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Soft product, solid results

Doumak’s two latest vf/f/s machines bag its marshmallows at a steady rate of 40/min done 24/7.

May 7, 2007

Packaging Technology: Page 474

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CMM adds Tech. Centers

Flexible packaging and narrow to mid-web printing are highlighted at CMM 2007 as the show sponsors have added two new Technology Centers covering these disciplines.

May 7, 2007

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Ready meals also 'case-ready'

Another kind of “case-ready” meat is now appearing in the Stop & Shop Supermarkets of New England. Home-style meals—rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, turkey, ham—from the Boston Market chain of fast-food restaurants are on display near the deli in the Stop & Shop stores. The meatloaf shown here has a net weight of 19 oz—“plenty for 2,” says the package—and sells for $6.99.Boston Market, headquartered in Golden, CO, isn’t saying much about machines or materials used put the meals into the stores. But the photo shown here makes it look like a barrier tray and barrier lidding material are the primary packaging components. A clear plastic lid snaps over the lidstock, and a paperboard sleeve holds everything together while carrying graphics and product information.

May 7, 2007

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Shell fish in France

Since evacuation, backflushing with modified atmosphere, and lid-sealing are at the heart of any discussion of case-ready meat, it’s worth taking note of a recent MAP development at the French food producer Miti—even though it involves shell fish rather than meat.Miti worked with Multivac (www.multivac.com) to design a T 350 tray sealer that heat-seals not film but rather a rigid lid to trays of cooked shrimp. According to Miti managing director Pierre Roffino, the idea behind this packaging format was to give the best possible visual presentation for the high-value product inside. Needless to say, sealing a rigid lid to the tray makes some unusual demands on the sealing technology, including the need for a special die.The Multivac machine’s continuous transport system brings hand-loaded trays with the lid already manually placed in position on the trays. The lid is raised slightly to permit evacuation of ambient atmosphere and backflushing with carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The lid is then pressed down mechanically onto the tray and thermally sealed.An extremely low level of residual O2, 0.2%, is achieved, and this helps the sensitive product to retain quality throughout the 15-day refrigerated shelf life. Material specs were not available at press time.

May 7, 2007

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Case-ready continues to grow

Last year’s squabble over CO, though not officially resolved, has receded into the background, as many retailers—though certainly not all—expand case-ready offerings.

May 7, 2007

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California, here they come

The golden state’s ePedigree requirement may force FDA’s hand on the use of radio-frequency identification.

May 7, 2007

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Concrete products maker addresses heavyweight challenges

Automated stretch-wrapping conquers harsh environmental conditions, optimizes palletizing efficiencies.

May 7, 2007

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Web Plus

Global Vision Inc. This provider of automated proofreading solutions has recently launched a new Web site that is dedicated to providing QC/QA, regulatory, labeling, and packaging professionals with a resource center on protecting the integrity of their printed materials. Information includes white papers, industry news and trends, and product information related to improving the packaging creation and print process.www.globalvisioninc.com

May 7, 2007

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Vivid labels make chocolate milk seemingly flow from the bottle

At a different end of the spectrum, appetite appeal is also critical in marketing chocolate milk. Few packaging components do the job better than a label with razor-sharp printing.

May 7, 2007

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Gift chocolates: A keepsake box and sensory experience--at up to $234

This month, Shelf Impact! presents two very different but equally effective methods for selling the soothing comfort of rich chocolate.

May 7, 2007

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Finding value in RFID

“The goals for the project, currently in pilot stage, center on increased product visibility and reduction in tray loss.”

May 7, 2007

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Don't let your assets become your innovation liability

Let’s face it—innovation is all the rage, and packaging is proving to be the new frontier. The proliferation of channel surfing, web browsing, and shortened attention spans in general have diminished advertising’s effectiveness. Not surprisingly, brands have come to rely more heavily on the package to make the sale.

May 7, 2007

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Ferris State receives blow-molding machine

In February, Ferris State University’s National Elastomer Center for Plastics and Rubber Technology in Big Rapids, MI, received a new single-station, automatic H-121-S blow-molding machine from Bekum America (www.bekumamerica.com). The machine provides students of the Plastics Engineering Technology Program with hands-on experience on a continuous-extrusion/blow-molding machine that includes microprocessor controls.

May 7, 2007