Pepsi-Cola NA lightweights PET bottles for range of noncarbonated beverages

Pepsi-Cola North America (PCNA), Purchase, NY, cuts weight of 500-millilitre (ml) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for cold-filled noncarbonated beverages without affecting shelf life.

Amcor PET Packaging, Ann Arbor, MI, which supplies lightweighted 13.2-gram preform with 26-millimetre (mm) PCO (short-skirt) neck finish for standard Aquafina water, also provides source-reduced bottles for Lipton Iced Tea, Tropicana juice drinks, Aquafina FlavorSplash, Aquafina Alive waters.

Lighter, monolayer, uncoated containers, which also may contain up to 10% recycled content, weigh 15- or 18.6 grams, arrive in stores in May 2008, sport 10% smaller labels, 5% less shrink film wrap for 12-, 24-count multipacks.

Enhanced nitrogen dosing system on filling lines imparts rigidity to filled containers. At 20% to 35% lighter than previous 23.5-gram containers, PCNA predicts reduction in packaging waste of at least 20 million pounds/year.

New 18.6-gram bottle also offers logistics benefits. Slightly shorter than its predecessor, lighter bottle cubes more efficiently, fits two more layers of product/pallet. Led by Pepsi-Cola North America’s packaging development team, lightweighting effort falls under PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose mission.

“The challenge was to deliver significantly lighter packaging that would provide the same shelf life as the heavier bottle, withstand the manufacturing and distribution process yet not compromise aesthetics,” says Robert Lewis, vp of Worldwide Beverage Packaging and Equipment Development, PepsiCo. “After a full year of hard work from multiple corners of the company, we hit the trifecta -- a bottle that satisfied the needs of our system, our consumers and the environment.”

Development process involves cross-functional team from within, outside company, consumer testing of 30 designs. Follow-up: Katy Bejma, marketing manager, NA Beverage Div., +1 586-468-3837, Kathryn.bejma@amcorpet.com; Link: www.amcor.com.

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Laser system scores fine perforations in flexible packaging

Jenoptik-Votan P fine-line laser systems micro-perf packaging material to provide easy-tear opening device or product ventilation.

Online or standalone laser systems from Jenoptik AG, Jena, Germany, make straight-edged or curved cuts ranging from 10-16 micrometres (µm) in mono- or multilayer polypropylene films, metallized coatings, paper, paperboard, paperboard-poly-foil laminates. Scored feature not only simplifies opening of sealed packaging, but also may deliver tamper evidence, counterfeit protection. Noncontact cutting tool experiences no wear, changes over quickly, delivers neat, precise perfs on webs traveling at up to 600 metres/minute. On-line Jenoptik-Votan P Integra model integrates with existing equipment such as longitudinal cutters, rewinders. It features high-performance carbon dioxide laser with 20-2000 watts of power, wavelength of 10.6 µm. Contour patterns can be changed during production without sacrificing speed, quality. Standalone version, Jenoptik-Votan P Compact, adjusts to process, consists of laser system, beam control, material handling, enclosure to ensure laser safety, customized suction/filter unit, independent rewind device. Follow-up: Udo Bischoff, product manager, +49 3641 65-3297, udo.bischoff@jenoptik.com; Link: www.automation-jenoptik.de; Jenoptik Laser Technologies, Brighton, MI, Jeffrey Messics, sales, +1 248 446-9540, jlt.jeffery.messics@earthlink.net; Link: www.lasertechnologies-jenoptik.com.

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POM offers barrier properties similar to EVOH

Ultraform® E3120 BM polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer resin from BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany, exhibits barrier properties equivalent to ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

Stiffness, toughness, barrier properties make extrusion blowmolded POM potential replacement for glass or metal containers alone or as barrier layer in multilayer structure. Ultraform E3120 BM POM offers high melt stiffness, processes/dyes easily, accurately replicates mold surfaces, resists alcohol, oil, hydrocarbons, and withstands steam sterilization. Optimized crystallization behavior results in wide processing window, simplifies automation of blowmolding process. High stretchability of translucent resin permits production of thin-walled containers. Although no commercial packaging applications exist at this point, most likely first use is for aerosol container. Other possibilities include bottles for products like nail polish removers, cosmetics, cans for solvents/paints as well as barrier layer in coextruded film. Evaluations continue to determine acceptability for food contact. Classified as engineering resin in acetal family, POM, costs more than polyolefins, is most often seen in automotive, industrial applications [PMU, 17 March 2008]. Follow-up: Ultraform Information, +49 621 60 78780, ultraplaste.infopoint@basf.com; Link: www.basf.de/ultraform.

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Compressed air replaces hydrocarbon propellants

EarthSafe™ Dispensing System from Crown Holdings, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, replaces hydrocarbon propellants with compressed air in standard three-piece steel aerosol cans.

Design carries no cost premium compared to standard aerosols, meets directives from California Air Resources Board, Sacramento, CA, which are expected to become law by 1 January 2010, mandate reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in certain consumer products.

Developed in cooperation with Chris Scheindel, president of Ultramotive Corp., Bethel, VT, patent holder of compressed air propellant technology, dispensing system depends on advanced valve that allows total product evacuation at consistent flow rates. Valve also consists of fewer moving parts, increasing reliability. In addition, patented multilayer barrier piston eliminates primary, secondary gas permeation, extends shelf life, helps completely evacuate contents. Patented universal grommet creates airtight seal, enabling use of lower pressure to discharge product.

Recyclable steel can accepts decorative finishes including ones with tactile properties, can be made in any size. “Crown is committed to bringing new technologies to market that help brand owners comply with evolving industry regulations, achieve higher levels of sustainability and improve the consumer experience,” says Raymond L. McGowan, president of Crown Americas. “The use of compressed air reduces VOCs and in turn, decreases the impact on the environment. Combined with the fact that metal packaging can be infinitely recycled with absolutely no loss or alteration in quality, the EarthSafe Dispensing System offers significant brand benefits to consumer packaged goods companies.”

Expected to be commercial in 2009 in 52-millimetre diameter currently favored for shave gel, applications include personal-care products, viscous liquids. Adoption of EarthSafe Dispensing System requires no changes in can conversion process, minimal, if any, alterations on filling line. Crown expects cost of container to be equivalent to existing aerosols. Follow-up: At Crown, Brad Dahlgren, vp, Sales & Marketing; +1 215-698-5260; bdahlgren@crowncork.com; Lee Bradley, business development manager (Europe), +44 1623 528432, lee.bradley@eur.crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com; at Ultramotive, Marketing Department, +1 802-234-9901; Link: www.ultramotive.com.

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iGPS clarifies Dole use of RFID-equipped pallets

Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS), Orlando, FL, reports Dole Fresh Vegetables, Monterey, CA, is beginning test program rather than full adoption of its radio-frequency identification (RFID)-equipped pallets [PMU, 5 May 2008].

Injection-molded, 48x40-inch high-density polyethylene pallet weighs 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallet, is UL 2335 certified fire-retardant, 100% recyclable. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 800-884-0225, info@igps.net; Link: www.igps.net.

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Clear Choice Awards recognize 12 glass containers

Clear Choice Awards recognize achievements in glass packaging, honor 12 winners, five glass container manufacturers in 2008 competition sponsored by Glass Packaging Institute, Alexandria, VA.

Winners congratulated at awards reception on 5 May 2008 at Luxor Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV, represent variety of beverages, food, personal-care products.

• Owens-Illinois, Inc. (OI) receives recognition for emerald green, embossed, 12-ounce long-neck for Miller Chill beer from Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, WI.

• Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc. (SG) wins for Tin Roof Chardonnay-Cabernet Sauvignon from White Rocket Wine Co., wide-mouth 24-ounce jar for Del Monte Organic Pickles from MA Gedney Co.; 16-ounce jar for Red Gold Salsa from Red Gold, Inc.,

• Vitro Packaging, Inc., takes home five awards for roles in supplying embossed, 47-ounce jar for On the Border Salsa from Truco Enterprises, LP, which features pressure-sensitive (P-S) label with tactile ink; 6.3-ounce etched glass bottle designed by aruliden for Q Tonic premium tonic water from Q Tonic, Brooklyn, NY; tapered, 6.3-ounce bottle with 70% recycled content, clear P-S label from Spear Inc. for Saké2me flavored sakés from Saké2Me, LLC; 15-, 30-millilitre powder-coated containers for Avon Anew Clinical skincare products from Avon Products, Inc.; 21-ounce, angled “designer” glass bottle with clear P-S label for Rose’s Mojito mixers from Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages.

• Anchor Glass Container Corp. receives awards for slender, pinched-waist, 750ml bottle, designed by Flow-Design, Inc. with indented seam, embossed emblems, clear P-S label, orange shrink sleeve capsule, 33-millimetre aluminum closure for XanGo mangosteen juice from XanGo, LLC; 1.75-litre pinched grip bottle with custom, tamper-evident closure for UV Vodka from Phillips Distilling Co.

• Leone Industries takes home award for 12-ounce custom bottle for organic botanicals-based beverages from Tizane Beverages. Follow-up: At OI, Joanna Hunter, +1 567-336-1276, joanna.hunter@us.o-i.com; Link: www.o-i.com; at SG, John Haack, +1 765-741-7662, john.m.haack@saint-gobain.com; Link: www.saint-gobain.com; at Vitro, Doug Hesche, +1 469-443-1123, dhesche@vitro.com; Link: www.vitro.com; at Anchor, Sales Department, +1 813-884-0000, salesgroup@anchorglass.com; Link: www.anchorglass.com; at Leone, Sales Department, Leone Industries, +1 856-455-2001, sales@leoneglass.com; Link: www.leoneindustries.com; at aruliden, Marketing Department, +1 212-463-0286, info@aruliden.com; Link: www.aruliden.com; at Spear, Marketing Department, +1 513-459-1100, info@spearsystem.com; Link: www.spearinc.com; at Flow Design, Marketing Department, +1 248-349-7250, info@flow-design.com; Link: www.flow-design.com.

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Container distributor ensures perfect color match for relaunch

Color-matched packaging helps SBB, LLC, Chicago, IL, put Salon Selectives hair care products back on store shelves after being off market since 2004.

Revitalized Salon Selectives brand features revamped packaging, updated formulas, new products. Container distributor TricorBraun, St. Louis, MO, provides 8-ounce, high-density polyethylene Elegante bottle with extender pump for root-lifting spray; 1.7-ounce polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) bottle with spray pump for hair freshener, 1.7-ounce PETG bottles with treatment pump for split-end mender, smoothing serum; 8-ounce colored PET bottle with foamer pump for weighless foam; 2-ounce styrene-acrylonitrile jar with polypropylene lid for molding wax. TricorBraun also provides labels, coordinates package labeling, supervises color matching. After placing orders in November 2007, fillers receive containers, components in January 2008 in preparation for March 2008 launch. Follow-up: Suzanne Fenton, CPP, director of marketing, +1 314-569-3633, sfenton@tricorbraun.com; Link: www.tricorbraun.com.

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Smart label combines time-temperature monitoring, traceability

Smart label combines time-temperature monitoring with unit-level traceability, can also be deployed on pallets, cases.

Expected to be available during 3Q08, smart label combines time-temperature technology from PakSense, Inc., Boise, ID; with HarvestMark traceability solution from YottaMark, Redwood City, CA. Combined solution for growers, shippers, retailers makes traceability, cold chain monitoring information accessible to authorized users via online portal, www.harvestmark.com. “This new time, temperature and traceability smart label will raise the bar on how companies track and trace products in the supply chain,” says David Light, ceo at PakSense. “Not only will customers have trace forward and trace back capabilities, but they will also have visibility into environmental conditions during shipping that could directly impact product quality and safety.” HarvestMark solution complies with Guidelines on Traceability set by Produce Marketing Association, Newark, DE. On-demand, hosted solution eliminates need for brand owners, growers to install costly enterprise software or servers. “Traceability and cold chain monitoring are essential elements of food safety programs across the supply chain,” says Scott Carr, president/ceo of YottaMark. “This is a powerful new tool to prevent, detect, and respond to potential foodborne illnesses or recall events,” he concludes. Follow-up: At PakSense, Amy Childress, +1 208-409-5229, amy.childress@paksense.com; at YottaMark, Miz Nakajima, +1 503-997-6045, mnakajima@yottamark.com; Link: www.paksense.com; www.yottamark.com.

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Metal detector protects quality of cheese

RIQ3 variable frequency metal detector from Loma Systems, Carol Stream, IL, raises quality control to new levels at Alpine Slicing & Cheese Conversion, Monroe, WI.

Cheese converter chunks, wedges, shreds, slices bulk cheese for retail, foodservice packs. Packaging generally consists of polyethylene-based film, occurs on variety of machines including horizontal, vertical form-fill-seal equipment with vacuum, gas flush capability. “We run a combined total of 78 different products/sizes through our metal detector,” reports Bill Stuart, plant manager, Alpine. “Before variable frequency came along, you’d have to set the metal detector at a compromise point that would work for your products across the board,” he explains. Unlike traditional metal detectors that work at one, two or three frequencies, IQ3 variable frequency metal detector analyzes “product affect” (temperature, moisture, salt content, speed, packaging material, etc.), considers range of frequencies, selects one best suited to application. Automated frequency selection eliminates operator error, permits variety of products to be run through same unit. Alpine specifies optional casters on first unit so it could be moved from line to line. However, as operation grew, company decides to buy three additional units for mounting in fixed positions. “More and more companies won’t do business with you if you don’t have metal detectors. Loma’s IQ3 makes us very comfortable and confident that we are meeting our quality control objectives,” Stuart concludes. Follow-up: Gary Wilson, president, +1 630-681-2050, Gary.Wilson@loma.com; Link: www.loma.com.

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Collaborative effort collects recyclables at Kentucky Derby

Millions of bottles, cans discarded at special events go to landfill each year.

Collaborative effort with Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY, by Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corp., part of Anheuser-Busch Cos., St. Louis, MO, ARCO Aluminum, Louisville, KY, a producer of aluminum can sheet, Louisville, KY, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, collects aluminum cans, PET bottles discarded at racetrack beginning with Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks races. Visitors to Churchill Downs deposit empty cans, bottles in containers marked with Go Green Louisville -- Get in the Loop logos. In 2007 visitors to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby generated about 174 tons of trash, including about 50% recyclables. Program builds on recycling effort established two years ago, includes participation by local schools. Three local schools send teams to Churchill Downs after Derby to collect recyclables from infield, paddock, parking lot, other areas. Approximately 90 students, 30 instructors take part. Portion of proceeds generated by recyclables goes to Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

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PET wine bottles win Packaging Association of Canada awards

Ball Corp., Broomfield, CO, receives two awards for 750-millilitre coated polyethylene terephthalate bottles for Painted Turtle wines [PMU, 24 March 2008].

Company receives Best-of-Show Eco-Choice Award from Canadian Packaging magazine, Toronto, ON, in Sustainable Packaging Leadership Awards competition, sponsored by Packaging Association of Canada (PAC), Toronto, ON, as well as bronze award in international branded package category for 54-gram bottles supplied to Artisan Wine Co., Oliver, BC, Canada.

Judges honor wine bottle because “it has the potential to launch a whole new trend and change the way that wine is packaged. The decrease in greenhouse gases related to the transportation of this lightweight container – compared to glass – is a huge plus for sustainability, while the colorful, well-designed label is certain to attract consumers to the product, ultimately drawing attention to the environmental merits of this highly functional package.”

Ultra-thin silicon oxide coating protects wine, removes easily in recycling process, relies on technology from SIG Plasmax GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, part of SIG Holding Ltd., Neuhausen, Germany. Ball ranks as only North American source of bottles coated using Plasmax technology.

Judges name three other Best of Show winners. Innovia Films, Atlanta, GA, takes home PAC Sustainable Packaging Innovation Award for its compostable Natureflex wood-pulp-based film; CanamPac ULC’s Strathcona Paper, Napanee, ON, the only 100% recycled clay-coated paperboard mill in North America with ISO-14001 certification, receives PAC Sustainable Packaging Leadership Award; Unilever Canada Ltd., Toronto, ON, earns Wal-Mart Canada Sustainable Packaging Leadership Award for Sunlight Small & Mighty triple-concentrated laundry detergent. Follow-up: At Ball, Plastic Beverage Containers, +1 303-469-3131, corpinfo@ball.com; Link: www.ball.com; at SIG, Marketing Department, +49 40 67907-364, sigplasmax@sig.biz; Link: www.sig.biz; at Innovia Malcolm Cohn, +1 877-822-3456, malcolm.cohn@innoviafilms.com; Link: www.innoviafilms.com; at Strathcona, Lisa Gammage, sales & marketing coordinator, +1 416-491-1701, ext. 27, lgammage@strathconapaper.com; Link: www.strathconapaper.com.

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Recycled PE slip sheet substitutes for wood pallet

Recyclable Eco-Sheet slip sheet from Fresh Pak Corp., Houston, TX, costs, weighs less than wood pallet, occupies less space, consists of 90%+ recycled material.

Made primarily of recycled high-density polyethylene derived from post-consumer detergent bottles, grocery sacks, “Annually, we are keeping over 50 million pounds of these plastic materials out of landfills,” reports Rudy Macdonel, director of Sales & Marketing for Fresh Pak. “When their useful lives are over, we want [the slip sheets] back so we can make new ones out of them. Besides reducing the use of virgin materials, Eco-Sheet slip sheets save money as well. They cost about 90% less than wood pallets. And, because they’re much smaller and lighter than pallets, loads can be better cube optimized, reducing fuel consumption and other transportation costs by as much as 25%. Reduced fuel usage also reduces greenhouse gas emissions…” he concludes. Follow-up: Rudy Macdonel, +1 713-690-8742, ext 103, rmacdonel@freshpakcorp.com. Link: www.freshpakcorp.com.

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Rollfed labeler changes over in less than 15 minutes

Marathon® SLA roll-fed labeler from B&H Labeling Systems, Ceres, CA, serves low- to mid-speed operations.

Base unit handles containers form 8 ounces to 3 litres at speeds ranging from 50 to 250 containers/minute (cpm). Optional features boost throughput to 450 cpm. Enhanced vacuum system with reconfigured valves, vacuum manifold helps labels travel more consistently through labeler form cutter to container. Digital design eliminates mechanical adjustments, cuts changeover time to less than 15 minutes between full speed operation from one product to next. Unit utilizes complete Allen-Bradley drive-train, controls platform from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI, consisting of servo drives, servo motors, programmable logic controller, human machine interface with 10-inch color touch screen. SMARTdrive™ four-axis servomotor drive-train eliminates gears, belts, chains found on traditional labelers, communicates on high-speed digital bus to synchronize labeling operations to achieve precise label registration, timing. Reconfigured electrical control cabinet locates all electrical components in one place, mounts on side of labeler or can be positioned up to 80 feet away to accommodate tight floor space or wet or caustic environments. Marathon SLA uses same changeparts, key functional components as Marathon SL labeler so customers using both models don’t need to purchase, inventory additional changeparts or spare parts. With fewer moving parts than rotary machine, Marathon SLA labeler offers simpler operation, maintenance. Troubleshooting aids including 24/7 self-diagnostics enhance reliability, uptime. Follow-up: Marisa Jacobson, +1 209-537-5785, marketing@bhlabeling.com; Link: www.bhlabeling.com.

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Ingeo branding identifies PLA packaging for consumers

Converters adopt Ingeo trademark for packaging, fiber, other products made of polylactide resin from NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN.

Corn-based bioplastic offers smaller carbon footprint, recycles in traditional ways as well as by composting in industrial facilities. NatureWorks displays range of Ingeo products at Interpack, 24-30 April 2008 in Dusseldorf, Germany, in special innovationparc “bioplastics in packaging,” which drew crowds throughout show. Ingeo products include foam tray for fresh meat, fish, cheese; durable cases for cosmetics; shrink sleeve film exhibiting good gloss, transparency, printability; bottles that offer rigidity, good clarity, excellent flavor, aroma barrier properties for juice, still water; thermoformed containers for fresh food, herbs; foodservice cutlery. Standardization on Ingeo name encourages consumers to recognize, look for Ingeo label. Personnel at stand discuss life cycle issues, note recovery, recycling, disposal technologies, options vary by locale. European BioPlastics, trade association based in Berlin, Germany, plans to continue discussion about identification, implementation of eco-efficient, end-of-life disposal/recovery options for bioplastic materials. Follow-up: At NatureWorks, Sales Department, +1 800 664-6436; Ady Jager, business development manager (The Netherlands), +31 35 699 1344; ady_jager@natureworkspla.com; Link: www.natureworksllc.com; at European BioPlastics, Melanie Gentzik, head of Communications, +49 30 284 82 356; gentzik@european-bioplastics.org; Link: www.european-bioplastics.org.

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Recall hurts Boston Beer results for 1Q08

Impact of recall related to problems with glass bottles hurts 1Q08 results for Boston Beer Co., Boston, MA, which dips into red ink with $3.7 million net loss versus net income of $5.8 million in 1Q07.

Recall of approximately 750,000 cases of Samuel Adams beer involves approximately $5.9 million in related expenses, $9.1 million in lost sales with after-tax impact of $8.8 million. Costs include drinker rebates, product credits, fees/incentives to retailers/wholesalers, lost product, freight, destruction charges for returned product, warehouse expenses, inspection fees, repackaging materials, point-of-sale materials. “These amounts reflect estimates based on available information, which could differ from the actual recall costs, and do not reflect any potential recoveries of any amounts from third parties,” says Martin Roper, president/ceo, noting, “We carry product liability insurance, but we do not carry product recall insurance.” Meanwhile, despite recall, net revenue grows to $76.2 million in 1Q08 from $72.4 million in 1Q07.

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EarningsUpdate: Vitro… O-I…

At Vitro SAB de CV, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, 14% jump in glass container exports helps glass container business set record of US$336 million in net sales in 1Q08 versus US$312 million in 1Q07; glass container sales contribute to new company sales record of US$640 million in 1Q08 compared to US$603 million in 1Q07; net income also soars, rises to US$30 million in 1Q08 compared to loss of US$40 million in 1Q07… Despite fewer tons of glass containers sold, net sales rise 16% at Owens-Illinois, Inc., Perrysburg, OH, to $1.96 billion in 1Q08 from $1.68 billion in 1Q07 due to favorable currency translation, improved price/product sales mix; at same time, earnings overcome higher energy, input costs to jump to $174 million in 1Q08 from $55 million in 1Q07…

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Changeover: Fujifilm Dimatix… Multisorb… PPG… Cognex…

As newly promoted vp, Marketing of Fujifilm Dimatix, Santa Clara, CA, 20-year company veteran Marc Torrey begins overseeing marketing, product planning for firm’s drop-on-demand inkjet printheads… Rick Cellich joins Multisorb Technologies, Buffalo, NY, as business development leader, Healthcare Packaging responsible for development of markets for company’s sorbent products in eastern, Midwestern states; brings experience with injection molded containers, packaging, strong background in polymer chemistry… PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, PA, promotes Douglas S. Pegg to vp, Packaging Coatings, replacing Marc Talman, who is leaving company; Pegg’s 23-year tenure at PPG includes assignments in Canada, Taiwan, South America… Cognex Corp., Natick, MA, promotes Justin Testa to evp; 25-year company veteran joined machine vision company in 1983 as sales engineer, most recently served as group business manager of Modular Vision Systems Division… Jim Meier rejoins Barry-Wehmiller Cos., St. Louis, MO, as cto of FleetwoodGoldcoWyard (FGW), Romeoville, IL, a producer of advanced conveyance technology, material handling equipment; Meier, who will be based at FGW operation in Loveland, CO, has spent most of career with Barry-Wehmiller Design Group… Board of directors at Alcoa, Pittsburgh, PA, elects Klaus Kleinfeld president/ceo; Kleinfeld, formerly president/coo, succeeds Alain Belda as ceo; Belda remains chairman… B&H Labeling Systems, Ceres, CA, appoints John Berry field service engineer for Marathon® series of roll-fed labelers, Endura® shrink sleeve labeling systems; eight-year company veteran most recently served as shift maintenance lead/master process technician…

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ShortRuns: Rock-Tenn… Huhtamaki… Chesapeake… Greif…

Rock-Tenn Co., Norcross, GA, raises prices for Carton Mate® bleached paperboard $40/ton, effective with shipments on 2 June 2008… Decline in volume, increases in costs, especially for energy, prompts Huhtamäki Oyj, Espoo, Finland, to close it’s money-losing Consumer Goods business unit in UK, which employs 160 at rigid plastic packaging manufacturing facilities in Portadown, Gosport; however Gosport site continues to produce foodservice products; company expects move to cost €8 million (US$12.3 million), but improve earnings by €3-4 million (US$4.6-6.2 million)/year… Pharmaceutical packaging plant in Kunshan, China, owned by Chesapeake Corp., Richmond, VA, becomes first facility in China to receive PS9000:2001 certification under guidelines developed by Pharmaceutical Quality Group of Chartered Quality Institute (formerly Institute of Quality Assurance), London, UK, which combine principles of ISO 9001:2000 with Good Manufacturing Practices requirements for printed packaging materials… US Department of Justice, Washington, DC, concludes antitrust review of proposed acquisition of containerboard packaging, recycling business of Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, WA, by International Paper, Memphis, TN; regulatory reviews in other countries continue with closing anticipated during 3Q08… Greif, Inc., Delaware, OH, expands international presence in steel drum manufacturing with acquisition of Petro-Summit Mechanical Co. Ltd., Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam from Asian Steel Co. Singapore, Jurong Town, Singapore; plant produces 200-litre steel drums for home market, becomes part of Greif South East Asia… Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC, clears acquisition of MeadWestvaco South Carolina, LLC, Charleston, SC, other kraft paperboard assets of MWV, Richmond, VA, by KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp., Northbrook, IL; puts deal on track for closing by end of 3Q08…

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Upstream: PLA summit…

Polylactide (PLA) biopolymer producer, NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN, hosts Innovation Takes Root (www.innovatiointakesroot.com) international technical conference on PLA, 16-18 September 2008 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV; offers $500 early bird discount for registrations received before 15 June 2008…

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