Target’s composite cereal canister protects freshness, simplifies dispensing, reclosing

Oblong 6 x 2.25 x 10-inch Linearpak® canister from Sonoco Products Co., Hartsville, SC, combines rounded ergonomic shape, barrier properties, dispensing closure, and recycled content.

Cereal canister designed exclusively for Target Corp., Minneapolis, MN, for its Archer Farms brand, not only ranks as first for cereal category, but also represents first time Sonoco works directly with retailer to solve identified consumer problem, namely that traditional bag-in-carton cereal packaging is difficult to open and once open doesn’t adequately protect product freshness.

Tall, slim canister body designed by Sonoco’s Packaging Design Center in Hartsville appears to consist of five layers: printed label/recycled paperboard/recycled paperboard/foil/film with clay-coated paper/foil/film base.

Peelable, tabbed foil laminate lidstock printed with product information, instructions seals opening. Injection-molded, friction-fit, tabbed polypropylene overcap protects freshness once membrane seal is removed. Hinge at approximately mid-point of closure simplifies dispensing by allowing tabbed half to flip up. Round clarified window provides clear view of remaining cereal, while convex depression on opposite side calls attention to embossed Archer Farms name, chicken symbol.

Sonoco supplies lidstock, overcap, as well as canister, produces canisters at pilot plant in Hartsville for 18 cereal varieties, including Triple Berry Clusters, Vanilla Spice Squares, Banana Walnut Bliss, Pecan Sticky Bun, and Blueberry Flax. Package weights vary depending on fruit, nut, and cereal combination, meet 2/$7 price point. Canister package contains 55% recycled material with 50% post-consumer content. Follow-up: Myra Richey, marketing services, +1 843-383-3333, myra.richey@sonoco.com; Link: www.sonoco.com.

RTD tea sales soar 1,400% after converting multipacks to PET

Switch from glass to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for multipacks of ready-to-drink (RTD) brewed tea boosts sales 1,400% for Tradewinds Beverage Co., Cincinnati, OH.

Company extends success as first user of 16-ounce panel-less PowerFlex PET bottles from Amcor PET Packaging, Manchester, MI, with conversion of 24-count glass multipacks created for club store channel, addition of six-pack for grocery stores, eight-pack for Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, AR.

Seven-color, flexo-printed three-layer coextruded polyethylene shrink film from Bemis Co., Inc.’s, Curwood division, Oshkosh, WI unitizes 24-count Sweet, Lemon or Unsweetened Tea flavors, eight-count of Sweet Tea, six-count of Sweet or Green Tea.

Shrink film graphics feature large Tradewinds logo, specify flavor, “Zero Calories” message along with bottle count but do not obscure brewed tea inside panel-less PET bottle. Tradewinds credits attractive, lightweight, breakage resistant features of PET bottle with sales increase. “We had been studying sales patterns and could see that multipacks were the fastest growing segment for RTD iced teas,” says Tradewinds’ Steve Hatch, vp Sales, who adds, “Although we had previously introduced glass bottles in a 12-count package, we felt that the time was right to convert to PET and add smaller multipack counts to address different…channels. We wanted to give consumers an ‘on the go’ bottle. By offering them multipacks, they now can consume a bottle when they are at home or take it with them and enjoy our delicious tea at their convenience.” Follow-up: At Amcor, Katy Bejma, marketing manager, NA Beverage Div., +1 586-468-3837, Kathryn.bejma@amcor.com; Link: www.amcorpet.com; at Bemis, Sales Department, +1 800-544-4672, curwood@bemis.com; Link: www.curwood.com.

Chicago passes bag recycling ordinance

City Council in Chicago, IL, passes ordinance requiring retailers to provide bins to collect plastic carrier bags for recycling. Law affects stores that derive 25% of their gross sales from food or pharmaceuticals; affects fewer outlets than earlier versions considered by aldermen. Progressive Bag Affiliates of American Chemistry Council, Washington, DC, an advocate of bag recycling, applauds passage of law, notes that bag recycling is growing nationwide. Most recent stats show 24% increase to new record in 2006, 812 million pounds. In addition, compared to paper bags, plastic bags require 40% to 70% less energy to produce, generate 40% less greenhouse gas emissions, occupy 80% less space in landfills. Recycled bags make new bags, low-maintenance fencing, decking, other building/construction products. Follow-up: Link: www.plasticbagrecycling.org/.

Tiny mineral particles serve as barrier to counterfeiting

Drug repackager Med-Health Pharma LLC, Las Vegas, NV, protects its products from counterfeiting, fraud, with covert markers. Tiny mineral particles added at extremely low level to substrate or component of packaging makes it possible to quickly authenticate packages of products it provides to doctors for in-office dispensing. Traceless System from Kodak Security Solutions, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY, adds particles to ink, toner, varnish, adhesive or packaging substrate itself, e.g., plastic or paper. Special reader set to mineral, particle level provides pass/fail authentication or can actually verify image of particle. “Authentication is very important for our industry, and this solution allows us to aggressively confront the issue of counterfeit products that risk innocent lives,” says Sam Haddad, vice president of Operations at Med-Health Pharma. Follow-up: Dennis Kercher, global account manager, Security Solutions, Graphic Communications Group, +1 585-722-3638, dennis.kercher@kodak.com; Link: www.kodak.com/go/traceless.

Design enhancements to metal lug closures build brands

External finishes, special ink to print messages inside caps strengthen brand-building capability of metal closures from Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

New finishes include matte, metallic sparkle, color-shifting lacquer that changes color as package is turned. High durability ensures finishes withstand cap forming, transport, application, product pasteurization, downstream handling. “As the part of the package that is most often handled by consumers, the way a closure looks has a great impact on brand perception,” says Sheila Heath, director of Marketing, CROWN Closures USA. First user of food-grade ink, Agros Nova, Warsaw, Poland, prints cultural messages inside twist caps for Tarczyn brand fruit juices. Ink meets requirements of US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, European Union, Brussels, Belgium. Crown’s Research and Development Centre in Wantage, UK, develops new finishes; while facility in Goleniow, Poland oversees printing innovation. Follow-up: Sheila Heath, +1 740-681-6577, sheila.heath@crowncork.com; Jason Hegarty, new products & marketing manager (UK), +44 1202 774 366; jason.hegarty@eur.crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com.

RFID, covert code, database create e-pedigree for fine wine

Intelligent Bottle™, temperature tracking system from eProvenance LLC, Boston, MA, assures provenance, proper handling of fine wine.

Being able to track wine, its environment from château to consumer to auction house allows buyers to verify authenticity, travels, storage conditions. First users include nine wineries in Bordeaux, France, including Château Bauduc, Château Lynch Bages, Château Margaux, Château Palmer.

Patent-pending system consists of semi-active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag placed inside case to record temperatures, improve shipping/receiving operations throughout distribution chain; passive RFID tag with unique code attached to base of bottle to automate tracking, inventory management, discourage pilferage; proprietary, tamper-evident neck seal with covert code applied at base of capsule to authenticate wine inside bottle, thwart counterfeiters.

High-speed, encrypted, online database links unique bottle, case, capsule identification numbers, along with authentication data from chateau, shipment data, temperature records to create electronic pedigree for each bottle. Covert code relies on security ink/handheld readers from InkSure Technologies Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Recent agreement makes eProvenance exclusive distributor of InkSure’s authentication solution into fine wine market in major wine producing countries. “The portfolio of technologies from eProvenance provides an enhanced level of authentication and confidence for the fine wine supplier and consumer,” states Don Taylor, vp of Global Marketing for InkSure.

Evolution of year-old eProvenance stems from lunch with Corinne Mentzelopoulos, owner of Château Margaux, who told founder Eric Vogt: “I’d like to assure our customer enjoy the wine we made from them. We put all our effort into making the best possible wine, but then it leaves the château and we cannot be certain it’s handled correctly.” Follow-up: At eProvenance, Louise Domenitz, +1 617-484-2515, louise.domenitz@eprovenance.com; Link: www.e-provenance.com; at InkSure: Don Taylor, +1 954-772-8507, dtaylor@inksure.com; Link: www.inksure.com.

Colorants tint bioplastic

Colorants from Teknor Color Co., Pawtucket, RI, tint polylactide (PLA), a bioplastic used in bottles, film, sheet, profiles, injection molded items. Performance depends on carrier, PLA, petrochemical-based copolyester or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PLA carrier concentrates suit all biodegradable applications. Biodegradable copolyester carrier concentrates work well for biodegradable blown film, applications needing more flexibility than 100% PLA formulations can provide. PETek® carrier concentrates target nondegradable applications where use of biopolymer base resin such as PLA is desired. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 401-725-8000, info@teknorcolor.com; Link: www.teknorcolor.com.

Shrink sleeve labels call attention to frozen beverages

In what is believed to be first for frozen foods, f’REAL! Foods, LLC, Orinda, CA, switches from preprint to shrink-sleeve labeling on thermoformed polystyrene cups for single-serving frozen drinks prepared on company’s blend-on-demand equipment.

Die-cut, heat-seal adhesive/foil lidstock printed in one color on bottom, six colors plus varnish on top completes package. Enhanced shelf impact depends on freezer-grade polyvinyl chloride shrink sleeve from Fort Dearborn Co., Elk Grove Village, IL, high-resolution graphics designed by Rae Huestis Design, Walnut Creek, CA, printed rotogravure in 10 colors. Adhesive on interior of sleeve ensures it stays in place on tapered, 10-ounce cup in temperatures as low as -40o F.

Tapered shape poses challenge for dry offset process used previously since resolution tended to diminish toward base. “As a result, the bar code was not as readable as we needed it to be,” recalls Jens Voges, vp of Operations at f’REAL! “We also couldn’t do photographic images of ice cream…real fruit,” he notes. R-300 applicator from PDC International Corp., Norwalk, CT, installed at Eastgate Graphics, Lebanon, OH, applies sleeves at rate of 250/minute to empty, upside-down cups, which then pass through one of two KST steam tunnels, also from PDC. Voges reports they chose R-300 for its speed, cutting technology. In addition, he says, buying from domestic supplier cut lead time, made it easier for PDC personnel to spend time onsite to work out final tweaks necessary with any first-time application.

Labeled cups ship nested to various dairies for filling. Sleeve labels enhance rigidity of container so it handles better on filling lines, differentiate milkshake, smoothie, frozen cappuccino product lines. Distribution packaging consists of 12-count molded pulp tray, which contains 100% recycled content, plus corrugated top pad printed with instructions for distributors/store personnel, clear polyethylene terephthalate shrink wrap. “The custom molded pulp tray represents a big tooling expense up front, but offers cost advantages versus corrugated and pays off over time,” says Voges. Pallet loads, containing 1440 cups, ship from dairy to distributor for direct store delivery.

F’REAL! sells complete system – blender, product, storage freezer with gravity-feed shelving for cups – to high traffic outlets like convenience stores, theaters, collegiate cafeterias. To prepare frozen beverage, consumer removes desired product/flavor from freezer, peels off lidstock, inserts cup in cup holder of blending machine, which moves up into enclosed blending chamber. Blender converts rock-hard product to whipped drink in 1 minute, self-cleans all food contact surfaces after finished beverage is removed. Follow-up: At Fort Dearborn, Sales, +1 847-357-9500, info@fortdearborn.com; Link: www.fortdearborn.com; at Eastgate, Jim Fedders, sales, +1 513-934-0018, jimfedders@egigroup.com; Link: www.egigroup.com; at PDC, Sales Department, +1 203-853-1516, sales@pdc-corp.com; Link: www.pdc-corp.com.

Bag maker bases new compostable line on Mirel bioplastic

BioTuf Compostable Bags from Heritage Bag Co., Carrollton, TX, help handle organic waste.

New line from largest maker of compostable trash bags depends on Mirel bioplastic resin from Telles, Clinton, IA, joint venture between Metabolix Inc., Cambridge, MA, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Decatur, IL, compounding by Heritage Plastics Inc., Picayune, MS. Mirel-based resin processes on conventional film/bag making equipment, results in film with toughness, puncture, tear resistance needed for high-performance bags. “The process of turning organic trash into compost will become a significant trend in how the US manages its nearly 230 million tons of municipal solid waste,” predicts Frank Ruiz, research director for Heritage Plastics/Heritage Bags. “A key element in managing this process is providing trash bags that meet ASTM standards for compostability,” he notes, adding, “The diversion of organic waste from landfills to composting facilities will require hundreds of millions of compostable bags and trash bin liners annually for hauling away discarded food scraps from restaurants, hotels and other large institutions, and this market is growing at over 15% per year.” Follow-up: At Telles, Marketing Department, +1 617-492-0505; Link: www.telles-mirel.com; at Heritage Plastics, Marketing Department, +1 800-245-4623; Link: www.heritage-plastics.com; at Heritage Bag, Sales Department, +1 800-527-2247; Link: www.heritage-bag.com.

Automatic filler, cartoning machine creates bag-in-box

All-in-one “monobloc” machine from Sacmi Pakim srl, Goito, Italy, part of Sacmi, Milan, Italy, integrates liquid filling with automatic cartoning. Resulting bag-in-box packaging differentiates edible, non-edible liquids such as oils, wine, liquor, water, detergents, holds 3, 5, 10, 15 or 20 litres (L). Rated at up to 10 3L boxes/minute, system’s steel MONOBIB unit erects, hot-melt seals box; heat seals pre-cut, modular, multilayer polyethylene bag with tap; inserts bag in box, fills bag through tap, reseals bag; closes, seals box. Boxes include precut opening for tap, diecut handles or scores for inserted handles. Valve, self-collapsing bag prevent entry of air, oxidation of contents to protect freshness even after initial opening. Follow-up: Sales Department, +39 0376 604955; info@sacmipakim.it; Link: www.sacmipakim.it.

Spirits maker acquires copacker

Diageo PLC, Norwalk, CT, brings co-packer in-house with acquisition of Schenley Distillery and Bottling, Valleyfield, QC, Canada, from Constellation Brands, Inc., Fairport, NY. “The Schenley Distillery and Bottling plant…has been an integral part of our supply chain [for several years], providing high quality distillation and bottling services for a variety of Diageo brands,” explains John Council, president, Diageo Americas Supply. “This is a good business opportunity for both Diageo and Constellation,” reports Andy Berk, ceo at Constellation’s imported beers and spirits business unit. “Constellation will eliminate excess capacity and consolidate its operations to maximize asset utilization, improve efficiencies, generate cash flow, enhance return on investment capital and reduce costs, while Diageo will add the capacity it needs for Canadian production of its brands.” Constellation plans to consolidate Canadian production at its facility in Lethbridge, AB. Closing, expected in June 2008, remains subject to satisfactory due diligence, board approval by both firms.

One-way keg performs just as well as steel keg

Tests show one-way, bag-in-ball KeyKeg, marketed/sold by Lightweight Containers BV, Den Helder, The Netherlands, protects beer just as well as conventional steel keg.

For test by Munich (Germany) University of Technology, Weihenstephan Bayerische Staatsbrauerei, Freising, Germany, supplies Helles beer, Weissbier, which has higher carbon dioxide content. Both types of kegs were filled in mid-December 2007, kept at 28 C (82 F). After four months, researchers find KeyKeg, steel keg intact, fully functional, beers free from microorganisms. Taste, carbon dioxide loss tests reveal no detectable difference. Transport test simulating harbor environment where KeyKegs put in shipping container, exposed to temperature cycles of 45 C (113 F) for eight hours, then 28 C (82 F) for 16 hours for three weeks, also shows no significant difference in taste or carbon dioxide loss. Currently in production on automated line in Schwerin, Germany, KeyKegs consist of 20- or 30-litre multilayer bag inside polyethylene terephthalate ball. Filling occurs on custom equipment from M+F KEG-Technik, Bottrop, Germany [PMU, 26 February 2007, 30 July 2007]. Follow-up: Marketing & Sales, +31 223-661088, info@keykeg.com; Link www.keykeg.com.

Miniaturized inductive sensors perform in tight spots

SuperShorty® inductive proximity sensors from Balluff, Florence, KY, install in cramped locations, deliver nominal 1.5 millimetre (mm) sensing range. Built-in electronics eliminate need for bulky external amplifiers. Low mass enables abrupt acceleration, deceleration on highly dynamic, fast-moving equipment without adding excessive inertial load on high speed pick-and-place equipment, miniature grippers, linear slides, miniature valves, compact actuators, other highly compact, precision mechanisms. With current rating of 150 milliampere, sensors come in 6.50mm smooth, M08 threaded housings. Pre-wired cable models include 6-, 10mm lengths; while connectorized models measure 18mm. “Our new SuperShorty line opens up design possibilities that have yet to be imagined,” says Henry Menke, product marketing manager. “These sensors are so small that original equipment manufacturer engineers now have free rein to integrate sensing functionality in areas that previously couldn’t accommodate any conventional sensor. For example, SuperShorty sensors have such small dimensions and low mass that they can be placed directly into a gripper finger without adversely impacting its size or weight. As rugged inductive sensors, they can survive in close proximity to industrial processes where shock, vibration, and liquid or particulate contamination would quickly take optical sensors out of action. With stainless steel bodies and a protection rating of IP67, we’re really breaking new ground here for sensor miniaturization.” Follow-up: Link: www.balluff.com/supershorty.

Lightweighted closures reduce resin consumption, cost

New HexaLite closure from Bericap Holding GmbH, Budenheim, Germany, cuts overall package weight about 2 grams (g).

Tamper-evident, high-density polyethylene closure weighs 1.5g compared to 2g for its HexaCap predecessor, fits polyethylene terephthalate bottle with lightweighted neck finish to save another 1.5g. Designed for use on still water, other noncarbonated beverages, diameters include 26 millimetre (mm), 29/25mm (outside diameter on thread crest of neck finish/inside diameter of neck finish). Lightweighting by 2g/bottle saves almost 2,000 tons of resin/billion bottles, cuts costs by €3 million (US$4.6 million), reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by estimated 15,000 tons.

Cristaline, Aurele, France, adopts HexaLite 29/25 closure for bottled water, while major US bottled water maker tests HexaLite 26mm.

For dairy containers with snap neck finish, Bericap introduces 38mm Galileo I hinged closure. Patented process molds lightweighted, tamper-evident, one-piece closure in closed position to permit high-speed molding, eliminate closing operation. Compatible with aseptic filling, closure weighs 2.6g, 30%-40% lighter than 38mm closures currently in use. Dairies in India, Italy initiate trials in preparation for commercial launch. Bericap estimates transition to new closure saves up to 345 tons of resin/100 million bottles, cuts resin costs up to €500,000 (US$773,000), reduces GHG emissions up to 2,600 tons. Currently manufactured in France, Bericap plans to expand production to other facilities with HexaLite 26mm likely to be first of trio made in US. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +49 (6139) 29 02 120, info.germany@bericap.com; US office, Ontario, CA, +1 909-390-5518, info.usa@bericap.com; Link: www.bericap.com.

Growth in packaging robots helps offset sales decline

North American robot orders deliver mixed messages in 1Q08 with total orders declining 17% to 3,382 units while revenues rise 5% to $288.1 million.

Revenue derived from food, consumer goods sectors, where there is growing demand for packaging robots, surges 116%, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Ann Arbor, MI. Downturn in purchases by automotive manufacturers, which account for approximately 65% of robot orders in North America, drags down orders, continues trend from second half of 2007. When worldwide sales of North American-based robotics companies are considered, 1Q08 sales rise to 4,281 robots valued at $311.3 million. Looking forward to RIA’s Robots 2008 conference, 10-12 June 2008, Boston, MA, association hopes to foster growth in non-automotive sectors. RIA’s Jeffrey A. Burnstein, evp, says, “The event focuses on what’s new in robotics, looking at applications in retail, pharmaceutical, biotech, rehabilitation, lab automation and other important markets where robots are just beginning to make their mark.” Follow-up: Jeffrey A. Burnstein, +1 734-994-6088; Link: www.roboticsonline.com.

Security packaging wins award for sustainability, innovation

Natralock brand security packaging from MeadWestvaco Corp. (MWV), Richmond, VA, receives Gold Innovative Green Award at National Hardware Show, Las Vegas, NV. Natralock security packaging features proprietary tear-resistant paperboard, sealed around amorphous or recycled polyethylene terephthalate bubble. Renewable, recyclable paperboard with up to 50% recycled content reduces use of plastic, provides price stability. When compared with traditional fossil-fuel-based resin clamshells, Natralock security packaging cuts raw material consumption more than 50%, requires fewer chemicals, less energy to produce, runs on most heat-sealing equipment. In addition, consumers prefer its safer opening, improved shopping experience. Judges select Natralock packaging as one of best green, eco-friendly products in new Green Product World exhibit at May 2008 show. According to MWV’s Jennifer Scheps, marketing manager, “Being honored as part of the first-ever Innovative Green Awards is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and serious commitment MWV has made in offering the marketplace a consumer-friendly, sustainable security packaging solution.” Follow-up: Link: www.meadwestvaco.com.

ShortRuns: EAFA… IP… Canadean/Landell Mills… MWV…

Aluminum foil sales for 1Q08 drop 5% to 216,300 tons compared to 1Q07, according to European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), Düsseldorf, Germany, although thicker gauges used for semi-rigid foil trays, technical applications remain stable; however, EAFA predicts decrease in use of foil because of environmental demands, will level off… International Paper, Memphis, TN, plans to restart 550,000 ton/year linerboard mill in Vicksburg, MS, before end of 2008 after completing repairs to recovery boiler damaged in 3 May 2008 explosion, which killed one, injured 17 at plant, which had recorded no serious injuries in more than one year; cause of explosion, which occurred during startup after annual maintenance shutdown, remains under investigation… International beverage research consultancy, Canadean Ltd., Basingstoke, UK, acquires Landell Mills Consulting from Landell Mills Ltd., Trowbridge, UK, strengthens existing beverage packaging services, adds food packaging; Domenic Cakebread, Landell managing director, becomes head of Canadean’s expanded packaging consulting operations, reports to Kelsey van Musschenbroek, ceo… MeadWestvaco Corp. (MWV), Richmond, VA, plans to close visual, paperboard packaging facility in Warrington, PA, shift production to other locations; plant primarily serves personal-care industry, employs 145… Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY, qualifies to participate in supplier diversity programs with certification as Women’s Business Enterprise from Women’s Presidents’ Education Organization, Arlington, VA, regional certifying partner of Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Washington, DC… Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC), Washington, DC, changes name to Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), reflecting group’s focus on promoting economic, environmental benefits of reusable packaging for moving, storing, handling product throughout supply chain…

EarningsUpdate: Multi-Color…

Multi-Color Corp., Sharonville, OH, sets revenue record for 10th consecutive year with 9% jump to $210.3 million for fiscal 2008, ended 31 March 2008; Collotype acquisition plays important role, accounts for $9.3 million, or about 50% of growth; meanwhile, net income more than doubles to $23.0 million in fiscal 2008, compared to $11.0 million in fiscal 2007…

Changeover: Avery Dennison RFID… O-I… Georgia-Pacific…

Avery Dennison RFID, Flowery Branch, Georgia, hires Harry Watkins as vp engineering, Ken Tinnell as senior director of applications… Michael J. Gannon joins Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), Perrysburg, OH, as vp/treasurer; Gannon comes to O-I from Molson Coors Brewing Co., Golden, CO… Patrick Smorch becomes director of packaging sustainability at Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, GA, with responsibility for company’s packaging sustainability initiative, division design team, packaging systems optimization (PSO) program; he rises to position after five years’ leadership of PSO program, more than 15 years’ experience in packaging industry, including packaging development, research roles, as well as Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI… Philip J. Duncan, currently president - Europe and Middle East region for Landor Associates, Cincinnati, OH, joins Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, OH, as global design officer on 1 August 2008, succeeding 31-year company veteran, Claudia B. Kotchka, vp – Design Innovation and Strategy, who is credited with helping company integrate design with innovation, will serve as vp on special assignment until her planned retirement on 31 March 2009…

Upstream: RFID… UPAKOVKA…

Deadline looms for early bird $250 discount for RFID World 2008, 8-10 September 2008, MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV; special web rate ends 31 May 2008 via www.cmpegevents.com/web/rfid/registration... Third annual RFID in Fashion 2008, 13-14 August 2008 at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY, updates retail, apparel, footwear, accessories companies on benefits of deploying radio frequency identification (RFID); sponsored by RFID Journal, Melville, NY, American Apparel and Footwear Association, Washington, DC, event’s early registration discount ends 20 June 2008 (www.rfidjournalevents.com/fashion/ registration_options.php)... UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2009 (www.mdna.com), returns to ZAO Expocentr, Krasnaya Presnya (Moscow), Russia, 27-30 January 2009; 17th international packaging trade fair runs concurrently with INTERPLASTICA 2009, International Trade Fair Plastics and Rubber…

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