HP cuts 97% of laptop packaging for sale in Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club

HP, Palo Alto, CA, replaces traditional packaging for HP Pavilion dv6929 Entertainment Notebook computer.
Consumer carries $798 computer home in HP Protect Messenger Bag, no longer needs to dispose of or store bulky box. Padded HP Protect Messenger Bag consists of 100% recycled materials. Change cuts product packaging 97%, eliminates equivalent of one out of every four trucks previously needed to deliver computers to Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, AR. HP loads bag with computer, accessories, info sheet flexographically printed on 8-point, 100% recycled chipboard from International Paper, Memphis, TN. Corrugated shipper holds three bags. Drop testing of bagged computer, shipper, shows bag delivers equal or better protection than conventional protective packaging despite being smaller, lighter. Shipper also passes vibration testing.
Although it’s too early to tell how well HP Protect Messenger Bag performs in real world conditions, if it proves successful, HP plans to extend its use to other laptop models, retailers. Recognizing reduction in environmental impact represented by Energy Star-rated computer, available exclusively at Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club stores, Wal-Mart names HP winner of its Home Entertainment Design Challenge. Challenge considers three criteria: great design that attracts consumers; product innovation that reduces environmental impact; packaging design that facilitates reuse, recycling, reduces waste, reduces or eliminates use of toxic materials. Like most of its products, HP transports HP Pavilion dv6929 via SmartWay surface transport carriers certified by Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 901-419-9000; Link: www.internationalpaper.com.

Top of Page

Aveda specifies 98% PCR HDPE shampoo bottle, launches polypropylene cap recycling campaign

Most closures end up in landfills or as litter, posing threat to terrestrial, aquatic wildlife.
Maker of plant-based cosmetics, personal-care products, Aveda, Blaine, MN, plans to change that fate by establishing recycling program for caps then providing market for recycled material by specifying 100% recycled polypropylene (RPP) for its closures.
First product to carry dispensing closure made of 100% RPP, Limited Edition Vintage Clove Shampoo, debuts in September 2008 in bottle from Sonoco’s Matrix Packaging, Mississauga, ON, Canada, made of 98% post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene, the highest percentage recycled content in colored bottle to date in beauty industry. Technigraph, Winona, MN, now part of Alpha Packaging, St. Louis, MO, silk-screens bottles; Seaquist Closures, Mukwonago, WI, produces 100% RPP closure. Relaunch of company’s first shampoo celebrates 30th anniversary of firm, which has been part of Estee Lauder, New York, NY, since 1997.
Aveda Caps Recycling Program enlists company’s salons, stores to serve as drop-off points for closures, encourages local schools to participate. Program accepts closures from water, carbonated soft drink, detergent, shampoo bottles. To minimize program’s carbon footprint, participants ship closures to regional collection centers in Los Angeles, CA; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY, rather than directly to recycler in Alabama. To date, program, which began in 2005 with one pilot school in New York, diverts 50,000 pounds of closures from landfills.
"Aveda’s Caps Recycling Program was created to help combat the devastating effects of plastic cap pollution - and to increase awareness around this critical issue," says Chuck Bennett, vp of Earth and Community Care for Aveda. "Recycling caps is a meaningful form of environmental activism," he concludes.
Follow-up: At Matrix, Marketing Department, +1 905-624-2337, info@matrixpackaging.com; Link: www.matrixpackaging.com; at Technigraph, Marketing Department, +1 507-454-3830; Link: www.technigraph.net; at Seaquist, Marketing Department, +1 262-363-7191, info@seaquistclosures.com; Link: www.seaquistclosures.com.

Top of Page

Sustainable packaging pioneers provide one-stop shopping

Partnership between two sustainable packaging pioneers provides brand owners with one-stop shopping for "green" clamshell, blister packaging.
Collaboration between Winterborne, Chatsworth, CA; CardPak, Solon, OH, also allows firms to fulfill orders from closest facility. Product offerings include recycled polyethylene terephthalate/recycled corrugated EnviroShell packaging, originally developed by Winterborne; CardPak’s SustainPak, ClubPak fiber-based alternatives to plastic clamshells. "We have complementary market strengths and products and expect this agreement to give us, jointly, a dominant presence in the market...," says Howard Mallen, evp, Winterborne.
Follow-up: At CardPak, Tom Weber, +1 800-824-3342, tweber@cardpak.com; Link: www.cardpak.com; at Winterborne, Howard Mallen, +1 866-396-2828, howard@winterborne.com; Link: www.winterborne.com.

Top of Page

PACK EXPO preview: Aseptic closure range adds 38mm with improved venting

Closure Systems International (CSI), Indianapolis, IN, expands range of aseptic closures with linerless Pro-Max 38mm 2SC.
Designed for aseptically packaged juices, teas, isotonic drinks, lightweight, high-density polyethylene closure fits existing 38-millimetre (mm), two-lead neck finishes, but weighs nearly gram less than competing closures. Precision-engineered scored tamper-evident band ensures maximum security. One-piece Pro-Max 38mm 2SC design combines superior application performance with excellent venting characteristics. “Superior venting closures greatly improve opening performance and enhance consumer safety,” says John Ziegler, global marketing manager at CSI, who reports cost of Pro-Max 38mm 2SC closure is competitive with competition. Offered in rainbow of colors, smooth surface, shape facilitate sterilization. Portfolio of aseptic closures to be displayed at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, also includes Pro-Max 38mm for three-lead neck finishes as well as 28mm linerless Asepti-Lok/AS-Lok closures for crystallized, non-crystallized finishes.
Follow-up: John Ziegler, +1 317-390-5077, john.ziegler@csiclosures.com; Link: www.csiclosures.com.

Top of Page

PACK EXPO preview: Module measures oxygen transmission

OxyOTR™ system from OxySense, Dallas, TX, measures oxygen levels inside flexible or rigid package at different times to determine oxygen transmission rate (OTR).
Detection limits range from 300 parts/million to 30% oxygen with 5% accuracy. Scheduled to be displayed at PACK EXPO International, modular, semiautomatic system combines low cost with noninvasive testing process, consists of one or more permeation chambers, software working in conjunction with OxySense 4000B test equipment. In addition to enabling simultaneous testing of multiple films/packages, OxyOTR accessory also performs headspace or dissolved oxygen analysis in finished packaging, while providing real-time data, graphic/data management capabilities. Integrated barcode sample tracking software helps operator record manual readings. Unit meets requirements of ASTM F 2418-08 standard for oxygen headspace analysis without compromising package integrity. Complete, seven-chamber OxyOTR unit (consisting of Oxy 4000B, new OxyOTR™ software, seven permeation chambers, SampleTracker™ Scanner, printer, remote capture switch) carries suggested retail price of $28,671. However, owners of existing Oxy 4000B units can add OxyOTR Software Suite for $250, permeability test chambers at $1,750/each. Initial users include major food company, government agency.
Follow-up: John Ryan, +1 214-575-7600, ext. 200, jryan@oxysense.com; Link: www.oxysense.com.

Top of Page

Acquisition strengthens secondary packaging capabilities

Bosch Group’s Bosch Packaging Technology (BPT), Waiblingen, Germany, acquires Paal Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG, Remshalden, Germany.
Paal develops, produces secondary packaging lines using paper, paperboard, corrugated packaging. Purchase gives BPT entrée to nonfoods markets.

Top of Page

PACK EXPO preview: Global participation enhances show

More than 20 North/South American, European, Asian associations bring international ideas, information to PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
Key Argentinean, Brazilian, Canadian, Chinese, Colombian, Mexican, Russian associations share information about trends, regional issues, market segments. Exhibitors at PACK EXPO include ABRE—Brazilian Packaging Association, American Forest & Paper Association, AMEE—Mexican Packaging Association, Association of Independent Corrugated Converters, Automated Imaging Association, Contract Packaging Association, Fibre Box Association, Flexible Packaging Association, IAE—Argentine Packaging Institute, In-Mold Decorating Association, Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), International Molded Fiber Association, International Safe Transit Association, Motion Control Association, OMAC Packaging Workgroup, Packaging Association of Canada, Packaging Consultants Council of IoPP, Paperboard Packaging Council, PLCopen, Robotic Industries Association, Sercos North America, World Packaging Organisation. In addition to Allied Association Pavilion, 10 international pavilions underscore global theme. Bavaria, Belgium’s Wallonia region, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK sponsor international pavilions.
Follow-up: Link: my.packexpo.com.

Top of Page

RFID tag monitors temperatures throughout supply chain

TurboTag™ smart card from Sealed Air Corp., Elmwood Park, NJ, records cold chain temperature history in real time to protect food, beverage, pharmaceutical products.
Reusable T-700 time/temperature data logger relies on 13.56-megahertz RFID technology powered by 1.5-volt printed battery from Blue Spark Technologies, Cleveland, OH, as well as supporting accessories: handheld starter, reader, antenna, software capable of computing remaining shelf life. Printed battery not only meets Sealed Air’s operating temperature range, but is thin, flexible, affordable enough to be embedded with RFID chip into credit-card size form factor. Tag records up to 702 temperatures from -30 to 55 Celsius (-22 to 131 Fahrenheit) across time span ranging from 20 minutes to three months. Tag also stores 24-character Electronic Product Code to enable product traceability. “Our TurboTag battery-assisted RFID smart card’s real-time temperature sensing and data capture capabilities offer a huge improvement over existing time and temperature monitoring technology,” says Bill Roberts, research fellow in Sealed Air’s Technology and Innovation group.
Follow-up: At Sealed Air, Jamie Shackelford, +1 972-522-4007, Jamie.shackelford@sealedair.com; Link: www.sealedair.com/products/specialty/coldchain/turbotag.html.

Top of Page

Luxury triple-cast-coated paper receives environmental nod

Kromekote brand becomes first line of triple cast-coated paper to receive full certification from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Reston, VA.
FSC certification confirms fiber, sourced by SMART Papers, Hamilton, OH, for Kromekote products, originates in forests managed to meet social, economic, ecological needs of present, future generations. Kromekote line consists of text/cover, folding board, colors/metallics, foils, textures, digital options, includes products with 30% post-consumer content. Ultra-gloss surface delivers high-impact print results favored by top brands.
Follow-up: At FSC, Certification Information, +1 703-438-6401, info@fscus.org; Link: www.fscus.org; at SMART, Tom Kleimeyer, +1 513-869-5288; Link: www.smartpapers.com.

Top of Page

PET blister packs PP pens to delete fabric stains

Oblong peg pack provides brand identification for Tide to Go Mini stain remover from Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, OH.
Demand for smaller applicators since 2005 launch of Tide to Go, results in lipstick size line extension. New Mini version fits into small handbags, clutches, pockets, comes in one-, two-pen packages. Pens, made mostly of polypropylene, measure approximately 3.5 inches, open via slim pull-off cap to reveal wick that dispenses stain-fighting formula.
Clear polyethylene terephthalate blister fits over 3.5-millilitre (0.118-fluid ounce) pen(s). Solid bleached sulfate card with cutout for peg hanging sports orange/red background with print that says #1 Instant Stain Remover in English, Spanish, features icons that show uses for On the Job, Coffee Break, Lunchtime, as well as cautionary information. "Mini" in white reverse type differentiates product from original Tide to Go stain remover. Detailed instructions fill back panel with graphics illustrating how to remove stain.
According to Kevin Crociata, associate marketing director Tide, "Since it was launched, we’ve heard so many stories from people telling us how Tide to Go came to their rescue before an interview, a wedding ceremony and countless other important moments. The new ‘Mini’ gives everyone reliable stain-fighting power with even more portability so they can carry [it] anywhere and everywhere." Available nationwide, one pen carries suggested retail price of $2.99; two-pack, $5.49.

Top of Page

Aluminum bottle protects antioxidant-packed drink

Aluminum bottle meets three criteria stipulated by Vitalita Nutritional Products, Chicago, IL, for packaging for its antioxidant-packed, all-natural Embodi fruit juice blend.
"Our packaging decision was driven by more than the shelf impact of aluminum bottles," explains Dan Waters, ceo of Vitalita. "It was driven by three key factors: The package had to protect Embodi’s unique antioxidants from deteriorating ultraviolet rays; it had to be easy for consumers to recycle; and we wanted a bottle that was environmentally friendly to transport." Aluminum bottle, supplied by CCL Container, Hermitage, PA, protects 8 ounces of grape pomace extract-based drink, which offers antioxidant benefits of red wine without alcohol. Consumers like container/product so much, sales have been higher than expected, reports Waters. Flavors include Tropical Revival, Berry Renewal, Citrus Resurgence.
Follow-up: Charlie Herrmann, vp Sales & Marketing, +1 724-981-4420, cherrmann@cclind.com; Link: www.bottlecan.com.

Top of Page

Partners help pharmaceutical packagers implement serialization

Partnership provides pharmaceutical packagers embarking on serialization effort with one-stop shopping.
As select service provider for Systech International, Cranbury, NJ, Barry-Wehmiller Design Group brings packaging line integration, regulatory compliance expertise. Systech supplies serialization solution via its Packaging Execution Systems software. Serialized coding allows packages to be tracked throughout the supply chain.
Follow-up: At System, Susana Caparros, +1 609-235-8457, SusanaCaparros@systech-tips.com; Link: www.systech-tips.com; at BWDG, William Fricks, +1 864-486-4300, William.Fricks@bwdesigngroup.com; Link: www.bwdesigngroup.com.

Top of Page

Stickpack tea "bag" brews perfect cup with no mess

Bistrozucker, Munich, Germany, extends product line with Bistrotea in microperforated stickpack that allows water to flow through for brewing, yet eliminates dripping when removed from cup.
Integrated packaging line from Bosch Packaging Technology’s Sigpack Systems, Beringen, Switzerland, consists of four-lane, 400/minute RA-4 stickpack machine, grouping device, FW feeding wheel, HCM flow wrapper equipped with Pull Pack module. On turnkey line to be installed at Bistrozucker, stickpack machine forms, fills, heat-seals foil laminate from Alcan Packaging Singen GmbH, Singen, Germany, which has been perfed on equipment from Heinz-Dieter Mendel GmbH, Wangen, Germany. Memory of foil enables stickpack to return to cylindrical shape after filling. To protect freshness, flavor of tea, equipment individually wraps each stickpack in Pull Pack or traditional overlap-seal pouch secondary packaging made from Enduro Ice aroma-barrier paper from Sihl GmbH, Düren, Germany. Easy-open Pull Pack cleanly splits apart when one end and fin seal are pulled in opposite directions.
Follow-up: At Sigpack, Holger Botsch, product management, +41 52 674-8928, holger.botsch@bosch.com; Link: www.boschpackaging.com; at Alcan, Konstantinos Mazarakis, +49 6174 968 586, Konstantinos.Mazarakis@alcan.com; Link: www.alcanpackaging.com; at Mendel, Marketing Department, +49 7522 7954-0, dmendel@mendel-stanztechnik.de; Link: www.mendel-stanztechnik.de; at Sihl, Miriam Schwarz, +49 2421 597 568, miriam.schwarz@sihl.de; Link: www.sihl.de.

Top of Page

Glass Packaging Institute touts glass container recycling event

Recycle Glass Day on 10 December 2008 highlights glass container recycling benefits.
Virtual event, hosted by glass container manufacturers, packagers, members of Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), Alexandria, VA, promotes glass as sustainable packaging material, advocates glass recycling to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In conjunction with event, GPI sponsors YouTube video competition for packaging science students, awards $5000 to winner plus $5000 to winner’s school. Eligible universities include Cal Poly, Clemson, MSU, Mohawk College, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Jose State, University of Wisconsin/Stout, University of Florida. Event sponsors include Owens-Illinois, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Containers Co.; Gallo Glass; Vitro Packaging, Inc.
Follow-up: At GPI, Joe Cattaneo, president, +1 703-684-6359, jcattaneo@gpi.org; Link: www.gpi.org; at O-I; Link: www.o-i.com; at Saint-Gobain; Link: www.saint-gobain-corporation.com; at Gallo Glass; Link: http://gallo-glass.com; at Vitro Packaging; Link: www.vitro.com.

Top of Page

OnTheDrawingBoard: Clemson researchers show dual treatment defeats Listeria

Researchers at Clemson University, Clemson, SC, prove combination of antimicrobial application, in-pack pasteurization reduces risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food.
In study, published online on 17 May 2008 in Food Microbiology, researchers from Clemson’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition apply nisin and/or lysozyme to surface of low-fat turkey bologna, seal pack, pasteurize it at 65 Celsius for 32 seconds.
Dual treatment yields product with no detectable level of Listeria after three weeks of storage. Listeria, a hardy, common pathogenic microbe, causes listeriosis, a foodborne illness that can result in miscarriages, fatalities in infants, elderly, immuno-compromised people.
Numerous outbreaks associated with ready-to-eat food have occurred in recent years, most recently 42 illnesses, 15 deaths in Canadian outbreak associated with ready-to-eat Sure Slice brand Roast Beef, Corned Beef from Maple Leaf Foods, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Although product from only two lines at Maple Leaf’s Bartor Rd. facility in Toronto is implicated, Maple Leaf opts to recall all products made at plant since January 2008. Investigators believe source of contamination is slicing equipment on two lines. However, location of service elevator, floor drain, tote bins also may have contributed. Before plant restarts, company completely disassembles, cleans/sanitizes all equipment, facility itself multiple times, institutes more stringent cleaning, sanitation, testing practices. Firm estimates recall costs at C$20 (US$18.6) million.
Follow-up: Food Microbiology; Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science.

Top of Page

Upstream: PLA...Packaging Conference...RFID...

NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, MN, hosts Innovation Takes Root conference, 16-18 September 2008 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, organizes agenda to discuss developments related to additives, surface modifications, improvements in mechanical, thermal properties...At The Packaging Conference - Latin America 2008 (www.thepackagingconference.com), 9-10 October 2008, Loews Hotel, Miami Beach, FL, speakers focus on materials for packaging; manufacturing trends, technologies for container market; closure/labeling technologies; Plastic Technologies, Inc., Holland, OH; SBA/CCI, Inc., Jacksonville, FL; host inaugural conference, offer $1,295 early registration through 19 September 2008...Early registration deadline for RFID Journal LIVE! Europe 2008, 4-6 November 2008, Prague, Czech Republic, is 12 September 2008...

Top of Page

Changeover: Enercon...NewPage...

Enercon Industries Inc., Menomonee Falls, WI, adds Owen Schmidt to sales staff as inside sales manager supporting customers in southern, western US...David J. Prystash, who has served on board of directors of NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, OH, related companies since April 2006, leaves boards to join papermaker as svp/cfo...

Top of Page

ShortRuns: Wegmans...LyondellBasell/Lurgi...Amcor/Pöyry...

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., Rochester, NY, recalls all varieties of in-store-baked bagels, bialys sold between 24 August and 9 September 2008 because dough made at retailer’s central bakeshop may have contained pieces of metal spring from mixer...Complex in Trinidad and Tobago will supply polypropylene to regional, South American markets when complete in 2012; project undertaken by joint venture between LyondellBasell Industries, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Lurgi GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in conjunction with government of Trinidad and Tobago, The National Gas Co. of Trinidad and Tobago, Ltd., National Energy Corp. of Trinidad and Tobago includes polyolefin production facility with nameplate capacity of 490 kilotons/year, methanol, methanol-to-propylene plants...Amcor, Melbourne, Australia, hires Pöyry plc, Ventaa, Finland, as engineering consultant on B9 linerboard machine project at Botany Mill in Sydney, Australia; scheduled for startup in 2H10, will produce 100% recycled fiber linerboard, testliner from mixed waste paper, old corrugated cases...International Paper (IP), Memphis, TN, plans indefinite shutdown of No. 3 paper machine at mill in Valliant, OK, on 1 November 2008 to remove approximately 430,000 tons of annual containerboard capacity from market; move affects roughly 60 employees...

Top of Page

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.