Cindy Dubin

Contributing Editor
These bio-based coffee pods feature Ingeo components, making them compostable in municipal composting facilities.
Bioplastic breakthroughs
An advanced bioplastic made from renewable resources enhances a range of rigid and flexible packaging.
Aug 15th, 2017
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Integrated straw could stir up interest in energy drinks
New can design called Strawster features a self-activated straw that appears when the tab of the can is engaged.
Aug 14th, 2017
The new Fanta PET bottle is “twisted” like an orange to convey flavor and maintain form.
A twist on the soda bottle
The new Fanta PET bottle is “twisted” like an orange to convey flavor and maintain form.
Jun 30th, 2017
Clear PET bottles could be blended with amber colored bottles to avoid recycling issues.Photo courtesy of Plastic Technologies, Inc.
PET peeves
An opportunity to create a market for non-colored problematic PET bottles may be available that does not exist today.
Jun 15th, 2017
More from Cindy Dubin
Easy Thai Chef kits are packed with the fresh produce required for each recipe, and some of the shelf-stable ingredients imported directly from Thailand.
Easy as Thai
Custom thermoformed, compartmentalized lidded trays for Easy Home Chef’s meal kits are designed for each specific recipe created by the company.
May 4th, 2017
One APRIL manufacturing cell can make multiple products while multiple small cells could work together to create a final product.
Robot moves cooking vessel from one processing or ingredient station (heat, mix, etc.) to another
A robot named APRIL allows food manufacturers to move a cooking vessel from one processing/ingredient station (heat, mix, etc.) to another on an industrial scale.
May 4th, 2017
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The case for a cleaner can
The SmarterSeal can topper is a pliable overcap that keeps a can lid sanitary. It is injection molded of polypropylene or low-density polyethylene, making it pliable, durable and 100% recyclable.
May 3rd, 2017
The Tetra Top water carton features a top and cap derived from sugarcane, making it 82% renewable.
Start-of-life packaging
Cartons are made mainly from a renewable resource: paper sourced from well-managed  forests where new trees are planted to replace harvested ones.
Apr 26th, 2017
Using a combination of print and transparency packaging, and placing transparent areas higher on the pack prevents customers from seeing crumbs that might settle at the bottom. Source: Amcor.
The move to transparent packaging is clear
Transparent packaging is in line with other trends, such as companies sharing their ingredient sourcing policies and trace-to-origin information on packaging.
Mar 6th, 2017
Avure HPP horizontal system features a larger vessel and wire framing for greater durability.
Food safety and flavor benefits outweigh the cost of HPP
The high pressure processing equipment sector is projected to reach a value of $500.3 million by 2022, according to a recent report.
Mar 3rd, 2017
The Tetra Brik Aseptic 1000 Edge with Bio-based LightCap 30 is made of 80% renewable resources.
New aseptic carton from Tetra Pak is first to win Vinçotte certification
The Belgium-based accreditation agency is known for assessing the renewable content of packaging products.
Jan 27th, 2017
Choosing from such a vast array of products is not easy. Brands and noticeably packaged goods are popular with consumers. Photo courtesy of Bosch.
Smaller, safer and renewable packaging to take center stage at interpack 2017
Improved barrier and MAP functionality innovations will be on display at the Düsseldorf, Germany expo.
Jan 27th, 2017
Sidel works on more than 250,000 bottle concepts every year.
Dropping water weight
A complete line approach recognizes the roles that lightweight and safe packaging, quality equipment, line design and smart automation play in meeting the challenges of the bottled water market.
Jan 27th, 2017