Wal-Mart’s UK arm tests pouch-in-molded pulp milk bottle to help consumers recycle, “go green”

Some British dairy cases are taking on a new look with the introduction of a molded fiber/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) milk bottle by UK retail chain, ASDA, Leeds, UK.

With an outer shell made of recycled office paper and a flexible inner liner made of LDPE with an attached paper spout, 2-litre container, designed by GreenBottle, Framlingham, UK, boasts 91% recycled content, carbon footprint 48% lower than traditional high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottle. In addition liner, which prevents liquid from soaking outer shell, occupies 99.5% less space in landfill vs. HDPE bottle.

“Milk is one of our highest selling products, and as such, we have a responsibility to develop alternative packaging making it easier for our customers to go green and to help them recycle at home,” says Chris Brown, head of Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing at ASDA. “Also,” says Brown, “unlike products that are being trialed by other retailers such as the pouch, this milk bottle is robust, practical and fit for purpose, meaning there is no danger of spilled milk at breakfast time.”

Adoption of GreenBottle supports ASDA pledge to reduce packaging, increase recyclable packaging, as well as its commitment to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2010. Rollout begins in Lowestoft store in Suffolk, where successful 400-bottle pilot occurred in May 2007, expands to 14 stores in East Anglia by end of 2008.

Local dairy, Marybelle, Halesworth, UK, fills containers. After outer shell is molded in open position by Moulded Paper Ltd., Pontllanfraith, Wales, operator inserts inner bag into paper spout, also from Moulded Paper, folds bag, places it in outer shell, which is then glued, folded shut. Packaging line from Oystar Aerofill Dawson, Bury St. Edmonds, UK, fills containers through spout, seals opening, applies label.

To open, consumer flips spout up, removes tear-off strip, and opens seal inside spout. When empty, consumer separates compostable shell from liner, puts liner in rubbish bin, shell in green waste or corrugated recycling bin. Follow-up: +44 1728 726577, bob@greenbottle.com; Link: www.greenbottle.com; At Moulded Paper, Sales Department, +44 1495 230 909; enquiries@mouldedpaper; Link: www.mouldedpaper.co.uk; At Oystar, Sales Department, +44 1284 704 573, sales@oystar.afldaw.com; Link: http://oystar.aerofill-dawson.com.

PACK EXPO Preview: Inkjet controller meets needs of OEMs

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version of inkjet printing controller simplifies integration into packaging machines. I-Mark V84i drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing controller from Matthews Marking Products, Pittsburgh, PA, minimizes time needed for software development. “This also means that machine builders can use the same touchscreen interfaces, power supplies, programmable logic controllers and other hardware with the V84i as they use with their base machine, which helps keep overall costs down,” points out Donna Meade, DOD printing product manager. New system to be shown at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, enables printing of four to five lines text, graphics/logos, bar codes from 3/32 to 5 inches (2.38 to 127 millimetres) high, control of up to four printheads with total of 32 valves, line speeds up to 786 feet/minute. Compatible printheads include low ink-consumption, high-resolution 8000 Series, which reportedly operate faster, last five times longer than other DOD printheads on market. Controller also handles up to four independent print photocell/triggers so different messages can be printed at different points on line or on four sides of same product or package. For multi-line operations, V84i controllers network together, communicate with each other to create structured printing system.

Follow-up: Stephanie Zahringer, +1 412-665-2504; Link: www.matthewsmarking.com.

PACK EXPO preview: Graphic Packaging presents unified line

Reflecting recent merger with Altivity, Graphic Packaging International, Inc., Marietta, GA, plans to display expanded range of products at PACK EXPO International. In addition, to cartons, labels, bags, exhibit includes microwave susceptor packaging, retail-ready packaging, disappearing pallets, strength packaging, Dinacal® labeling technology, as well as new technologies for mobile-packaging promotion, durable heat-transfer labels. New fully enclosed Quik-Flex® G3 cartoner for high-speed lines joins machines now marketed under Minnesota Automation brand name. Founded in 1978, acquired by Riverwood International in 1991, Minnesota Automation Products became part of Graphic Packaging in 2003 with its acquisition of Riverwood. Follow-up: Link: www.graphicpkg.com.

Genetically engineered switchgrass yields PHA for bioplastic

Switchgrass, genetically engineered via technology from Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, MA, produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), in significant quantities for conversion into bioplastic. “Metabolix has been developing technology to produce PHA polymer in switchgrass for more than seven years,” says Dr. Oliver Peoples, cso. “This result validates the prospect for economic production of PHA polymer in switchgrass, and demonstrates for the first time an important tool for enhancing switchgrass for value-added performance as a bioenergy crop.” If successfully commercialized, use of switchgrass for bioplastic or biofuel production could free industry from its current dependence on corn and the impact its use has on supply/cost of food/animal feed. US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Energy classify switchgrass as prime feedstock for production of next-generation biofuels, bioproducts. Energy Security and Efficiency Act of 2007 mandates 16 billion gallons of ethanol produced from biomass crops such as switchgrass by 2022. Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 617-583-1700; Link: www.metabolix.com.

On-time container shipments eliminate stockouts

Sophisticated logistics software anticipates, accommodates fluctuations in customers’ needs to ensure on-time delivery by container distributor Berlin Packaging, Chicago, IL. As result, despite handling more than 13,000 shipments/month, Berlin prevents customer stockouts, maintains on-time delivery record of 99%. “A warehousing program is only as good as the inventory management capabilities of the packaging distributor,” says Larry Rydzewski, coo at Berlin. “If the supplier runs out of stock, then there is no advantage to the customer. Just-in-time delivery is an ideal that is easier said than done, and 80 or 85% compliance with customers’ requested shipping schedules is not enough.” When Berlin began analyzing delivery performance in mid-2003 as metric of its customer service, it discovers 95% on-time shipping record. Fine-tuning procedures breaks 99% barrier in mid-2004, a level Berlin has maintained or exceeded ever since. With confidence in on-time deliveries, customers minimize safety stock, associated carrying costs, storage, shrinkage, while avoiding problems stemming from stockouts such as machine downtime, loss of productivity, late order fulfillment. Follow-up: Sales Department, 1-800-2-BERLIN (237546); Link: www.BerlinPackaging.com.

PMMI accepting nominations for Packaging Hall of Fame™

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) has started receiving nominations for the Packaging Hall of Fame™. Deadline for nominations is September 5, 2008.

“Induction into the Packaging Hall of Fame recognizes truly remarkable packaging professionals, individuals who have made significant contributions to the practice and understanding of packaging’s role in our society,” says Ben Miyares, vp, Industry Relations at PMMI, which coordinates recognition program.

Qualified nominees must meet several criteria including having advanced the science, technology and/or practice of packaging. Nominations should cite examples such as scientific inquiries, technologies advanced, products developed, patents earned; expanded the knowledge and understanding of packaging. Nominations should describe role nominee has played in packaging education/research, such as packaging courses taught, articles/publications authored/edited, etc., and demonstrated remarkable volunteer leadership within the packaging community. Nominations should list nominee’s organizations, contributions to them.

Individuals may be nominated for induction into the Packaging Hall of Fame posthumously. There are no age requirements for nominees, and individuals can be nominated yearly.

A fundraising reception and induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the Hyatt McCormick hotel, Chicago, IL, to honor 2008 inductees and support packaging education. Ceremonies occur in conjunction with PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.

Nominations, due on or before 5 September 2008, should describe nominee’s qualifications in 1,500 words or less, include recent high-resolution photo. Follow-up: Ben Miyares, bmiyares@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org.

Dual-ovenable foam tray weighs less than traditional designs

Cryovac Ovenable Foam Tray (OFT) weighs 30% than standard rigid trays of similar size. Foamed crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) tray from Sealed-Air SA, Epernon, France, subsidiary of Sealed Air Corp., Elmwood Park, NJ, combines dual-ovenability, “cool-to-touch” surface, improved sealability, shelf differentiation. When sealed with Cryovac DOF PET film, structure provides heat resistance, hermeticity, protects shelf life for refrigerated or frozen ready meals. Tray runs on any tray lidding machine, offers improved mechanical resistance, reduced brittleness, high impact resistance at low temperatures, optimal machinability/denesting. Improved pack integrity means less waste. Follow-up: Helle Andersson, +33 2 37 18 91 00 Helle.Andersson@sealedair.com; Link: www.sealedair-emea.com.

Rockwell helps meet October risk assessment deadline

Safety specialists from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, MN, conduct risk assessments to help packaging machinery builders comply with ANSI/PMMI B155.1 standard. Standard applies to all packaging, packaging-related converting equipment shipped after 25 October 2008.

Although voluntary, compliance with ANSI/PMMI B155.1 standard helps machine builders proactively reduce risks to acceptable level for life of machine, as well as document risk assessment process.

Rockwell also offers Safety Services including Arc Flash Services to reduce risk of employee injury from electrical arc flash/blast; CE Mark Conformity Services to aid manufacturers in meeting all applicable CE marking directives before sale in European Union; Safety System Validation Services to validate that system performance meets design requirements; Safety Circuit Analysis to verify safety circuit design meets standards such as EN-954 Category B,1,2,3 or 4; Hazard Assessment to identify safeguarding deficiencies; Lockout-Tagout Assessment to confirm training regimens, marking/labeling; Machine Stop-Time Analysis to ensure compliance of light curtain, two-hand control, area scanners, safety mat installations.

Finally, Rockwell’s Safety Systems Design and Integration Services provide turnkey safety solution including project management, system architecture design, panel design, material procurement (including third-party guarding), assembly, software development, hardware/software integration testing, factory acceptance, startup assistance. Rockwell also conducts one-day safety seminars covering topics such as Components of a Successful Machine Safety Program, Safety Component Applications Based on Machine Safety Standards, Safety Circuit Design, Risk Assessment Methodology. Follow-up: Rockwell Automation Response Center, +1 800-223-5354, ext. 2108; Link: www.rockwellautomation.com/services/safety.

Winery expands lineup in PET bottles

Boisset Family Estates, Sausalito, CA, introduces first California wine in 750-millilitre (ml) PET bottle, plans to import Mommessin, Bouchard Aîné & Fils Beaujolais Nouveau wines in PET.

Fog Mountain debuts with organically farmed California Nouveau in PET bottle with screw cap. Like Boisset’s Yellow Jersey, Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Bonus Passus AOC brands in PET, bottles for Fog Mountain, Beaujolais Nouveau rely on MonOxbar technology from Constar International Inc., Philadelphia, PA, which blends PET with patented Oxbar oxygen scavenger.

In reference to Beaujolais Nouveau, which represents first taste of new vintage that is traditionally released on third Thursday of November, Jean-Charles Boisset, president, Boisset Family Estates, says, “It is critical in today’s time, with the scarcity of our planet’s resources and the known environmental impacts of human activity, that we consider whether we should still ship thousands of cases of wine in heavy bottles via air throughout the world in order for the wines to arrive on time for their annual release date in November, when we can reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than half through a responsible choice of packaging.” In 2006 approximately 270,000 cases of Beaujolais Nouveau were shipped to US, Canada, largely by air so wine would arrive immediately after release. Lifecycle analyses conducted by third parties suggest PET bottle produces 50%-60% fewer GHG emissions than traditional glass bottle. So if all Beaujolais Nouveau imported to US, Canada arrived in PET, GHG emissions would drop more than 2 million pounds, Constar officials point out. “Our Beaujolais Nouveau wines in PET bottles weigh a mere 22 pounds per case vs. 38 pound for the traditional bottle - a 42% savings in shipping weight,” reports Boisset. “This directly translates into fuel savings and a reduction in GHG emissions.” With freight savings about 33% lower, Boisset expects this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau wines to retail for $12.99, $1-$2 less than if glass bottles were used. Fog Mountain California Nouveau reduces carbon footprint further by producing wine closer to point of sale, eliminating air freight.

Follow-up: At Constar, Scott Pleune, vp, Marketing & Business Development, +1 215-552-3700; Link: www.constar.net; at Tetra Pak, Marketing Department, +1 847-955-6000; Link: www.tetrapak.com.

FDA issues warning about two pharmacies, counterfeit drugs

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Washington, DC, warns customers of two pharmacies in Baltimore, MD, that they may have received expired or counterfeit drugs. Alert relates to Glucophage 500 milligram (mg) Extended Release, Tamoxifen Citrate 10mg, Calcitrol 0.25 microgram, 10 other drugs dispensed by Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 8035A Liberty Rd. or 5900 Reisterstown Rd. Agency believes problems are limited to these two pharmacies, advises customers that received any of 13 drugs on list to contact physician for new prescription.

Innovative spray system delivers home aroma therapy

Redesigned high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle, sprayer for Febreze Fabric Refresher from Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, OH, delivers finer mist. Redesign for 10-year-old odor eliminator also improves ergonomics. Tear-drop shape of bottle from Sonoco’s Matrix Packaging, Mississauga, ON, Canada, provides center of gravity that prevents 800-millilitre (ml) container from being too heavy, awkward in use. Shroud, also from Matrix, provides comfortable hand grip, supports piston delivery system from MWV Calmar, Grandview, MO, with fatigue-reducing three-finger trigger. “The upgrade in the mist is a result of the packaging redesign,” states Andrew Fluxe, principal researcher for P&G Product Research. “The new sprayer has a more uniform spray droplet distribution, which makes for smaller droplet size and even application compared to the older bottle,” he adds, noting consumer research shows spray mist ranks as primary driver of purchase intent, overall sprayer satisfaction. “This is the first initiative where the brand ‘designed’ a sprayer for the applied task,” he explains, whereas, “Typically stock sprayers are selected.” After testing various options, P&G selects bottle/sprayer combination. Trigger-activated piston moves fluid through valve body. Mist, delivered by turning nozzle, shoots out in cone pattern with particle size determined by diameter of nozzle, length of barrel. Bayonet fitment closure snaps on, off, allows closure to be hidden for smooth feeling in hand, less finger fatigue. Plus, design offers more aesthetic appearance than standard screw ring closure system. Tear drop-shaped, pressure-sensitive label from CCL Label, Sioux Falls, SD, printed with graphics designed by Landor, Cincinnati, OH, completes look. Follow-up: At CCL, Sales Department, Link: www.cclind.com; at Matrix, Sales Department, +1 905-624-2337, info@matrixpackaging.com; Link: www.matrixpackaging.com; at Calmar, Sales Department, +1 816-986-6103; Link: www.calmar.com; at Landor, Lorie Rosenbaum, senior marketing manager, +1 513-419-2300; Link: www.landor.com.

Packaging, labeling protect, help quickly trace fresh tomatoes

Proper handling of packaging, traceability help ensure safety of fresh tomatoes, according to new guidelines drafted by produce industry. Second Edition of Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for the Fresh Tomato Supply Chain, published by North American Tomato Trade Work Group, Fresno, CA; United Fresh Produce Association, Washington, DC; discuss handling from field to retailers/foodservice distributors. Document notes importance of proper handling, storage of packaging at field, greenhouse, packing house, fresh-cut processing stages to prevent damage or contamination. For fresh-cut tomatoes, guidelines recommend “Packaging materials coming into direct contact…shall be appropriately identified, including traceability to their source.” In addition, guidelines stipulate primary/secondary containers for fresh-cut tomato products carry labels with recommended storage instructions, for example, “Keep Refrigerated,” as well as codes to expedite traceability. Follow-up: Dr. David Gombas, svp of Food Safety and Technology, +1 202-303-3400, dgombas@unitedfresh.org; Link: www.unitedfresh.org/assets/files/Tomato%20Guidelines%20July08%20FINAL.pdf.

Forest products award goes to RockTenn ceo for leadership

Jim Rubright, chairman/ceo, RockTenn, Norcross, GA, wins 2008 North American CEO of the Year award from RISI, Inc., Boston, MA. Award recognizes Rubright’s leadership in RockTenn’s transformation from player in declining recycled boxboard market to more diversified, low-cost paperboard packaging producer that outperforms industry. He accepts award on 15 September 2008 at RISI’s 23rd North American Forest Products Conference, Boston, MA, where he also delivers keynote address. Leading information provider for global forest products industry, RISI makes nominations based on survey of investment analysts, portfolio managers on criteria such as leadership, vision, strategic accomplishments. Follow-up: At RISI, Link: www.risiinfo.com; at RockTenn, Link: www.rocktenn.com.

USW fights to keep coated paper mill open

United Steel Workers (USW), Menasha, WI, wants NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, OH, to sell rather than shut down its coated paper mill in Kimberly, WI. USW requests emergency special session of Wisconsin State Assembly, Milwaukee, WI, to approve resolution urging NewPage to sell mill. USW criticizes company for rejecting incentive package offered by Wisconsin State Commerce Department, union’s willingness to renegotiate labor agreement covering facility’s 600 workers. NewPage cites slowdown in demand for coated paper as one reason for closure, notes Kimberly mill costs more to run than its facilities with onsite pulp mills due to rising cost of purchased pulp. USW represents about 4,000 production workers at NewPage paper mills in US.

ShortRuns: Alcoa… Surefil…

Dinheiro, Brazil’s business magazine, ranks aluminum manufacturer Alcoa, Pittsburgh, PA, as best of 500 Brazilian companies in social responsibility, innovation/quality, corporate governance in steel/metallurgy category; Alcoa places second in industry’s overall ranking, reflecting Brazilian business growth… Contract manufacturer/packager Surefil LLC, Grand Rapids, MI, installs explosion-rated pumps, motors as well as advanced clean-in-place system to meet stringent requirements for filling alcohol-containing mouthwashes; completes registration process with Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC, third-party audit by Silliker, Inc., Homewood, IL...

EarningsUpdate: Pregis… West… NewPage

Restructuring, cost reductions at specialty packager Pregis Corp., Deerfield, IL, increases net sales 13.9% to $275.2 million in 2Q08 vs. $241.5 million in 2Q07; net loss of $5.6 million for 2Q08 vs. income of $0.8 million in 2Q07 stems from increases in raw material, fuel costs… In 2Q08 sales gains, favorable currency translations boost net sales 5.9% to $279.3 million at West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Lionville, PA, vs. $263.7 million in 2Q07; net income also moves upward, rising to $28.7 million in 2Q08 compared to $26.0 million in 2Q07 due to careful pricing, cost management… At coated paper manufacturer, NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, OH, net sales zoom 115% for 2Q08 to $1,063.0 million compared to $495.0 million for 2Q07, due to December 2007 acquisition of Stora Enso North America; net loss of $21.0 million for 2Q08 vs. zero in 2Q07 comes as result of drop in demand for coated papers, increased costs…

Upstream: ISTA Field Data Workshop… Food Safety…

International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) Field Data Workshop kicks off 1-2 October 2008 at James B. Henry Center for Executive Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, with focus on shock/impact, drop, vibration data collection… A Focus on Food Safety, 18 November 2008 at Leatherhead Food International, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK, discusses supply chain assurance, allergen management, bioterrorism, plus nanotechnology, clean labels… Packaging Conference North America 2009, 2-4 February 2009 at Bellagio Resort, Las Vegas, NV, focuses on new technology for plastic packaging. Program is organized by Packaging Technologies, Inc., Holland, OH; SBA-CCI, Inc., Jacksonville, FL… Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), Naperville, IL, will host four sessions of Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course: 26-30 January/23-27 February 2009 in Orlando, FL; 11-15 May/8-12 June 2009 in Irvine, CA; 20-24 July/17-21 August 2009 in Minneapolis, MN; 21-25 September/19-23 October 2009 in Chicago, IL; group also schedules first Packaging Machinery: Basics and Beyond seminar, 16-18 March 2009 in Franklin Park, IL…

Changeover: Toray… O-I… Ready Pac… Mettler-Toledo…

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. promotes Milan Moscaritolo to director of sales/marketing, Lumirror Polyester Film Division, from sales manager… Owens-Illinois, Inc. appoints David H.Y. Ho to its board of directors; veteran of telecommunications industry serves as chairman of Greater China Region for Nokia Siemens Network… Father of fresh-cut produce industry, Dennis Gertmenian, retires as ceo of Ready Pac Foods; Michael Soloman, president, adds ceo duties; Gertmenian continues on board… Rick Bollinger joins Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, part of Mettler-Toledo Hi-Speed as strategic accounts manager, Pharmaceutical, oversees sales in pharmaceutical/nutraceutical markets in US, Canada, Puerto Rico…

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.