Packaging pinks up to fight breast cancer

Limited-edition packaging marks breast cancer awareness month (October) to reach women consumers, encourage screenings, and raise funds for cancer-fighting organizations.
However, timing arrival of limited-edition packaging on store shelves involves complex logistics. At Jelly Belly Candy Co., Fairfield, CA, in-house marketing, graphics department begins work 12 months in advance to deliver 1-ounce pouches, displays of Fruit Punch Sports Beans®. Company plans to donate 5% of sales of specially marked package through April 2009 to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, New York, NY.
Hain Celestial Group, Boulder, CO, also begins planning nearly one year ahead, partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Frisco, TX, introduces two Celestial Seasonings green tea flavors -- Cranberry Pomegranate, Tropical Grapefruit. “Creating a limited-edition design involves considerations around maintaining our brand look, working within our communication strategy and allowing ourselves to offer the consumer something special and meaningful,” explains Katie Harwood, spokesperson for Hain Celestial Group. “For the Breast Cancer Awareness Teas, we…partnered with breast cancer survivors to design artwork for the boxes, bringing heightened awareness to the cause and giving the artistic expression even more power by featuring personal journeys of hope. Package development took approximately three months from concept to printing.” Limited-edition packaging uses same structural design, dimensions as its 20-count cartons, therefore requires no special accommodations on packaging line. Company expects limited-edition teas/packaging to spark incremental sales lift.
Many other food/beverage product producers, retailers observe breast cancer awareness month with special packaging including Yoplait, Minneapolis, MN, with pink foil lidstock for its 10-year-old Save Lids to Save Lives program; Wholly Guacamole, Fort Worth, TX, where 7-, 14-ounce pink cartons replace usual green; Mars Snackfood US, Hackettstown, NJ, with pink M&M® brand milk chocolate, peanut candies in limited-edition 14-, 21.3-ounce bags. Likewise, retailer Office Max, Naperville, IL, donates 5% of sales to City of Hope of 17 pink-packaged items sold through 26 December 2008.

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New at PACK EXPO International: Sustainable Packaging Scorecard Information Center

PMMI is adding a new, interactive educational feature to PACK EXPO International 2008 (McCormick Place, Chicago; Nov. 9–13) – the Sustainable Packaging Scorecard Information Center (Upper Lakeside; Booth Number: E-5839).
Staffed by a team of scorecard consultants and trainers, the educational center is designed to give packagers and their packaging supply chain partners practical insight into implementing sustainability practices.
The consultants and trainers staffing the center will offer free one-on-one consultations during the show and present a daily schedule of live presentations on the scorecard at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. The Center will also incorporate a display of packages that CPG companies have restaged to conserve energy and materials.
Staffing the Sustainable Packaging Scorecard Information Center will be representatives of Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM ®), Environmental Packaging International (EPI), Packaging Knowledge Group (PKG) and Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions (PTIS).
In keeping with the PACK EXPO theme, about 80 percent of exhibitors will display a green PACK EXPO icon in their booths, indicating that sustainability is a major element in their presence at the show.
In addition, Amy Zettlemoyer-Lazar, packaging director, Sam's Club and co-manager of Wal-Mart's Sustainability Value Network will deliver a special keynote presentation on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1pm entitled, "Keeping Score: How Wal-Mart and its Suppliers Continue to Advance Packaging Change, Innovation and Sustainability."
Follow-up: To register for Zettlemoyer-Lazar’s Nov. 9 keynote, please logon to http://pei2008.packexpo.com/attendee/registration.html.

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PACK EXPO preview: Stretch wrapper needs no operator

Arpac, Schiller Park, IL, unveils flagship model in RTAC Series of rotary arm stretch wrappers at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
Heavy-duty, conveyorized RTAC-4Q3 machine indexes, wraps, discharges loads without operator assistance. Capable of stretch wrapping up to 100 loads/hour, unit features Allen-Bradley touch screen operator interface from Rockwell Automaton, Milwaukee, WI, for machine parameter settings, manual operation, fault diagnostics messages; 6-foot-tall fenced guarding for maximum operation safety; remote NEMA-12 electrical enclosure; AC motors, controllers; driven turntable transition rollers for more positive pallet handling; analog proximity switch dancer bar control for more reliable film feed speed control, corner compensation; 36-inch-diameter precision steel ring rotary arm support/drive system for stable, safe, maintenance-free operation. Arpac also plans to demonstrate fully automated PAC-Series stretch wrapper, Master MTE-1100 Series inline high-speed tray erector, BrandPac® BPTS-5000 combination pad, tray, unsupported print-registered film multipacker, BPMP-5000 shrink wrapper, HC37 bottom overlap horizontal shrink wrapper, CAPRA® 8000SS side-seal horizontal shrink wrapper.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 847-678-4034, info@arpac.com; Link: www.arpac.com.

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PACK EXPO preview: Test equipment checks containers

Agr International, Inc., Butler, PA, demonstrates package/container test equipment at PACK EXPO International, 9-13 November 2008 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
PPT3000™ with Shelf-life Management performs standard, custom high-precision pressure-, temperature-compensated volume expansion tests on plastic containers, aluminum bottles. For PET packaging, shelf-life management tool provides immediate feedback on material utilization, predicted shelf-life data. Handheld MBT 7200/7400 Wall Thickness Measurement Gauges measure nonferrous containers, packages, related materials up to 10 millimetres, perform especially well in difficult-to-measure areas such as heel, base, shoulder, decorated areas, small radii, complex shapes, sharp corners. Combi Tester automatically gauges fill height, brimful volume, top load (vertical strength) of plastic or metal containers, replacing multiple devices, difficult, time-consuming, hand-measurement methods.
Follow-up: Karen Marcellus, marketing communications specialist, +1 724-482-2163, kmarcellus@agrintl.com; Link: www.agrintl.com.

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Resealable aluminum beverage can wins international awards

A resealable aluminum can for Coca-Cola’s Burn energy drink wns top prize in the Canmaker magazine’s 2008 Cans of the Year Awards and “Best in Metal Award 2008” from the European Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association.
The container is one of 13 finalists in the 2008 PACK EXPO Selects program and will be showcased at PACK EXPO International (November 9-13, Chicago’s McCormick Place).
The winning package, the Ball Resealable End (BRE), is a collaborative development of Ball Packaging Europe, subsidiary of Ball Corp.; Coca-Cola, and Bound2B BV, Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Burn energy drink can also wins Cans of the Year Gold award in Two-Piece Beverage Cans category, Silver award in Ends, Caps, and Closures category. “We’ve been waiting for years to see the commercial application of a resealable lid on a drinks can so the BRE end from Ball is a worthy winner of the Can of the Year,” says John Nutting, editorial director of The Canmaker, adding, “Making a success of a product like this is a huge undertaking, requiring not just innovative design but the use of highly sophisticated manufacturing techniques requiring unprecedented quality control. “It also must meet Coca-Cola’s stringent requirements that enable the BRE to be used within its high-speed filling operations. For the beer and beverage world this is the equivalent of putting a man on the moon.”
The BRE can is one of 13 innovative packaging projects from PACK EXPO exhibitors that have been named finalists in the PACK EXPO Selects program. Finalists will be displayed in The Showcase of Packaging Innovations™, an exhibit of more than 300 innovative packaging developments that is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Co. Show visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite packaging development from among the PACK EXPO Selects finalists.
Follow-up: Log on to www.packexpo.com to register for PACK EXPO.

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Cans of the Year: Winners exemplify metal packaging’s diversity

Winners of this year’s Cans of the Year competition, sponsored by The Canmaker, give new meaning to the term “can”.
In addition to the resealable aluminum beverage can (see previous item) that took overall honors, other Gold award winners recognized at The Canmaker Summit, 29-30 September 2008 in Warsaw, Poland, include first aerosol can for toothpaste developed by Tubex GmbH, Rangendingen, Germany, for Aquafresh brand from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Brentford, UK; 10-litre pressurized beer keg from canmaker Huber Packaging Group, Oehringen, Germany, for Stuttgarter Hofbräu, Stuttgart, Germany; Coca-Cola’s latest impact extruded aluminum bottle from Exal, Youngstown, OH, with graphics designed for US market by Turner Duckworth, San Francisco, CA; highly decorated DVD container from Glud & Marstrand A/S, Løsning, Denmark; latest EasyLift pet food can lid from Crown Food Europe, Paris, France; easy-open aluminum can from Impress Metal Packaging, Deventer, The Netherlands, for paté from Hamé, Kunovice, Czech Republic; stylish olive oil can with anti-drip spout from Pirlo GmbH & Co., Kufstein, Austria; cleverly designed paint can from Cerviflan Industrial e Comercial, Guarulhos, Brazil; presentation container from GM Metal Packaging, Hong Kong, in form of 1950s radio. Lightweight drawn-and-ironed Fusion aluminum bottle from Rexam plc, London, UK, wins in prototype category.
Follow-up: At Ball, Marketing Department, +49 2102 130 – 0; Link: www.ball-europe.com; at Tubex, Marketing Department, +49 7471 / 990-0, info@tubex.de; Link: www.tubex.de; at Huber, Marketing Department, +49 79 41 / 66-779, easykeg@huber-packaging.com; Link: www.huber-packaging.com; at Exal, Can Sales, +1 330-744-CANS (2267), cansales@exal.com; Link: www.exal.com; at Turner Duckworth, Marketing Department, +1 415-675-7777; Link: www.turnerduckworth.com; Glud & Marstrand, Marketing Department, info@glud-marstrand.com; Link: www.glud-marstrand.com; Crown Food Europe, Ana Ces Agraso, +44 1235 402 79, ana.ces-agraso@eur.crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com; Impress, Jacqueline Turlings, +31 570 682 546, food@nl.imp-group.com; Link: www.impressgroup.com; at Pirlo, Marketing Department, +43 5372 64923-0; Link: www.pirlo.com; at Cerviflan, Marketing Department, +55 11 6432 56 29; Link: www.cerviflan.com.br; at GM, Marketing Department, +852 2375 0005, gmmp@gidumal.org; Link: www.gmmp.hk; at Rexam, Stephen Howell, +44 1583 408900, stephen.howell@rexam.com; Link: www.rexam.com/fusion/.

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PMMI elects six new directors, names executive committee

Members of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA, name six packaging leaders to board, elect 2009 Executive Committee.
Richard A. Bahr, ceo/president, MGS Machine Corp., Brooklyn Park, MN; Jeffrey Bigger, president, owner, Massman Automation Designs, LLC, Villard, MN; Richard P. Fox Jr., president/ceo, FOX IV Technologies, Inc., Export, PA; Rocky Marquis, president, MARQ Packaging Systems, Inc., Yakima, WA; Mark S. Reichert, president, A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., Tarpon Springs, FL; Carol Shuttleworth, president/ceo, Shuttleworth, Inc., Huntington, IN; begin four-year terms 1 January 2009. Bob Risley, Nominating Committee chairman, corporate development executive at Intralox, LLC, Harahan, LA, notes PMMI’s bylaws require composition of board to reflect company size, geography of association. “Although not prescribed in our bylaws,” he adds, “we also look for members who have already demonstrated a commitment to PMMI…active members…who have a proven record of stepping up to lead.” For coming year, Executive Committee consists of Chairman Randy L. Spahr, evp, Goodman Packaging Equipment, Waukegan, IL; Vice Chairman Glenn R. Siegele, president, Omega Design Corp., Exton, PA; Past Chairman James E. Anderson, chairman, Marlen Research Corp., Overland Park, KS; President/CEO Charles D. Yuska, PMMI.
Follow-up: Matt Croson, vp of Member services, +1 703-516-0671, mcroson@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org.

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Club pack design cuts plastic content 60%

Paperboard-based club store pack for Sharpie Fine Retractable markers from Newell Rubbermaid Office Products, Atlanta, GA, cuts plastic content 60%.
Natralock security packaging from MWV, Richmond, VA, replaces mock clamshell for 10-count multipack. “With strong sustainability features, product security, curl-resistance and graphics capabilities, Natralock packaging is a perfect fit for the Sharpie club pack,” says Randy Canlas, packaging leader – markers (Sharpie, Sharpie Accent®, EXPO® Dry Erase) at Newell Rubbermaid. “The added benefit of considerable plastic reduction inherent in using Natralock contributes to an improvement in major retailers’ packaging scorecard parameters,” explains Jeff Kellogg, vp, MWV Natralock security packaging. Natralock design features proprietary tamper- and tear-resistant paperboard, compatibility with radio frequency or heat sealing on existing equipment, potential for cutting sealing energy costs by two-thirds, elimination of sharp edges, opening hazards of traditional clamshells.
Follow-up: Link: www.natralock.com.

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RTD iced tea in slim can takes bow in Eastern Europe

Slim can introduces ready-to-drink (RTD) iced tea from RC Cola International (RCCI), Columbus, GA, to Eastern Europe.
Innovative print technology on 25-centilitre slim can from Crown Bevcan Europe and Middle East, Paris, France, division of Crown Holdings, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, reproduces Asian-inspired graphics for Orient Emporium Tea Co. brand iced tea.
“Innovative package design is a major brand positioning tool,” notes Moshy Cohen, RCCI’s vp for business development in Eastern Europe. “Slim cans communicate trendy, modernity, and New Age [image],” he adds. RCCI’s exclusive bottler, Fluidi, Gnjilane, Republic of Kosovo, launches brand in former Yugoslavian markets.
Jewel-toned emerald, topaz cans carry woodcut-inspired look popular in traditional Asian artwork. Delicate dragon, dragonfly, cherry blossom branch motifs promote value, health benefits of powerful antioxidant-rich Green Tea and Pomegranate, refreshing Black Tea and Peach flavors.
“High quality print makes use of special, high-resolution printing plates, which allow for improved dot separation, leading to superior print reproduction of complex images on cans,” explains Caroline Archer-Reed, marketing director for Crown’s beverage business in Europe.
Follow-up: Tom Hughes, marketing manager (US), +1 215-698-5289, thomas.hughes@crowncork.com; Caroline Archer-Reed (Europe), +33 1 49 18 40 43, caroline.archer-reed@eur.crowncork.com; Link: www.crowncork.com.

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Curwood expands, celebrates half-century in packaging

Global provider of flexible, thermoformed packaging for food, beverage, consumer goods, Curwood, Inc., Oshkosh, WI, turns 50 this year.
Founded in 1958 by flexible packaging inventors Howard Curler, chemical engineer, Bob Woods, mechanical engineer, Curwood boasts state-of-the-art production, service locations throughout North America, South America, Asia, Europe. Company began by making polyethylene films, other high-performance materials, continues to expand portfolio as part of Bemis Co., Inc., Neenah, WI, which celebrates 150th anniversary in 2008. Additionally, upon approval by state, local governments, Curwood says its Fremont, OH, plant will add 50 positions, build more space, purchase equipment for development, production of packaging for meat, cheese, coffee.
Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 800-544-4672, curwood@bemis.com; Link: www.curwood.com.

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Acquisition augments film capacity for AEP

AEP Industries Inc., South Hackensack, NJ, augments its polyethylene film capacity with acquisition of Plastic Films segment of Atlantis Plastics, Inc., Atlanta, GA.
Deal for $87 million in cash receives approval from US Bankruptcy Court for Northern District of Georgia-Atlanta Division. Purchase brings polyethylene film, flexible packaging specialist six manufacturing facilities. After closing, which is expected on or before 30 October 2008, AEP plans to merge Atlantis operation into its Stretch Film, Custom Films Divisions.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 800-999-2374; Link: www.aepinc.com.

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Contract filler adds line, beverage filling capability

Contract packager Surefil, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI, installs third line, adds beverage filling capability on existing high-speed line.
Highly flexible third line fills volumes from 1 to 33.8 ounces without change parts, cleans quickly. With minimum run of 1,000 bottles, it meets needs of test markets, product introductions, sampling programs. Line consists of six-head in-line filler, 12-head servo-driven capper, which applies either screw caps or oriented snap caps, automated retorquer, bottle coder from Domino Amjet, Inc., Gurnee, IL, case coder, also from Domino. “The capabilities of this new line speed up presentation of the product to market and create a new range of opportunities for our customers to test the waters before they order high volumes,” says Bill Hunt, ceo of Surefil. Upgrade of high-speed line allows company to fill energy drinks in addition to personal care, oral care, homecare, medical products it has traditionally handled. “Having partnered with a variety of brand companies who do not currently have the internal capacity to produce and package energy drink products, we…look forward to launching four initial energy drink flavors this year,” says Hunt. Line modifications include addition of change parts, shrink sleeving equipment including upgraded label placer, more robust shrink tunnel. Updated 200-bottle/minute line handles fills of noncarbonated beverages from 2 to 33 ounces, any screw cap. Lines run polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene bottles.
Follow-up: At Surefil, Bob Pero, +1 616-532-1700, ext. 223, bpero@surefil.com; Link: www.surefil.com; at Domino, +1 847-244-2501, solutions@dominoamjet.com; Link: www.dominoamjet.com.

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PP piston pump, bottle, cap deliver luxury skin care line

Elegant polypropylene (PP) dispensing system launches Zirh Platinum skin treatment products from Zirh Holdings LLC, New York, NY.
Maker of luxurious skincare line for men selects Sof’Airless assembly from Rexam Personal Care Division, Rexam, Suresnes, France, comprising SP343 airless lotion pump, bottle, cap for easy, high-speed filling, protection of fragile formulations. Customized bottle, cap, actuator, collar of pump undergoes clean-room assembly; two sections of pump remain secure. Zirh Platinum Repair Deep Wrinkle Concentrate comes in 30-millilitre (ml) package; Total Re-Charge Moisturizer, 50ml; Revive Under Eye Complex, 15ml. Smooth performing, gasket-free lotion pump offers “satisfying end-user experience,” according to company. Retail exclusivity limits sales to finest department, specialty stores for product line targeted to make-up artists, celebrities.
Follow-up: Christine Gichuki, marketing department, +33 1 41 38 98 00, christine.gichuki@rexam.com; Link: www.rexam.com.

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Medical packaging study predicts steady annual rise in demand

Report on Sterile Medical Packaging to 2012 from The Freedonia Group, Cleveland, OH, predicts 6.1% rise in US demand.
Prefillable syringes, inhalers, vials, ampuls rank as fastest growing segments, while polymers remain fastest growing material in volume, value. Study analyzes data for $4.8-billion US sterile medical packaging industry, demand in 1997, 2002, 2007, forecasts for 2012, 2017 by product, material, application. Script delves into market environment factors, company market shares. Edition in print, PDF format contains 289 pages, costs $4,600.
Follow-up: Link: www.freedoniagroup.com/DocumentDetails.aspx?ReferrerId=FE-WEBAN&studyid=2405.

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100% PCR PET bottle holds liquid medicine

In first for prescription packaging, Rexam plc, London, UK, introduces oval bottle made from 100% post-consumer-recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET).
Seven sizes – 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 ounces – address needs of most liquid medications; meet same standards as virgin PET, including light transmission, moisture permeation requirements set by United States Pharmacopeia; child-resistant/senior-friendly protocol requirements of Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC; resin standards set by Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC. Recycling empty PCR containers further reduces resource consumption, environmental impact of product. “Pharmacists and consumers have shown a preference for packaging using recycled material,” reports Pat O’Connell, vp of Sales, Rexam Prescription Products, Perrysburg, OH. “Our new recycled ovals will provide differentiation, allowing pharmacies to market themselves as environmentally friendly.”
Follow-up: Nicole Flussi, +1 567-336-8411; Link: www.rexam.com.

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Amcor Flexibles sells Camvac

Gil Investments, Stratford, UK, purchases barrier film specialist AF Camvac, Thetford, UK, from Amcor Flexibles, Brussels, Belgium.
AF Camvac sells coated, metallized, laminated films mainly to converters, generates annual revenue of £20 (US$35.4) million, employs 114, continues under current management. Gil’s other packaging holdings include Total Polyfilm, Brighouse, UK. Deal represents part of realignment intended to boost profits before income taxes by €30 (US$41) million/year, leaves Amcor Flexibles with more focused product portfolio. Terms remain undisclosed.

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RFID source tagging takes Innovator of the Year prize

Source tagging technology that embeds radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in corrugated shipper or paperboard folding carton earns Innovator of the Year honors.
Contest cosponsored by Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC), Alexandria, VA; Board Converting News, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, recognizes Embedding System for Flexo Folder-Gluers, as well as developers, HIDE-Pack, Montreal, QC, Canada; Integrated Solutions Group of Domino Printing Sciences Plc, Cambridge, UK. During converting process, layers of adhesive encapsulate RFID inlay so it’s part of packaging medium. Integration of tag not only preserves its performance under detrimental conditions such as condensation resulting from cold storage or shocks from handling on automated equipment, but also simplifies adoption of RFID. “The two innovative aspects of the HIDE-Pack reside in the fact that the RFID inlay embedding process is carried out online…at no detriment to the overall press efficiency, and…that the RFID inlay uses the container’s structure not only as a supporting medium, but also as a protective one,” says Cindy Guarino of AICC. In addition, “HIDE-Pack reduces the need for capital-intensive RFID printers and applicators, simplifies RFID adoption, and cuts consumable costs by eliminating the need for a paper label,” adds B. Dwain Farley, ceo of Domino ISG (Americas).
Follow-up: At Domino, Teresa Williams, marketing manager, +1 512-280-1890, twilliams@domino-isg.com; Link: www.domino-isg.com/hidepack.html; at HIDE-Pack, Paul de Bois, vp/gm, +1 514-788-HIDE (4433), paul.deblois@hide-pack.com; Link: www.hide-pack.com.

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Thinking ‘green’ may not translate to buying ‘green’

Consumers who profess concern for environment don’t necessarily buy products based on environmental attributes.
To correlate level of environmental concern with purchasing behavior Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), Chicago, IL, classifies its US Consumer Network panel according to eight Shades of Green Segmentation developed by TNS US, New York, NY. Study shows high-income, educated, urban Eco-Centric consumers not only try environmentally friendlier products, but continue to buy “greener” alternatives. However, younger, more trend-influenced Eco-Chic consumers claim to embrace environmental concerns, but tend not to change purchasing behavior long-term.
“This inconsistency is the real challenge for marketers and retailers in order for them to fully understand the nuances of green consumers and how to market to them effectively,” says Robert I. Tomei, president of Consumer and Shopper Insights at IRI. “Given some of the obvious issues that consumers face in today’s market, such as high gas prices, higher unemployment rates, and concerns over the financial investment community, it will be increasingly…challenging for many consumers to incorporate their sensitivity to the environment into their actual behavior, particularly for those ‘green’ products that may cost more to purchase,” he predicts.
Follow-up: John McIndoe, +1 312-474-3862, john.mcindoe@infores.com; Link: http://us.infores.com/ProductsSolutions/AllProducts/AllProductsDetail/tabid/159/productid/68/Default.aspx.

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Environmentally friendly board plant opens in California

Investment of $42.0 million by Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Chicago, IL, transforms existing facility in Cerritos, CA, into state-of-the-art corrugated container plant.
Designed to serve region’s beverage, consumer goods, medical, food/produce, garment, distribution clientele, facility adds latest equipment, 123 employees, benefits from standardized, repeatable processes. Dubbed “super plant” by Smurfit-Stone, facility produces approximately 350 boxes/minute, 2.3-billion square feet of corrugated board/year. Sustainability practices include high-efficiency boiler to reduce energy consumption, efficient make-up air heaters in production area. Additionally, firm donates 1,000 seedlings to support urban forestry in California.
Follow-up: Mike Mullin, director of public relations, +1 314-656-5846; Link: www.smurfit-stone.com.

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Compliance Package of Year contest calls for entries

Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council (HCPC), Falls Church, VA, accepts entries for annual competition between 15 November 2008, 15 March 2009.
HCPC Compliance Package of the Year Awards recognize packaging that aids patient compliance. Qualifying packages feature unit-dose format with at least one compliance-enhancing feature, must have been commercially available somewhere in world during 2008; eliminate any need for patient to repackage drug. Competition also includes Innovative Design category for packs not yet on market. No entry fee is required. Award winners designate total of $12,000 in scholarship funds to schools of packaging. Judges base scores on package’s ability to increase pharmaceutical compliance, innovation, distinguishing features.
Follow-up: Kathleen Hemming, associate director, +1 703-538-4030, kshemming@aol.com; Link: www.unitdose.org.

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Value-added bottled water report reveals US market trends

New study, 2008 Focus Report - The Value-Added Water Market in the US, from Beverage Marketing Corp., New York, NY, reveals forecasts through 2012.
Report indicates sweetened, nutrient-enhanced, other ingredient-enhanced types of bottled water continue to enter US marketplace, tracks rise, fall of different brands.
Pie chart of bottled water volume shows retail polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dominates with 59.5% of sales, followed by direct delivery/bulk, 15.6%; retail 1-2.5 gallon,12.8%; vending, 7.7%; domestic sparkling, 2.3%; imports, 2.1%. Book’s 64 pages analyze size, value of market measured in wholesale dollars, trends that propel value-added water market, advertising expenditures, leading brands such as Vitaminwater, Glaceau, Water Plus, acquisition activities by parent companies.
Printed volume costs $2,295, PDF via email, $2,350; both, $2,595.
Follow-up: Charlene Salito, sales, +1 212-688-7640; Link: http://beveragemarketingusa.com/L2wuaHRtbD85MDYyOSY1NzI1Ng?/-wqs-/#valueadded.

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Upstream: Automation Fair…Packaging Summit…

Rockwell Automation Fair (www.automationfair.com), 17-20 November 2008 in Nashville, TN, provides opportunity to see latest automation technology, learn from automation experts; event organized by Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI, includes workshops, technical sessions, industry forums, hands-on labs, free exhibition on 19-20 November…Packaging Strategies 22nd Annual Summit Meeting: The Business of Packaging Innovation (www.packstrat.com), 25-27 February 2009, Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL, focuses on total systems approach to packaging technology, business, supply chain innovation; Packaging Management Council, Arlington, VA, co-locates its spring meeting with Summit…

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Changeover: Kapstone…CleanAgency…SCA…

Kraft paper/dunnage bag maker, KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. (www.kapstonepaper.com), Northbrook, IL, adds Helene Curtis/Unilever veteran Ronald J. Gidwitz to its board as Class B director for term expiring in 2011…Clean Agency (www.cleanagency.com), South Pasadena, CA, adds Candace Hodder, account executive, Christopher Kahl, creative director, to help clients increase sustainability of their packaging, publicize sustainability initiatives, perform lifecycle analyses…Phil Almond succeeds John Williams as president of SCA Packaging Europe, Diegem, Belgium, who departs to become president/ceo at Domtar, Montreal QC, Canada; Almond, a 15-year veteran of SCA, Stockholm, Sweden, assumes new role 1 November 2008, currently oversees corrugated business in Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic…Avery Dennison Corp., Pasadena, CA, names Richard W. Hoffman svp/cio…

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ShortRuns: Chesapeake…

Chesapeake Corp., Richmond, VA, shifts trading of its common stock from New York (NY) Stock Exchange (NYSE) to over-the-counter, lists stock under trading symbol CSKE on OTC Bulletin Board, New York, NY; maker of folding cartons, leaflets, labels, plastic packaging makes change after receiving notice in August 2008 that it had fallen below $75 million total capitalization, $75 million in stockholder equity required by NYSE for continued listing…

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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.