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January
2010 - news page |
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Packaging Industry News | January 2010 |
Issue 168 |
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NEWS INDEX
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Chadwicks exhibits its shrink sleeve ‘Masterpieces’ at trade shows
 Leading
shrink sleeve manufacturer Chadwicks will be showcasing its masterpieces at
the ‘Chadwicks Art Gallery’ when it exhibits at two popular trade shows in
February and March.
The Gallery will be situated on stand 515 at the Packaging Innovations Show
on 24th – 25th February 2010, and on stand S010 at Foodex from 21st – 24th
March 2010.
Visitors will be able to marvel at Chadwicks’ recent shrink sleeve creations
in the art gallery, featuring its exclusive ‘Masterpiece Innovations’
exhibition.
Visitors will also be able to create their own masterpiece painting on the
Chadwicks easel with the chance to win a weekend city break for two, in
addition to receiving a free shrink-sleeved energy shot drink.
Chadwicks will additionally be demonstrating its latest technology for
producing tailor-made shrink sleeves designed especially for short to medium
run products in the food and beverage sector, as well as cosmetic and
non-food sectors.
Martin Hardman, sales and marketing director at Chadwicks said: “This year
we have decided to create an extra-special presence at these popular
tradeshows by creating an art gallery inspired theme that will enable us to
showcase our products in an inventive and imaginative way.
“After launching our shrink sleeves division 14 months ago, we have seen a
dramatic level of interest in our bespoke packaging products from both
existing and new customers.
“As world leaders in heat-seal pre-cut lids, we are successfully building
upon our fantastic reputation and fast becoming a number one supplier of
choice for quality shrink sleeves too.
“Manufacturers are quickly realising the benefits of sourcing both lid and
shrink sleeve from one supplier by witnessing first hand improved
efficiency, increased cost savings and less time spent in unnecessary
meetings.
“We look forward to welcoming all our existing and potential customers to
our exhibition.”
Chadwicks is part of the Flexible Packaging Division of the Clondalkin Group
which has more than 40 manufacturing sites located across Europe and North
America.
Website:
www.chadwicks-sleeves.com
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Money saved plus more efficient can and bottle drying for Türk Tuborg
 Financial
savings combined with ensured consistent and accurate labelling were the
chief drivers for the Türk Tuborg* filling operation in Izmir, Turkey
installing new can and bottle drying systems. The drying systems were
installed as retrofit units to replace compressed air jets and heated
tunnels, and are reported to be achieving significant savings whilst also
helping to avoid the problem of label slippage resulting from
inefficiently dried bottles.
The can and bottle drying machines are from Air Control Industries (ACI)
and were supplied by the company’s Turkish distributor, Yük. Müh. Nihat
Kagnici, Sanayi Müsavirligi ve Mümessilligi. The principal reason for the
substantial cost savings is the fact the ACI units are all blower powered,
a more cost-effective and cleaner way of delivering air for drying bottles
and cans.
Prior to opting for the ACI systems, Packaging Engineers Arda Sengöz and
Mehmet Kaynak at the Türk Tuborg plant investigated a number of different
suppliers. However, a combination of good references from existing
customers, competitive pricing and the easy self-installation/running
maintenance persuaded them that ACI offered the best solution for the
company’s needs. Also, with a local distributor they were confident of
professional back-up if required.
Five ACI drying systems are installed, three of which are fully enclosed.
Two of the fully enclosed units are installed on canning lines and
incorporate ACI’s purpose-engineered ‘CanTunnels’ with Airknives, whilst
the third is employed for bottle drying and is equipped with ACI’s
‘JetPlate’ system plus a pair of Airknives. The open units are EL (blower
at Eye Level) packages and are CanTunnel systems.
The CanTunnel systems are installed in pairs with dryers located before
and after can ‘twisters’ which invert cans so that both top and bottom are
dried. Throughput for each of the two parallel lines is 40,000 cans/hr
(either 33 or 50cl).
The bottle drying line has a capacity of 60,000 bottles/hr and the ACI
dryer must cope with up to 14 different shapes/sizes of bottle, drying
neck, cap and bottle in one pass.
“The ACI drying systems are working very well and the support has been
excellent, both from ACI and Nihat Kagnici,” said Arda Sengöz, Packaging
Engineer. “What’s more, we are saving money. The compressed air systems
and heating tunnel were much more expensive to run and maintain so we
expect a rapid payback on our investment.”
Website:
www.aircontrolindustries.com
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 Sirane
gets set for a fruitful year ahead
The UK’s premier packaging solutions company, Sirane is counting the
growth in its fruit packaging business through 2009 – and preparing for a
new level of business in 2010 beginning with its first exhibiting presence
at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, February 3-5.
Sandra Evans is leading the initiative– and Sirane’s Resolve absorbent pad
technology is capturing the attention and business of markets for growers
and retailers. ‘Over the past 18 months, Sirane’s Resolve pad sales for
fruit applications have grown by 420%,’ she says. ‘We have single supplier
status now with a number of UK supermarkets; we are selling all over the
world – with the USA, South Africa, Spain leading the way – and we are
also currently preparing to exhibit the Resolve pad at Fruit Logistica in
Berlin (Feb 3-5) – and at Foodex, NEC, UK, March 21-24.’
Sirane attributes the fruit pad growth both to changes in the
competitiveness of the fruit market; to the attractiveness of the
absorbent packaging technology and also to a desire to minimise spoilage
and product returns. ‘Retailers and growers – especially the supermarket
chains – have developed a growing zero-tolerance to fruit damage, spoilage
and product returns and are investing in solutions to stop it,’ says
Evans. ‘There is nothing so wasteful in industry as the scrapping of the
finished product. New packaging such as Resolve greatly reduces the odds
of this happening in the fruit sector. Older style packaging such as
bubble wrap or cardboard trays and pockets does not now offer enough. The
Resolve pads now tick all the boxes as far as absorbency, cushioning and
aesthetics within the punnet, leading to less rejection.’
The Sirane Resolve fruit pad is available in standard and compostable
versions. It cushions the fruit, absorbing excess moisture or juice,
therefore decreasing pack and product waste. The Resolve absorbent
cushioning fruit pad - fully compostable and competitive with alternative
materials - is primarily supplied as part of a package involving PP or PET
trays. As well as its compostable function, the Resolve pad helps
suppliers to extend shelf life and also guard against damage,
discolouration and decay. In its compostable version, the Resolve pad is
composed of a non-genetically manipulated corn starch-based film which has
been thermally laminated to a fully compostable FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council) accredited cellulose-based absorbent material. The pad composts
quickly accordingly to the latest European consumer composting standards.
Increasing regulation and monitoring of the industry also means that
Sirane’s new factory in Stafford Park, Telford is more than able to
satisfy all the international food standards in design, health and safety,
and quality - requirements that are now needed by a modern and
international fruit supply industry. A recent British Retail Consortium
also saw the Sirane factory score in the top decile of the industry for
best practice. Sirane intends to position its manufacturing as a leader in
European packaging hygiene and food safety.
And despite the increasing international character of the fruit business,
large sections of the world’s fruit suppliers are still just becoming
aware of their new packaging options. The July 2010 Fruit Focus exhibition
in Kent will this year once more be a target for Sirane’s exhibiting
activities and Evans was pleased and surprised at how many new customers
took to the Resolve pad there. ‘It was pleasing this year to be able to
show so many growers in the UK, France and Ireland some new options for
their packaging. Our compostable packaging area was particularly strong.’
In terms of consumer demand the continuing appeal for antioxidant foods,
fruits and juices, is still driving up the volume of the European and
world markets for berry cultivation and consumption. The blueberry and
other berries market continues to achieve double digit growth.. Aesthetics
continue to be an important part of product sales – and Sirane’s abilities
with colouring fruit pads and other materials has seen it win orders. As
part of its networking and research in this area Sirane will once more
this year take part in the Global Berry Congress in London, May 11-12,
2010.
Website:
www.sirane.co.uk
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 MWV’s
Crescendo Paperboard Solution Takes First in European Industry Competition
Packaging leader’s Crescendo C1S Recognized in “Carton of the Year” at Pro
Carton/ECMA Awards
MeadWestvacorp received top honours in the carton category by Pro Carton/ECMA,
the Association of European Carton and Cardboard Manufacturers, at their
annual awards ceremony held in Düsseldorf, Germany, on November 26, 2009.
MWV’s Crescendo C1S was the material of choice used in this year’s best
carton package for Le Chef ® Chocolatier. This is Pro Carton’s thirteenth
year of recognizing primary packaging.
“We
are pleased to have been a key partner in developing a highly
sophisticated, innovative and demanding package,” stated Virginia McLain,
managing director of MWV GmbH. “We have served the European market for
more than 50 years with our leading, highly engineered paperboard and are
continuing to enhance our position as a key supplier to the European
market.”
Crescendo C1S features a unique fibre mix, giving it a quality feel and
high stiffness that meets the packaging needs of a variety of industries
from personal care to food. Double coating on the front side is
complemented by a smooth, shade matched, uncoated side for consistent
visual appeal.
Website:
www.mwv.com
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Advanced
Dynamics launches 2010 Friction Feeder Range
 Advanced
Dynamics, a specialist supplier of feeding, wrapping, labelling and
bagging solutions, is launching a new range of KöRa-Packmat feeder
machines at the start of 2010.
Each
of the feeders are specially designed for handling flat products including
card, plastic, film, paper and even small sachets. The new machines will
allow certain products up to 1,000mm in width to be handled. Initially
three new feeders are being introduced by the company with a fourth to be
launched later in the year.
The
EasyFeeder is a brand new entry level model with a adjustable product
thickness gap covering 0 - 8mm. Key features include product run time
monitoring for missing sheet detection, remote stop start via an external
PLC and a variable speed level of up to 60 A4 sheets per minute (indexed).
Advanced Dynamics is offering the new model as a low cost buy and ship
boxed unit.
Advanced Dynamics is also unveiling the BF-300 BasicFeeder, a higher level
model which replaces the earlier LLC feeder. The BF-300 is based on a new
design and is not only cheaper than the previous LLC but also comes with a
number of new features. These include easier operator controls, just two
adjustment controls, a new 2-line LC display, lower noise levels and a
product thickness gap setting covering 0 - 12mm.
The
third member of the new range is the AF-300 AdvancedFeeder which replaces
the earlier LB feeder. Capable of handling 0 - 30mm product thickness,
which is more than double that of the earlier model, the AF-300 comes with
a range of advanced features including easy setting-up, adjustment of the
product setting by a single control and a big 600mm magazine for product
stacking up to 1,400 sheets per minute.
Other
features include wear-resistant automatic drive and microprocessor
controls, with PLC interface if required for external control. This
includes monitoring for identifying missing products, fault and the
recording of levels of product in the stack.
More details concerning a new high level end feeder planned for the summer
of 2010 will be released nearer the date.
All
machines have a tough, ruggedly designed frame, anodised aluminium casing
and are capable of interfacing with other equipment to form part of a
synchronised production line.
Potential customers for the new machines include printers, converting
companies, greeting card manufacturers, promotional agencies, packaging
firms, fulfilment houses and medical product producers, along with
numerous related suppliers. Typical product handling applications range
from beer-mats and plasters to card inserts.
Advanced Dynamics' joint managing director, Mike Essler comments: "The
launch of three new friction feeder machines at the start of 2010 is
extremely exciting because of the additional features offered. Not only
have the new machines been completely redesigned but their pricing has
also been reduced, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved."
The
team at Advanced Dynamics Limited have been selling the KöRa-Packmat range
for over 27 years and the launch of new product range is expected to
generate a large amount of interest.
Website:
www.advanceddynamics.co.uk
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 DuPont
Packaging Announces Call for Entries for 22nd DuPont Awards for Packaging
Innovation
Seeking Breakthroughs in
Packaging Innovation, Sustainability and Waste/Cost Reduction
DuPont Packaging announces the call for entries in the 22nd DuPont
Awards for Packaging Innovation, the industry’s longest running,
independently judged competition.
“At DuPont, we work with brand owners and value chain partners to develop
cost-effective packaging structures that help reduce waste and have
improved environmental performance. Innovation is key to these new
packaging approaches. In this year’s program, we will be broadening the
focus of the DuPont Awards from solely sustainability achievements to
include packaging innovation and waste/cost reduction,” said Carolann
Haznedar, global business director -- DuPont Packaging. “DuPont sponsors
this program to recognize achievements that provide learnings to the
industry and to highlight the importance of collaboration. To foster
knowledge-sharing on the winners of the 22nd Awards, we will conduct a
global online event that will be open to the industry. In addition,
winners will be honored in a celebration event with senior DuPont
executives.”
Entries for the 22nd DuPont Awards will be evaluated for excellence in
packaging innovation, sustainability and cost /waste reduction. Entry
forms and guidelines are available at
www.packaging.dupont.com. The deadline for entries is Feb. 12,
2010. Packaging designers, converters, consumer good producers, retailers
and equipment manufacturers from around the world are encouraged to enter
their new product packaging developments. There is no fee for entry and
DuPont materials do not need to be in the packaging structure. In
evaluating entries, jurors will consider excellence in one or more of
these areas: innovation, sustainability and cost/waste reduction. Winners
will be announced in the spring of 2010. Information on the program and
past winners is posted on DuPont’s Packaging website.
The prestigious international jury panel for the 22nd DuPont Awards
includes:
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John
Bernardo, president, Sustainable Innovations LLC, USA
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Peter
Clarke, founder and CEO, Product Ventures, USA
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Sara
Hartwell, Environmental Specialist, U.S. EPA Office of Resource
Conservation and Recovery, USA
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Mike
Maggio, vice president of Global Strategic Design Operations, Johnson and
Johnson
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Greg
Pockat, vice president of Research and Development Curwood Inc, A Bemis
Company, USA
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Fred
Renk, vice president External Technology, Mead Westvaco, USA
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Gail
Tavill, vice president of Sustainable Development, ConAgra Foods, USA
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Patricia Villalobos, PhD, director of Research & Development, Bimbo,
Mexico
Website:
www.packaging.dupont.com
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 Graham
Chipchase becomes Chief Executive
Rexam PLC, the
global consumer packaging company, confirms that, following the
announcement of 13 November 2009, Graham Chipchase assumed the role of
Chief Executive on 1 January 2010.
Graham Chipchase
joined Rexam in February 2003 as Finance Director and member of the Board.
In October 2005 he moved to an operational role as Rexam's Group Director
Plastic Packaging.
Website:
www.rexam.com
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 Packaging
helps beat climate change – and snow
According to the Government’s newly announced Food Strategy 2030, every
tonne of food waste is responsible for 4.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Every
single item of food eaten by UK residents - apart from home grown fruit
and vegetables - is protected by packaging (1) on its way to our homes,
and without that packaging the vast majority of food could not be handled
and much would be spoiled.
Recent snow and the difficulties many people have experienced in getting
to the shops for supplies have reinforced the benefits to society of
having a variety of different forms of packaging. Tinned, frozen and
bottled foodstuffs in our store cupboards and freezers have ensured we can
still produce balanced meals even when fresh produce is hard to come by.
INCPEN is pleased that its members’ crucial role in reducing the
environmental impact of food supply is being recognised and supports
Defra’s aims of making our national food supply more sustainable. We look
forward to working with Defra to achieve the long term aims of the
strategy.
It is encouraging to note that the report acknowledges that consumers
appreciate the contribution packaging makes to keeping food hygienic and
fit for consumption. However INCPEN’s members are not resting on their
laurels. All have programmes of continuous improvement to use minimal
packaging to achieve optimal protection.
According to INCPEN Director Jane Bickerstaffe: “Packaging companies are
often criticised but without packaging, valuable food would be wasted and
consumers would not have the wide choice of safe, healthy food they
currently enjoy.”
Website:
www.incpen.org
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Fully
automated production of coloured brush heads
 ZAHORANSKY
Group of Freiburg has installed a fully automatic production cell for
making a wide variety of different injection-molded brush elements for a
renowned manufacturer of household brushes.
The complex
production cell consists of a multi-component injection molding machine
and an external demolding and cooling station made in-house. The
connecting element between the three production stations is a six axes
robot which allows the individual phases of a classic injection molding
process to be made synchronously, saving as much as 75% in cycle time,
particularly for thick-walled components. For the process sequence, this
delivers the simple equation: injection time equals cycle time from the
external cooling and demolding station.
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 After
injection, the robot removes the entire mold block and places it in the
cooling station consisting of one cooling rack. At the rack, the robot
grips a cooled block from another rack and swivels it to the demolding
station developed by ZAHORANSKY. A second robot takes the finished parts
and places these in the storage box provided. The six axes robot takes
over the empty mold, latches it into the injection molding machine and
reaches for the newly filled mold at the ejector side. A new cycle begins.
All subsequent jobs
can be different in shape, size and colour. For each product, a separate
and distinct software menu for the process parameters of every component
is stored in the SPC developed by ZAHORANSKY. In-between shots, automated
production processes for as many as 24 different products in a maximum of
four colours are feasible at the same time.
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 The
standard injection molding machine used is equipped with five injection
units. Using the four side units, the skin of the component can be
injection-molded in different colours. The core material is then injected.
Cost-effective recycled material with added blowing agent is used for this
purpose. There are no downtimes during colour or mold changes. The unit
costs are drastically reduced with this shuttle solution.
This production
technique is excellent for thick-walled parts which are required in small
quantities but in different sizes and colours. Beside brush heads, screw
drivers and plastic shoe soles are ideal examples of application, too.
Website:
www.zahoransky-group.com
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 Listgrove
rises to the HR challenges
International Recruitment and Human Resources (HR) Company, Listgrove
Ltd, reports on an eventual year for plastics and packaging manufacturing–
and sets the scene for the coming year.
For many plastics and packaging companies across the globe, 2009 has
proven to be one of the most demanding years in recent history, resulting
in widespread challenges for the industry. The signs were evident in the
second half of 2008; however few anticipated the significant impact that
would follow. Recruitment activity levels in the plastics industry saw a
dramatic fall at the start of the year, reaching its lowest point in May.
This was in contrast to broader manufacturing sectors, which remained
relatively steady. Also, reports Listgrove, hiring decisions moved from an
average of 2-4 weeks to up to 6 months.
However, there are sectors and companies that have bucked the trend, most
notably in medical device and rigid/flexible packaging. In the latter
sector, Listgrove was instrumental in helping to find a new chief
executive for PAFA “The assistance of Listgrove was invaluable in helping
PAFA scope and resource our recent management changes. Listgrove has over
thirty years experience in executive search and recruitment expertise –
tailored specifically for the packaging and plastics industries. They were
the best-placed advisor to help us through our recent transition. I have
no hesitation in recommending Listgrove and its services to companies who
are intent on improving their people performance.” Says Barry Turner, PAFA
Chief Executive.
Many other British Plastics Federation members across all group sub
divisions also utilised Listgrove’s HR services in 2009 to assess, develop
and find new people. The companies included; Albis, Americhem, Teknor
Apex, Carclo PLC, Colloids, Logoplaste, Gabriel Chemie, Simplipac, Triton
and Wavin.
 Listgrove’s
Conrad Taylor says that ‘future contracts, new projects, investment, NPD,
acquisitions and succession planning underpinned these hiring decisions.
And following long-term success with beverage plastics packaging company
Logoplaste, Listgrove is currently in the process of recruiting a new UK
Managing Director for Logoplaste; a replacement for Stephen Mancey
(recruited by Listgrove in 2001) who has been promoted into a global role.
Logoplaste continue to expand in the UK and recent announcements have been
made regarding a new operation.
International Operations Director Ryan Kirby says that ‘Listgrove’s launch
of an International Practice in August 2008 has proven to be an enormous
success with multiple contracts having been won and resourced in Middle
East, Canada, USA and Europe. The division perfectly complements our UK
based operations – with much synergy between the two. Our long standing
specialist expertise and global network has enabled Listgrove to provide
overseas companies with access to a localised talent pool.’
Despite the tough economic challenges facing companies, there have not
been major UK factory closures. The plastics industry has already been
through a turbulent 10 years due to globalisation and the move to low cost
economies. As a result, the companies that remain have become much better
at self help and already have a controlled cost base. Listgrove HR
expertise in management assessment & development has particularly come to
the fore and business leaders look to their own internal personnel and
skillset to steer companies through the difficult time.
Despite the downturn and subsequent business reorganisation, there has not
been the uplift in specialist skills into the marketplace. Problems in the
housing market continued to impact the flexibility of potential employees
of all levels to relocate; although the temporary suspension of stamp duty
at the lower end of the market has eased the issue. Listgrove has
continued to combat this problem through its regional structure and
extensive network of the plastics industry.
Listgrove Managing Director Jason Markham says: ‘In the months from May to
August, Listgrove saw a 30% increase in recruitment activity levels,
although this was not followed up by the usual expected push in September
after the summer holidays. Recent months have seen a gradual return in
business confidence, which has shortened the decision making process to
more normal levels. However, the market remains fragile and it is unlikely
that there will be a dramatic uplift in early 2010. Recovery will continue
to be gradual and unpredictable. Nevertheless, strategic HR development,
management assessment and people performance will remain high on the
business agenda as companies continue to adapt and formulate future
plans.’
Website:
www.listgrove.com
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