Dual-compartment, dog bone-shaped pouch from Ampac Flexibles business unit of Ampac Packaging LLC, Cincinnati, OH, holds 16 ounces of purified, vitamin-enriched water in lower compartment below resealable "bowl".
First flexible drink pouch package for dogs developed by Wetbone Co., LLC, Kensington, CT, consists of polyester/foil/linear low-density polyethylene lamination with patent-pending delivery system, which depends on upside down interior gusset formed from 4-mil piece of polyethylene film heat-sealed to opposing inner walls of pouch to create hammock-like drinking bowl. Four voids in heat seal (two on each side) create small 9-millimetre (mm) channels that transfer water from lower compartment into bowl section when pouch is squeezed. To use, pet owner simply removes tear strip at top of pouch, opens press-to-close zipper, squeezes bottom of pouch with one hand, while cupping other hand around "bowl." Squeezing action forces water into upper compartment for dog to lap. Channels allow water to trickle back down into bottom compartment if dog doesn’t drink all of it. Press-to-close zipper reseals pouch, protects remaining contents for later use.
Water holds water/bowl for pampered pooches
Concept developed by Wetbone cofounders Sue Tyska, Tony Tropea presents numerous challenges including fine-tuning flow rate between compartments; cost-effectively providing sufficient rigidity/strength so pouch would stand, survive drop tests; modifying heat sealer bars and controlling heat to create appropriately sized gaps in seal to form channels; optimizing channel angles for efficient filling, seal placement, bowl size. "We went through many renditions and prototypes to get it right," reports Steve Herlehy, Ampac account representative, adding, "For each trial iteration, we also needed to modify the tooling. All in all, this project was two years in development." Filling of preformed pouches currently occurs on semiautomatic equipment. Automated filling line requires special filler and seal system to handle complex pouch structure and is being developed by PPi Technologies Global, Sarasota, FL, in partnership with Ampac. Package design/graphics, designed by Tropea, take advantage of foil laminate, Ampac’s five-color rotogravure printing capability. "The result was a product that screams off the shelf and establishes a strong brand identity," says Tyska. Suggested retail price for Wetbone is $1.99/pouch. Company also plans to offer multipacks, other varieties such as Dental purified water with chlorophyll, Q10 to promote fresh breath/healthy gums; Sport purified water with performance-enhancing electrolytes. Sales channels include pet, grocery, convenience retailers nationwide.
Follow-up: At Ampac, Marketing Department, +1 513-671-1777, ampacflexibles@ampaconline.com; Link: www.ampaconline.com; at PPi, R. Charles Murray, president/ceo, +1 941-359-6678, cmurray@ppitechnologies.com; Link: www.ppitechnologies.com.Top of Page
Over the weekend, Nestlé Purina Pet Care recalled some cans of Alpo dog food and Hill’s Pet nutrition, a Colgate-Palmolive unit, pulled some dry Science Diet cat foods. Both were believed to contain wheat gluten from the same supplier implicated in the Menu Foods recall of cuts and gravy style cat and dog foods (PMU 3-26-07). Testing by US Food and Drug Administration cannot confirm presence of aminopterin in cuts and gravy style wet pet food recalled by Menu Foods Income Fund, Toronto, ON, Canada, but does find melamine, a chemical used to make plasticware and used in some countries as a fertilizer.
Researchers at FDA and Cornell University find melamine in suspect wheat gluten purchased from US supplier that imports product from China. Menu Foods ordered wheat gluten from this new supplier to augment tight supplies from usual US, European vendors, explains Paul Henderson, president/ceo. Routine testing does not check for either aminoptrin or melamine. Meanwhile, FDA is investigating supplier of suspect wheat gluten. Menu Foods has fielded more than 300,000 calls from concerned consumers, but does not yet know how many pets have been affected, confirms company will pay vet bills for pets where cause/effect can be shown. Menu Foods faces at least two class-action suits from pet owners claiming their pets became ill or died after eating contaminated food. Top of Page
Pending approval by regulators, IWKA AG, Karlsruhe, Germany, plans to sell its packaging operations to 10-year-old private equity firm Odewald & Compagnie, Berlin, Germany, for approximately 255 million Euros.
Deal is Odewald’s first in packaging, includes property worth 17 million Euros. Organized in three groups, Pharmaceutical/Cosmetics, Food, Dairy, IWKA Packaging equipment brand names include Hassia, Gasti, Kartridgpak, Holmatic, PacSystems, Erca-Formseal, A+F, RA Jones. IWKA to will hold onto Kuka robotics unit, may take Kuka as its new corporate name. Top of Page
Rank Group, Auckland, New Zealand, eyes Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc., Canton, NC, a maker of gabletop cartons, beverage cartonstock, envelope paper, offset paper, specialty paper/paperboard for applications such as ovenable board, holographic film-laminated board.
If deal goes through, it would augment Rank’s position in beverage carton business, especially in US. Rank already owns Carter Holt Harvey Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand; Evergreen Packaging (the former beverage packaging operations of International Paper, Memphis, TN), is in process of acquiring SIG, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland. KPS Special Situations Fund, New York, NY, Blue Ridge employees jointly own firm, which has lost money in recent years. According to Smokey Mountain News, company employs 1,300 at its main plant in Canton, satellite operation in Waynesville, NC, ranks as "last large manufacturing industry in Western North Carolina." DairyPak Division operates gabletop converting plants in Athens, GA; Clinton, IA; Olmsted Falls, OH; Richmond, VA. Top of Page
With approximately 50% of shareholders tendering shares, Rank Group Holdings now owns 81.31% of SIG Holding AG, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland.
SIG board of directors schedules Annual General Meeting for 7 May 2007 to submit proposals necessary to close sale, anticipates payment of offer price on 11 May 2007. Top of Page
Linear servomotor-driven track system moves magnet-equipped carriages to transport seal heads, lugs, buckets through packaging machines more quickly due to direct-drive technology.
Carriages move independently as electromagnets in curvilinear track turn on/off. Enhanced flexibility of PackTrak system from Jacobs Automation, Loveland, OH, translates into reduced changeover time, smaller footprint, lower material/maintenance costs compared to conventional rotary servomotor or mechanical designs since system eliminates mechanical parts such as gears, chains, belts, linkages, allows pitch changes to be made at touch of button on operator interface. "This is the next step beyond rotary servos," says Keith Jacobs, president. "We believe this will be a revolutionary change in the industry. With all the product proliferation resulting from packaging format variations and line extensions, consumer packaged goods companies are looking for ways to make the packaging line more flexible," he explains. Target markets include both end users and original equipment manufacturers of packaging machines such as cartoners, flow wrappers, case packers. Modular sections, both arced and straight, can be rearranged as needs change. Follow-up: Keith Jacobs, +1 513-683-0654, info@jacobsautomation.com; Link: www.jacobsautomation.com;Top of Page
Four students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, share $9,500 in scholarship funds awarded by 2007 PACK EXPO Scholarship program sponsored by Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, VA, including special $5,000 contribution from BluePrint Automation, a Colonial Heights, VA-based company that develops end-of-line packaging solutions.
Sophomore Jennifer Dvorsky receives $5,000 BluePrint Automation Award. Dvorsky plans to pursue career as packaging scientist, serves as laboratory technician in University’s Center for Unit Load Design. In addition $1,500 PMMI General Scholarship Awards go to graduate students Alexander Hagedorn, Ji youn Yoo, James V. Bisha. Hagedorn, who is pursuing a doctorate in packaging science, has played significant role in establishing packaging science program at Virginia Tech as well as student chapter of Institute of Packaging Professionals, Naperville, IL. Yoo’s career goal is to help attract new students to packaging and advance packaging technology. Bisha, a fourth semester master’s student, has traveled to Spain, Japan, England to study packaging processes and hopes to become an authority in transport packaging and distribution theory. Virginia Tech’s Packaging Science Program provides diverse curriculum for students seeking careers in various sectors of packaging industry. Scholarship recipients were selected based on academic accomplishment, intended career goal in packaging industry, industry-related work experience, leadership activity, financial need. Established in August 2006, PACK EXPO Scholarship program supports students at packaging schools throughout US, Canada, raised $127,050 for 2007 awards. PMMI underwrote all marketing and development efforts to ensure that 100% of funds raised were donated directly to schools to benefit students. Follow-up: Maria Ferrante, director of workforce development, +1 703-243-8555, maria@pmmi.org; Link: www.pmmi.org.Top of Page
Oldest continuously operating paper mill in US, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., Bennington, NH, adds technical and sales staff, upgrades coating capabilities to branch out into packaging.
Family-owned specialist in graphic arts, technical papers dates to 1819, embarks on initiative to serve packaging market after year-long study shows unmet demand for specialty substrates, environmentally friendly materials. Product range includes broad array of text, cover, board stock made from traditional pulp, post-consumer-recycled (PCR) pulp, as well-as tree-free fibers such as cotton, flax, hemp, bamboo. “We have PCR sheets that compare to virgin in brightness and appearance,” reports Dave Lunati, director of Marketing for the ISO14001:2004-certified mill, which generates its own hydroelectric power, uses sustainably harvested pulp, PCR sources certified by Forest Stewardship Council, Washington, DC. Initial target applications include wrap for set-up boxes, high-end carrier bags, tubes, hang tags, folding cartons for premium products such as cosmetics, wine, spirits, gourmet food, jewelry. Functional, decorative coatings impart color; pearlescent, iridescent, metallic appearance; texture; enhanced printing surface; heat sealability; scuff resistance; barrier; stain resistance; anti-mold, -tarnish, -rust properties. Monadnock also incorporates inboard/onboard security features such as taggants, special fibers, color-changing or ultraviolet-reactive coatings. Follow-up: Lisa Berghaus, +1 800-231-8323, lberghaus@mpm.com ; Link: www.mpm.com.;Top of Page
Mylar ECO13 film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based lidding film for polylactide (PLA) containers used for fresh produce wins recognition as finalist in Coated, Laminated or Metallized Product Category in Technology of the Year competition sponsored by Association of Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators, Fort Mill, SC.
Blended coating on thin-gauge (1 mil nominal) Mylar ECO13 film from DuPont Teijin Films, Richmond, VA, provides strong, yet peelable seal to PLA that does not deteriorate with time. Novel blend of sealant resins, other proprietary coating ingredients plus precise control of coating thickness provide low-temperature sealability required by PLA, balances seal strength with peelability at thinner gauge than competing laminates or extrusion-coated films, thus reducing packaging waste. Top of Page
Aseptic cartons hold Mott’s for Tots Vitamin C/natural flavor-fortified diluted juice from Mott’s, Rye Brook, NY, a leading brand of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, Plano, TX, give kids nutrition of juice with fewer calories, eliminate need for moms to dilute regular juice.
Bright yellow, 200-millilitre (6.5-ounce) slim Tetra Brik Aseptic cartons formed, filled, sealed on equipment from Tetra Pak Inc., Vernon Hills, IL, incorporate punch-through polyethylene/foil covered hole for straw. Aseptic filling occurs at Mott’s plant in Aspers, PA, as well as at contract packager in Wharton, NJ. Sold in overwrapped packs of nine in four kid-appealing flavors, Apple, Apple White Grape, Fruit Punch, Strawberry Banana, each Mott’s for Tots carton contains 100% of daily value of Vitamin C, 40% less sugar than regular apple juice, no artificial sweeteners. “Mott’s for Tots is a conveniently packaged, portion-controlled solution for moms looking to give their kids healthy beverages,” says Ilene Bergenfeld, Mott’s vp of Marketing, who adds, “Kids will love the flavor and yummy taste while moms will appreciate the time saved mixing juice and water. We’ve done all that work for them.” Bergenfeld notes that diluting juice at home alters taste, strips away nutrients. “With Mott’s for Tots,” she says, “We’ve added natural flavors to give kids the taste they love.” Available nationwide, nine-packs sell for $3.19 suggested retail price.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 847-955-6000; Link: www.tetrapak.com.Top of Page
Safety-Pak Plus blister lidstock from Alcoa Flexible Packaging, Richmond, VA, adds three constructions utilizing highly printable 200-gauge white polyester.
Broader sealing window enables secure sealing at lower temperatures, a benefit for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals as well as high speed rotary sealing equipment. Two of new offerings to be demonstrated at Interphex 2007, 24-27 April 2007 in New York, NY, open more easily without compromising child resistance (CR). Safety-Pak Plus PP peel-push structure utilizes traditional CR opening process, but provides full-panel-peel without tearing. Safety-Pak Plus PL lidding for fragile pharmaceuticals or unique drug delivery systems also combines CR with peelable access. For drugs that require F-1 rating, ultimate CR protection, Safety-Pak Plus LT only permits access through use of scissors or other tool. Follow-up: Georgia Mohr, +1 814-459-4987; Link: www.alcoa.com/flexiblepackaging/en/product_category.asp?cat_id=1662.Top of Page
Under Joint Development Arrangement, Timestrip Plc, Hitchin, UK, and Plastek Group, Erie, PA, work to integrate Timestrip “timer” labels into Plastek’s injection molded caps/closures.
Timestrip labels indicate how long item has been open/in use via capillary action technology that shows color change over time. First prototype equips cosmetics closure from Plastek’s Phoenix range with Timestrip label. Top of Page
“Consumers are younger for longer,” says Brad Walker, marketing/technical manager of Printpack Inc., Atlanta, GA, in presentation with Lee Hartman, sales manager, about News & Trends in Flexible Packaging at State of the Industry Conference hosted by National Confectioners Association (NCA), Vienna, VA, in Scottsdale, AZ.
“A package needs flash to capture kids’ attention with shapes, games, promotions, prizes, done via FDA-approved specialty inks, ink jet, metallic, fluorescent, glow-in-dark inks,” he explains. GenX, GenY consumers like clear packaging to see product inside, which requires rigid, clear high-barrier film. On the other hand, he adds, “Younger for longer Baby Boomers have money, want to stay active, and will pay for quality of life, preferring reseal/reclose, easy-open packages, single-serve for convenience.” Another American trend, car culture, demands convenience, portability, single-serve, grab-and-go products. “Consumers have more money today and are willing to spend it,” Walker explains. “Let packaging help add value to your product,” he advises. For example, Printpack’s Impress Technology meets need for shelf-impact, product differentiation, added value by providing textured, tactile imprinting for bar wraps, bag laminations, stand-up pouches. With wallpaper or registered design, embossing competes cost effectively with holography for new product introductions, promotions. Sabritas chips from Sabritas S de RL de CV, Vallejo, Mexico, uses Impress Technology for Christmas bags; potato chips from Herr’s Foods Inc., Nottingham, PA, gain holiday shelf presence with it. At NCA convention, Printpack showcases Impress Technology by distributing bite-sized chocolate squares in embossed fin-sealed gold, silver foil announcing Printpack 50 Years. Printpack also demonstrates new Pull It easy-open technology developed by Bosch Sigpack Systems, Beringen, Switzerland, introduced at PACK EXPO International 2006 in Chicago, IL [PMU, 6 November 2006]. Said to be compatible with any film or flow wrapper, Pull It module perfs, folds, seals film so pulling one side allows end of wrapper to be removed in one piece. Follow-up: At Printpack, Anisong Pathammavong, business development manager, Snacks Division, +1 404-460-7337, ap@printpack.com; Link: www.printpack.com; at Sigpack, Brigitte Salm, marketing coordinator, +41 52 674 7456, brigitte.salm@sigpacksystems.com; Link: www.sigpacksystems.com.Top of Page
Packaging machinery supplier, Bradman Lake Group, Norwich, England, UK, spins off Albro, Dico, Gravfil brands acquired in 2004 from GEI Packaging into newly formed organization to focus on core brands, Bradman Lake, Autowrappers, Europack.
“We are…convinced that this new development will prove beneficial to these outstanding and well recognized brands,” says Gordon Bell, business development director. Bradman Lake plans to invest millions of pounds to build manufacturing plant in Norwich for Autowrappers, Europack brands. Follow-up: Dennis Juenger, group marketing manager, +44 1603 – 441 001, dennis.juenger@bradmanlake.com; Link: www.bradmanlake.com. Top of Page
Sunsweet Ones individually wrapped single prunes from Sunsweet Growers, Inc., Yuba City, CA, help celebrate grower-owned marketing cooperative’s 90th anniversary, star in national TV campaign airing on major networks. Advertising campaign features consumers of all ages discovering great taste of Sunsweet Ones. See-through, 7-ounce canister with friction-fit reclosable blue cap, single-prune packaging position product as indulgent treat similar to candy, keep singles available in car or on shelf. “Everyone recognizes the need for fruit in their diet, but perishability and convenience make fruit fairly impractical as a snack,” says Dane Lance, vp, World-wide Marketing/Sales at Sunsweet, who adds, “…you can keep Ones in your purse, your desk, your car or your lunchbox, for whenever the snacking urge hits.” Although Sunsweet declines to divulge packaging materials or suppliers, each canister, flow-wrapped single boasts imprint of 90th anniversary flag overlaying Sunsweet logo. Clear canister advertises Pitted Dried Plums, California Prunes in white type on blue background at top, bottom; bright pictures of inside/outside of plum. Suggested retail price stands at $2.35 at retailers nationwide or via www.sunsweet.com. Top of Page
Comar, Inc., Buena, NJ, divests its pharma-glass manufacturing operation in Vineland, NJ, with exception of pipette business, to Kimble Glass, Inc., Vineland, NJ, part of Gerresheimer Group, Dusseldorf, Germany, for undisclosed sum.
Transaction includes real estate, equipment, operations/management personnel, enhances Kimble’s presence in tubular glass products. Meanwhile Comar plans to relocate glass pipette manufacturing equipment, associated personnel to plastic operations in Buena, NJ, where assembly of pipettes into glass dropper assemblies will continue. Divestiture allows closely held Comar to focus on growing plastic packaging business, as Mike Ruggieri, general manager, explains, “the sale of the glass division is the first step of a multi-year strategy to refocus Comar’s resources on dramatic growth in the Pharmaceutical and Health Care plastics packaging industry.” At Gerresheimer Group, Dr. Axel Herberg, president/ceo, says, “With highly developed production technologies and an outstanding product range, the Glass Division of Comar ideally complements the Gerresheimer product portfolio.” Follow-up: At Comar, Dennis Paris, director, marketing/pr, +1 856-507-2600, ext. 5422, parisd@comar.com; Link: www.comar.com; at Kimble Tubular Group, John McDermott, general manager, +1 846-692-3600, info@kimbletubular.com; Link: www.kimble.com.Top of Page
American Forest & Paper Association, Washington, DC, reports US recovered 53.5 million tons of paper/paperboard for recycling in 2006, or 53.4% of material consumed, up from 51.5% in 2005.
Growth in recovery rate for second straight year moves industry closer to its goal of recovering 55% by 2012. Currently, Americans recover nearly 360 pounds of paper per capita, up from 233 pounds per person in 1990. In addition, more than 36% of fiber used to make new paper products comes from recycled sources. Every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space. Follow-up: Link: www.paperrecycles.org.Top of Page
Aluminum Association, Washington, DC, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, Americus, GA, draws more than 590 Habitat affiliates to its Cans for Habitat recycling program, establishes more than 2,000 recycling centers nationwide to raise funds for homes for needy.
Although national mindset recognizes importance of recycling, Cans for Habitat ratchets it up by action, public service announcements such as one by baseball player, Sammy Sosa, encouraging viewers to recycle beverage cans to help build habitat homes. According to J. Stephen Larking, president, Aluminum Association, “Sosa’s contagious charisma and national appeal make him the perfect spokesperson for this campaign… He brings this program and the benefits it can provide to the national stage.” Follow-up: Patrick Kelly, program coordinator, +1 703-358-2976, pkelly@aluminum.org; Link: www.aluminum.org.Top of Page
Domino Integrated Solutions Group (ISG), Dallas, TX, global systems integrator formerly known as Enterprise Information Systems, joins forces with OTA Training LLC, Dallas, TX, to offer radio frequency identification (RFID) training to its customers.
Partnership offers RFID training, certification courses at Domino ISG’s Centers of Excellence in Chicago, IL; Cambridge, UK; plus two new centers to be established in Europe, Asia. Students receive practical experience necessary for successful RFID implementation, including hands-on experimentation with RFID technology, integration with existing business systems. Follow-up: At Domino, Teresa Williams, marketing manager, +1 512-280-1890, twilliams@domino-isg.com; Link: www.domino-isg.com; at OTA, Marketing Department, +1 972-386-9655, info@otatraining.com; Link: www.otatraining.com.Top of Page
Hewlett Packard (HP), Palo Alto, CA, wins 2007 Business Leadership Recycling Award from American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, DC, for exemplary effort in paper product recycling.
At HP, waste reduction initiatives, widespread employee participation at 30 locations nationwide divert 88% of its waste from landfills, exceeding its goal of 87%. “This year’s Recycling Award winners continue to push the envelope when it comes to innovation and the sheer quality and quantity of paper recycled through teamwork and dedication,” says Juanita D. Duggan, president/ceo of AF&PA. Other award winners include honorees in school, individual, community categories. Follow-up: Link: www.paperrecycles.org.Top of Page
AssetTrack Express starter kit from Fluensee Inc., Englewood, CO, holds everything needed to begin tracking/managing assets like reusable containers, equipment or tools via radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Priced at less than $10,000, kit contains web-based asset tracking software, rugged handheld RFID reader, up to 250 assorted passive tags, quick set-up guide, support services, one year of software upgrades. Easily configured system installs in hours, begins generating value within days by improving asset utilization, record accuracy. “Improved visibility into asset pool often reduces total number [of units] needed,” says Tim Harvie, ceo. One of first customers, Sun Microsystems Inc., Dallas, TX, uses AssetTrack Express to track product moving through its RFID testing lab in Longmont, CO. Custom kits incorporate additional tags or stationary reader. Follow-up: Sales Department, +1 303-799-0702; Link: www.fluensee.com/express.Top of Page
Under two-year contract with Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. (TRI), Chicago, IL, supply chain management company, DSC Logistics, Chicago, IL, organizes confectionery manufacturer’s first regional distribution center at DSC facility in Allentown, PA.
Logistics center handles myriad packaged goods, well-known brands Tootsie Roll, Charms, Dots, Andes Thin Mints, Double Bubble, Junior Mints from TRI’s plants in US, Canada. DSC develops solution that includes refrigerated storage, flexible storage footprint adapted to TRI’s seasonal volumes, pick line to maximize productivity in high case pick environments, procedures to export product to Canada, Mexico. “Tootsie Roll, like DSC, is a family-led business headquartered in Chicago and shares a similar corporate culture,” notes DSC’s Ann Drake, ceo of the Woman Business Enterprise-certified company. “We…are committed to helping them achieve their business goals by managing change and information in their supply chain.” Follow-up: Tracy Drake, marketing communications, +1 847-635-4542, comtracydrake@dsclogistics.com; Link: www.dsclogistics.com.Top of Page
Saint-Gobain Group, Courbevoie, France, sells specialty bottle business, Saint-Gobain Desjonqueres to two private equity investment firms, Sagard, Paris, France; Cognetas, London, UK; for Eur690 million.
Operations in France, Germany, Spain, US, Brazil, China, Russia produce glass bottles for perfume, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries, employ 4,500. In 2006 business generates annual sales of Eur607 million, operating profit of Eur50 million. Saint-Gobain plans to reinvest some of proceeds, will own 20%. Competition authorities approve deal. Top of Page
University of Arkansas (UA), Fayetteville, AR, hosts UA/Food and Drug Administration Food Labeling Workshop (www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/E7-1570.htm) targeted to small food manufacturers, startups in region, 10-11 April 2007 at Continuing Education Center in downtown Fayetteville; topics include mandatory label elements, nutrition labeling requirements, health and nutrition claims, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, special labeling issues such as exemptions… Top of Page
Nexgen Pharma, Inc., Irvine, CA, handles organic raw materials, manufactures, labels, packages, distributes “Certified Organic” dietary supplements in newly certified contract manufacturing facility in Tempe, AZ; certification by Quality Assurance International, San Diego, CA, verifies compliance with National Organic Program requirements set by US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC… Top of Page
Kip Boie joins Barry Wehmiller’s Thiele Technologies, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, as vp of Sales & Marketing, brings 21 years of sales, marketing experience including work in international markets... Peter S. Hellman, president, cfo/cao of Nordson Corp., Westlake, OH, takes seat as member of board of directors and audit committee at Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), Perrysburg, OH... Top of Page
Although lower volumes in Europe cause decline in net sales to $927.0 million in 2006 from $928.0 million in 2005, Constar International Inc., Philadelphia, PA, shrinks net loss for year to $12.0 million compared to $60.0 million in 2005…
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-- Ben Miyares, editor/publisher
-- Hallie Forcinio, managing editor
-- Pat Magee, contributing editor
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.
First flexible drink pouch package for dogs developed by Wetbone Co., LLC, Kensington, CT, consists of polyester/foil/linear low-density polyethylene lamination with patent-pending delivery system, which depends on upside down interior gusset formed from 4-mil piece of polyethylene film heat-sealed to opposing inner walls of pouch to create hammock-like drinking bowl. Four voids in heat seal (two on each side) create small 9-millimetre (mm) channels that transfer water from lower compartment into bowl section when pouch is squeezed. To use, pet owner simply removes tear strip at top of pouch, opens press-to-close zipper, squeezes bottom of pouch with one hand, while cupping other hand around "bowl." Squeezing action forces water into upper compartment for dog to lap. Channels allow water to trickle back down into bottom compartment if dog doesn’t drink all of it. Press-to-close zipper reseals pouch, protects remaining contents for later use.
channel angles for efficient filling, seal placement, bowl size. "We went through many renditions and prototypes to get it right," reports Steve Herlehy, Ampac account representative, adding, "For each trial iteration, we also needed to modify the tooling. All in all, this project was two years in development." Filling of preformed pouches currently occurs on semiautomatic equipment. Automated filling line requires special filler and seal system to handle complex pouch structure and is being developed by PPi Technologies Global, Sarasota, FL, in partnership with Ampac. Package design/graphics, designed by Tropea, take advantage of foil laminate, Ampac’s five-color rotogravure printing capability. "The result was a product that screams off the shelf and establishes a strong brand identity," says Tyska. Suggested retail price for Wetbone is $1.99/pouch. Company also plans to offer multipacks, other varieties such as Dental purified water with chlorophyll, Q10 to promote fresh breath/healthy gums; Sport purified water with performance-enhancing electrolytes. Sales channels include pet, grocery, convenience retailers nationwide.
Follow-up: At Ampac, Marketing Department, +1 513-671-1777, 
Beverages, Plano, TX, give kids nutrition of juice with fewer calories, eliminate need for moms to dilute regular juice.
healthy beverages,” says Ilene Bergenfeld, Mott’s vp of Marketing, who adds, “Kids will love the flavor and yummy taste while moms will appreciate the time saved mixing juice and water. We’ve done all that work for them.” Bergenfeld notes that diluting juice at home alters taste, strips away nutrients. “With Mott’s for Tots,” she says, “We’ve added natural flavors to give kids the taste they love.” Available nationwide, nine-packs sell for $3.19 suggested retail price.
Follow-up: Marketing Department, +1 847-955-6000; Link: 
Advertising campaign features consumers of all ages discovering great taste of Sunsweet Ones. See-through, 7-ounce canister with friction-fit reclosable blue cap, single-prune packaging position product as indulgent treat similar to candy, keep singles available in car or on shelf. “Everyone recognizes the need for fruit in their diet, but perishability and convenience make fruit fairly impractical as a snack,” says Dane Lance, vp, World-wide Marketing/Sales at Sunsweet, who adds, “…you can keep Ones in your purse, your desk, your car or your lunchbox, for whenever the snacking urge hits.” Although Sunsweet declines to divulge packaging materials or suppliers, each canister, flow-wrapped single boasts imprint of 90th anniversary flag overlaying Sunsweet logo. Clear canister advertises Pitted Dried Plums, California Prunes in white type on blue background at top, bottom; bright pictures of inside/outside of plum. Suggested retail price stands at $2.35 at retailers nationwide or via 
