Observation & Commentary: Consumer food safety confidence depends on packaging

With Salmonella outbreak in its fourth month, it’s been tougher this summer for consumers to know what fresh produce to buy and what to avoid.

Authorities initially warn shoppers, restaurant-goers to avoid certain tomatoes, then those grown in certain places; six weeks later, alert switches from tomatoes to jalapeno peppers, then US jalapeno and serrano peppers are cleared and warning focuses on Mexican Serranos. Succession of warnings, difficulty identifying product variety, source prompt many consumers to avoid all fresh tomatoes, peppers.

Although not intended as food-safety measure, per se, country-of-origin labeling (COOL) rules, taking effect 30 September 2008, should help reduce confusion. Growers, packers, importers, processors, regulators need to do more to ensure food is traceable from field to fork.

Traceability works, contends Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh Produce Association in advance of Congressional hearings in July. “Several members of Congress have jumped to the conclusion that industry traceability was a major problem in this outbreak, but we’ve got to show them that traceability actually worked. When government tracked tomatoes back to multiple sources, they should have immediately realized that there was no common point of contamination, and they were simply looking for the wrong thing.”

Traceability depends on careful record keeping throughout the supply chain as well as some method of identification on product packaging, perhaps product itself. For poultry, Murray’s Chicken, South Fallsburg, NY, proves traceability is practical with its online Farm Source Verification System. Label affixed to each package carries alphanumeric, numeric codes that correspond to specific farm, production day. Keying in package ID number on http://farm.murrayschicken.com/ displays information about farm where bird was raised. System implementation requires no changes to packaging line, has no effect on retail cost of poultry [PMU, 19 November 2007]. Direct marking options for produce include pressure-sensitive label with identification number or barcode, laser coding such as Natural Light Labeling System from Durand-Wayland, Inc., LaGrange, GA, or FoodMark system from Datalase Ltd., Widnes, UK. Possibilities for distribution packaging, pallets include barcode labels, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Meanwhile food safety solutions continue to attract attention. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2008, under consideration in US Senate, requires stronger agricultural practices for fruits, vegetables, gives Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall authority. Follow-up: At Durand-Wayland, +1 706-882-8161; Link: www.durand-wayland.com; at Datalase, US office (Norcross, GA), +1 770-817-4810, usainfo@datalase.com; Link: www.datalase.com.

PACK EXPO Preview: PMMI Opens Nominations for Packaging Hall of Fame™
Class of 2008 will be recognized at PACK EXPO International

PMMI is calling for nominations for the Packaging Hall of Fame™. The honor recognizes significant contributions of individual packaging professionals. Deadline for nominations is 5 September 2008.

• Personally advanced the science, technology and/or practice of packaging. (Nominations should cite specific scientific inquiries made by nominee; technologies advanced, patents earned, etc.)
• Expanded packaging knowledge and the understanding of packaging. (Nominations should cite significant roles played by nominee in packaging education; research, market analyses, articles/publications written, etc.)
• Demonstrated remarkable volunteer leadership within the packaging community. (Nominations should cite packaging associations in which nominee held leadership roles; achievements of nominee’s leadership tenure, etc.)

The Packaging Hall of Fame Commission, a group representing various sectors of the packaging community, will select The Packaging Hall of Fame, Class of 2008 inductees from among those nominated.

This year’s Packaging Hall of Fame Commission includes:

• Jack Aguero, vice president, Business Development & Marketing, Pro Mach, Inc.
• Joe Angel, vice president, publisher, Packaging World
• Lejo Braña, vice president, Technology, Packaging Technology Center
• Tom Egan, vice president, Industry Services, PMMI
• Lisa Feustle, director, Package Development, McCormick & Co.
• Kelley Frank, associate packaging director, Nutritionals, Johnson & Johnson
• David Luttenberger, publishing director, Packaging Strategies
• Ben Miyares, Commission chair
• John Ratcliff, director of packaging, Nestlé Purina
• Sean Riley, editor, Packaging Machinery Technology
• Rick Schneider, president, Schneider Packaging Equipment Company, Inc.
• Robert Storms, director, Sales & Marketing, Moen Industries
• Ray Tucker, director, Packaging & Processing Engineering, Bush Brothers Co.
• Brian Wagner, vice president, Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions
• David Wiemann, senior director, Packaging, Beam Global Spirits & Wine

The Packaging Hall of Fame, Class of 2008, will be recognized at a fund-raising awards reception during PACK EXPO International (McCormick Place, Chicago, Nov. 9–13). The reception is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Hyatt McCormick hotel.

Follow-up: E-mail nominations to Ben Miyares (bmiyares@pmmi.org), describing your nominee’s qualifications in 1,500 words or less. Please include a recent photograph (preferably in color).

PACK EXPO preview: Thermal transfer printer applies info on pouches, lidstock

Inline thermal transfer printer from Greydon, York, PA, prints text, graphics, barcodes on pre-made pouches, lidstock for medical device packaging. Unit to be shown for first time at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, eliminates need for, expense of labels. Rugged steel printing platform with stepper motor-driven infeed ensures positive registration. Printhead offers 300 dot/inch resolution, one-color printing, change of color with change of ribbon, print width up to 5 inches (in.), print speed up to 10 in./second. Said to be faster with better registration than competing pouch printers, unit prints on Tyvek spunbonded polyolefin, medical paper, foil, film up to 24 in. long, works with standard Windows-based label software. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 717-848-3875, info@greydon.com; Link: www.greydon.com.

PACK EXPO preview: Metallized barrier film replaces thicker foil laminates

High-barrier Lumirror® MK61 metallized polyethylene terephthalate film replaces thicker foil laminates for products requiring protection from oxygen, water vapor. Patented in-chamber metallization process used by Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North Kingstown, RI, results in industry-leading metal-to-film bond, which withstands wet, caustic environments, minimizes oxygen, water vapor transmission. Subsidiary of Toray Industries, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, plans to display Lumirror MK61 film at PACK EXPO International. Exhibit also includes ultra-high-barrier clear, metallized Torayfan® oriented polypropylene films, Lumirror high-clarity matte films. Follow-up: Kathryn Narkevicius, product development manager, +1 401-294-4511, Kathryn.Narkevicius@toraytpa.com; Link: www.TorayFilms.com.

Rexam closes US plant, line to offset declining bevcan demand

Rexam plc, London, UK, closes beverage can manufacturing facility in Forest Park, GA, idles 12-ounce (oz.) can line at plant in Longview, TX, to address overcapacity in US market. Scheduled for 4Q08, Forest Park closure affects approximately 100 employees, who will receive outplacement assistance, severance package. “The 12-oz. can market has steadily declined due to a number of economic conditions and consumer trends,” says Harry Barto, president/ceo of Rexam Beverage Can North America. “With these moves we are doing our part in balancing capacity with demand, while further improving utilization of our existing operations…” Longview plant’s two remaining lines produce 24-oz. cans. Follow-up: Greg Brooke, Communications, North America, +1 773-399-3362; Link: www.rexam.com.

Jolt energizes 16-ounce drink with Cap Can technology

Jolt Energy, first energy drink in reclosable, two-piece, aluminum Cap Can, adds 16-ounce size to lineup. Smaller size joins 23.5-ounce Cap Can introduced in 2005 by Wet Planet Beverages, Chicago, IL. Commonly referred to as “battery bottle,” Cap Can from Rexam Beverage Can North America, Chicago, IL, part of Rexam plc, London, UK, relies on patented closure technology developed, manufactured by Dayton Systems Group, Inc. (DSG), Miamisburg, OH. Rexam produces, prints 16-ounce Quencher can body on high-speed lines. Pri-Pak, Lawrenceburg, IN, fills cans, seams on Cap Can end with closure in place. To open/reclose, consumer simply twists cap off/on. Higher barrier properties of aluminum container reportedly ensure better carbonation retention vs. polyethylene terephthalate bottle. “The popular 16-ounce size represents nearly 60% of all energy drink sales,” says CJ Rapp, president, Wet Planet Beverages. “This new 16-ounce resealable package will allow us to reach even more consumers and provide them with portability options they never had before. We are confident this will help us build our brand by further differentiating our product on store shelves,” he concludes. Jolt comes in seven flavors with ingredients such as taurine, ginseng, guarana, vitamin B complex, caffeine, sells in convenience stores nationwide. Follow-up: At Rexam, Kevin Nordquist, business development manager, +1 773-399-3000, kevin.nordquist@rexam.com; Link: www.rexam.com; at DSG, Marketing Department, +1 937-885-5665; Link: www.dsgtech.com; at Pri-Pak, Don Murphy, +1 812-537-7300, ext. 7304, jhollowell@pripak.com; Link: www.pripak.com.

Green Mountain builds plant to fill K-Cup cartridges

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., Waterbury, VT, plans to fill K-Cup portion packs for single-cup coffee brewing system from subsidiary, Keurig, Inc., Reading, MA, in new $10.4-million, 334,000-square-foot manufacturing, distribution facility in Tennessee. Plant to be built in eastern Tennessee in Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley area of Knoxville County replicates K-Cup award-winning packaging line in Waterbury. Line, which won 2006 Packaging Line of the Year Award from Packaging Machinery Technology (PMT) magazine, Arlington, VA, inserts filter in preformed cup, flushes cup with nitrogen, fills coffee, tea or cocoa, applies foil membrane seal, loads sealed cups in cartons. Robot then packs, labels, palletizes cases (PMT, November/December 2006, www.pmtdirect.com/website/article.asp?id=6036). Plans call for Tennessee line to fill K-Cups with roughly 50 varieties of Green Mountain brand coffees as well as Newman’s Own Organics coffees, Celestial Seasonings teas. Packaging Technologies, Inc., Davenport, IA, reprises role as line integrator. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 563-391-1100, sales@oystar.packt.com; Link: www.pact.com.

Pouch with full-panel peel maximizes access to product

Cohesive peel technology built into Sure-Peel Pouch™ Laminate provides full-panel peel for easy access to product. Pouch laminate from Reynolds Flexible Packaging, Richmond, VA, consists of 92-gauge polyethylene terephthalate-polyethylene (PE)/0.00035-inch foil/PE/proprietary Sure-Peel cohesive, originally developed for lidstock. Sure-Peel Pouch Laminate combines high burst strength with low, consistent peel strength, exhibits consistent peel response with seal temperatures from 350° to 450°F. Laminate maintains seal integrity when exposed to product sterilization temperatures as high as 200°F, runs on existing form-fill-seal machinery. Additionally, Reynolds claims Sure-Peel technology offers better high heat resistance, hot tack, product resistance versus competitive peelable technologies. Printable via rotogravure or flexography, applications include teeth whitening strips, surgical equipment, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals like fast-dissolving medicine film-strips. Reynolds delivers flat sheet samples, trial rolls with short lead time. Follow-up: Victoria Welch, +1 804-281-2262, Victoria.Welch@reynoldspkg.com; Link: www.reynoldspkg.com.

Artwork management software accepts info from ERP system

GL-AMS artwork management software from Perigord Group, Branford, CT, now accepts feeds from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems from SAP AG, Walldorf, Germany. Integration allows generic pharmaceutical manufacturers with SAP systems to view real-time packaging project information from anywhere within enterprise. Linkage also integrates GL-AMS with inventory, product lifecycle, marketing, other data.

“GL-AMS integration of SAP feeds provides real time intelligence on a wider array of important criteria than ever before possible…so managers are better equipped to make the correct decision on a range of packaging and artwork management challenges,” explains Alan Leamy, ceo of Perigord Group. “SAP provides…a comprehensive enterprise backbone complemented by a range of industry-specific appliances that make the businesses more communicative, more efficient – and ultimately more successful. GL-AMS is an SAP accelerant that takes market-customization a step further, providing the generic pharmaceutical industry with intelligence and collaboration tools that speed time-to-market, reduce risk and enhance efficiency,” he adds. Internet-hosted GL-AMS software expedites sign-offs, records electronic signatures to provide audit trail, provides vendors with controlled access to artwork collateral. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 203-453 6503, marketing@alliedcolor.com; Link: www.perigordgroup.com.

Traceability system pinpoints row where produce was grown

Coding certified organic produce at farm level improves traceability, expedites recalls, instills consumer confidence in food safety. Organic Alliance, San Antonio, TX, consolidates shipments of organic produce to processors, retailers, relies on standards, solutions developed by GS1, Brussels, Belgium/Lawrenceville, NJ, to provide unique identification for produce. Coding also automates collection of product data throughout supply chain. To ensure traceability back to field, farmers apply unique identifier in form of Global Trade Item Number to pinpoint source of produce. Barcoded Serial Shipping Container Code uniquely identifies each pallet or case. GS1 system also supports RFID tags. “Utilizing the GS1 System, we have the ability to not only track our produce back to the farm of origin, but all the way down to the actual row on which it was grown,” reports Tom Morrison, ceo of Organic Alliance. “The rapid growth of the organic industry makes an effective tracking system…a necessity, and we are pleased to take this leadership role through our initial agreement with GS1,” he adds, noting timely traceability benefits farmers, regulators by “quickly isolating the problem to a specific farm and clearing other safe products.” Follow-up: Link: www.gs1.org/.

PET container recycling soars in Europe

Post-sorting collection of PET containers grows nearly 20% in 2007 to 1.13 million metric tons in Europe. According to Petcore (PET Containers Recycling Europe), Brussels, Belgium, recycling rate for PET bottles now stands at approximately 40%. “I am delighted with the continued increase in PET collection throughout Europe and our high rate of recycle,” comments Roberto Bertaggia, chairman of Petcore, who adds, “…recycled PET has become a reliable and sought-after feedstock in the PET resin portfolio.” Group reports European exports to Far East remain at about 14% of collected PET, however, tonnage increases significantly, rising 36%. According to Bertaggia, PET ranks as most important contributor to achieving plastics recycling rate targets set by Packaging and Waste Directive (2004/12/EC) at 22.5% in 2008 for most member states, 50% in 2020. Applications for recycled PET include strapping, blowmolding, sheet, fiber with last two accounting for 71%. Follow-up: Link: www.petcore.org.

Grower switches to reusable pallets to cut waste, save energy

Third-party lifecycle analysis finds switch to reusable pallet cuts waste, reduces energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions for Naturipe Berry Growers, Salinas, CA. Conversion from one-way wood pallets to reusable pallets in pool managed by CHEP, Orlando, FL, eliminates 1.4 million pounds or 63 dump trucks of solid waste each year. Accompanying energy savings equals one year of electricity for 117 homes. Change also represents 58% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking more than 67 cars off road for one year. Naturipe Berry Growers, part of Naturipe Farms LLC, Naples, FL, ships strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries to supermarkets, grocery wholesalers, club stores, terminal markets and foodservice companies nationwide. “We are determined to keep down costs and increase productivity throughout the supply chain, while constantly improving customer service,” says Jeff Mink, cfo of Naturipe. CHEP pallet pool achieves these goals “in an environmentally sustainable way,” he concludes. Although CHEP offers some of its pallets equipped with radio frequency identification tags to support product traceability efforts, Naturipe opts to use standard pallets because it generates traceability data it needs via printed pressure-sensitive label that growers apply to each case shipped. Follow-up: Derek Hannum, director of Marketing, +1 407-226-4293, derek.hannum@chep.com; Link: www.chep.com.

USDA estimates COOL cost at $2.5 billion

Price tag anticipated for first year of country-of-origin labeling (COOL, Docket No. AMS-LS-07-0081) totals $2.5 billion, according to US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.

Mandatory COOL regulation, which takes effect 30 September 2008 (PMU, 4 August 2008), affects roughly 1.2 million firms, represents cost increase of $450 million for producers, $1,115 million for intermediaries, $952 million for retailers of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goat meat, perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, ginseng, macadamia nuts.

Implementation costs rise from source to retailer with cost per firm estimated at $376 for producers, $53,948 for intermediaries, $235,551 for retailers. However, regulation notes, actual expenses may vary significantly above or below these averages depending primarily on commodity's level of vertical integration…

Other costs associated with regulation include $126 million in first year for initial paperwork, startup costs, $499 million/year thereafter to store/maintain records. Agency also expects regulations to impact US economy in form of higher food prices, lower domestic production, lower revenue for suppliers, shift in imports/exports with fewer exports of all covered commodities except fruits/vegetables, more imports of fruits/vegetables, cattle, sheep, hogs, chicken, fish, but less imported broilers, beef, veal, pork. Follow-up: Link: http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-17562_PI.pdf.

Multivac establishes unit to recondition used machines

New business unit at Multivac, Inc., Kansas City, MO, rebuilds, sells previously owned Multivac equipment.

Explaining launch, Jan Erik Kuhlmann, Multivac president/ceo, says, “…Multivac machinery is extremely popular on the used equipment market. Unfortunately, that has frequently resulted in situations where unqualified personnel are working on the machinery and using pirated parts, often to the detriment of the customer. Now…businesses wishing to purchase pre-owned Multivac equipment can come directly to Multivac.” Multivac certifies pre-owned machines, offers warranty. Tom Ritter heads unit as rebuilding and remanufacturing director. He joins Multivac from Koch Equipment, Kansas City, MO, where he worked for nearly 30 years. Follow-up: Jerry Hirsh, marketing manager, +1 816-801-3974, jerry.hirsh@multivac.com; Link: muinc@multivac.com.

UK cuts waste on three fronts

In UK, effort to reduce municipal waste, household waste, landfilled waste succeeds with modest decreases in all three in 2007. As result, household recycling rate rises to 33.9% from 30.9%, while household waste/capita slips to 334 kilograms (kg) from 353kg. “We still have some way to go before we are performing at the level of some of our nearest neighbors in Europe,” says Environment Minister Joan Ruddock, adding, “But we are catching them up, and positive feedback like this should encourage all of us to keep up the effort to reduce and recycle our rubbish.” Municipal waste shrinks 1% to 29.1 million metric tons (M/T) from 28.8 million M/T. Total household waste declines to 25.6 million M/T from 25.8 million M/T, while landfilled waste falls to 15.8 million M/T from 16.9 million M/T, according to preliminary statistics from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London, UK, which compares January-December 2007 with April 2006-March 2007 periods to minimize effect of seasonal variations. Follow-up: Link: www.defra.gov.uk.

Kraft supports ‘upcycling’ of flexible packaging

Lightweight flexible packaging minimizes consumption of resources while protecting product freshness. However, absence of recycling infrastructure poses environmental negative for this packaging format. To divert some of flexible packaging it uses from landfill, Kraft Foods, Inc., Northfield, IL, supports program established by TerraCycle, Inc., Trenton, NJ, which collects Capri Sun/Kool Aid drink pouches, Nabisco cookie packaging as well as Balance/South Beach Living energy bar wrappers from consumers, then cleans, stitches, fuses, weaves material into products like tote bags, backpacks, pencil cases, umbrellas, shower curtains. Upcycled products not only keep packaging out of landfill, but also provide billboard for brands. “We use this type of packaging material because it is versatile and protects the contents,” says Richard D. Buino, spokesperson for Kraft. “The trouble is, it’s not easily recyclable. We think TerraCycle is a really unique way of helping to prevent waste from ending up in landfills,” he explains. Describing Kraft’s partnership with TerraCycle as “a significant, multi-year commitment,” Buino says, “We’re really happy with what we’ve seen so far. We’ve seen quite a bit of growth, and we think there is more potential for this packaging waste to be diverted from landfills and reused.” To raise awareness of collection/recycling program, Kraft plans to add TerraCycle logo to primary, secondary packaging for collected products. Beyond partnership with TerraCycle, Kraft is looking at other sustainability-enhancing opportunities. Possibilities include fine-tuning packaging sourcing/design to minimize environmental impact. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 609-393-4252; Link: www.terracycle.net.

EarningsUpdate: O-I… Bemis… Caraustar… Graham…

At Owens-Illinois (O-I), Inc., Perrysburg, OH, price, product mix, favorable currency translation offset fewer tons sold, boost sales 11% to $2.211 billion during 2Q08 compared with $1.997 billion in 2Q07; earnings from continuing operations spike 48% to record $227.5 million in 2Q08, compared with $153.8 million in prior year period, reflecting, in part, last year's divestiture of plastics packaging business on 31 July 2007, its reclassification as discontinued operation… At Bemis Co., Inc., Neenah, WI, net sales rise 6.3% in 2Q08 to record $980.0 million from $921.8 million in 2Q07, due to 5.3% increase from currency benefits, 7.3% spike in net sales for flexible packaging, 1.6% boost in net sales for pressure-sensitive materials; for 2Q08, net income increases to $8.8 million vs. $7.6 million in 2Q07… At Caraustar Industries, Inc., Atlanta, GA, sales slip to $217.0 million in 2Q08 from $221.2 million in 2Q07; loss from continuing operations grows to $3.6 million vs. loss of $2.5 million in prior year period due to pre-tax restructuring, impairment costs of about $5.8 million; paperboard volume remains unchanged year-over-year… Despite slightly lower volume, Graham Packaging Holdings Co., York PA, parent company of Graham Packaging Co., LP, registers 5.7% increase in net sales to $688.2 million in 2Q08 from $651.0 million in 2Q07; net income skyrockets 455% to $28.3 million in 2Q08 from $5.1 million in 2Q07 due primarily to efforts to reduce, control costs… At Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Marietta, GA, merger with Altivity Packaging, LLC, pricing, favorable foreign currency translations help boost net sales 83.2% to $1.1 billion in 2Q08 vs. $623.1 million in 2Q07; net loss shrinks to $4.3 million in 2Q08 compared to $21.3 million net loss in 2Q07…

Changeover: Sonoco… PMMI… Enercon… Unifoil…

Sonoco, Hartsville, SC, promotes Robert L. Puechl to dvp/gm - Rigid Plastics; Puechl oversees consumer, industrial rigid plastic containers, closures, in North America, South America, Europe, as well as blowmolding, injection molding, extrusion technologies for health, beauty, food, foodservice; elsewhere in division, Steven W. Pierro becomes gm – Molded Plastics Crellin North America, reporting to Puechl… Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA, appoints Jason Bian director of PMMI China, Shanghai, China. Bian, who begins 6 September 2008, brings background as package engineer in paperboard, printing, 16 years in food industry product sales, has served in various positions in Shanghai offices of packaging companies such as MWV, SIG Combibloc… Craig Silverio, vp, Finance at PMMI begins term as chairman of Finance and Administration Roundtable, Alexandria, VA. Not-for-profit organization promotes education, networking for financial, administrative professionals in region… As newly promoted director of Sales – Induction Sealing Systems at Enercon Industries Corp., Menomonee Falls, WI, Ryan T. Schuelke continues to serve customers in southern, western US, adds responsibilities such as directing domestic cap seal sales, overseeing efforts in emerging markets, crafting business-building strategies; Schuelke also sits on board of Closure Manufacturers Association, Kilmarnock, VA, actively participates in Association for Dressings and Sauces, Atlanta, GA, as well as Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA… By hiring Brian Leverock, Matthew Rafferty as account managers, Unifoil Corp., Fairfield, NJ, hopes to grow its recyclable packaging, printing materials business, targets major consumer-product-goods manufacturers, other end users; Leverock’s background includes coatings, adhesives, solvents, paper, film, foil, raw material testing equipment; Rafferty brings 20 years’ experience in corporate sales…

ShortRuns: Graphic Packaging… TricorBraun/Columbia…

New website, www.startsnaturalstaysnatural.com/, launched by Graphic Packaging International, Inc., Marietta, GA, provides public with environmental information about paperboard; site details how beer case, soda case, pizza boxes end up as packaging for cereal, snack food, other products… Container distributor TricorBraun, St. Louis, MO, expands in Canada with acquisition of Columbia Packaging, Vancouver, BC, supplier of rigid containers for beverage, healthcare, sports nutrition industries; terms remain undisclosed…

Upstream: PLA World Congress… MidPak…

First PLA World Congress, 9-10 September 2008 at Holiday Inn City Centre, Munich, Germany, presents latest developments related to polylactide (PLA) bioplastic; event hosted by Polymedia Publisher, Mönchengladbach, Germany, includes market overview, discussion of packaging, nonpackaging applications, challenges, opportunities, limitations… MidPak show (www.devicelink.com/expo/midpak08/) brings innovative packaging products, services to upper Midwest, 22-23 October 2008 at Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN, under sponsorship of Minnesota Chapter of Institute of Packaging Professionals, Naperville, IL…

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

Editorial offices: 31408 Narrangansett Lane, Bay Village, Ohio (USA) 44140-1068; Tel: +1 440-892-0998; Fax: +1 440-892-0208; Email: bmiyares@packmgmt.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be redistributed or reproduced in any form without the written authorization of the publisher.