Household cleaning products convert to RPET bottles

In what is believed to be first for household cleaners, Method Products, Inc., San Francisco, CA, converts three product lines to recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) containers.

Conversion to 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content containers from Amcor PET Packaging, Manchester, MI, from virgin PET involves nine stock keeping units: 12-ounce surface cleaners (Daily Granite, Stainless Steel, Wood for Good polishes), 25-ounce floor cleaners (Lemon Ginger, Wood for Good), 28-ounce All-Purpose Cleaners (Lavender, Pink Grapefruit, Cucumber), Daily Shower Spray (Ylang Ylang).

Converting to 100% PCR PET for 28-ounce bottle reduces its carbon footprint 60%, or 63.14 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Change reflects company’s environmental positioning, which includes use of biodegradable ingredients.

“Because we had been successful with 100% PCR bottles in the UK, we wanted to explore what could be done in the US,” explains Jason Crouch, director of procurement, method. However, obtaining consistent supply of PCR flake proves challenging since US supply infrastructure is less vertically integrated than Europe’s. “When method came to us last year on this project, we were hoping to get to 50% PCR content,” says Greg Rosati, business director, personal care, Amcor. “In our trials, we tested 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%,” he recalls. “That’s when we discovered that 100% PCR content was not out of the question, but we knew we had a lot of work ahead of us before we could be confident that…bottles meeting all of the criteria could be produced at commercial rates,” he concludes.

Other hurdles include processing tweaks to compensate for lower intrinsic viscosity of RPET. Additionally, since method specifies clear bottles for five SKUs, only certain gray, blue scale color readings were acceptable. After starting project in June 2007, completion of successful trials in November 2007, full-scale production began in December 2007 at Amcor’s plant in Nicholasville, KY. Product starts arriving on store shelves in February 2008. Follow-up: Latricia Fry, marketing manager Diversified Products Division, +1 734-302-2802, latricia.fry@amcorpet.com; Link: www.amcor.com.

Paperboard canister differentiates cake snacks on store shelves

Flip-top Sono-wrap® paperboard canister from Sonoco, Hartsville, SC, launches Mr Kipling Cake Bites from Premier Foods, St. Albans, UK.

Sized to stack two-high on store shelves, 140 x 125.14 x 100-millimetre canister contains 15 individually wrapped, bite-size sponge cakes. Firm installs new line to package Strawberry & Vanilla, Lemon, Caramel flavors.

Flexo-printed base of single-wrap canister features ingredient list, nutritional information. “Sonoco’s vibrant, flip-top Sono-wrap cans really help the Mr Kipling brand break through what consumers call ‘the wall of cake’ in stores,” reports Rachel Pirt, senior brand manager, Mr Kipling Innovation, Premier Foods. Follow-up: Myra Richey, marketing services, +1 843-383-3333, myra.richey@sonoco.com; Link: www.sonoco.com.

Recalls spoil taste for meats, fresh fruits, vegetables

Fully 57% of Americans report they no longer eat certain foods due to recent recalls, with 73% saying they believe number of recalls has spiked in past year. Furthermore, according to study by Deloitte Consulting LLP, New York, NY, 76% of consumers say they are more concerned today than five years ago about food they eat. Of 1,110 consumers surveyed nationwide, 78% express concern about beef recalls, 67% worry about chicken recalls, 53% are nervous about fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products.

Consumers voice major concern about foods from outside United States, with 56% saying imported foods are “not at all,” or “only somewhat” safe. In contrast, 80% give green light for domestically produced foods, with 89% wanting more fruits, vegetables from local farms. Finally, 33% trounce fresh fish as “not at all” or “somewhat” safe.

According to Deloitte’s Pat Conroy, vice chairman, US consumer products practice leader, “These findings underscore how urgent it is for food manufacturers to do all they can to address the problem of food recalls head-on. Over half of consumers say they may drop your product if they believe you are not doing what it takes to protect them and their families,” he says, adding, “In today’s environment, consumers are seeking fresher ingredients, giving locally grown food providers an important advantage they haven’t really had in the past.” Follow-up: Allyson McKenney, Information, +1 203-708-4406, amckenney@deloitte.com; Link: www.deloitte.com/us.

Software helps Intertape improve supply chain performance

Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada/Bradenton, FL, receives 2008 Sailing to New Heights with Logility Award for supply chain excellence from Logility, Inc., Atlanta, GA. Since deploying Logility Voyager Solutions software, Intertape improves fill rates from less than 70% to 95%, increases forecast accuracy from 56% to 86%, reduces total inventory $40 million year-over-year, boosts internal collaboration, customer service levels. “Logility Voyager Solutions helped us significantly increase demand visibility and forecast accuracy, refine our inventory and replenishment planning processes and gain an overall more proactive supply chain,” explains Joe Tocci, svp of Supply Chain at Intertape, a supplier packaging products such as tape, film, flexible intermediate bulk containers. Follow-up: At Logility, Marketing Department, +1 800-762-5207; Link: www.logility.com/; at Intertape, Marketing Department, info@itape.com; Link: www.intertapepolymer.com.

Filler handles carbonated or noncarbonated, hot or cold fills

Innofill DFV-VF/NH filler from KHS AG, Dortmund, Germany, fills carbonated beverages as well as noncarbonated hot or cold liquids in polyethylene terephthalate bottles.

Combination system provides maximum flexibility, handles fills ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 litres at up to 1,000 containers/minute with larger volumes available upon request. Pneumatic cylinders switch filling valves with push of button, also control beverage circulation during idle phases of hot filling. In filler with 100 stations, this type of control eliminates 297 solenoids, reducing complexity, minimizing need for service.

To prepare for hot filling, machine circulates hot water to bring it up to temperature. Filling relies on volumetric, electromagnetic induction flow metering, occurs in two stages -- fast, then slow. Like other members of DRV family, unit features tubular hygienic ring bowl; aseptic membrane/seal technology in all channels/paths carrying product, sterile gas; clean-in-place plates, which can be automatically inserted; hygienic drive, bottle guide. Related model, computer-controlled Innofill NV-H, fills hot or cold noncarbonated liquids. If desired, Innofill NV-H can be set up to automatically switch between two neck diameters. Follow-up: Manfred Rueckstein, +49 0 231 569 0, manfred.rueckstein@khs.com; Link: www.khs-ag.com.

Seed company customizes vegetables for MAP

Seed company begins developing broccoli, cauliflower for modified-atmosphere Intelimer® BreatheWay® bags, trays from Apio, Inc., subsidiary of Landec Corp., Menlo Park, CA.

Apio expects collaboration with Monsanto subsidiary, Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc., St. Louis, MO, to result in commercialization of unique varieties with improved nutrition, flavor, color, texture, taste, aroma for sale in retail grocery chains, club stores, foodservice outlets in North America. “We expect field trials for the initial target varieties to begin this fall,” says Ron Midyett, ceo of Apio. Follow-up: Gregory S. Skinner, vp Finance/cfo, +1 650-261-3677, gskinner@landec.com; Link: www.landec.com.

EPA updates requirements for rodent-control products

To protect children, pets, wildlife from accidental exposure, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, sets new requirements for rodent-control products.

Risk Mitigation Decision for 10 Rodenticides, published 28 May 2008, requires consumer quantities (1 pound or less) of 10 rodent-killing bait products intended to be used indoors or outdoors above ground to be sold with ready-to-use, tamper-resistant bait stations, prohibits sale of consumer size products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum, requires professional applicators to use bait stations both indoors, outdoors for these second-generation anticoagulants. Agency also bans sale of loose bait for residential use, establishes minimum package size requirements for products destined for agricultural, professional application, sets 2 September 2008 as deadline for manufacturers to provide agency with details of compliance plans for registered products. Follow-up: Link: www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/rodenticides/rodenticides_mitigation_decision.pdf.

Hoop geometry eliminates need for panels in hot-filled PET

With Vertical Compensation Technology™ (VCT™) from Constar International Inc., Philadelphia, PA, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles/jars handle hot filling.

Special hoop geometry, designed using Constar’s CONSTruct™ advanced predictive engineering software, allows stock or custom containers to flex vertically to compensate for vacuum created as hot-filled liquids cool, eliminating need for vacuum panels. Panel-less sidewalls with sturdy ribs replicate feel of glass, facilitate high-speed application of roll-fed labels to point where some trials experience immediate 10% improvement in productivity versus six-panel containers.

“We think line efficiency improvements will be significant,” predicts Scott Pleune, vp, Marketing and Business Development at Constar. Narrow-neck, 12-ounce, stock design for store-brand sauces represents first commercial application with beverage introductions on horizon. Meanwhile, testing of stock wide-mouth designs nears completion.

Target applications include conversions from glass that have not been possible due to premium image, high heat or barrier requirements. “With our barrier technology, we can deliver one year-plus shelf life,” says Pleune. “There also are significant sustainability advantages,” he adds. Since PET containers weigh as much as 90% less, switching from glass to PET saves energy, cuts freight costs. In addition, many curbside recycling programs accept PET. Furthermore, recycled PET remains in demand for production of new containers, products like carpet, clothing, sleeping bags. Follow-up: Scott Pleune, +1 215-552-3705; Link: www.constar.net.

Adjustable tip sprays at any angle, improves finish

EZ Touch 360 Degree™ Dial Spray Tip adjusts to spray in different directions, requires 48% less effort to push to increase hand comfort, decrease muscle fatigue.

Available on Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Paint, Krylon Brushed Metallic finishes from Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands, Cleveland, OH, new tip delivers paint more like professional spray gun with reduced overspray, less chance of runs or drips. For greater coverage, tip adjusts 360 degrees to spray vertically, horizontally or any angle in between, sprays more gently in fan-shaped rather than traditional, round, conical pattern.

“Our testers liked the tip so much, 94%...said they would recommend it to a friend,” says Mark Ksiezyk, senior product manager at Krylon. “The dial twists so users don't have to,” he explains. “You just rotate the dial with a gentle twist….A horizontal setting is ideal for spray painting vertical surfaces such as table legs, while a vertical setting is best for painting horizontal surfaces such as tabletops.”

Pressure-sensitive labels meet compostability standard

BioTAK™ range of pressure-sensitive (P-S) labels incorporate what is described as world’s first fully biodegradable, compostable adhesive.

Under development since 2001, S100 adhesive meets European Standard EN 13432, which specifies that 90% biodegradation must occur within 45 days. Substrates in BioTAK range from Berkshire Labels, Hungerford, UK, include white semi-gloss paper; kraft natural unbleached paper; white or clear polylactide; white, clear or metallized Natureflex cellulose-based film from Innovia Films Ltd., Wigton, UK. Compatible with chilled or ambient environments, applications include personal-care products, food, beverages, stationary. Customer list includes firms in Australia, US, Africa, Europe. ISO 14001-certified since August 2007, Berkshire also uses S100 adhesive to produce compostable tape, overlaminating film, retail glue, laminations, collects P-S backing paper from customers for recycling. Follow-up: Sales Department, +44 1488 683628, sales@berkshirelabels.co.uk; Link: www.berkshirelabels.co.uk.

Ashland gains stature as supplier of PSAs

Ashland Inc., Covington, KY, purchases pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), atmospheric emulsions business from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Lehigh Valley, PA, for $92 million. Acquired operations include acrylic, polyvinyl acetate technologies, support Ashland’s sales to paper/film labels, adhesives, sealants, pulp, paper, coatings industries. Acquisition includes two facilities, approximately 80 employees in Elkton, MD, Piedmont, SC, which Ashland intends to merge into its Specialty Polymers & Adhesives (SP&A) group. “This transaction positions Ashland as a top tier pressure-sensitive adhesives manufacturer,” states Marcello Boldrini, vp, Ashland Performance Materials, general manager SP&A, which recorded sales of $126 million in 2007. “The water-based emulsion technology from Air Products nicely complements our established solutions technologies.” Follow-up: At Ashland, Link: www.ashland.com.

Rotary tower stretch wrappers unitize tall or unstable loads

Flex RTD (rotary tower deluxe), Flex RTA (rotary tower automatic) stretch wrappers handle tall, heavy, fragile or unstable loads.

Units from Orion Packaging Systems, Collierville, TN, minimize film consumption via Insta-Thread film delivery system that pre-stretches film 260%, effectively lengthening 1 foot to 3.6 feet. Rotary Flex models feature 16 revolution/minute (RPM) variable speed towers; structural steel construction; heavy-duty chain, sprocket drive; unlimited maximum load capacity. Programmable logic controller; digital human machine interface; low maintenance AC motors; RevoLogicTM wrap counting, positioning system; tower-mounted obstacle sensing system simplify operation. Options include 30-inch film carriage, higher film stretch ratios for greater material cost savings, extensions for loads measuring more than 80 inches high or unusually wide, 22 RPM operation, various perimeter protection devices. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 800-333-6556; Link: www.orionpackaging.com.

FFS machine reduces residual oxygen to less than 0.5%

Gas Flush Vacuum Packaging Machine flushes pouch with nitrogen before, during, after filling to reduce residual oxygen levels to 0.5%.

General Packer machine, distributed in US by PTI/Packaging Technologies and Inspection, Tuckahoe, NY, gas flushes, forms, fills, seals four-side-sealed bags, stand-up pouches with or without zipper closure. Flushing in three stages instead of usual headspace flush extends freshness of nuts, snack foods, coffee beans.

Machine runs any heat-sealable material, produces up to 60 pouches/minute in sizes ranging from 130 x 100 millimetres (mm) to 380 x 230mm (5 x 4 inches to 15 x 9 inches), weights up to 2,000 grams (4.4 pounds). Compact machine occupies footprint of 3,200 x 1,460mm (10.5 x 5 feet), stands 1,350mm (4.4 feet) high. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 914-337-2005, info@ptipacktech.com; Link: www.ptipacktech.com.

Space-age applicator reinvents spray painting experience

Next generation of spray paint represents departure from usual aerosol can with patent-pending, molded applicator promising ease-of-use, precise control.

Rust-Oleum Universal from Rust-Oleum, Vernon Hills, IL, features 12-ounce (340-gram) aluminum canister, ergonomic trigger applicator, which is activated when red safety slide clip is pushed up, off. Replacing safety clip secures trigger, prevents accidental discharge. Applicator appears to be polypropylene, features drip guard, 360-degree “spray anyway” grip, which fits user’s hand, eliminates finger fatigue, sprays with no loss of pressure at any angle, including upside down. Slim neck of advanced delivery system makes gripping easier, offers control with 66% less force. Multilayer film label sports holographic background, clearly displays Rust-Oleum logo, product information, bilingual (English, Spanish) warnings. Back panel features bilingual instructions, recycle logo, “Eco-Info” that directs consumers to “Please recycle when empty.” Label affixes to can with adhesive. Breakthrough paint formula adheres to any interior, exterior surface including wood, metal, plastic, concrete in classic gloss, flat enamel, satin enamel, metallic finishes. Rust-Oleum’s Mark Heintz, brand manager, says, “Everything about Universal reflects Rust-Oleum innovation -- from its premium advanced formula to its state-of-the art design. It’s quite simply the best performing, all surface spray paint available on the market today.”

Innovation program saves packaged goods money, waste

Meat, seafood, dairy processors increase sustainability, savings via packaging supply chain think tank at Georgia-Pacific, Atlanta, GA.

Since initiation of Packaging Systems Optimization (PSO) program in 2002, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies save more than $200 million through its five-step process. Success stories include how family of Greenshield recyclable corrugated containers cut costs for poultry processors; box redesign for cracker brand increases profits; smartbag for produce boosts retail sales. To identify opportunities, team of Georgia-Pacific’s packaging experts, engineers analyze package design, shelf impact, line productivity, material handling, distribution. Detailed report outlines how customer can boost savings, profitability, sustainability. Follow-up: Link: www.gpinnovates.com.

Nestlé recognizes decorative tin, CPET tray suppliers

At least two packaging suppliers earn honors from Nestlé, Vevey, Switzerland, as part of its supplier recognition program.

In recognition of long-term relationship, as well as ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, Nestlé UK, Halifax, UK, bestows Packaging Supplier Performance 2007 award on Crown Speciality Packaging (CSP), business unit of Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. CSP receives honors for saving more than 200 tons of steel by downgauging lids, canister end of two-piece, octagonal container for 1.2 kilograms (2.7 pounds) of Nestlé’s Quality Street chocolates. Lightweighting also saves energy by increasing number of decorative tins/pallet, thus reducing number of vehicles needed for transportation.

Associated Packaging Technologies (APT), Chadds Ford, PA, receives recognition from Prepared Foods Division of Nestlé USA, Glendale, CA, for close collaboration with packaging group, frozen food plants to improve quality of dual-ovenable, thermoformed crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) trays.

As result of efforts, consumer, vendor complaints decrease 13%, 66%, respectively, since 2003. “APT’s efforts have had a sizeable impact at the Nestlé factories and also with the consumers, who are the ultimate judge of quality,” notes Tom Herrington, quality manager at Nestlé. Follow-up: At Crown, François-Xavier Vannini, marketing executive (Europe), +33 (1) 49 18 44 71, francois-xavier.vannini@eur.crowncork.com; Chris Robinson, business unit director (North America), +1 410-273-1885, chris.robinson@crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com; at APT, John L. Giordani, vp Sales, Marketing & Technical Sales, +1 484-785-1124, giordani@APTechnologies.com; Link: www.APTechnologies.com.

Dose counter improves inhaler functionality

Aerocount® Dose Indicator from Trudell Medical International, London, ON, Canada, helps Alvesco® (ciclesonide) Inhalation Aerosol gain approval.

Inhaled corticosteroid for treatment of asthma, distributed in US by Sepracor Inc., Marlborough, MA, under agreement with Nycomed International Management GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland, meets 2003 guidance from Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, which calls for integration of dose counter with metered dose inhalers delivering medication to lungs. Aerocount Dose Indicator customized for Alvesco displays number of doses left in inhaler, turns red when it’s time to renew prescription. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 519-455-7060, tmi@trudellmed.com; Link: www.aerocount.com.

Custom designer in UK creates packaging for short runs

Uniqu2u decorative packaging service from Stribbons, Wellingborough, UK, brings satin, silk, paperboard into custom point-of-purchase designs. On exhibit at Interpack 2008, Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, firm highlights innovative products for packaging, display, ranging from egg-shaped drawstring bag designed to fit chocolate egg to standard organza wraps; clear polyvinyl chloride film; metallic, hand-tied ribbons or tassels for perfume bottles. Service to small customers includes foil printing method for logos, designs in orders as short as 100 metres/run. Follow-up: Geoff Curtis, managing director, +44 1933 443446, geoff@stribbons.co.uk; Link: www.stribbons.co.uk/epages/stribbons.storefront.

Crown expands bevcan production

Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, adds to worldwide capacity with construction of bevcan production plant in Casablanca, Morocco. Located on site of existing food can manufacturing facility, plans call for startup of 700-million-can/year operation before end of 2009.

New plant, which is designed to accommodate installation of additional lines, expands Crown’s presence in Morocco where subsidiary Carnaud Maroc SA ranks as market leader for fish, vegetable, paint cans, crown closures. Founded more than 70 years ago, Carnaud Maroc operates one large plant in Casablanca, inaugurates second plant in August 2008 in Agadir. Follow-up: Tom Hughes, marketing manager (US), +1 215-698-5298, thomas.hughes@crowncork.com; Caroline Archer-Reed, marketing director (Europe), +33 1 49 18 40 43, caroline.archer-reed@eur.crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com/.

Report rates innovations presented at Interpack 2008

Interpack Innovations Report, published by Packaging Strategies, West Chester, PA, details new technology presented at recently concluded show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Report consists of 137 pages assessing developments in machinery, open/reclosure technologies, packaging components, dispensing systems, decoration technologies/systems, packaging/labeling materials, paperboard pouches/bags, retail display, rigid plastics, sustainable solutions, track/trace/verification systems, tubes. Purchasers of $3995 report also gain access to downloadable interviews with technology providers, Excel file of supplier contact information. Follow-up: Karen Vaillancourt, +1 610-436-4220, ext. 8511, orders@packstrat.com; Link: www.packstrat.com.

Upstream: Labelexpo… EPC Connection… European

Labelexpo Americas 2008 (www.labelexpo-americas.com/), 9-11 is scheduled for Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL… EPC Connection 2008 (www.epcconnection.com/registration_options.php) will be held 14-16 October 2008 at Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL… Third European Bioplastics Conference (www.european-bioplastics.org/index.php?id=719) takes place 5-6 November 2008 at Hotel Maritim, Berlin, Germany; program includes tabletop exhibition, sessions on technical, economic, political developments in bioplastics…

Changeover: Diageo… Sidel… Toray…

Alcoholic beverage maker/marketer Diageo, Norwalk, CT, appoints John Potter chief marketing officer, Diageo North America, effective 1 September 2008, succeeding Debra Kelly-Ennis, who has been promoted to president of Diageo Canada, succeeding John Kennedy, newly named md of Diageo Ireland… At Sidel, Clichy la Garenne, France, Luc Desoutter becomes sustainable development vp to lead environmental solutions, initiatives; since joining Sidel in 1991, he has held positions in special projects management, research & development for packaging materials, technical sales support… Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North Kingstown, RI, appoints Richard Schloesser president/coo, responsible for expanding North American operations, developing packaging film business in eastern, western Europe; Schloesser, with 18 years’ tenure at firm, also becomes senior director, Toray Industries, Inc., adviser to board of directors…

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