British organic cereal specifies compostable package

Compostable, flat-bottom pouch, produced via collaborative effort of multiple suppliers, meets organic cereal maker’s sustainability requirements.

Pouch for organic muesli from W Jordan Ltd., Biggleswade, UK, consists of one layer of NatureFlex NE30 film from Innovia Films, Cumbria, UK, adhesive-laminated to layer of Mater-Bi brand compostable bioplastic film from Novamont SpA, Novara, Italy.

Lamination occurs at plant in Dublin, Ireland, owned by Alcan Packaging, Paris, France. Product of three-year development effort, compostable package breaks down naturally in 6 to 12 weeks.

Recipient of DuPont Award for Packaging Innovation in 2008 competition sponsored by DuPont Co., Wilmington, DE, two-layer, cellulose/starch-based packaging requires no machine changes, offers home compostability [PMU, 28 April 2008].

Bio-based films, along with inks, adhesives, meet European standard for compostable, biodegradable packaging DIN EN 13432. Testing of finished structure confirms compliance to EN13432, as well as US ASTM D6400 composting protocols. In addition, stringent ecotoxicity tests confirm inks, adhesives pose no unforeseen ecological toxicity.

“This new laminate structure used in the first ever fully certified compostable pack, not only extends the applications that NatureFlex can be used for, but also highlights the versatility of this sustainable, cellulose-based film,” says Andy Sweetman, Innovia’s global marketing manager – Sustainable Technologies. Follow-up: At Alcan; Link: www.alcanpackaging.com; at Innovia, Andy Sweetman, +44 16973 41549, andy.sweetman@innoviafilms.com; Link: www.innoviafilms.com; at Novamont; Link: www.novamont.com.

Online label program cuts design time

Maestro Label Designer 1.0 from Online Labels, Inc., Longwood, FL, provides online access to software, eliminates need for downloads. Program allows user to create, save, print labels via laser, inkjet printers. Purchasers of blank labelstock receive free access for predetermined period such as one, three, six or 12 months. Software offers compatibility with 140 standard label sizes, more than 20 fonts, 230 colors for text, backgrounds, more than 12,000 clip art illustrations. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 407-949-6499; Link: www.onlinelabels.com.

Acquisition opens door to wider use of compliance packaging

MWV, formerly MeadWestvaco, Richmond, VA, expands worldwide access to compliance packaging with acquisition of International Labs, St. Petersburg, FL. Purchase made in conjunction with Bilcare, Pune, India, combines MWV expertise in package design with Bilcare’s capabilities in packaging materials, anticounterfeiting technology, clinical services, research services, plus International Labs’ contract packaging services for retail pharmacies, drug makers. International Labs relies on MWV’s Shellpak compliance packaging for generic, branded drug programs. Child-resistant, senior-friendly Shellpak design, which won 2007 Compliance Package of the Year award from Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council, Falls Church, VA, for design of Clonidine Pack [PMU, 14 May 2007], integrates foil-backed blister card with labeled, injection-molded shell, eliminates need for additional transport packaging, provides billboard space to increase shelf visibility, brand identity. Pre-filled Shellpak minimizes pill-counting time in pharmacy, provides consumer with on-pack instructions regarding dosage days/times to make it easier to take medication correctly. Terms of agreement remain undisclosed. Follow-up: At MWV, Healthcare Packaging, +1 919-304-0316 (USA), +353 1 882 5800 (Europe), healthcare@meadwestvaco.com; Link: www.mwv.com.

Cap holds ingredients for functional beverage

Activate™ enhanced water from Rising Beverage Co., Los Angeles, CA, stores vitamin, herb ingredients inside cap to protect freshness, potency. Company opts for slim 16.9-ounce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle after tests show biodegradable, corn-based polylactide bottle protects shelf life for only two weeks. Patented cap consists of knurled blue chamber atop natural tamper-evident closure. When knurled top is twisted clockwise, small plastic blade cuts seal in chamber, small armature opens releasing ingredients into water below. “The cap provides a new form of ingredient delivery and an easy way to keep healthy,” says cofounder Anders Eisner. Designed as replacement for hard-to-swallow vitamin pills, messy powdered supplements, each of four sugar-free flavors of low-calorie, preservative-free beverage delivers functional benefit: Vitamin/Fruit Punch, Immunity/Orange, Antioxidant/Berry, Energy/Lemon Lime. Launched in Los Angeles, CA, in February 2008, distribution now encompasses much of southern California. Product also sells online in four-count carrier (one bottle of each flavor), 24-count single-flavor shippers.

Washdown-compatible robot meets USDA hygiene requirements

Washdown-compatible M-430iA/2F food picking robot ranks as first robot to meet hygiene requirements for meat/poultry processing. Robot from FANUC Robotics America, Inc., Rochester Hills, MI, earns certification from US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington, DC. “The M-430iA robot has met or exceeded the USDA, AMS criteria as published in the NSF/ANSI/3-A 14159-1 2002 specifications, passed inspection, and earned the right to bear the USDA, AMS Meat and Poultry Accepted Equipment logo,” explains Sumeet Vispute, product manager, Picking, Packing, and Palletizing at FANUC Robotics. Equipped with visual line tracking, high-speed unit picks primary food or packaged products at speeds up to 120 cycles/minute. “The five-axis M-430iA/2F is the fastest robot ever designed by FANUC Robotics and sets a new speed record for articulated robots of 120 cycles/minute at a 1-kilogram (kg) payload and 100 cycles/minute at a 2kg payload,” reports Vispute. Suitable for tight workspaces, unit mounts in floor, wall or invert positions. Other features include clean design with no particle retention areas that might foster bacteria growth or rust; hollow arm to protect air line, electric cable; food-grade grease; USDA-accepted components; coatings, materials, seals that withstand caustic or acidic cleaners; IP67 rating that ensures robot withstands post-washdown rinsing, iRVision vision system with integrated two-dimensional guidance tool. Applications include foods, beverages medical devices, cosmetics, household products. In multiple robot systems, PickTool software divides incoming product so each one picks assigned percentage or equal number of products. “If more than one type of product is on the conveyor, the programmer simply assigns a percentage value and a part ID to distribute each robot’s picking assignments,” says Vispute. Software also enables automatic redistribution to another robot if assigned robot stops. Follow-up: Cathy Powell, marketing communications, +1 248-377-7570, cathy.powell@fanucrobotics.com; Link: www.fanucrobotics.com.

Stretch wrap purchasers qualify for free stretch wrapper

Purchase of at least two pallets of stretch film/month from Unisource Worldwide, Inc., Norcross, GA, qualifies customer for free stretch wrapper. Promotional program provides use of Unisource Private Brand stretch wrapper for two years, includes quarterly preventative maintenance on machine. At end of period, user purchases machine at market value or returns it to Unisource.

Private Brand stretch wrapper features dual-speed roll carriage that produces faster up-speed for stabilizing irregular profile loads, plus slower down-speed for securing loads; self-diagnostics; powder-coated paint; Allen-Bradley programmable logic controller from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI; quieter operation due to belt-drive roll carriage, which eliminates clanging chains, noisy casters; lifetime guarantee on pre-stretch rollers. US-made machine handles loads that weigh up to 2 tons, measure nearly 7 feet high, exceed 4 feet in width. “The stretch wrapper is our first entree of a full line of packaging equipment that we intend to introduce,” says Mike Schoenberger, vp – Packaging Systems at Unisource. Unisource also serves as distributor for stretch wrappers from ARPAC Group, Schiller Park, IL; Pro Mach’s Orion Packaging Systems, Inc., Collierville, TN. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 800-UNISOURCE; Link: www.unisourcelink.com.

PACK EXPO preview: Converter displays recycled content films

Klöckner Pentaplast, Gordonsville, VA, showcases array of films at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Offerings include Pentaform®, Pentaclear® recycled-content amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) films with minimum of 25% or 50% recycled content for general-purpose thermoforming, box applications. Pentaform® line provides brilliant optical clarity, excellent toughness. Available in clear, transparent green, black or white with gloss/gloss surface, gauges range from 10-40 mils. Partnership with Packaging 2.0 LLC, Jamestown, RI, produces SmartCycle™ films made from recycled PET bottles. Suitable for thermoformed trays, clamshells, surface-sealed blisters, other containers, SmartCycle films contain various guaranteed levels of post-consumer-recycled content, are processed with renewable energy. Films comply with regulations for direct food contact. Use of SmartCycle™ logo helps consumers make educated choices, may encourage municipalities to collect PET clamshells, along with bottles for recycling. Other offerings include high-yield polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) films with 30% better yield than standard PETG, Pentalabel® high-yield PETG shrink films for full-body sleeve labels. Follow-up: Nancy E. Ryan, group director, Corporate Communications, +1 540-832-1427, n.ryan@kpfilms.com; Link: www.kpfilms.com.

Packaging machinery plans remain steady for ’08

Update of 2008 packaging machinery Purchasing Plans Study predicts increase of 0.4% over 2007 in packaging machinery spending, slightly lower than 0.6% prediction in initial survey. Growth of 0.4% translates into expenditure of $6.292 billion instead of $6.304 billion anticipated in original report published early in 2008 by Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA. Approximately 21.9% of respondents in update survey conducted in April, May 2008 account for slower growth rate, plan to scale back 2008 budget. Of remaining respondents, 55.6% plan to maintain 2008 budget, 22.5% intend to spend more than originally anticipated. Mid-size companies (six to 25 packaging lines) register highest rate of budget increases (25%). Larger firms (more than 25 lines) record highest rate of budget cuts (29%). Top reasons for mid-year budget increases include need to accommodate new product, increase capacity. Budget cuts typically stem from weaker-than-expected demand, economic uncertainty, increasing costs for raw materials/energy. As in initial study, only food, personal-care products companies anticipate growth in 2008 versus 2007. Report marks first time PMMI has issued update to its annual Purchasing Plans Study. Follow-up: Paula Feldman, director of research and surveys, +1 703-243-8755, pfeldman@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org.

Sport cap joins short-skirt designs

Three-piece, pull-push sport cap joins family of short-skirt closures with 28 PCO 1881 finish. Multi-cavity mold makes it possible for Corvaglia Closures, Eschlikon, Switzerland, to injection mold 300 million short-skirt, high-density polyethylene sport caps/year. Short-skirt design represents source reduction of about 2 grams container, roughly 0.7 gram in cap itself, 1.4 grams in neck finish of polyethylene terephthalate container. ”For a production quantity of 1 billion bottles, savings of about €3 million (US$4.8 million) can be made in resin costs by using the short neck finish,” estimates Thomas Anderegg, ceo of Corvaglia Closures. Follow-up: Andrés Pita, sales, +41 71 973 77 14, a.pita@corvaglia.ch; Link: www.corvaglia.ch.

Servo-driven cartoner line adds mid-priced IM model

Mid-priced, large-center Intermittent Motion (IM) cartoner joins Meridian line from RA Jones & Co., Inc., Covington, KY. Metric-design, compact 10-foot-long unit suits broad range of food, consumer products applications with 9- or 12-inch center, right or left hand configuration. Rotary carton feed runs speeds of 53 cartons/minute (cpm) on 9-inch center, 45 cpm with 12-inch center. On 9-inch-center machine, carton sizes range from 4 x 0.5 x 4.5 to 8 x 6 x 12 inches, while 12-inch-center model handles sizes up to 11 x 6 x 12 inches. Four chain adjustable carton transport with easy-to-replace, tool-less lugs, standard adjustable buckets, expedite reconfiguration. Standard Meridian features include stainless steel construction; hygienic design with minimal catch points; Kinetix drives, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controls, Allen-Bradley VersaView color touch screen operator interface from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI; servo-driven flap closers; Pro-Blue 7 hot-melt glue system from Nordson Corp., Duluth, GA; straight-in bucket conveyor including guide buckets, walk-in guarding system for easy access, one-year warranty. Options include automatic transfers, code date, tuck closing, open flap inspect/reject, loader reject conveyor.. Follow-up: Lisa Pitzer, marketing project manager, +1 859-578-4497, pitzer.l@oystar.rajones.com; Link: www.oystar.rajones.com.

Software calculates savings generated with plastic pallets

Online calculator computes fuel savings, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by switch from wood pallet to all-plastic pallet from Intelligent Global Pooling Systems Co. LLC (iGPS), Orlando, FL. Calculator, located at www.igps.net, uses data from US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, which quantifies relationships between cargo weight, fuel usage, GHG emissions. User simply inputs number of truckloads shipped annually, along with average number of pallets/truckload. “The weight difference between our all-plastic pallet and the typical multi-use wood pallet is dramatic: 27 pounds,” explains Bob Moore, chairman/ceo of iGPS. “As a result, shippers shed hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds of unnecessary weight with each truckload when they switch from typical multi-use wood pallets to our lighter iGPS plastic pallet. Lessening weight reduces fuel consumption, which in turn reduces GHG emissions. With record high fuel costs, any measure to conserve is important,” he concludes. Pallets in iGPS pool meet requirements of Grocery Manufacturers Association, weigh 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallets, carry radio frequency identification tags, bar codes that support track/trace initiatives, are UL 2335-certified fire-retardant, 100% recyclable. Follow-up: Link: www.igps.net.

Aluminum can recycling jumps 2.2% in 2007

Aluminum can recycling jumps 2.2% to 53.8% in 2007, its largest gain in 10 years. Rate represents nearly 54 billion recycled cans, nearly 2 billion more than in 2006, according to statistics published by Aluminum Association, Arlington, VA; along with Washington, DC-based Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. Rate also ranks as highest level in six years, makes infinitely recyclable aluminum can the most recycled beverage container in US. “Recycling saves energy,” says Robert Budway, CMI president, adding, “Recycling 40 aluminum beverage cans has the energy-saving equivalent of 1 gallon of gasoline. During 2007, Americans recycled enough aluminum cans to conserve the energy equivalent of over 15 million barrels of oil.” Value of used aluminum bevcan not only covers cost of its collection, reprocessing, but also helps subsidize collection of other recyclable materials.

Bottled water closures weigh up to 30% less

Lightweight Aqua-Max 30.25-millimetre (mm) water bottle closure weighs up to 30% less than current designs. Material-conserving Aqua-Max 30.25 from Closure Systems International, Indianapolis, IN, improves sustainability profile. “In addition to substantial material savings, Aqua-Max closures deliver outstanding sealing performance and reliability for still water products,” says John Greiner, CSI global marketing manager. Tamper-evident band-break before seal loss ensures maximum security, product integrity. Brand-enhancing options include top printing, embossing, color. Follow-up: John Greiner, +1 317-390-5072, john.greiner@csiclosures.com; Link: www.csiclosures.com.

Eco-friendly labelstock arrives with bright face

Laser, inkjet labelstock from OnlineLabels.com, Orlando, FL, consists of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber certified by Forest Stewardship Council, Reston, VA. Custom labels, more than 140 stock sizes complement “green” packaging, meet demand for earth-friendly label. Uncoated, matte white facestock with 92% brightness runs smoothly on medium-, high-speed printers. Follow-up: Link: www.onlinelabels.com.

Solventless lamination proves to be energy-saving alternative

Solventless lamination requires 86% less energy than solvent-based lamination, according to third-party energy audit. In solventless lamination, low-viscosity adhesives bond layers, eliminating concerns with removal of retained solvents, volatiles associated with solvent lamination. Testing undertaken for Ampac Flexibles division of Ampac Packaging LLC, Cincinnati, OH, confirms energy efficiency of Comexi solventless laminator at Ampac’s plant in Cary, IL. Documentation means users of solventless flexible packaging materials produced in Cary receive extra credit for sustainable energy efficiency on Wal-Mart Scorecard. Solventless laminations also offer improved shelf-life, barrier, appearance. According to Sal Pellingra, innovation and marketing director at Ampac Flexibles, “The solventless system not only saves energy, but also provides additional benefits by eliminating solvent-based storage, use of flammable materials and exposure to and removal of volatiles and hazardous waste.” Applications include odor-, moisture-sensitive products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, spices, condiments, cereals, dry pet food, boil-in-bag, microwaveable foods. Follow-up: Sal Pellingra, +1 513-671-1777, ampacflexibles@ampaconline.com; Link: www.ampaconline.com.

Canada considers label changes to protect sensitive consumers

Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, proposes food manufacturers list all food allergens, gluten sources, added sulfites on labels of prepackaged foods. Information helps consumers with food allergies avoid allergens, those with celiac disease maintain gluten-free diet. Strengthened regs provide clearer labeling rules in effort to reduce recalls of inadequately labeled product, chances of gluten/allergen-sensitive consumers experiencing health-threatening reactions. “Ensuring safe foods for Canadians is a collaborative effort between government, industry and consumers,” says Minister of Health Tony Clement. “Until the regulatory amendments proposed by my department are enacted, we are asking industry to be proactive in improving labeling of food allergens and gluten sources to protect the health of Canadians.” Researchers estimate up to 6% of young children, 3%-4% of adults suffer from food allergies, nearly 1% of population lives with celiac disease. Follow-up: Link: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_117-eng.php.

ShortRuns: Crown/ToyoSeikan… Sonoco…

Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, licenses Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, to manufacture, sell SuperEnd® beverage ends in Japanese market; source-reduced design requires 10% less metal than traditional beverage ends, offers improved pouring characteristics, billboard area for brand messages; sizes include 202, 206 diameters with 204 under development… Sonoco, Hartsville, SC, intends to close uncoated recycled paperboard mill in Montreal, QC, Canada, effective 27 August 2008, eliminating 48,000 tons annual capacity for heavyweight coreboard principally used in its internal converting operations; closure impacts 53 employees, who receive severance, outplacement assistance… Earthcycle, Vancouver, BC, Canada, partners with self-adhesive label provider, J-Tech Systems Pty, Ltd., Albury, NSW, Australia, to distribute its palm fiber-based products in Australia, New Zealand; J-Tech’s expertise in horticulture industry complements Earthcycle’s efforts to educate consumers about sustainable packaging options…

Changeover: GMA… Avery Dennison… AIM Global… O-I…

C. Manly Molpus, former president/ceo of Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Washington, DC, returns to that role until group names permanent successor to Cal Dooley, who departs to serve as president/ceo of American Chemistry Council, Arlington, VA [PMU, 14 July 2008]… At Avery Dennison Corp., Pasadena, CA, Robert Cornick assumes role of vp/gm of Printer Systems Division in Retail Information Services Group, Framingham, MA, replacing James L. Martin, who retires after 40 years… Association dedicated to automatic identification, mobility technology, AIM Global, Warrendale, PA, elects Clive Hohberger chairman of board of directors; Hohberger, who also serves as vp Technology Development at Zebra Technologies Corp., Vernon Hills, IL, succeeds Jim Childress of LXE Inc., Norcross, GA... With goal of positioning glass as most sustainable packaging material, Owens-Illinois, Inc., Perrysburg, OH, names Jay Scripter vp of Sustainability; Scripter works with other areas of company to shape strategy, identify opportunities, improve efforts related to energy conservation, environmental compliance, safety, recycling; Scripter, most recently vp of North American business at HB Fuller Co., St. Paul, MN, brings 20 years experience in general management, operations, Lean Six Sigma, engineering… Jim Webb advances to senior partner-Engineering Services at Barry-Wehmiller International Resources division of Barry-Wehmiller Cos., Inc., St. Louis, MO, from previous role as partner-Strategic Relations…

Upstream: Sealing Technology…

Technical seminar, Sealing Technology for Packaging Processes, 5-6 August 2008, Philadelphia, PA, focuses on sealing technologies, seal testing procedures, adhesive sealing, film/foil characteristics, process/package validation…

EarningsUpdate: Aptar… Huhtamäki…

Dispensing system volume, exchange rates account for 17% jump in sales at AptarGroup, Inc., Crystal Lake, IL, which set new record of $551.3 million in 2Q08 compared to $472.9 million in 2Q07; net income also grows, rising to $45.3 million in 2Q08 from $37.0 million in 2Q07; board of directors increases quarterly dividend 15% to $0.15/share, authorizes repurchase of 4 million shares in addition to previously authorized, 1.1 million… At Huhtamäki Oyj, Espoo, Finland, flat growth, currency exchange negatively impact sales, resulting in drop to €590.5 million (US$935.6 million) in 2Q08 versus €606.1 million (US$960.3 million) in 2Q07; earnings/share also experience decline, slipping to €0.13 (US$0.21) in 2Q08 from €0.19 (US$0.30) in 2Q07…

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