartners.com; at EskoArtwork, Vandalia, OH, +1 937-454-1721, info.usa@esko.com; www.esko.com.

ST Media acquires Package Design magazine

ST Media Group International, Cincinnati, OH, 101-year-old publisher of six trade journals for graphics, hospitality, visual communications, acquires Lyons Media, Inc., West Chester, PA.
Lyons publishes Package Design magazine, RFID Product News. Published 10 times/year, Package Design covers materials, technologies related to package design/development, includes online presence, http://www.packagedesignmag, Package Designer’s ToolBox, which provides samples of innovative packaging, as well as bi-monthly e-newsletter. Package Design eSolutions, delivers breaking news on product introductions, corporate moves, original market research. RFID Product News property includes quarterly print publication, weekly e-newsletter, RFID Reader, plus companion website, www.rfidproductnews.com.
Follow-up: Chris Lyons, 610-296-3001, ext. 100; Link: http://online.icnfull.com/lmi/ (Package Design), www.rfidproductnews.com/pages/subscribe.php.

Changeover: Crown...Metabolix...Key...Buchanan...

Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, promotes Gerard (Jerry) Gifford to president, Crown Beverage Packaging North America; responsible for 16 manufacturing facilities, 2,200 employees, he succeeds Robert Truitt, who is retiring after 35 years with company...Biopolymer maker, Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, MA, appoints Joseph Hill, cfo, effective 8 April 2008; Hill possesses more than 20 years of finance, management background in diverse range of industries, types of global companies...Bret Larreau receives promotion to process vegetable and fruit industry marketing manager at Key Technology, Walla Walla, WA; employed by Key for past five years, Larreau previously served as product marketing manager, possesses more than 20 years’ experience in automated food processing...James S. Cohen joins Food and Drug Practice at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Washington, DC; brings 17 years’ regulatory insight on development, marketing of drugs, biologics, devices, combination products from work as senior staffer at US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC...

Upstream: RFID World...

RFID World conference, 8-10 September 2008 at MGM Grand Casino & Resort, Las Vegas, NV, sets deadline of 30 April 2008 for submission of presentation proposals (http://newsletter.eetimes.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/nBHrJ0Om4Xy0Vke0Fudn0Ev); tracks include Pharma, Apparel/Retail, Manufacturing, Entertainment/Leisure, Smart Cards...

ShortRuns: Sidel India...Piedmont/Lantech...Whole Foods...

Sidel India, subsidiary of beverage packaging equipment supplier, Sidel Group, Clichy la Garenne, France, celebrates 10th anniversary with leading position in India’s bottled water, soft drink, fruit juice market segments, 105 employees, three locations, Pune, Gurgaon (New Delhi), Mumbai (sales, services, engineering)...Piedmont National Corp., Atlanta, GA, partners with Lantech, Louisville, KY, to sell, service latter’s semiautomatic, automatic stretch wrapping, case handling, shrink packaging systems throughout southeast via offices in Charlotte, Greenville, NC; Tampa, FL; Chattanooga, Knoxville, TN; Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Montgomery, AL...Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX, begins offering reusable, limited edition, 100% organic cotton GreenNYC shopping bags at stores in northern New Jersey, New York, southern Connecticut; collaborative effort between retailer, from NYC & Co., New York, NY, tourism council, supports Whole Foods’ nationwide race to eliminate plastic grocery bags at checkout by Earth Day, 22 April 2008...Multi Packaging Solutions, New York, NY, leading provider of specialty printed packaging to pharmaceutical, consumer markets, portfolio company of BSMB, purchases Innovative Creative Packaging Solutions, South Plainfield, NJ, from ICV Capital Partners/21st Century Group, New York, NY, for undisclosed sum; acquisition brings custom, specialty high-end folding carton packaging, design creativity, customers in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, medical device, healthcare, cosmetic markets...

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