Biodegradable, home compostable metallized film bags organic snack food

Biodegradable, 3.21-ounce (91-gram) pouch for organic, raw snack food, Chocolate Goji Treats from Superfood Snacks, Lihue, HI, fulfills need for guilt-free disposal.

Pouch consists of two-layer metallized/high-gloss cellulose-based laminate, made up of approximately 95% bio-based content by weight.

NatureFlex NM film, manufactured from renewable wood pulp, metallized in-house by Innovia Films Ltd., Cumbria, UK, contains such small levels of metal, less than 0.02%, that film is suitable for home composting.

Modified coating ensures metal lay-down while adhesion provides high moisture barrier with transmission rate of less than 10 grams/square meter/day (30 Celsius, 90% Relative Humidity). High barrier protects freshness of specialty ingredients such as Goji berries, raw cacao, maca root, sundried vanilla beans.

NatureFlex film provides good dimensional stability, antistatic properties, resists oils, greases, serves as barrier to gases, aromas.

“Superfood Snacks felt that this special, organic, raw product needed packaging that was in alignment with the integrity of the company’s visions,” recalls Adam Collins, founder of Superfood Snacks. “One that was natural, sustainable and biodegradable was our goal. We invested extensive time and efforts in developing this optimum pack….We are now considered the pioneers in sustainable printed packaging for food.”

Packaging meets European, US standards for compostable packaging; wood-pulp comes from suppliers operating under Good Forestry principles (Forest Stewardship Council or equivalent). Follow-up: At Innovia, Malcolm Cohn, market manager-Americas, +1 770 818-3008, Malcolm.cohn@innoviafilms.com; Link: www.innoviafilms.com; Forest Stewardship Council, Link: www.fsc.org.

Pre-validated disposable product contact parts speed changeover of liquid pharma dosing system

Single-use Prevas Disposable Dosing System from Bosch Packaging Technology, Minneapolis, MN, cuts changeover time on Bosch vial, ampule, and syringe fillers.

Disposable product contact parts replace stainless steel, which must be disassembled, autoclaved or clean/sterilized in place. Lines using first pre-validated, preassembled, gamma-sterilized single-use system enjoy increased flexibility, reduced downtime; require less time for cleaning, cleaning validation; consume less energy, cleaning agents, water; reduce wastewater generation, capital investment in stainless steel parts; eliminate chance of cross contamination; help protect operators from exposure to toxic products.

System of single-use positive displacement rolling diaphragm pumps, needles, other product contact parts meets USP/NF standards, arrives double bagged, ready to install with sterile plug-and-use connections. Bosch also supplies certification of sterility, extractables/leachables, and shelf life. Once run is completed, disposal of used parts typically occurs via incineration. Follow-up: Jeffrey L. Jackson, director of product management, Pharmaceutical Operations, +1 763-493-6133; jeff.jackson@boschpackaging.com; Link: www.boschpackaging.com.

Pharmaceutical packaging machine supplier expands

In response to growth in customer demand, Bausch Advanced Technology Group, Inc., Clinton, CT, doubles space to 40,000 square feet.

Expansion adds to manufacturing, engineering, pilot testing areas for turnkey syringe, cartridge, vial, ampoule, IV bag lines. Larger facility increases new product development capabilities; supports firm’s other manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil, sales distribution network in US, Germany, Russia, and South America, which covers more than 30 countries. Follow-up: Laurent Veuillet, vp, +1 860-669-7380, contact@bauschtech.com; Link: www.bausch-group.com.

Clear Choice Awards honor glass container innovations

Last week’s report on the Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice Awards initially ran with a photo showing the 2007 award winners instead of the 2008 honorees. The correct photo is shown below. We apologize for the error.

2008 Clear Choice Awards honor 12 winners, five glass container makers.

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

• Saint-Gobain Containers, Inc. (SG) earns honors for bottles 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. wins awards for embossed, 47-ounce jar for On the Border Salsa from Truco Enterprises, LP; 6.3-ounce etched glass bottle for Q Tonic premium tonic water from Q Tonic; tapered, 6.3-ounce bottle with 70% recycled content 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 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 for XanGo mangosteen juice from XanGo, LLC; 1.75-litre pinched grip bottle 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 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.

Shaped metal cans strengthen branding, shelf appeal

Largest manufacturer of metal food cans, Silgan Containers Corp., Woodland Hills, CA, launches Sculptured Metal Technology for US market.

Using various methods to shape aluminum or steel, Silgan creates brand-enhancing two- or three-piece cans. Shape communicates instantly, contemporizes can/product.

“The objective is to provide packers with a container alternative, which will assist them in powerfully restaging or enhancing their product’s image without investing in new filling equipment,” says Carolyn Takata, director of Marketing at Silgan.

Although conversion to shaped cans won’t require new equipment, it may necessitate some adjustments in filling, seaming, and handling. Shaped cans cost more too. Although speeds have increased, shaping still slows can production. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 818 348-3700, generalinfo@silgancontainers.com; Link: www.silgancontainers.com.

Software manages packaging artwork

Web-based, CFR 21 Part 11-compliant artwork management system tracks changes from concept to package printing to cut design time/expenses, shorten time to market. GL-AMS Global Artwork Management System from Precise Data, Dublin, Ireland, automates artwork management, prevents introduction of errors, expedites sign-offs, which occur online, eliminating need to courier documents. Designed for makers of generic pharmaceuticals and especially well-suited for multi-site operations, early adopters include European operations of Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ; Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Morgantown, WV. Software allows drug makers to retain control over artwork at all times, while granting access to service providers like printers, contract packagers. Montesino Associates, LLC, Wilmington, DE, serves as US representative for GL-AMS system. Follow-up: Peter J. Schmitt, +1 302-888-2355, peter.schmitt@montesino.com; Link: www.montesino.com.

Adhesive prevents clear labels from fogging

Reducing latex particle size, adding agent that lowers water sensitivity of latex adhesive prevent clear labels on beverage containers from turning cloudy when iced. Whitening phenomenon, known as “latex blushing,” results from light refracting off water that seeps into gaps between adhesive particles. Finer particle dispersion developed by Ashland Specialty Polymers and Adhesives, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, Dublin, OH, provides enhanced water-based adhesive options. “Ashland’s advances in water blush resistance provided a step toward chemistry with a more favorable environmental profile to be used in place of traditional solvent-based products, which tend to release volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere,” reports Scott Harvey, research fellow for Ashland Performance Materials. “By using a water-based adhesive, we are reducing the potential for negative impact on the environment.” Follow-up: Randy Waddell, global market manager, Packaging & Converting, +1 614-790-6006, krwaddell@ashland.com; Link: www.ashspec.com.

Single-serve PE puck delivers ice cream at touch of button

Pre-packaged soft-serve ice cream, patented dispensing machine deliver perfect portions just in time for summer season.

Puck package for Sqwish brand from Naturally Iowa’s MidAmerica Ice Cream Co., Clarinda, IA, consists of low-density polyethylene lid, high-density polyethylene base with pull-tab coated with food-grade adhesive, withstands temperatures down to -100o Fahrenheit.

In process similar to coffee makers that use pods, operator grabs puck from specially designed freezer, removes pull-tab, inserts container in gated opening, closes dispenser, pushes button to dispense swirled soft-serve product. When dispensing is finished, operator removes empty puck, repeats process on-demand. With wall-mounted or tabletop dispensing machines rolling out nationwide, MidAmerica projects 300% increase in orders for 2008 vs. 2007. “Naturally Iowa's manufacturing process allows us to offer store operators a unique value proposition with portion control, quality control and inventory control -- because one package is one serving through the patented One-Shot dispensing process,” reports Nick Delaney, evp, MidAmerica.

Biodegradable shrink sleeve rolls out with water-based inks

Shrink sleeve label made of polylactic acid (PLA) degrades in 45 days at 60 Celsius, satisfies ISO 14855-2:2007 degradability/compostability standard.

Biosleeve label from Sleever International, Morangis, France, represents second generation in effort to reduce environmental impact, follows 2007 debut of biodegradable PETsleeve. Derived from renewable plant materials such as corn or potatoes, PLA biodegrades into water, carbon dioxide, nontoxic biomass via action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi. Printed on two sides on ultraviolet gravure or flexographic press in up to 10 colors using solvent-free, low energy inks, Biosleeve runs on Sleever’s range of Powersleeve, Powersteam applicators including Powersleeve Evolution IV, capable of speeds of up to 36,000 units/hour. P’Reference design agency, Paris, France, creates Biosleeve samples of to showcase film’s properties. Follow-up: At Sleever, Pascal Leroy, marketing manager, +33 1 69 74 75 60, pascal.Leroy@sleever.com; US Sales Department, +1 905-565-0952, si.sleever@sleever.com; Link: www.sleever.com; at P’Reference, Sales Department, +33 1 44 85 86 00, contact@p-reference.fr; Link: www.p-reference.fr.

Barrier bottles protect shelf life of pharmaceutical products

Two-, three-layer StabilitySolutions bottles, developed by Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging, Pennsauken, NJ, part of Rio Tinto Alcan, Montreal, QC, Canada, protect oral solid dose products from moisture, oxygen. For bi-layer StabilitySolutions™ DRY, patent-pending technology blends desiccant material into product contact layer of container, eliminates need for desiccant canisters, sachets, cuts costs, increases packaging line efficiency by removing canister/sachet dispensing step. Patented, patent-pending tri-layer StabilitySolutions™ BARRIER bottle sandwiches ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) between layers of high density polyethylene (HDPE), combining oxygen barrier of EVOH with moisture barrier of HDPE. Follow-up: Josée Saint-Pierre, +1 514-630-9420, ext. 2271, josee.saint-pierre@alcan.com; Link: www.alcanpackaging.com/.

Braille labeling solution guarantees correctness of characters

Directive requires Braille characters on pharmaceutical packaging to aid blind, visually impaired consumers. Proprietary Braille morphing, or embodying, technology marks characters on sleeve, guarantees legibility of code by checking alignment of characters on left; direction of reading from left to right; distance between dots; dot width; dot height; interlines; distance between each group of six dots, which corresponds to letter of alphabet. Stringent test program confirms durability of code over time. Codes remain unaffected by shrinking process. First commercial user, specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer Meda, Solna, Sweden, uses Braille-coded shrink sleeve labels on range of Betadine disinfectants for Italian market. Follow-up: Pascal Leroy, marketing manager, +33 1 69 74 75 60, pascal.leroy@sleever.com; Link: www.sleever.com.

Inverted robot needs minimal floor space, works at high speed

Adept Cobra s800 inverted robot from Adept Technology, Inc., Livermore, CA, loads cases, cartons at high speeds with pick/place cycle as short as 0.54 second. IP65-rated robot moves payloads weighing up to 5.5 kilograms within work envelope radius of 800 millimetres. Integrated AIB (amp-in-base) design reduces wiring to four small cables, cuts wiring 70% compared to other articulated arm robots. For maximum flexibility, robot supports conveyor tracking, vision-guided motion, auxiliary servo axes, and general machine control. Already in use on packaging lines at customers, which cannot be identified, “This new inverted Cobra robot is ideal for customers needing extremely fast packaging needs and who face floor space challenges,” says John Dulchinos, president of Adept. “The inverted model not only saves valuable floor space but it is the fastest robot in its class and is impervious to dust, dirt and liquid, making it a perfect fit in multiple packaging applications.” Follow-up: Lauren Bucher, marketing, +1 925-245-3400, lauren.bucher@adept.com; Link: www.adept.com.

Biodegradable additive begins test in PET bottles

Diamant Art Corp. subsidiary Diamant Film Inc., Markham, ON, Canada, begins working with North American bottle makers to test oxo-biodegradation additive. Tests in Europe indicate additive results in degradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container. Diamant hopes to determine how additive performs on bottle making equipment, as well as how well resulting bottles degrade. If North American tests are successful, Diamant plans to apply to US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, for food contact clearance. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 905-752-0220, info@diamantfilm.com; Link: www.diamantfilm.com.

Rigid, flexible packaging combo spices up microwaveable dip

Microwaveable polypropylene (PP) cup with decorative shrink label launches shelf-stable, ready-to-eat Ro-Tel Queso Dip from ConAgra Foods, Greeley, CO.

Printpack, Inc., Atlanta, GA, custom molds 12-ounce cup at its facility in Williamsburg, VA, supplies eight-color, rotogravure-printed, polyvinyl chloride shrink sleeve label through its Seal-It Division, Farmingdale, NY. Automatic applicator applies 2-mil label to thermoformed cup. Special adhesive applied during printing process helps label adhere to microwaveable container. Colorful shrink label encircles container, includes “Heat and Enjoy” flag, nutrition facts, pricing code, heating instructions. Dark green overcap, inner seal complete package, although firm declines to name suppliers. “The attractive shrink label allows us to violate the shelf and drive better awareness with targeted consumers,” says ConAgra’s Ryan Toreson, marketing manager consumer foods/grocery. “The vibrant graphics that shrink labeling provides ideally supports our product strategy,” he concludes. Follow-up: Barbara Drillings, marketing communication manager, +1 516-935-3965, bdrillings@printpack.com; Link: www.printpack.com.

Booklet looks at world of eco-friendly branded products

In 2008 Look Book, 4th Ingeo Earth Month edition, NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN, showcases global commercial brands such as Ingeo polylactide produce packaging at Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, AR, Ingeo bottle for Primo Water Corp., Winston-Salem, NC. Book celebrates sustainability as part of month-long observance beginning with Earth Day, 22 April 2008 through World Environment Day on 5 June 2008, includes sections on beverage packaging, food packaging. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 952-742-0400; Link: www.natureworksllc.com.

EarningsUpdate: Portola… Pregis… MOD-PAC…

Despite 4.6% increase in sales to $66.6 million for fiscal 2Q08, ended 29 February 2008, from $63.7 million for fiscal 2Q07, Portola Packaging, Inc., Batavia, IL, registers loss of $5.1 million for quarter compared to loss of $3.3 million in fiscal 2Q07 due to lower gross margins, higher costs, higher product development costs… At Pregis Corp., Deerfield, IL, higher sales in protective packaging, flexible packaging, hospital supplies segments, favorable currency translation, contribution by acquisitions made in 2007 help propel net sales up 8.5% to $259.3 million in 1Q08 from $239.0 million in 1Q07, but are not enough to overcome raw materials costs, weaker economical environment, which result in net loss of $3.3 million for quarter versus net income of $2.2 million in 1Q07… Improved cost control, increase in custom folding carton sales help offset drop in stock box sales at MOD-PAC Corp., Buffalo, NY, to boost revenue $0.3 million to $11.6 million in 1Q08 versus $11.3 million in 1Q07; although company records net loss of $0.5 million in 1Q08, performance represents improvement over net loss of $0.75 million for 1Q07 due to better operational productivity, raw material usage, management of fixed costs…

ShortRuns: Constantia/Duropack…

Constantia Packaging Group AG, Vienna, Austria, acquires remaining 40% of corrugated producer, Duropack AG, Prague, Czech Republic, from Smurfit Kappa Group, Dublin, Ireland, for €55.0 million (US$85.1 million…

Changeover: Del Monte… P&G…

Del-Monte Foods Co., San Francisco, CA, names William D. Pearce, svp/cmo… Bruce Brown, vp-Research & Development, Global Hair Care and Global Hair Colorants at P&G, succeeds G. Gilbert Cloyd as CTO; Cloyd, a 33-year company veteran, serves as officer on special assignment until his planned retirement on 1 September 2008…

Upstream: Sensors… Sustainability… Aseptics… Machinery…

Conference tracks for Sensors Expo & Conference, 9-11 June 2008 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, include “Green” Sensing Technologies and Applications, Machine Health and Predictive Maintenance… Conference Board, New York, NY, hosts 2008 Business and Sustainability Conference (www.conference-board.org/conferences/conference.cfm?id=1578), 12-13 June 2008 at Renaissance Washington, Washington, DC, along with pre-conference forum on Renewable Energy, 11 June 2008; keynote speakers include Kim E. Jeffery, president/ceo of Nestlé Waters North America, Greenwich, CT; Matt Kistler, svp/sustainability at Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, AR… Schotland Business Research, Inc., Skillman, NJ, organizes Aseptipak 2008 Global Forum on Aseptic Processing, Filling & Packaging conference (www.schotland.com), 29 September-1 October 2008 at Ritz-Carlton (Buckhead), Atlanta, GA…Packaging Machinery: Basics & Beyond will be held 13-15 October 2008, and 16-18 March 2009 at Frain Industries, Franklin Park, IL; John Henry, CPP, principal of Changeover.com, Fajardo, PR, serves as instructor for seminars organized by Institute of Packaging Professionals, Naperville, IL…

Copyright 2006 Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), 4350 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia (USA) 22203.

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.