In category first, ConAgra is switching to frozen food trays with up to 40% PCR PET

In a first for the North American frozen food industry, ConAgra Foods, Omaha, NE, is switching a number of its signature brand frozen meals out of virgin plastic trays into crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) trays containing as much as 40% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

The switchover to the recycled-content trays started in June and is currently moving into retail frozen food cabinets. Plans call for the PCR-content trays to replace the virgin stock trays used for ConAgra’s Healthy Choice®, Banquet®, Kid Cuisine®, and Marie Callender’s® products.

The transition to CPET trays with 30%-40% recycled content will reportedly divert 8 million pounds of PET from landfills. Other savings include 236 million BTUs of energy or enough to run 2,593 average American homes for one year, plus 15,200-ton reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking 2,000 cars off the road.

“As a leading packaged foods company, ConAgra Foods can make a positive impact on the environment by finding new ways to reduce waste, and our new frozen meal trays with PCR plastic will ensure that the equivalent of 128 million 20-ounce plastic bottles won’t go to landfills each year,” says Gail Tavill, vice president, Sustainability at ConAgra Foods.

ConAgra’s new trays rely on ultra-clean PCR PET processing technology developed by Associated Packaging Technologies (APT), Chadds Ford, PA, a vertically integrated producer of CPET trays. “The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the new trays as direct food contact materials,” notes APT on its website.

“The beauty of the new RPET trays is that they meet the same performance specs as our popular [virgin] CPET trays,” says John L. Giordani, APT’s vp of Sales, Marketing, Technical Sales. “The environmental impact incentive comes without tradeoffs for our customers.” Follow-up: John Giordani, +1 484-785-1120, info@APTechnologies.com; Link: www.APTechnologies.com.

P & G opts for Chinese blister for Swiffer Duster line extension

Colorful, Chinese-made blister package, complementary refill box showcase Procter & Gamble’s Swiffer 360o duster.

Starter package for Swiffer 360-degree Duster from Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, OH, consists of 400-micron polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blister from Hang Fung Industrial International Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, China, plus two-ply card from Sun Hing Paper Co. Ltd., part of Hung Hing Printing Group Ltd., Hong Kong, China, consisting of polypropylene-paperboard-paperboard-ultraviolet coating.

Kit contains a 2-piece polypropylene (PP) handle, and the duster, tucked behind a glossy, PP-coated paper sleeve, also from Sun Hing. Contract manufacturer, Hayco, Hong Kong, assembles kits by hand. Copy on 220 x 143 x 55-millimetre card face says “New, Traps and Locks up to 2X More Dust! vs. Feather Dusters,” “Traps Allergens.” Theme of yellow, green with blue dots ties primary packaging to refill cartons from Specialized Packaging Group, Inc. (SPG), Hamden, CT. “The dot pattern also serves to reinforce the all-around benefit of the 360 Dusters by illustrating that the dust and allergens are attracted and trapped,” says Wim Wintmolders, senior researcher of P&G Global Packaging and Device Development – Swiffer Franchise.

Carton lamination of clay-coated newsback/oriented PP protects duster refills. Follow-up: At Hang Fung, Marketing Department, +852 2580 6006, hangfung@hangfungint.com; Link: www.hangfungint.com; at Sun Hing, Marketing Department, +852 2664 8299, info@hhop.com.hk; Link: www.hhop.com.hk; at Hayco, Suanne Wong, sales & marketing manager, +852 2168 9200, brushes@hayco.com.hk; Link: www.hayco.com.hk; at SPG, Sales Department, +1 203-248-3370; Link: www.spgroupinc.com.

Hong Kong law requires relabeling of US food exports

Hong Kong, ninth largest market for US grocery exports, passes stringent nutritional labeling law.

Taking effect on 1 July 2010, law require food processors exporting prepackaged food to Hong Kong to revamp labels. Under new law, labels on prepackaged food require table listing energy (calories) plus seven nutrients – protein, carbohydrate, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugars – in English or Chinese or both. Small packages may use linear format to present data. Although US labels list 15 components, problems arise due to different nutrient definitions, rounding practices, recommendations for daily consumption, different conditions for nutritional claims like “low fat,” according to GAIN (Global Agriculture Information Network) Report Number: HK8017 from Foreign Agricultural Service of US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. For example, Hong Kong requires vitamins/minerals to be listed in absolute values/100 grams (g) or serving size, while US requirements use percentage of daily requirement. Hong Kong law defines “low fat” as 3g/100g of food, while US stipulates 3g/serving.

Law includes provision to grant annual exemption to products selling less than 30,000 units/year. Application requires first year payment of HK$345 (US$44)/product, HK$335 (US$43)/product annually thereafter. Labels for exempt products must advise “Nutrition Labeling Exempt” in both Chinese, English, plus list Exemption Number. Follow-up: Link: www.cfs.gov.hk/english/food_leg/food_leg_nl_guidance.html.

Law requires traceability of children’s products; bans phthalates

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 stipulates placement of permanent, distinguishing marks on children’s products, its packaging to identify manufacturer, expedite traceability.

Labeling requirements take effect 14 August 2009. Public Law No: 110-314 (HR 4040), recently signed by President Bush, also bans use of six phthalates in children’s products, calls for appointment of Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel to determine how phthalates, phthalate alternatives in children’s products affect children’s health.

Phthalates, a family of plasticizers, impart flexibility to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Some studies link phthalate exposure to various health problems including hormonal disruption, liver cancer, allergies. Advocates of phthalate ban want more stringent regulatory control of other chemicals. Ban sets precedent for action against other controversial components used in packaging such as bisphenol A.

“That Congress responded to this health threat in lieu of federal agencies is yet another illustration of the broken regulatory system,” says Andy Igrejas, manager of Environmental Health campaign for The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC. “A better approach is to require chemical manufacturers to prove their products are safe before exposing consumers to them,” he adds.

Law also authorizes funding for Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC, through fiscal year 2014, gives agency enhanced recall authority. Follow-up: Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c110:6:./temp/~c110rwFCpS:e1370.

Draft assessment concludes BPA is safe, discussion continues

Draft Assessment of Bisphenol A (BPA) for Use in Food Contact Applications concludes current level of exposure from food-contact uses is safe. Estimates of actual BPA exposure for both infants, adults fall far below threshold of 5 milligrams/kilogram of body weight/day. Subcommittee of Science Board of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews draft in preparation for discussion at public meeting on 16 September 2008. “With regard to BPA thus far, the science FDA has reviewed does not justify recommending that anyone discontinue using these products,” says Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, FDA commissioner on agency’s website. “But we continue to investigate new research regarding the safety of BPA.”Draft risk assessment for chemical used in polycarbonate, can linings, receives mixed reaction. Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) applauds conclusion. “BPA has been safely used in food contact applications for 50 years and plays an essential role in keeping foods safe and fresh,” says Dr. Robert Bracket, GMA’s chief science and regulatory affairs officer. “Based on the entire body of scientific evidence and the findings of the FDA and numerous health authorities and researchers, consumers can continue to safely enjoy foods and beverages in the many forms of packaging provided, including those that contain BPA, without changing their purchasing or eating patterns,” he concludes. Environmental Working Group (EWG) characterizes draft risk assessment as flawed because it adheres to outdated study designs, underestimates exposure to BPA, fails to address impacts of early life exposure to developing brain, behavior, reproductive system. Follow-up: At FDA, Carlos Pena, meeting contact, Office of Science and Health Coordination, +1 301-827-3340, Carlos.Pena@fda.hhs.gov; Link: www.fda.gov/oc/advisory/accalendar/2008/SciBrdSub91608.htm; Draft Assessment, www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/08/briefing/2008-0038b1_01_02_FDA%20BPA%20Draft%20Assessment.pdf; at GMA, Link: www.gmabrands.com/publications/SciPol_Bisphenol.pdf; at EWG, Link: www.ewg.org/node/27024.

Custom packager doubles revenue in challenging market

ABC Packaging Direct, Cleveland, OH, boosts revenue 188% between May 2007, May 2008, wins honors as high-growth private company. Entrex, Inc., Chicago, IL, names winners of monthly, quarterly Top Growth Company awards based on its Private Company Index, which measures performance of North American firms with revenue up to $250.0 million. At ABC, David Marinac, ceo, attributes firm’s success to online business model, which, he says, “enables us to cover more ground faster than anyone else, all at the total lowest cost.” Company supplies specialty, high-, low-temperature films, molded foams, heavy gauge thermoforming, retail clamshells, standup pouches. “In a slowing economy, any type of growth is significant,” says Stephen H. Watkins, ceo, Entrex, adding, “Growth that almost doubles what you did last year is off the charts.” Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 216-591-1271; Link: www.abc-packaging.com.

Chemical reaction between peppers, can prompts recall

Chemical reaction between product, can creates off flavor, causes cans to swell or rupture, prompts Peppers Unlimited, Inc., Fontana CA, to issue recall. Recall involves 580 cases of La Torre Jalapeno Nacho Slices in 425-gram cans, multiple lot numbers. Product sells nationally. To date, company advises it has received no reports of illness associated with product. Recall instructions direct consumers to return unopened cans to place of purchase for refund.

Caps, closures market in Europe fights rising costs

Although sales of caps, closures for non-traditional packaging applications increase, cost of energy, petroleum-based resins limit market expansion. Nevertheless, according to Western Europe Caps and Closures Markets report from Research & Markets Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, prospects for plastic, metal caps, closures remain steady. Report discusses rising use of single-serve milk cartons with resealable closures, hot-fill containers for sauces, pickles, soups, at expense of closureless containers such as metal cans, gabletop cartons, aseptic drink cartons/pouches. Anticounterfeiting requirements promote use of tamper-evident closures, while innovations increase reliability of caps, closures. Other positive characteristics include leak-proof qualities, convenience, child resistance, senior friendliness, product differentiation, upgrade to premium pricing. Study’s research analyst, Frost & Sullivan, London, UK, claims, “The primary requirements of caps and closures have stretched beyond reliable closure performance.” Report includes statistics, market share charts, costs €7,490 (US$11,012.95) for hard copy, €6,955 (US$10,223.23) for site license. Follow-up: Laura Wood, laura.wood@researchandmarkets.com; Link: www.researchandmarkets.com/product/a48aca/western_european_caps_and_closures_markets.

EPG buys GRIPdigital, brings industry veteran on board

Global leader in color control systems, EPG (Essex Products Group), Centerbrook, CT, buys GRIPdigital, Inc., LaGrange, IL, for undisclosed sum. Acquisition adds color measurement to EPG’s KeyColor brand, brings GRIPdigital’s founder Greg Imhoff aboard as director, Color Solutions. “GRIPdigital and Greg Imhoff are highly respected in the graphics arts industry and a perfect match for EPG,” says Peter Griffin, president, EPG, adding, “Greg has made significant contributions to the evolution of measurement technology and has the expertise and vision to lead this important…development.” Follow-up: At EPG, Link: www.epg-inc.com; At GRIP, Link: www.gripdigital.com.

Consortium works to recycle bioplastics

Bioplastics Recycling Consortium, Winston-Salem, NC, organizes to develop recovery system for bioplastics as well as end markets for post-consumer material. Group plans to focus on polylactide (PLA) initially. With recycling/composting rate for PLA virtually nonexistent, 20 members of consortium want to create recovery infrastructure. “Packaging born of renewable material, then recycled and reused for new packaging is the ultimate definition of sustainability,” says Tim Ronan, vp of Marketing for Primo To Go at Primo Water Corp., Winston-Salem, NC, which hosted meeting, recently introduced first nationally distributed single-serve bottled water in containers made from Ingeo PLA from NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN. “The Bioplastics Recycling Consortium has great potential because it’s the first dedicated effort to bring together multiple links in the value chain to talk specifically about bioplastics lifecycle,” he adds. “Now is the time to seize on the lifecycle opportunities that non oil-based bioplastics offer, and to develop an efficient recycling system that enhances the sustainability of these products…,” he concludes. Forecasts predict wider use of bioplastics. In fact, study by Freedonia Group, Cleveland, OH, estimates 20%/year growth rate through 2010 with greatest increases in films, bottles, foodservice products. Consortium members represent waste/recycling industry, brand owners, retailers, academic/research institutions, nongovernmental organizations. In addition to Primo Water, NatureWorks, participants in first meeting include Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, Climate Neutral, Porter Novelli, Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Solid Waste, University of Florida Bill Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Yale Office of Sustainability. Group plans to meet again before end of 2008. Follow-up: Link: www.primowater.com/contact-us.php.

Spray cleaner for greens adopts ‘greener’ package

In quest for more sustainable package, Beaumont Products, Inc., Kennesaw, GA, switches Veggie Wash to container with 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Custom-designed 16-ounce polyethylene terephthalate bottle from TricorBraun, St. Louis, MO, consists of single layer of 75% virgin/25% PCR blended with white colorant. “It’s consistent,” says Sylvia Carter, packaging consultant, TricorBraun, “because the raw materials are mixed together – like stirring sugar in coffee.” Bottom of bottle sports embossed printing that tells consumers, “Sustainable 25% PCR.” Message repeats on colorful shrink sleeve label, which also states “Made with Organic Citrus,” “All Natural Veggie Wash” spelled out in fruit lettering on background that shows bunches of bananas, sliced oranges, broccoli buds, lettuce leaves. “It’s a very unique package,” Carter says, adding “there are no plans” to increase PCR percentage. Polypropylene sprayer, which fits 28-410 neck finish, completes package for spray wash, which removes wax, soil, agricultural chemicals from vegetables. Follow-up: Suzie Fenton, director of marketing, +1 314-569-3633, sfenton@tricorbraun.com; Link: www.tricorbraun.com.

Packaging machinery shipments continue to climb

US packaging machinery shipments rise for sixth consecutive year, says 2008 Shipments & Outlook Study published by Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA. Survey of 369 packaging machinery manufacturers shows 16 of 17 machinery categories expand in 2007 to boost shipments 3.9% to $6.2 billion. Exports also increase, jumping 17.8% in 2007 while domestic shipments grow 1.2%. Capping, Overcapping, Lidding/Sealing segment along with Cartoning, Multipacking, Assorted Leaflet/Coupon Placing record double-digit growth with gains of 15.4%, 14.7%, respectively. PMMI provides study free to participating members. Follow-up link: www.pmmi.org/studies/2008ShipmentsStudyExecSumm.pdf.

NewPage details green label, packaging efforts in new report

Post-consumer recycled, recovered fiber statistics highlight specialty paper category in 2007 Sustainable Development Report published by NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, OH. Report includes operations acquired from Stora Enso North America in December 2007, sets baseline for future improvements for supplier of paper for packaging, labeling applications. “Sustainability has always been important to our company, as our primary raw material is renewable and contributes to improving the environment when managed responsibly,” says Mark Suwyn, chairman/ceo. Report’s 60 pages of statistics confirm multiple fiber certifications, such as American Tree Farm System, Canadian Standards Association, Forest Stewardship Council, details improvements in North American facilities, paper machines. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 877-855-7243; Link: www.newpagecorp.com.

PETA wants GHG labeling on meat, poultry packaging

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Norfolk, VA, submits shareholder resolutions to force Hormel Foods, Austin, MN; Tyson Foods, Springdale, AR; to list product’s carbon footprint on packaging. Noting meat production is leading cause of global warming, activist organization wants Hormel, Tyson to add greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/serving information on meat product packaging by 2010. Resolution specifies calculations should be based on product’s total lifecycle, should list carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane/serving. Resolutions represent new tactic in PETA’s international campaign against factory farming. “If meat is on the menu, so is a hefty serving of GHGs,” says Tracy Reiman, svp at PETA. “People have right to know the extent to which…conversion of animals into meat is contributing to global warming.” In resolutions’ supporting statement, PETA cites recent report from United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland/New York, NY, that concludes meat industry causes almost 40% more GHG emissions than all world’s transportation systems combined. PETA also notes Tesco plc, Cheshunt, UK, a major British retailer, already lists GHG/serving on some product labels. Hormel, which operates on fiscal year that concludes at end of October, set goals for reduction in energy, waste, water consumption, GHG emissions in 2007. In fact, three GHG reduction projects undertaken in recent years have cut company’s emissions by 1,367 tons/year. At Tyson, Gary Mickelson, spokesperson, reports company currently has no plans to add carbon footprint labeling to its products. However, he notes, company is reviewing resolution to determine whether it is appropriate to put before shareholders. With fiscal year that concludes at end of September, Tyson sends out proxy materials at end of calendar year in preparation for annual meeting, which generally occurs in February.

Online career center matches job seekers with employers

Employers, job seekers connect via new web link, http://careers.packexpo.com/, sponsored by Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA. Free membership, posting includes access to more than 1,300 job listings, such as director of Engineering Technology, vp Engineering, r&d director. Follow-up: Link: http://careers.packexpo.com/.

Input/output option expedites integration of case coder

New input/output (I/O) box on 4020 case coder from Markem-Imaje, Atlanta, GA, provides connectivity needed to quickly automate, integrate case coding processes. Working a bit like USB hub for personal computer, I/O box connects additional devices to controller via protocol-free connection, delivers enhanced functionality such as ability to mark randomly presented cases, provides inexpensive upgrade path when coding process requires greater connectivity. “Where products are fed from converging conveyor lines, it’s essential that the right code is printed on the right case,” says Martin Dijkstra, product manager for Markem-Imaje range of large-character inkjet printers. “Sensors positioned at the end of each feeder line notify the printer of an approaching package via the I/O box, and the relevant message is selected and printed. In some applications, the height of the package identifies its contents and destination. Here again a series of sensors linked to the I/O box activates the right combination of printheads to deliver the correct print.” Other applications determine direction of travel on bi-directional conveyors, orientation of oncoming packages so correct codes are applied. Simple menu in intuitive controller simplifies installation, programming. Highly flexible 4020 case coder controls up to four printheads, prints multiple lines of text simultaneously on top, base, sides of case, generates print heights ranging from 8 to 64 millimetres. Follow-up: Alisha Howard, marketing manager, +1 770-421-7700, ahoward@markem-imaje.com; Link: www.markem-imaje.com.

Aluminum foil exports from Europe buck downward trend

During first half of 2008, foil exports rise 3%, according to European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), Düsseldorf, Germany. General sales for period drop, however, to 432,800 tons from record 452,000 tons during first half of 2007. Deliveries drop 5% inside EAFA region, comprising Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, France, Luxembourg, Italy, UK, Hungary, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, with thinner gauges used in flexible packaging falling 7%, thicker materials down 2%. EAFA notes negative trend seems to be slowing down, with regional sales dip of 5% for 2Q08 offset by export spike of 9% for quarter despite US dollar exchange rate. “The overall economic situation means that the general reluctance to consume is an unfortunate fact to which our customers and their customers have to adapt,” says Fred McDonogh, president, EAFA, adding, “However, the slight trend recovery in the second quarter underlines the optimism of the European aluminum foil industry for the rest of…2008.” Follow-up: Guido Winsel, director Communication, +49 211 47 96 168, enquiries@alufoil.org; Link: www.alufoil.org.

Extended text labels provide more product information

Booklet, multiple plies, wrap-around™ styles of Extended Content Label (ECL) from Cortegra, Fairfield, NJ, help cylindrical bottles, vials carry more product information. ECL delivers multiple language translations, lengthy, complex drug facts, enables “pharmaceutical companies to comply with…regulations and also makes it easy for the public to use pharmaceutical products correctly, safely and with confidence,” says Narendra Srivatsa, packaging solutions director. Booklet label combines pressure-sensitive label with leaflet or booklet, may include several pages, measure up to 1/8-inch thick, reseal for repeated opening, reclosing. Multiple plies design doubles content area by printing on underside of label, which lifts up for access, reseals in place. Wrap-around configuration wraps around itself to double copy space for usage, warning information, multiple languages. Options include laminated, non-laminated substrates, color/process printing, pre-arching of labels for round containers. Follow-up: Narendra Srivatsa, +1 800-242-4657, Narendra.srivatsa@cortegra.com; Link: www.Cortegra.com.

P & G files suit to protect Herbal Essences brand

As part of ongoing effort to protect intellectual property, Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, OH, files suit against private label manufacturer, RNA Corp., Blue Island, IL. Suit filed in US District Court for Southern District of Ohio alleges infringement of trademark, trade dress, design patents related to Herbal Essences shampoos, conditioners, cites particular concern about brand’s logo, unique bottle design. P&G wants RNA to cease distributing infringing products, recall existing Hydrating Herbal inventory from stores, destroy bottle molds. Award-winning Herbal Essences packaging dates from relaunch of brand in 2006. “We believe this is a clear case of infringement designed to take advantage of the Herbal Essences’ business and its consumer loyalty,” says Steven Jemison, P&G chief legal officer.

Changeover: Goodman Packaging Equipment…Multi-Color…

Randy Spahr, vice chairman of PMMI and former vice president of Packaging Machines International, Elk Grove, IL, has joined Goodman Packaging Equipment, Waukegan, IL, as Executive Vice President. Spahr will focus on enhancing Goodman’s sales, marketing, operations, and new business development… At Multi-Color Corp., Sharonville, OH, Frank Gerace, president/ceo, takes over responsibilities of Donald E. Kneir, president, North American Business Unit, until successor comes aboard… Klöckner Pentaplast Group, Montabaur, Germany, names Dr. Hans-Joachim Kogelnik president/coo of company’s European operations to oversee plants in Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, sales offices in The Netherlands, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain; Kogelnik, who began career as chemist, comes to Klöckner from Ineos ABS, where he served as member of Advisory Board… Peter Calopedis joins tna, Sydney, Australia, as cfo; brings experience in food, manufacturing organizations to provider of vertical form-fill-seal machines…

Upstream: Showcase 2008… Cold Chain…

Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council, Falls Church, VA, presents unit-dose packaging innovations at Showcase 2008 (www.unitdose.org/showcase2008.htm), 9 September 2008 at Larry Bossidy Learning Center at Honeywell Specialty Films, Morristown, NJ… David Faulconer, Craig Thurber of Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Washington, DC, talk about Security Challenges and Tools during workshop panel at sixth annual Cold Chain Distribution for Pharmaceuticals, 22-25 September 2008, Philadelphia, PA…

EarningsUpdate: Multi-Color…

Multi-Color Corp., Sharonville, OH, reveals fiscal 1Q09 highlights for period ending 30 June 2008 vs. fiscal 1Q08, as net revenues spike 52% to $79.5 million from $52.3 million; acquisition of Collotype in February 2008 adds $30.7 million in revenue for fiscal 1Q09, compensates for 7% drop in North American sales due to decline in orders from largest customer; costs associated with expansion project help hold net income to $2.8 million in 1Q09, virtually unchanged vs. fiscal 1Q08; firm declares quarterly cash dividend of $0.05/common share for fiscal 2Q09, payable 1 September 2008 to shareholders of record at close of business 15 August 2008…

ShortRuns: Hershey… Printpack… Domino/APS…

Hershey Co., Hershey, PA, raises prices average of 11% due to soaring packaging, raw material costs. Firm reports spike of 45% in all costs since beginning of 2008, including materials, fuel, utilities, transport… Rising costs for raw materials, energy, transportation cause Printpack Inc., Atlanta, GA, to raise prices 5% to 20% across all flexible, rigid packaging product lines… Domino Holdings Deutschland GmbH, subsidiary of Domino Printing Sciences plc, Cambridge, UK, pays €15.2 (US$22.6) million for 95% of equity in Alternative Printing Services GmbH (APS), a thermal inkjet printer maker in Herrenberg, Germany…

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