Distinctive copolyester bottle for functional water for children doubles as toy

Symmetrical Y-shaped single-serving bottle for Y Water from Y Water Inc., Los Angeles, CA, appeals to kids, doubles as toy when empty.

With distribution spreading nationwide from initial presence in southern California stores of Whole Foods Market, Inc., Austin, TX, Y Water comes in four preservative-free, artificial coloring/sweetener-free flavors – Bone Water, Brain Water, Immune Water, Muscle Water.

“Packaging is the hero of the Y Water brand,” says Arndt. “The Y bottle truly helps to differentiate our products by engaging consumers in a way that is completely unexpected.” Unique shape of bottle relies on blowmolding characteristics of Eastman Eastar™ EB062 copolyester resin from Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, TN. Resin also combines water-like clarity with durability, heat tolerance needed for hot filling at 185o Fahrenheit.

Biodegradable hang tag around bottle neck features cartoon-like drawings, humorous text. Foil inner seal, custom closure complete package. “The beauty of the Y Water package goes much deeper than its distinctive three-dimensional Y shape,” says Courtland Jenkins, industry leader, Food Beverage and Consumer Packaging at Eastman. “The Y Water package itself is the culmination of a new approach to packaging that incorporates shelf presentation, the concept of reusability and functionality that resonates and connects with the consumer.” Y Water accepts empty containers for recycling. Follow-up: Link: www.eastman.com.

Heinz plans to reduce GHG emissions 20% by 2015

HJ Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, PA, plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 20% by 2015 with help of packaging changes, reduction in utilities use.

With overall goal of 15% less packaging, many changes remain under review. Active projects include replacement of polyethylene terephthalate trays with molded pulp trays made of recycled fiber, elimination of bleached paperboard secondary cartons for Boston Market line of frozen foods to eliminate approximately 60 million cartons, save energy, bleaching chemicals.

In UK where majority of company’s products sells in steel cans, Heinz is working with can supplier, government to test cans, which are 13% lighter. With daily sales of 1.5 million cans of baked beans alone, lightweighted cans would save millions of pounds of steel, at least $1 million in material costs annually. “It’s a good example of how positive packaging impact can have positive business impact,” says Michael Mullen, director of corporate affairs for Heinz.

Although it’s too early to report changes in energy, water consumption on packaging lines, Heinz now places more weight on green considerations when making capital investments including packaging equipment. “We have to invest in technology,” says Mullen. “Results are probably three or four years down the road,” he predicts.

To achieve its GHG reduction goals, Heinz also plans to cut transportation 10%, acquire 15% of its energy from renewable sources, shrink its carbon footprint related to agriculture, encourage employees to minimize their personal carbon footprint, cut solid waste 20% through increased recycling, reuse. In fact, facility in Dundalk, Ireland already recycles 95% of its plastic waste, 99% of waste corrugated, wood, steel.

Development projects underway include converting potato peels into biofuel, recycling 90% of water used in potato production, which is projected to save 1 billion gallons/year; improving efficiency of distribution network with fuller truckloads, more direct routes, increased use of rail transport to save more than 2 million gallons of fuel globally; expanding tomato growing into new areas to permit more local sourcing.

Resin injection process customizes pump for fragrance industry

Resin injection process adds decorative effects, colors to customize capsule, actuator sheath of Clikit™ IP pump from MWV Calmar, New York, NY.

Replacing metal components with plastic on pumps for 13-, 15-millimetre neck finishes reduces number of suppliers, shortens lead time, and cuts costs. Compatible with various polymers, process creates special effects via lacquer application or master batch in resin itself to deliver cost-effective, high-performance pump with upscale appearance suitable for prestige fragrance brands. Click-on feature means pump is supplied ready assembled, which reduces number of components, enhances filling line productivity because it eliminates one of stations needed to handle traditional ferrule pumps, although modifications may be needed to accommodate non-crimped Clikit IP pump. “Our customers are constantly seeking solutions to enhance their design capabilities while also striving to simplify their packaging materials, their manufacturing processes and purchasing complexity,” says Sandy Gregory, marketing director for MWV Calmar’s Fragrance Division. “With Clikit IP, MWV Calmar has gone beyond the boundaries of established practices without compromising on aesthetic perfection and technical performance…,” she adds. Launched in May 2008 at Luxe Pack New York, MWV Calmar expects first commercial introductions before end of 2008. Follow-up: Sandy Gregory, +34 93 314 9111, sandy.gregory@meadwestvaco.com; Link: www.mwv.com/.

Wrigley Slim Pack updates stick gum line for better fit at retail

Extending structural design of revolutionary “5” brand gum, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Chicago, IL, converts entire line of stick gum to Slim Pack to improve packs’ durability, portability.

In addition, “… it creates more space on the shelf,” explains Jennifer Jackson-Luth, manager, Marketing Communications at Wrigley. Plain foil wrapper imprinted with Wrigley’s, plus tiny repeating icons of person tossing trash into garbage can serves as primary packaging. Reclosable, 3 x 2.5 x 3/8-inch carton holds 15 sticks of conventionally sized gum in three parallel stacks. Folding carton consists of bleached paperboard printed on both sides. Diecut back provides slot for tabbed overflap that opens/recloses envelope. Tear strip makes clear film overwrap easy to remove. New packaging restages Extra, Juicy Fruit, Doublemint, Big Red, Winterfresh, Wrigley’s Spearmint brands. In addition Wrigley’s “5” brand adds Lush, Elixir flavors to Rain, Cobalt, Flare in signature sleek black envelope pack [PMU, 13 August 2007]. Carton for new “5” flavors features matte, gloss printing, embossed/debossed elements, bright yellow to identify Lush tropical fruit flavor, magenta for Elixir berry flavor. Inside, 15 sticks of gum come individually wrapped in richly colored foil with “5” embossed in various sizes.

Appearing on shelves in May 2008, Slim Pack also introduces Extra Fruit Sensations in four long-lasting fruit flavors – Strawberry Banana, Berry Pearadise, Island Cooler, Sweet Watermelon – with Seal of Acceptance from American Dental Association, Chicago, IL, which indicates chewing sugar-free gum helps maintain good oral health. Slim Pack for most brands sells for $1.09; traditional five-stick pack remains available at $0.35/pack. Launch at All Candy Expo, 20-22 May 2008 in Chicago, IL, includes distribution of single sticks of “5” flow-wrapped in printed, multilayer metallized film from Sonoco, Hartsville, SC. Follow-up: Link: www.sonoco.com.

Counterfeit prevention depends on original packaging

Counterfeiting prevention depends on integrity of original packaging, according to European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), Brussels, Belgium. Association wants to eliminate reboxing, relabeling, over-stickering since these repackaging activities remove security seals, damage unique identification codes, which aid product traceability. Citing 384% increase in seizures of counterfeit products between 2005, 2006, group also advocates stronger penalties for trafficking in counterfeits, harmonized identification system across European Union (EU), Brussels, Belgium. To support development of EU-wide identification system, EFPIA pilot tests unique bar code system to help pharmacists verify each pack before dispensing to patient. Follow-up: Link: www.efpia.org.

Reclosable tray/lid protect product freshness

C-Pak tray/lid from Harpak, Inc., Easton, MA, recloses on three surfaces to better protect freshness of sliced deli meats, dried fruits, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables.

Patent-pending design reportedly creates stronger seal than conventional overcap, tight tolerance between lid, tray. After first-time use, clicking sound tells consumers package is reclosed properly. C-Pak adapts to multiple presentations, hanging on pegboard, stacking in well or lying on side, runs on any fill/seal machine, distributed by Harpak, including multi-lane, 400 pack/minute Evolution from G. Mondini (UK) Ltd., Stone, UK. Follow-up: Nina O’Brien, +1 508-238-8884, ninaobrien@harpak.com; Link: www.harpak.com.

Customized Robox palletizer stacks two pallets at time

Robox cell from Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Brewerton, NY, builds two pallet loads from single infeed by alternating from one to other.

Optimized human-machine interface, preprogramming offers user-friendly setup, simplifies changeover to pallet pattern for next product. Optional automatic pallet dispensers, over/under conveyors, which swap full pallet for empty one, accelerate throughput. Compact system, based on robot arm from FANUC Robotics America, Inc., Rochester Hills, MI, handles rigid cases, bags, cartons or trays at 30+ picks/minute. Standard Ethernet port allows remote monitoring, diagnosis. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 315-676-3035; Link: www.schneiderequip.com.

Wines drop glass jugs for bag-in-box packaging

Glass jugs for wine seem poised to become collector’s items as new owner of Almaden, Inglenook brand wines, switches to bag-in-box (BIB) packaging. Wine Group, Inc., Livermore, CA, which purchased brands from Constellation Wines US, Canandaigua, NY, in February 2008, estimates switch from 3-, 4-litre glass jugs to BIB packaging will save 11 million pounds of packaging waste, reduce carbon footprint 60%. “The positive impact to the environment from making the shift to BIB packages will be huge, simply because the volume of these two brands combined account for 10 million cases…,” notes David Kent, Wine Group ceo

PACK EXPO preview: Labeler engineered to run wide range of containers, labels

Model 130 Bronco pressure-sensitive labeler from NJM/CLI, Lebanon, NH, handles up to 200 bottles per minute.

New labeler to be shown at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, operates on Allen Bradley Kinetix/Compactlogix platform from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI.

With synchronized servomotors, robust components, labeler offers superior label placement accuracy, reliability, quick, repeatable format changeovers, simplified maintenance.

Design supports field retrofits to accommodate new configurations, options.

Model 130 Bronco applies single, dual or wraparound labels on round, square, oval containers measuring 1 to 14 inches (25 to 356 millimetres) in height, 5/8 to 7 inches (16 to 178mm) in diameter. Options include hot-stamp or thermal-transfer coders, vision inspection systems, barcode readers, missing label detectors, reject stations. Heavy-duty stainless steel/aluminum construction, open frame design, raised bed sanitary conveyor meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Applications include pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics/personal-care products, chemicals, food. Follow-up: Marla Stallmann, +1 603-448-0300, MarlaStallmann@njmcli.com; Link: www.njmcli.com.

HDPE kangaroo tub, bottle ensure proper use of hair product

Kangaroo tub arrangement helps stylists remember both steps in two-stage hair regimen, eliminates problems with lost, misplaced pre-treatment bottles.

Like a joey in its mama’s pouch, packaging for Affirm Cream Relaxer from Avlon Industries, Inc., Chicago, IL, cuddles 4-ounce high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle of pre-treatment solution into customized indentation in 4-pound HDPE tub of hair solution. New format assembles more efficiently on packaging line since pre-treatment bottle simply snaps in place. Container duo eliminates need to tape 4-ounce bottle, 4-pound tub together. Redesigned friction-fit low-density polyethylene lid completes tub package, fits better than stock lid used previously. Polypropylene snap-on closure seals 4-ounce bottle. TricorBraun, St. Louis, MO, supplies all containers, closures. One- or two-color silk screen printing enhances clean appearance of exterior. Pressure-sensitive label applied to lid on packaging line completes package. Follow-up: Suzanne Fenton, CPP, director of marketing, +1 314-569-3633, sfenton@tricorbraun.com; Link: www.tricorbraun.com.

VFFS machine packs zippered pouch, other flexible formats

CFS SmartPacker SX 400 vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine from CFS BV, Weert, The Netherlands, inserts gusset to form base of SmartPouch stand-up pouch with zipper at top.

Versatile change tooling allows switch to second drive that produces standard pillow packs, block-bottom, quarto-seal, other pouch styles. Pack sizes range up to 100 x 40 x 290 millimetres (approximately 4 x 1.6 x 11.4 inches), hold up to 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds).

Compared to standard, semiautomatic fill-seal equipment for pre-formed pouches for confectionery, snack products, SmartPacker system cuts running costs up to 50% through fully automatic operation, enhances quality via innovations such as flat cutting blade, choice of hanging slot. Standard pouches run at speeds of up to 100/minute. Follow-up: Stan van Vegchel, director Sales & Customer Support, +31 495 457 738, Stan.van.Vegchel@CFS.com; Link: www.cfsaquarius.com.

Unique code authenticates product

Pro-tex® system from Chesapeake Corp., Richmond, VA, assigns unique alphanumeric code to item-level packaging.

Security-linked inkjet or digital printing technology applies code to wide range of substrates including cartons, labels, leaflets, plastic containers. “Ideally, codes are added at packaging production stage because that [point in the supply chain] is thought to provide the highest level of security,” explains Joe Vagi, manager – Corporate Communications for Chesapeake.

Checking code against secure database using text message function on cell phone confirms authenticity. Consumers registering code for first time receive confirmation by return text message. If code has already been registered or is not recorded in database, instant text message alerts user. “The Pro-tex system is simple to use and helps the user to verify if a product is genuine,” explains Carol Hammond, who heads R&D at Chesapeake’s packaging design center in Nottingham, UK. “The database system also offers the manufacturer the ability to track products and build information on a product’s distribution, life cycle and usage, as well as gather other valuable market data,” she notes, adding, “The manufacturer can also alert the consumer to product changes via a SMS text message or send other relevant information thereby becoming a valuable marketing tool.” Multilingual system adjusts language, content of reply based on message it receives. Primary applications include high-value luxury items, other products prone to counterfeiting such as pharmaceuticals, distilled spirits, cosmetics. Follow-up: Carol Hammond, +44 115 979 6350, carol.hammond@chesapeakecorp.com; Link: www.chesapeakecorp.com.

Wal-Mart reaches goal of reducing laundry detergent packaging

More than 4,000 stores complete transition to concentrated liquid laundry detergent, achieve target announced by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, AR, in September 2007 at Clinton Global Initiative. Decision helps transform entire category across retail industry. In three years, Wal-Mart expects change to save more than 95 million pounds of resins made from fossil fuel; more than 400 million gallons of water; more than 125 million pounds of paperboard. Phase-out of larger bottles of non-concentrated detergent, which began in October 2007 in South, concludes in May 2008 in Northeast. Wal-Mart’s Matt Kistler says, “This commitment moves us closer to our goal to drive waste out of our supply chain while continuing to offer our customers affordable, environmentally friendly products.”

Stock sizes meet needs of low-volume users of PP foam sheet

Three stock sizes, 1/32-, 1/16-, 3/32 inch, of Microguard™ low-density polypropylene (PP) foam sheet give low-volume users access to just-in-time delivery of cushioning.

“The new stock offerings will allow our customers to take advantage of Microguard’s protective qualities without committing to minimum order quantities and long product lead times,” explains Josephine Lee, director of Marketing. Further, Microguard’s high coefficient of friction protects easily scratched finishes against vibration, shifting during transit. In addition to cushioning, surface protection properties, Microguard PP sheet foam offers excellent vapor transmission, insulation. Uses also extend to void fill, interleaving for items such as china, other fragile “layered” product packs. High melt point (320 Fahrenheit) make it uniquely suited to handle parts—such as injection molded components—which may arrive at packaging stage at elevated temperatures. High melt point also makes it ideal for shrink-wrapped applications such as furniture. Compared to polyethylene foam, Microguard PP foam requires 40% less resin. It also weighs less than small air cushions of equal area. Lighter weight means lower shipping costs. Other environmental advantages include recyclability, photo degradability, absence of curing agents so there is no grease transfer to part it protects. Applications include food, fulfillment/mail order, furniture, housewares, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, appliances. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 866-692-6163, protectivesales@pregis.com; Link: www.pregis.com.

Lance names Caraustar Supplier of the Year

Lance, Inc., Charlotte, NC, bestows 2007 Lance Supplier of the Year Award in Folding Box division on Caraustar Industries, Inc., Atlanta, GA.

Award honors Caraustar for exceptional performance including quality conformance, service, inventory controls, sustainability practices, value-added contributions in manufacture of paperboard cartons, trays. Evaluations rate suppliers on scale of 0 to 100% in various performance categories. Caraustar receives 100% Total Quality score for all categories during each quarter of 2007. Latest award marks third consecutive year Caraustar receives honor, eighth time in past several years. “Caraustar is proud of its 30-plus year relationship with Lance,” says Mark I. Maley, vp of Sales for Caraustar’s Converted Products Group. “As one of its primary suppliers, our Grand Rapids [MI] and Randleman [NC] carton plants provide Lance’s paperboard name brand snack food packaging requirements, including packaging for its sandwich crackers and cookies, nuts and saltines,” he concludes. Follow-up: Mark I. Maley, +1 216-281-2667; Link: www.caraustar.com.

Multivac receives 2007 Spirit of Excellence Award

Multivac, Inc., Kansas City, MO, receives 2007 Spirit of Excellence Award for supportive role as supplier to Hormel Foods, Austin, MN. Hormel awards top honors to 71 vendors who take proactive role in meeting, surpassing requirements established by its supplier quality management committee [PMU, 14 April 2008]. Hormel selects suppliers on basis of delivery performance, product quality, customer service, administration, plant quality audits.

ShortRuns: Pregis… Rohm and Haas… Medicis…

Pregis Corp., Deerfield, IL, forms Pregis Distributor Council (PDC) to help speed development of protective packaging solutions for end users; PDC also provides forum to educate distributors about its products for markets such as food, foodservice, healthcare… At Rohm and Haas Co., Philadelphia, PA, commitment to build $US10 million acrylic emulsion facility in Nhon Trach, Vietnam, adds to network of 11 plants across Asia-Pacific region; firm expects completion of 25,000-metric-ton operation in Dong Nai province by mid-2009… After discovering one 30-count bottle of 90-milligram (mg) Solodyn® minocycline HCl antibiotic Extended Release tablets containing Azasan azathioprine immuno-suppressant, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., Scottsdale, AZ, recalls Solodyn, lot numbers B080037 (Exp: 12/09), B080038 (Exp: 12/09); AAIPharma Inc., Wilmington, NC, contract manufactures Solodyn for Medicis; produced affected lots in February 2008…

Changeover: Shuttleworth…

Bret Ranc becomes coo at Shuttleworth, Inc., Huntington, IN, with responsibility for sales/marketing, engineering, manufacturing of firm’s conveyor automation, material handling machinery; background includes assignments as vp Sales & Marketing, vp Technical Operations, mechanical engineering manager, systems engineering manager…

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