Packaging Digest articles from May 2004

Packaging Digest archives from May 2004

More packaging news for wine.(news perspective)
May 1, 2004... So many portable packaging possibilities for wine; so little time. In addition to wine in a can (see PD, April, 2004), now comes Sangria in a carton. Canandaigua Wine Co., Canandaigua, NY, has found a way to "bottle" new Almaden Red Sangria in...

Coke's sweet on low-carbs, low-sugar.(news perspective)
May 1, 2004... Coca-Cola's newest product, Coca-Cola C2, a carbonated soft drink containing half the carbohydrates, sugars and calories of regular colas, johns the ranks of the numerous "low-carb" food and beverage options now available. Coca-Cola C2 will...

SIG Holding and Bosch pleased with SIG Pack divestiture.(news perspective)
May 1, 2004... In line with its goal announced in mid-2003 of strategically repositioning its business to focus solely on liquid packaging, SIG Holding AG, Neuhausen, Switzerland, has sold all activities of its SIG Pack dry-goods packaging division to Robert...

Nestle stirs up the instant coffee market.(news perspective)
May 1, 2004... Nescafe[R] Taster's Choicer instant coffee is getting a quick pick-me-up with contemporary new packaging that replaces its trademark glass jar and screw cap with a convenient, easy-to-dispense-from plastic container and lid. Introduced this...

Label applicator.(product news)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... Industrial grade, high-volume, low-priced. The AD-2800 work horse meets high speed production with precise wipe-on or roll-on pressure-sensitive label placement. Ideal for primary display or identification labels on secondary packaging. Handles...

Print & apply system.(product news)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... Combine, centralize, and automate label printing and pressure-sensitive label application. The CPA-350 features multiple user-selectable application settings and modes. Choice of print engines allows users to specify speed, width, and more....

Labels & printing supplies.(product news)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... QuickLabel[R] brand premium label materials and thermal transfer ribbons for every printer brand and all applications are now available. For an immediate price quotation or material recommendation, call a Media Specialist Toll-Free at...

Low-cost Barcode Printers.(product news)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... Low price, high performance, and lifetime warranty set the i Pronto! Family of Barcode Printers apart. Designed for mid to low-volume compliance labeling and product identification, these printers share metal construction and full-size width....

The fastest in-house color label printer.(product news)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... The QLS-4100 Xe: The fastest full color in-house label printer in the world. Tabletop printer instantly produces photo-realistic labels and tags for retail and secondary packaging. Finished labels rapidly printed with variable information:...

Updated pack, product for Old Spice is in the 'zone'.(news perspective)
May 1, 2004... Guys "in the zone" can keep their cool when the pressure's on and the heat's turned up, thanks to Red Zone Invisible Solid, the newest antiperspirant/deodorant from Procter & Gamble's Old Spice[R] brand. Available in four scents with names...

Main events.(news perspective)(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... Also see Meeting Planner on pages 58-59 for additional meetings and seminars. For more information, visit www.packagingdigest.com. May 18-20 DC Expo 2004. Navy Pier, Chicago. 800/388-4112. www.logistar.com June 8-9 The Latin American...

Packaging 2010: through the looking glass.(Editor's Comment)
May 1, 2004... Fact: The packaging industry, in virtually every respect, is now fully globalized. Fact: Many market and customer issues are affecting packaging suppliers' businesses and profitability. Fact: Consumer goods companies understand how to...

Industrial-grade vision sensors.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The In-Sight 5100 and 5400 offer four times the processing power of comparably priced vision sensors, the co. states, along with a rugged industrial design. Both models meet IEC specifications for shock and vibration, and they achieve IP67 a...

Sortation conveyors.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Comprising Models 231,221 and 131, the ProSort family of conveyors meet the needs of a variety of applications. Model 231 is designed to sort products at a 30-deg angle where close divert centers are required. Model 221 sorts products at a...

Atmospheric plasma technology.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Customers running trials at the co.'s laboratory facility will be able to see and use the latest in atmospheric plasma technology, the co. reports. The new system delivers high-performance surface functionalization with high-density atmospheric...

Friction-top belt.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Series 1400 square friction-top belt provides grip to convey heavy cases and other similar products on inclines or declines. Suitable for applications in the packaging, material handling and beverage markets, among others, the modular...

Wipe-on label applicator.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Model 150 provides fully automatic labeling capabilities and is suitable for p-s application of preprinted UPC bar codes and spot labels. Capable of handling an assortment of label sizes and shapes, the wipe-on label applicator accomplishes...

Accumulator.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The patent-pending Infinity Series accumulator is designed to handle small glass vials and can also accommodate hot-filled PET and unstable containers, such as empty PET containers. The system is capable of speeds of up to 1,000 vials/min, and...

Spindle capper.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The FPS-6 is a fully automatic spindle capper that caps at speeds of up to 250 containers/min. The system accommodates caps measuring up to 120 mm and containers up to 2 1/2 gal. Independent spindle speed control offers efficient control of...

Modeling technology.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The co. is using a rapid prototype machine, operated by its affiliate, TPSource, to help customers build models of products. The machine is said to provide the co. with flexibility in building small to medium-sized parts and models directly...

Closure closers.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The Models 5160 and 5240 flip-top closure closing systems can achieve speeds up to 500 closures/min while accommodating a variety of sizes and shapes. The continuous-motion machines provide controlled transfer from the track into the dial...

Overcapper.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The Model 305 overcapper combines a high-speed snap-on lid delivery system with a total container control system that speeds the containers through the capping process while also protecting them, helping to eliminate container distortion. The...

Inflatable packaging system.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The compact and versatile Fill-Air Elite[TM] packaging system fits into most single and multiple workstations. It is said to eliminate the need for bulky equipment and overhead bins, freeing warehouse space for inventory stock. The system is...

Print-and-apply labeler.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The Panther 2000e features an all-electric applicator, eliminating the pneumatic air cylinder from the design and offering users more control of the applicator, the co. says. Apply speed, apply force and distance are all controlled from the...

Curved conveyors.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The CU-Series of double-curve conveyors, part of the co.'s WhisperTrax line, offers two curves in the same direction. This allows users to adapt the conveyor to an unlimited variety of designs requiring U-shape paths. The CU-Series allows...

Accumulation conveyor.(Product spotlight: spotlight on capping)
May 1, 2004... The belted Accuzone conveyor provides zero-pressure and true zero-contact accumulation while providing package control. It accumulates products at more than a 15-deg pitch, enabling easy accumulation on inclines and declines. The conveyor...

Bagging system.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Designed for printed wicketted or plain shrink bags, the co.'s new bagging system is designed for opening, filling, sealing and shrink operations. It's also suitable for use with plain PE bags. The system comprises a Model SBP-SS-AA-16...

Count verifiers.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The QC Quick-Count Models T and TCB totalizing units were developed for the pharmaceutical industry as a solution to quick tablet-count verification. The tabletop units provide random counted product verification and tablet size analysis....

Digital case & bag printer.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Economizer digital bag and case printer is designed for low-volume, short-run operations and mixed applications. Capable of printing text, bar codes and graphics, it can print on uncoated multiwall kraft bags, flat cases, die-cuts and...

Tf/f/s system.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The R140 is a low-cost, compact rollstock tf/f/s system. An entry-level system, it's suitable for small processors and offers large food companies the ability to perform small runs without having to retool existing packaging systems or...

Contract packager helps lotion manufacturer relieve pump-sprayer itch.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Ivy Corp. has been producing remedies for poison ivy and similar skin conditions for nearly 60 years. Its IVY-DRY[R] products, which were once sold door-to-door to local, single-outlet drugstores, are now sold to wholesalers and distributors,...

Software system.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Distributed Architecture for RealTime (DART) System has been designed to replace existing control technology for inspection units, monitoring units and specialized control systems. It's suitable for us where conventional control technology,...

Pneumatic cylinders.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Space Saver[TM] cylinders, designed for applications with space and weight constraints, provide the power and stroke of standard cylinders in less than 50 percent of the space normally required for pneumatic components, the co. reports....

Vacuum conveyor.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The C-33 vacuum conveyor is completely enclosed and hygienic, making it suitable for use in the pharmaceutical industry. The IQOQPQ-validated system is designed to raise processing productivity while conveying materials more efficiently, the...

Shop-towel bagger.(product news)
May 1, 2004... Engineered specifically for the high-productivity requirements of shop-towel and bar-towel B applications, the Autobag[R] shop-towel bagger is capable of packaging up to 3,500 towels/hr. The integrated system includes an AB 255 wide bagging...

Labeling system.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The intrinsically safe labeling system is designed to apply front, back and wrap labels to products in explosive environments. Capable of speeds up to 250 products/min, the machine receives its intrinsically safe classification through the use...

Modular belt.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The uni CPB 2-in.-pitch modular belt is a heavy-duty belt that enables users to carry heavy loads over long distances. It's available in two versions: a closed flat-top version or a 20-percent open version with a rough surface. Typical...

Pharmaceutical metal detector.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The MET 30+ pharmaceutical metal detector is equipped with a user-friendly Batchchek interface, incorporating Part 11 software. Batchchek replaces the MET 30+'s user interface, so product setups, tests and diagnostics are run automatically. The...

Conveyor belt repair kit.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Flexane[R] belt repair kit makes fast, permanent repairs to damaged conveyor belts or other rubber or elastomeric components. Each kit contains two units of Flexane 80 putty, an applicator, a cleaner and two primers. The putty is a...

Programmable driver and -stepper motors.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The AlphaStep PLUS family is available with motors in three frame sizes: 1.65, 2.36 and 3.35 sq in. for round-shaft models. Geared models come in a 3.54-sq-in, size. Motors with either zero-backlash planetary or low-backlash tapered hob...

Hot-air sealer.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The Saxon 5 continuous heat sealer features a hot-air sealing method that is said to eliminate sealing bands while simplifying maintenance and product changeovers. Employing PID temperature control technology, the noncontact hot-air system sets...

Feminine care packaging communicates comfort.(Marketing notes: with a special focus on personal care)
May 1, 2004... With a colorful, flushable applicator, Playtex Products' new Playtex[R] Beyond[TM] tampon line is targeted toward women who want the convenience and flushability of paperboard, but are dissatisfied with the comfort of existing products....

Pack for Bright Eyes mascara catches the eye.(Marketing notes: with a special focus on personal care)
May 1, 2004... Almay's new Bright Eyes full-size (O.3-oz) and promotional size (0.25-oz) of mascara feature metal covers anodized in green gold. The full-size has a metal base in bright purple that contains an interior PP mascara tube/bottle. The promotional...

High-Voltage packaging for Shiseido.(Marketing notes: with a special focus on personal care)
May 1, 2004... Beauty Voltage, a new skincare line from Shiseido, features packaging based on Vadiocrom[R] Color Variable Pigments[TM] from BASE Vadiocrom[R] Magic Red K 4411 gives the bottles, tubes and jars a pearlescent red-to-gold effect that flip-flops...

Moisturizer label drenched in color.(Marketing notes: with a special focus on personal care)
May 1, 2004... Conjuring up the idea of summer and sun, a new label for Radical Rain[TM] tinted moisturizer with hemp-seed oil, from Los Angeles-based Emerald Bay, wraps the lotion container in bright shades of yellow, blue and green. Converted by Ameri-Seal,...

A critical combination.(knowledge)
May 1, 2004... When your business is tied so closely to industry stalwarts such as food and beverage and pharmaceuticals--as is the packaging industry--tough economic times are experienced in milder forms than that encountered by many other industries....

The time has.(foresight)
May 1, 2004... At too many companies, the automation that enables packaging machinery is little more than an afterthought. The time is ripe for packaging engineers, OEMs, and system integrators to use new automation technologies to their advantage. The proper...

Gen3 innovation goes modular.(applications in action)
May 1, 2004... Harro Hofliger incorporates the latest servo drives and advanced automation technology in modular Gen3 machinery. Software modules (function blocks) maximize flexibility, while combined motion and machine control, along with advanced HMIs,...

OMAC packaging ideals make life easier, profitable: doing things with common, open-architecture guidelines, not surprisingly, can save money, and make life easier in the design and implementation of controls and automation.(the expert speaks)
May 1, 2004... Control Engineering and Packaging Digest on March 29 interviewed Keith S. Campbell, then-executive director, OMAC Packaging Workgroup (and with the Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences). Campbell, previously with Hershey Foods, and a...

Remote-access modems.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The co.'s line of telephone modems has added application to dial-up, leased line and cellular technology. The TD-33 is an industrial analog telephone modem that's been designed for use in harsh environments. Its watchdog function monitors the...

Digital DC speed controls.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The co.'s digital DC speed controls have been enhanced with proximity sensor inputs. The feature is available as a field-install option board, and it's capable of accepting sine wave signal inputs from magnetic-style pickups. The option can be...

Temperature controllers.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The E5AR 1/4 DIN and E5ER 1/8 DIN temperature/process controllers' multiloop models allow for integrated control of multiple zones or environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and pressure. A sampling response time of 50 msec gives...

Telemecanique sensors.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... Sensors in the Osiconcept[R] line have built-in technology to match most configurations and applications, facilitating installation, modification and maintenance. Osiris[R] photoelectric sensors feature multimode technology, allowing a single...

Smart cameras.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The Legend 550 Series features DSP technology, increased memory and cameras that operate at speeds up to eight times faster than previous offerings from the co. The series incorporates a Texas Instruments' DSP processor and features increased...

Controller.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The Jet-A Mark[R] R44 controller offers expanded capability for changeovers and other requirements of identification and marking systems. The R44 offers users a configurable, multiple printhead, rack-mounted ink-jet sys tem. It controls up to...

Unwind brakes.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... Straight (SA) and Tapered-bore (TA) tension brakes are designed to provide thermal dissipation, consistent torque ratings and proper tension control for unwind brake applications. Air pressure is supplied to increase or decrease brake torque,...

ASCII module.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The MVI56-GSC is a single-slot module that's designed to reside in an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix rack. It has two application ports, permitting both reception and transmission of data between the processor and the devices. Both are active ASCII...

Industrial computer upgrade.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... VersaView[R] CE industrial computers have been enhanced with the addition of Microsoft's Windows CE.NET operating system. Included with this change are a number of file viewers that offer additional document viewing and web-browser...

Touchscreen interfaces.(product developments)
May 1, 2004... The Silver Series touchscreen operator interfaces are available in 6-, 8- and 10-in. versions. The HMIs have 10BaseT Ethernet compatibility, a compact flash interface, a real time clock and printer connectivity. The interfaces employ the Intel...

Packaging machinery leads automation growth: control and mechatronics products for packaging machinery reached $750 million in 2002; the worldwide general motion control sector is growing at 6.3 percent.(market forecast)
May 1, 2004... Mary Ann Falkman, Editor, Packaging Digest mfalkman@reedbusiness.com Automation products for the North American packaging machinery sector generated sales of nearly $0.75 billion dollars in 2002, with motion and motor control products...

Michaels' automated DC is a work of art: a new $7.75-million automated distribution center in Hazleton, PA, for Michaels Stores allows the arts and crafts merchandise retailer to pick, pack and ship an average of 15 truckloads per day of items selected from among 16,000 stockkeeping units, with 99.5-percent accuracy.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Whether you attribute it to society's increasing focus on home-based, family activities, a more affluent baby-boomer population, the rising trend of crafting as a second form of household income, or the popularity of home decorating shows, the...

Induction sealing has tea-riffic benefits: sealing rectangular metal cans of Celestial Seasonings products with press-on lids expands induction sealing to a new class of containers.
May 1, 2004... Hain Celestial Group has had recent success, including its Celestial Seasonings tea products' 6-percent growth. Contributing to that success, says Matt Stingy, associate product manager, are new products with premium packaging introduced last...

Riding the tidal wave of the RFID deadline: some studies indicate that only 25 percent of suppliers will actually meet Wal-Mart's looming January 1 deadline. Will you be ready? And do you need to be?(smart packaging)
May 1, 2004... With the January 2005, radio frequency identification (RFID) compliance deadlines looming, when retail giant Wal-Mart asks its suppliers to jump, the better ask, "How high?" But does a package a supplier simply "slap and ship" on an RFID tag as...

Strategies for brand protection: securing your brand against counterfeiting requires a strategy that involves multiple technologies and a collaborative mindset.(smart packaging)
May 1, 2004... Growing faster than the economy, global counterfeiting represents from 8 to 10 percent of world trade, or approximately $600 billion annually, estimates Philip Swinden, head of Publications and Events for U.K.-based research group Pira Intl....

EastPack '04: bigger and better: the annual East Coast trade show doubles in size and features two new pavilions, joining with Medical Design & Mfg. East, Atlantic Design & Mfg., PLASTEC East and the Ingredients Expo, June 15-17 in New York City.
May 1, 2004... Showcasing machinery and materials from across the spectrum of the packaging market, the EastPack show makes its 2004 return June 15-17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The show offers visitors a look at the latest in...

Harvest, squeeze, ship and freeze: Tomasello Winery began using 1,000-L corrugated bulk shipping containers to export fruit wines to the Far East. Now, the winery also uses the IBCs for temporary freezer storage of grape juice for sweet dessert wines shipped domestically.
May 1, 2004... Dedicated to the production of table and sparkling wines, Tomasello Winery, Hammonton, N J, has been actively making wines in Atlantic County," NJ, since 1933. Hearing through the grapevine, PD learns that Tomasello is saying "cheers!" to a...

Metal detectors are the skinny: five-inch-high metal detectors at Cornfields, Inc. install easily between scales and vertical form/fill/seal machines; provide superior sensitivity.
May 1, 2004... Cornfields, Inc., Gurnee, IL, contract-packs a wide variety of snack products, including candy-coated popcorn, fried and baked snack pellets, chocolate confectionery and extruded snacks, in bag sizes ranging from '/2 to 20 oz. for high-profile...

Show time at Expo Pack Mexico: the annual show for the packaging and food processing industries in Latin America will run from June 22 to 25 in Mexico City.(Expo Pack)
May 1, 2004... Last year, Expo Pack Mexico and Procesa attracted more than 28,000 visitors from 17 countries and 715 exhibitors, many of them U.S. packaging suppliers. Show producer Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute again sponsors a North American...

Aloha flexo! Paragon Label beautifies Hawaiian-born Island Bath & Body's extensive line of luxurious spa Products using state-of-the-art flexo-printing technologies and an eye for consistency.(Package manufacturing: flexo label printing)
May 1, 2004... Twenty years ago, the New York Times interviewed Jason Grossman, vp of production for decorative-sticker producer Mrs. Grossman's Paper Co., Petaluma, CA, about the then-burgeoning scrapbook craze and the printed sticker business. "What will...

Wireless radio modems.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The co. has teamed with Cirronet, Inc. to offer Cirronet's wireless radio modems. A variety of wireless serial and Ethernet radio modems are available, along with associated antenna, cable, adapter and power-plug accessories. The line was...

Portable software.(product news)
May 1, 2004... The pockeTern[TM] software tool kit is a portable version of the co.'s proTern[TM] software. pockeTern offers a project-oriented environment for Ternary support, functioning as an intelligent commissioning tool, a comprehensive diagnostic tool,...

Meeting planner.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... Reader service numbers are provided for some events listed below as a means of receiving more information. Also visit www.packagingdigest.com for information on show websites. MAY 6-19 Drupa 2004. Dusseldorf Fair Grounds, Dusseldorf,...

Semi-gloss paper.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... Higher-performing Fasson 54# Semi-Gloss and 60# Semi-Gloss Elite[TM] products uphold a brighter, whiter appearance to intensify ink snap and contrast, the co. says. Improved gloss for graphics and higher opacity for cover-up accentuate 54#...

Double-sided shrink sleeves.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... Offering the illusion of double-sided printing on heat-shrinkable sleeves, a new printing process creates a window effect, allowing the end user to look through the container and see copy or graphics printed on the inside of the label. The...

Barrier board.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... Tru Taste[TM]Maxx barrier board maintains the quality of high-value juice products over extended periods of time and reduces distribution abuse. The patented barrier board is environmentally friendly and is an economical alternative for...

White top liner board.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... The brightness level of premium white top liner has been increased from 76 to 80. The linerboard offers better print contrast, more holdout than typical white liner grades and better graphic reproduction, the co. says. It is post-printable and...

Plastic-coated glass bottles.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... Pour-Out [SAFE.sup.[sm]] glass bottles are plastic-coated to contain the contents of the bottle if it's dropped, reducing the risk of chemical exposure and inhalation. The coating also contains the glass and its contents, preventing flying...

Silicon release coatings.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... The Syl-Off[R] 91 O0 Series of thermal-cure solventless silicone release coatings is designed to overcome the anchorage and clarity problems encountered when applying thermal solventless silicone coatings to polyester films. Syl-Off 9102...

New standards packaging.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... The U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) features new reference standards packaging that has an updated look and higher-quality shipping materials. The new packaging consists of tabbed caps for safer, easier opening, improved label legibility,...

Thermal-printable films.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... THERMLfilm PP280 and PP320 new direct-thermal-printable white PP films offer image quality, thermal response, opacity and surface quality. They print well in portable thermal printers at lower energy settings with higher optical density,...

Barrier films.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... A new line of Torayfan[R] clear BOPP films is designed to replace PVdC-coated films. Torayfan CB-S 70G and 80G heat-sealable films and Torayfan CB-P 706 nonsealable films are uncoated and have moisture transmission rates equal to PVdC-coated...

Shrink-film labels.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... New PearlWrap[TM] and ClearWrap[TM] shrink-film labels feature rotary screen printing and provide a 3D effect. The labeling reflects light and shimmers, giving graphics depth, the co. says. The film labels come in a range of thicknesses and can...

Protective plastic packaging.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... KlickBoxes are protective plastic boxes that come in various sizes for a multitude of applications such as office and confectionary items, craft and hobby materials, promotional items and gardening accessories. Constructed of recyclable PP,...

Paperboard.(Materials & supplies: showcasing paperboard packaging)
May 1, 2004... The aesthetic characteristics of the Printkote Advantage[R] family of C1S and C2S bleached paperboards has been enhanced. A new styling gives each product absolute whiteness, making them the first packaging substrates in the world without color...