Shutdowns related to Hurricane Ike tighten resin supply

Packagers may experience delays in deliveries of resin-based packaging materials as converters scramble to compensate for resin supply problems related to Hurricane Ike.
On 19 September 2008, six days after storm made landfall on Gulf Coast, 30% of industrial plants in affected area remain offline, according to estimates by Industrial Info, Sugar Land, TX. With many refineries, resin production facilities still shutdown, several suppliers, including Dupont, Wilmington, DE; Huntsman Corp., The Woodlands, TX; Rohm and Haas Co., Philadelphia, PA; declare force majeure to warn customers shipments may be delayed, canceled or incomplete due to events beyond their control. Dupont Packaging & Industrial Polymers supplies ethylene copolymers from Sabine facility in Orange, TX, which sustained storm surge damage.
Huntsman, which is working on restarting four plants in affected area, produces several petrochemicals for packaging applications including ethylene glycol used to make polyethylene terephthalate bottle resin. Bayport, Deer Park, TX, plants, where Rohm and Haas manufactures acrylate, methacrylate, specialty monomers for packaging adhesives/coatings, remain offline due to disruptions among suppliers, distributors along Houston (TX) Ship Channel.
Other resin makers working on restarting operations include ExxonMobil Corp., Irving, TX, which produces polyolefins in Baytown, TX, polyethylene in Beaumont, TX; Sunoco, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, which makes polypropylene in Bayport, La Porte, TX; LyondellBasell, Houston, TX, which was able to maintain operations at its olefins plant in Corpus Christi, TX, but is working on restarting polymer production facilities in Bayport, Chocolate Bayou, La Porte, Matagorda, Victoria, TX, as well as Lake Charles, LA. In anticipation of reduced resin availability, Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL, begins allocating existing inventories of film, flexible packaging products, adjusting some prices.
Follow-up: Link: www.pliantcorp.com

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PACK EXPO preview: Metal detector works with metallized film

MET 30+ Universal metal detector from Lock Inspection Systems Inc., Fitchburg, MA, detects ferrous, nonferrous, stainless steel contaminants.
Shown working in conjunction with tablet presses, dedusters at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, unit ensures no contaminated product reaches consumer. System also checks food products, is compatible with variety of packaging materials including metallized film. MET 30+ Universal operates alongside Lock’s WeighChek checkweigher to provide fully integrated quality control system.
Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 978-343-3716; sales@lockinspection.com; Link: www.lockinspection.com.

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Nanoscale silver may pose environmental hazard

Nanoparticles of silver in packaging, products impart antimicrobial properties, but may pose hazard, especially if widely dispersed in environment.
“Our existing knowledge of silver in the environment provides a starting point for some assessments, and points toward some of the new questions raised by the unique properties for nanoparticles that need to be addressed through new research,” says Dr. Samuel N. Luoma, author of According to Silver Nanotechnologies and The Environment: Old Problems or New Challenges? Study issued by Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN), Washington, DC. “The silver that went into wastewaters when millions of people had their photographs developed taught us that small additions of silver to the environment make a big difference,” says Luoma, former senior researcher with U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, who now leads science policy coordination for John Muir Institute of the Environment at University of California, Davis. “Perhaps more significant, we have no means of detecting nanosilver in the environment once it is released, even if concentrations rise to levels that are toxic to aquatic ecosystems,” he adds. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, DC, classifies silver as environmental hazard because it is more toxic to aquatic plants, animals than any metal except mercury. EPA requires registration of products containing nanoscale silver that make germ-killing claims, has issued fines for noncompliance. “Silver is an old problem, and nanosilver is a new challenge,” says J. Clarence Davies, PEN senior adviser/former EPA policy official, adding, “The scope of the new challenge is not yet clear because it is uncertain how much nanosilver is now used as an antimicrobial in commercial and consumer products, and because new uses are likely to be discovered in the future. Regardless of the scope of the nanosilver problem, it underscores the need for more risk research and new approaches to oversight….”
Follow-up: Colin Finan, +1 202-691-4321; colin.finan@wilsoncenter.org; Link: www.nanotechproject.org/n/silver.

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PACK EXPO preview: One pass lays down static, variable info

Inline printing demonstrates just-in-time capabilities for pharmaceutical, medical device packaging at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
Hapa AG, Zurich, Switzerland, co-located with Coesia Group sister companies ACMA, Laetus, Volpak, displays flexo, digital drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet, hybrid flexo/digital printers. Hybrid system, destined for US medical device manufacturer, consists of Hapa 200 series UV flexo printer to print background color along with Hapa 700 series digital printer to apply variable data in form of text, barcodes or graphics. System replaces existing thermal-transfer printer that proves unreliable, expensive to run. Christoph Staub, commercial director, Hapa, explains, “The advent of traceability legislation combined with a shift from make-to-batch to make-to-order production patterns is generating demand for late-stage customization packs via digital printing.” Another system, Hapa 800 LabelJet UV DOD inkjet, offers fully digital, high-resolution 720-dot/inch, four-color process printing of artwork, variable data in one pass, combined with onboard intelligence to complete print cycle during line stoppages, thereby preventing any incomplete labeling. Company also plans to introduce inline printer with what Staub describes as “an unparalleled price/performance ratio.”
Follow-up: Christoph Staub, +41 7639 67889; Christoph.Staub@hapa.ch; Link: www.hapa.ch; Steve DiAngelis, Hapa & Laetus Inc., +1 973-983-2700; steve.diangelis@hapa.laetus.com; Link: www.laetus.com/en.

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PACK EXPO preview: Bagger makes different bags at same time

Integrated multihead scale, vertical form-fill-seal machine with “kanga jaw” technology produces two different size, shape bags simultaneously.
Integrated 528™st scale, tna robag 3 bagger from tna North America, Inc., Coppell, TX, forms, fills, seals pillow pack, block or quarto bottom bags at 150 bags/minute/side. Larger center diameter on scale, scheduled to be shown at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, equalizes distance from every load cell to bag for greater precision at higher speeds. Company also plans to display tna roflo 3, world’s first totally reversible, gateless transfer, distribution system, which controls conveying speed, direction electronically via touch key pad. Bidirectional “switcheroo” feed tilts, raises, lowers stainless steel pans to accommodate one or more lines. In addition, “erector” lifts selected pan module to separate line, prevents cross contamination of product between pans on multi-product lines. Eliminating need for multiple lines reduces capital investment up to 40%.
Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 972-462-6500; sales_usa@tnasolutions.com; Link: www.tnasolutions.com.

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PACK EXPO preview: VFFS machine withstands washdown

Hayssen ULTIMAX 15-inch CM vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine with Ishida Scale withstands high-pressure washdown.
Barry-Wehmiller subsidiary, HayssenSandiacre, Duncan, SC, plans to demonstrate first of its kind machine at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Other equipment on display includes Sandiacre NOVUS 250 with Yamato Frontier Scale. High-speed, continuous motion VFFS system reaches speeds of 200 packs/minute. HayssenSandiacre also plans to show Hayssen Ultima SV with Mateer Burt 1800D Servo Auger filler for dry products in flat-bottom bags; Rose Forgrove Integra Flow Wrapper capable of up to 110 wraps/minute.
Follow-up: Lacy Cooper, marketing coordinator, +1 864-486-4000; sales@hayssensandiacre.com; Link: www.hayssensandiacre.com.

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PACK EXPO preview: Automation eases packaging challenges

Automation solutions from Bosch Rexroth, Hoffman Estates, IL, solve typical packaging challenges such as maximizing uptime, productivity, ease-of-use.
Exhibiting at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, company demonstrates full-line automated solutions in tandem with gantry, delta robots, horizontal form-fill-seal machinery, bottle filler as well as range of automation products from electric drive, controls, pneumatics, linear motion, assembly technology groups. Suitable for sophisticated packaging, robotics applications, Rexroth’s motion logic controller (MLC) controls up to 16 robotic kinematics concurrently, up to 65 axes of motion, plus logic. Newest MLC Version 4 firmware provides advanced camming, flex profile capabilities to help reduce engineering time, improve cycle time of machine or entire packaging line. Linear motion eLINE compact modules address applications with less rigorous linear motion speed, load requirements up to 60 kilograms.
Follow-up: Jim Smith, marketing representative, +1 847-645-3600; james.smith@boschrexroth-us.com; Link: www.boschrexroth-us.com/packaging.

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Consumers turn away from products with BPA

Increasingly, consumers prefer bisphenol A (BPA)-free products.
Several retailers plan to shift away from products containing BPA, which some studies have linked to developmental, reproductive health problems. “With increased public awareness of toxic chemical hazards, consumers aren’t waiting for government regulators to act before changing their buying patterns to products they perceive as safer,” says Richard Liroff, PhD, executive director of Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN), Washington, DC, publisher of Public Awareness Drives Market for Safer Alternatives: Bisphenol A Market Analysis Report. Report analyzes market trends for companies that make products containing BPA as well as businesses developing, selling BPA-free products. With consumers’ anti-BPA attitude, packagers, packaging converters may benefit by finding alternatives to polycarbonate containers, BPA can coatings. According to report, “Companies monitoring emerging science and taking strategic steps in advance of slow government regulatory processes appear to clearly have the competitive edge as ‘first movers’ in the marketplace. Whether they are innovative entrepreneurs or old-line companies, they are grabbing market share, enhancing their branding, and otherwise prospering from public awareness of toxic chemicals in common consumer products.” IEHN consists of investment managers concerned about financial, public health risks associated with corporate toxic chemicals policies.
Follow-up: Link: http://iehn.org/publications.reports.bpa.php.

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Digitally printed labels come with color guarantee

Suppliers offer color guarantee for pressure-sensitive labels printed in up to seven colors on HP Indigo digital presses from HP, Palo Alto, CA.
System guarantees color match between proof, final print, reduces color matching time, media waste, blanket wear. System relies on PacVantage™ preproduction software from EskoArtwork, Gand, Belgium; Fasson pressure-sensitive rollstock from Avery Dennison, Fasson Roll North America, Mentor, OH, which incorporates facestock produced from Digilyte oriented polypropylene film from ExxonMobil Chemical Co., Macedon, NY. Materials exhibit excellent print quality, one-year print shelf life, eliminate need for top coating. Software ensures color adjustments made during proofing stage are matched on press with little or no tweaking, cutting color matching downtime up to 35%. Software also includes tools for proofer certification, remote proofing, which allows proof to be output on HP Designjet 3100 proofer at brand owner’s location. “Initial feedback from customers indicates that converters who use PacVantage technology can save $0.20-$0.25/thousand square inches (up to $175,000/press on an annual basis),” reports Brian Oost, business lines development manager, Fasson. “No longer must the HP Indigo ws4000 series press be used as a proofing device for color testing. The converter saves time on press, and the brand owner saves cycle time, because a color-accurate proof can be drawn right in the company’s office, saving shipping time,” he concludes.
Follow-up: At HP, Sarah Markfield-Katcher, +1 404-648-2203; sarah.markfield-katcher@hp.com; Link: www.hp.com/go/graphic-arts; at EskoArtwork, Jef Stoffels, director of Corporate Marketing, +32 9 216 90 32; jef.stoffels@esko.com; Link: www.esko.com; at Fasson, Judy Abelman, +1 800-944-8511; pat.bowser@averydennison.com; Link: www.fasson.com; at ExxonMobil, Terry Jensen, +1 800-868-9206; terry.jensen@exxonmobil.com; Link: www.exxonmobilchemical.com, www.oppfilms.com.

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Turnkey solution puts wine in bag-in-box packaging

Turnkey bag-in-box solution simplifies entrée into alternative packaging for winemakers switching from glass or adding new packaging option.
Complete system from TricorBraun’s Caliber WinePak, Benicia, CA, consists of 1.5-, 3-, 5-litre bag-in-boxes, design assistance, filling equipment. High-oxygen-barrier bag with oxygen-barrier tap protect wine quality by preventing oxygen ingress even after initial opening. Renting equipment maximizes flexibility for winemakers.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 707-747-1055; Link: www.caliberwinepak.com.

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Green Giant dominates redesigned graphics

Major icon grows in stature on Green Giant Fresh brand produce packaging.
With redesign, Sholl Group II, Eden Prairie, MN, which markets Green Giant Fresh produce products under license from General Mills, Minneapolis, MN, takes advantage of brand equity, consumer recognition. Green Giant character, logo, valley now occupy upper third of front panel on four Green Giant Fresh product lines: Steam Line in bags that steam-cook vegetables in microwave; Stir-Fries ready meals with sauce packets; Cut Vegetables in steaming bag; branded fruits, vegetables. According to Darci Eckermann, svp, The Sholl Group, “We decided to increase the size of the Green Giant because the Green Giant brand is recognized by 96% of consumers and has tremendous brand equity, as well as now delivering first rate on-shelf shop-ability. It is synonymous in consumers’ minds with quality, freshness and trust.”

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Global bottled water increases despite weather, criticism

Bottled water consumption grows 6% in 2007, with demand in emerging markets outweighing impact of poor summer weather in Europe, controversy about environmental impact of product.
According to 2008 Global Bottled Water report from Zenith International Ltd., Bath, UK, worldwide sales hit 206 billion litres (L) in 2007, will rise 32% to 272 billion L in 2012. Per capita consumption stands at 30.8L in 2007, up 1.4L over 2006. Bulk packages of more than 10L account for 36% of overall consumption. Regionally, Asia/Australasia, where consumption spikes 10% over 2006 volumes, ranks as largest market with 26.5%. Africa, East Europe jump 14%, 10% respectively, however, hold smallest market shares. In West Europe, consumption dips 0.2%, due to lack of hot weather. Largest national markets include US, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Italy. Commenting on debate about environmental impact of bottled water, Gary Roethenbaugh, director, Zenith Market Intelligence, says it “will have had some impact in the US and West Europe, but last year’s wet summer was of greater consequence in West Europe. The resilience of the global bottled water market shows that consumers continue to believe in the benefits of its purity and convenience.”
Follow-up: Reports, +44 1225 327900; info@zenithinternational.com; Link: www.zenithinternational.com.

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Group forms to standardize network technology

IP for Smart Objects Alliance (IPSO), San Francisco, CA, forms to promote Internet Protocol (IP) as best networking technology for transmitting data from sensor- or actuator-equipped devices.
These “smart objects” transmit information about condition of packaging machine or other asset for analysis, correlation with other data, action. “In recent years IP has emerged as the most efficient and scalable networking technology not just in the traditional IT realm but in scenarios with low power, restricted memory, rugged surroundings and tens of thousands of often unattended devices,” explains Geoff Mulligan, industry consultant/IPSO Alliance chairman. “Users are recognizing that the proven, ubiquitous IP standard is a much better alternative to using a patchwork of proprietary protocols that have no guarantee of scalability or interoperability, and require complex gateways that are difficult to deploy and manage,” he adds. Group intends to complement efforts of standards groups like Internet Engineering Task Force, Fremont, CA; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, NY, by performing interoperability tests, documenting use of new IP-based technologies, conducting marketing activities, serving as information repository for users seeking to understand role of IP in networks of physical objects. Founding members include major telecom, software companies like Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA; SAP AG, Walldorf, Germany; Sun Microsystems, Inc., Santa Clara, CA. Group welcomes any organization advocating IP-based approach to connecting smart objects. Membership levels include Contributor for $2,500/year; Promoter for $5,000/year.
Follow-up: Geoff Mulligan, +1 719-593-2992; geoff@ipso-alliance.org; Link: www.ipso-alliance.org.

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Apple processor cooks up complete line by adding small PET jar

Brands add 24-ounce (oz) custom hot-fill polyethylene terephthalate (PET) applesauce jar to 48-, 64-oz sizes already converted from glass.
Musselman’s, Lucky Leaf brands from Knouse Foods Co-op, Inc., Peach Glen, PA, market full line of PET jars from Graham Packaging, LP, York, PA. All three sizes incorporate indented grip, making containers easy for consumers to handle.
According to Paul Bailie, vp/business manager of food packaging at Graham, “Basically, Knouse has moved its brands into plastic to provide their customers with a lightweight, safe and customer-friendly package -- one that’s easy to carry, store, open and reclose.”
Jars withstand fill temperatures of 195-205o Fahrenheit, accept either one-piece polypropylene (PP) or two-piece combination PP/metal disk closures in finish sizes of 63, 70 millimetres (mm) with potential increase to 82mm. According to Graham, applesauce jars are fully recyclable, support supply chain sustainability through lightweight design, reduced carbon footprint.
Follow-up: Paul Bailie, +1 717-849-8500; Link: www.grahampackaging.com.

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Most consumers consider cost before environment

Most UK shoppers consider cost, quality, healthiness over environmental factors when buying groceries.
Survey, conducted for Food Standards Agency, London, UK, finds 66% look at economics (including food quality), 23% worry about social issues (including healthiness of food), only 10% put environmental issues first when shopping. In addition two-fifths remain unable to define “sustainability.” However, 53% of consumers claim they consider at least one environmental issue when food shopping, cite examples such as purchase of free-range eggs or Fairtrade product. Agency plans to use research to help craft policies to encourage sustainable development.
Follow-up: Link: www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/sep/buyerconsderations.

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Solo Cup moves headquarters, closes production facility

Manufacturer of single-use paper-, polymer-, foam-based foodservice products, utensils, relocates corporate employees, closes manufacturing facility.
Solo Cup Co., Highland Park, IL, expects to relocate headquarters staff from two offices in Highland Park, one in Lincolnshire, IL, to leased offices in Lake Forest, IL, by July 2009. Closure of plant in Highland Park reflects improved production capabilities at company’s 13 facilities in North America. Closure affects 420 employees, who may relocate to other Solo facilities, which will be adding 200 jobs.
Follow-up: Robert M. Korzenski, president/ceo, +1 847-831-4800; Link: www.solocup.com.

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Laser codes PET spray bottles for automotive products

Blue tube laser coding technology from Domino Printing Sciences plc, Cambridge, UK, addresses need for higher coding speeds at Sonax GmbH & Co. KG, Neuburg, Germany.
Originally developed for beverage industry, S200B carbon dioxide coding system features wavelength tuned for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), generates frosted effect to produce high-definition, durable code even on thin-wall containers. At Sonax, laser coder applies codes to PET spray bottles of car products at 240 metres (m)/minute (min).
Single line of code contains batch, date, machine information. Domino DPX500 extraction unit installed with S200B removes fumes, particles, ensures consistently high code quality. Designed to IP55 standard for demanding production environments, Domino’s S-Series lasers feature high-resolution optics, which deliver smaller dot sizes at higher speeds. Reduced line width of -35% produces highly legible codes, even for characters as small as 0.8 millimetres (mm).
With focal length of 120mm, S200B handles marking field of 76 x 76mm, which provides greater area to track products, allows unit to manage two-line codes at speeds up to 152 m/min Intuitive Windows® based software, color touch screen for quick code setup make S200B easy to operate. Visible alignment beam simplifies positioning code.
Follow-up: Sheila Richardson, group marketing manager, +44 1954 782551; sheila.richardson@domino-uk.com; Link: www.domino-printing.com.

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Maple Leaf reopens sanitized plant

After rigorous sanitizing, microbiological testing, pre-operation inspection by Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, ON, Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Toronto, ON, reopens Bartor Road plant in Toronto.
Listeria-contaminated products produced on two lines at plant are believed to be cause of 47 cases of listeriosis, 16 deaths. Initial recall on 17 August 2008 involves two products, was expanded on 23 August to all products produced at plant. Investigation implicates slicing equipment as likely source of contamination, also raised issues with tote handling, nearby floor drain, elevator. Plant, which has been closed since 20 August 2008, resumes production of deli meats, pepperoni, cooked sausages, fully cooked chicken, turkey, beef meat strips in phases beginning with test runs. Startup corresponds with implementation of more stringent food safety practices. For example, company’s regular environmental Listeria monitoring program has more than doubled number of sampling sites, test frequency. Newly drafted Maple Leaf Action Plan calls for continuous improvement effort, establishes Food Safety Advisory Council, creates chief food safety officer position.

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Plumbing manufacturer saves 200,000+ pounds of packaging

Redesigned packaging for five plumbing products cuts usage of corrugated, paperboard, plastic by more than 200,000 pounds/year.
New designs pass shock, vibration testing performed to standards of International Safe Transit Association, East Lansing, MI. “We have a number of initiatives underway…to develop…environmentally smart products, packaging and processes because we know from experience – it’s smart business,” says Jeff Jollay, vp marketing, product development at BrassCraft, Novi, MI. Switching from two-piece to one-piece, tear-tape-equipped shipper for C1 valves reduces corrugated 61% (14,000 pounds), eliminates plastic banding. For Speedi Plumb BrassCraft replaces skin card with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hang tag to cut consumption of solid bleached sulfate (SBS) by 9,000 pounds, skin film by 13,000 pounds. Switch to one-piece shippers for Speedi Plumb, fill valve/flapper kits save 128,200 pounds of corrugated. Faucet packaging eliminates PVC, polyolefin, polystyrene components, saving 900, 4,000, 19,000 pounds of material, respectively. Smaller, window-less carton improves cube, fits 72 more faucets/pallet. This 25% increase in faucets/pallet eliminates one trailer for approximately every 1,600 packages. Folding cartons for gas products installation kits eliminate window, saving 132,000 square feet of polyethylene terephthalate. Switch from E-flute corrugated to SBS cuts 35,000 pounds. New design also eliminates corrugated insert (236,000 square feet of material). BrassCraft specifies paperboard, corrugated certified by Forest Stewardship Council, Bonn, Germany, or Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc., Arlington, VA. In addition corrugated shippers contain average of 30% recycled content. Suppliers include Doug Brown Packaging Products, Royal Oak, MI; Harris Packaging Corp., Haltom City, TX; Smurfit-Stone Container Corp, Chicago, IL; Bay Corrugated Container, Inc., Monroe, MI; National Carton & Coating Co., Xenia, OH. On manufacturing side, BrassCraft plating operations install water-conserving water-treatment equipment.
Follow-up: At Doug Brown Packaging, Marketing Department, +1 248-549-2550, info@dbpackaging.com; Link: www.dbpackaging.com; at Harris Packaging, Marketing Department, +1 817-429-6262; info@harrispackaging.com; Link: www.harrispackaging.com; at Smurfit-Stone, Quotes, +1 877-772-2999; Link: www.smurfit.com; at Bay Corrugated, Sales Department, +1 800-787-1200, sales@baycorr.com; Link: www.baycorr.com; at National Carton, Sales Department, +1 937-372-8001, sales@nationalcarton.com; Link: www.nationalcarton.com.

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Study presents lifecycle inventory data for packaging materials

LCI Data for Packaging – 2008 study defines lifecycle inventory (LCI) of more than 100 raw materials used in packaging.
Study prepared by packaging consultant/publisher Allied Development Corp., Burnsville, MN, marketed by Packaging Strategies, West Chester, PA, includes data on glass, plastics, metal, paperboard. Study identifies LCI data sources; compares, quantifies available data; documents, explains analysis; presents European, North American, global data sets; guides user through LCI process; describes drivers, decisions that affect LCI data. Hard copy costs US$2,995.
Follow-up: Order Department, +1 610-436-4220, ext. 8511; orders@packstrat.com; Link: www.packstrat.com/PS/Home/Studies/PDF/LCIBro2008.pdf.

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ShortRuns: Microscan/Siemens…Bioplastics Awards…

Microscan, Renton, WA, gains machine vision imaging, inspection capabilities with purchase of Siemens Energy and Automation’s Machine Vision Business (formerly Acuity CiMatrix), Nashua, NH; Microscan expects deal to enhance its traceability solutions, anticipates closing on 19 September 2008…European Plastics News (www.bioplasticsawards.com), Croyden, UK, extends entry deadline for Bioplastics Awards 2008 through 3 October 2008; categories recognize innovation in packaging, non-packaging applications, marketing initiatives, highlights role of retailers/brand owners, individuals in development of bioplastics market…PaperWorks Industries, Inc., affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, completes acquisition of coated recycled board mills in Philadelphia, PA; Wabash, IN; from Graphic Packaging Holding Co., Marietta, GA, enabling Graphic to meet requirements of US Department of Justice, Washington, DC, governing its March 2008 merger with Altivity…Industrial packaging distributor, Vital Products, Inc., Concord, ON, Canada, plans to purchase competitor Den Packaging Corp., Montreal, QC, Canada, anticipates closing by end of November 2008…

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Changeover: Checkpoint…

Prasad Putta, cofounder/business development leader of OATSystems, Waltham, MA, moves into vp/gm position as it becomes radio frequency identification software division of Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Thorofare, NJ; other OATSystems cofounder, chief scientist Dr. Sanjay Sarma joins Checkpoint as technology advisor/Innovation Council member…

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Upstream: EPC Connection…

EPC Connection 2008 (www.epcconnection.com/registration_options.php), 14-16 October 2008 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL, discounts registration by $100 until 19 September 2008, focuses on successful implementation of radio frequency identification technology, use of Electronic Product Code (EPC)…

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

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