Plastics machinery shipments: In sync with slower economy and up from 2021
The shipments of primary plastics machinery (injection molding and extrusion) in North America slowed in the third quarter according to the statistics compiled and reported by the Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES). The preliminary estimate of shipment value from reporting companies totaled $353.8 million in the third quarter of 2022. While this is a decrease of 14.4% from the previous quarter, the estimate increased by 6.0% from a year earlier. Of the three primary plastics types of machinery, the value of injection molding shipments fell 17.1% in the third quarter. Shipments of single-and twin-screw extruders rose by 4.9% and 12.4%, respectively, in the third quarter. Compared to the third quarter of last year, shipments of single-screw extruders fell by 13.1% while shipments of twin-screw extruders rose by 19.3%. “It can be argued that the slowdown in plastics machinery shipment in the third quarter is in sync with the cooling of the U.S. economy. However, compared to the quarterly shipments in 2021—a stellar year for the plastics industry particularly for plastics equipment suppliers—this year’s third quarter shipments remain above the first three quarters’ shipments last year,” stated Dr. Perc Pineda, PLASTICS Chief Economic Officer. “Historically, there is a bump up in shipments in the fourth quarter. This was the case even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Given supply chain issues due to the pandemic, which has stretched delivery lead time, it would not be surprising to see shipments in the fourth quarter to be above the third quarter. There is also a huge year-end push for businesses to get their manufacturing capacity in gear for the coming year. This should support stable demand for plastics equipment next year, albeit lower than this year because of moderating economic growth” concluded Pineda. The CES also conducts a quarterly survey of plastics machinery suppliers that asks about present market conditions and expectations for the future. The outlook of the survey participants, particularly for the next 12 months, has not changed significantly. While 31.3% of the survey respondents expect market conditions to either improve or hold steady in the next quarter, 34.4% expect market conditions to be steady-to-better, which was marginally lower than the 35.0% in the second quarter’s survey results. “The outlook for the next 12 months virtually unchanged from the second suggests that plastics equipment suppliers have considered slower economic growth ahead and have not strategized accordingly for 2023,” said Pineda. Plastics machinery exports decreased by 10.2% to $198.8 million in the third quarter. Mexico and Canada remained the top export markets of plastics machinery from the U.S. in the third quarter. The combined exports to USMCA partners totaled $109.7 million, which was 65.9% of total plastics machinery exports of the U.S. Imports decreased by 12.1% to $423.6 million in the third quarter. U.S. plastics machinery trade deficit narrowed from $260.7 million in the second quarter to $224.7 million in the third quarter. Moderating global economic growth and a strong U.S. dollar are slowing plastics machinery trade. “In sum, the third quarter data is consistent with the projected growth in plastics machinery shipments for the second half of 2022. However, the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to face headwinds—elevated energy prices, rising interest rates, and inflation—which could weigh on the economy’s manufacturing output in 2023,” said Pineda.
Integreon Global appoints Hays as new president
Integreon Global, a family of companies that ensures product integrity and protection through innovative materials, testing services, packaging, monitoring solutions, and contract manufacturing, announced that Michael Hays has been named President, replacing Maurice Barakat, effective December 5, 2022. Mr. Barakat will assume the role of Executive Chairman and CEO. Mr. Hays’ new position is the culmination of several decades of leadership in the expandable polystyrene (EPS) industry, most recently as Vice President of Altor Solutions. His career path included management roles in business development, finance, and overall enterprise strategy and board-level involvement. As a long-term employee and eventual Division General Manager, he was integral in the growth of his original company, Premier Industries, which was later consolidated with Foam Fabricators and eventually transformed into Altor Solutions. Through each of these strategic phases, Mr. Hays’ expertise contributed to his teams winning numerous industry awards for clients in the technology, automotive, appliance, construction, and healthcare sectors. These accolades culminated with Michael receiving the EPS industry’s prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2022. “Michael is a people-first leader who comes to Integreon Global with a strong track record of expansion, coupled with a reputation for building a world-class packaging manufacturing group. Michael’s extensive management experience will help our business units accelerate their continuing development as a trusted partner of global manufacturers,” said Maurice Barakat. “I am proud and honored to become a part of the highly successful Integreon Global family,” said Michael Hays. “This is a wonderful opportunity to both lead and to provide outstanding service to our clients. Integreon has a strong, growing, and diversified suite of business units whose purpose is to protect people and products. The company’s unique blend of skilled experts, advanced materials, and innovative technologies across the entire enterprise position us perfectly to rise to the challenges of a global marketplace.” The Integreon group designs and manufactures polymeric foam beads, thermal packaging, and monitoring solutions, and provides testing, contract development, and manufacturing services. Integreon operates in four end markets: Pharmaceuticals, life sciences, perishable foods, and foam processors. Each of Integreon’s companies offers custom-engineered solutions and testing services critical to the end-to-end protection and efficient manufacturing of customers’ products.
John Groth is the new Vice President Pharma at OPTIMA Machinery Corporation
OPTIMA pharma is continuing to strengthen its market position in the USA As of September 26, 2022, John Groth took over as Vice President Pharma at Optima Machinery Corporation. His appointment at the U.S. subsidiary based in Green Bay, Wisconsin further strengthens the Optima Group’s pharmaceutical position in the USA and sets the stage for continued growth. “It feels like coming home,” says Groth, who after seven years with another manufacturer, returns to Optima as Vice President Pharma USA. North America is an important and growing market for Optima, especially for the pharmaceuticals business unit. Reflecting the sustained high demand in the sector for machines, systems, and services, Optima is pressing ahead with the strategic expansion of its regional organizations. “We are very pleased to have John Groth, an experienced manager who is very familiar with the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry and Optima,” says Gerhard Breu, Chairman of the Optima Pharma Division. “It shows that we take our partnership with our customers seriously and that we are doing all we can to continue to expand our market leadership in North America,” says Breu. Enabling growth through legacy and vision John Groth will be responsible for managing all areas of Optima’s Pharma Business Unit in the U.S. “I am very eager to be leading a group of highly talented experts and friends toward new success,” says Mr. Groth. “We continue to grow our presence and lay the foundations for expanding our portfolio.” For him, the empowerment of a great team is the prerequisite for achieving great results. With more than 13 years of experience in aseptic processing, Mr. Groth also brings more than 20 years of commercial finance experience. He recently completed his Master’s degree in Law from Northwestern University Law School and has degrees in Business Administration and Finance. “I understand our history and see the future, which for Optima is indeed very bright.”
TAWI announces new mobile lifting solution for freight container unloading and portable lifting applications
TAWI, the inventor of the vacuum lift (also known as a vacuum tube lifter) has launched a new, portable vacuum lifter designed to be used inside of any ocean freight or box truck to reduce the manual lifting of materials during the loading or unloading process. This solution enables a more flexible workforce by reducing the need to team lift heavy objects while also minimizing the opportunity for injury. This is a faster, safer, and easier material handling method when compared to individual or team lifting of materials by hand. Capable of lifting materials up to 90 lbs (40 kg), TAWI’s Mobile High-Frequency Lifter (MHL for short) is comprised of a vacuum lifter integrated into a portable jib crane on a base plate. With its trigger-style controller, the operator can lift and move products without exerting any lifting force and at a faster rate than performed manually. The MHL features a patented jib arm for low overhead spaces which is capable of horizontally gripping packages or materials to remove them from the top of a container or box truck. The unit is free-standing and powered by either a 3-phase electrical or an optional battery pack for completely cordless mobility. The MHL comes with a standard base plate design that any common forklift or pallet jack can support. This mobilizes the MHL to move around your facility and can be deployed for applications beyond container loading and unloading. “Many businesses are seeing workforce issues in today’s complex economy. This can include locating, training, and retaining qualified material handling employees,” states Nick Hajewski, North American Marketing Director for TAWI. “A vacuum lift reduces this issue of locating human capital by reducing the number of material handlers needed to perform an existing task – especially when team lifting is required. It also opens these heavy lifting applications up to employees not physically capable of manual handling such weights, as the lift does the lifting for the operator – all the operator needs to be able to do is squeeze the control handle. So that’s the secret – less labor required, a faster performance due to a lack of physical fatigue, and at the end of the day, everyone is safer because they are not physically lifting the materials themselves.”
TAB Wrapper Tornado option accommodates uneven flooring, prevents creeping
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has unveiled anti-vibration levelers on its TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrapping machines. Offered as an option, the anti-vibration pads allow the orbital wrappers to be raised up to 1/2 inch at any of eight different points in contact with the floor to establish a stable base of operations even on uneven flooring. The leveling pads also block any vibrations from the wrapping process or from the plant environment to keep the pallet wrapper secured in place during operation and prevent any gradual creeping movements. Mounted on-site through pre-drilled lag bolt holes, the anti-vibration levelers maintain clear forklift access to the designed-in fork pockets in the base to allow safe, easy movement of the wrapping machine without removing the pads. In addition to the anti-vibration floor levelers, the orbital wrappers are available with automated safety scanners, bumper guards, wireless remote operation, and other optional accessories. The TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapping machines apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and the load to create a stable, unitized load that eliminates the need for boxes, crates, banding, and other secondary packaging. The stretch wrapping machines are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered with anti-vibration pads with a warranty.
Aquapak partners with Industrial Physics to help customers transition to sustainable packaging
Aquapak Polymers, a provider of polymer technology that offers excellent functionality, recyclability, and environmental credentials, has partnered with Industrial Physics, a global packaging, product, and material test and inspection partner, to create a harmonized set of WVTR (Water vapor Transmission Rate) testing methods for its Hydropol™ biodegradable polymer. Hydropol offers all the benefits of traditional polymer plastics yet is water soluble and completely biodegradable as well as non-toxic and UV resistant. It also offers multiple end-of-life options such as recyclability, compostability, and compatibility with anaerobic digestion plants. Establishing a reliable and repeatable test method for WVTR is an industry-wide challenge. By using equipment designed by Industrial Physics’ product lines, including Systech Illinois, and Testing Machines Inc., Aquapak resolved to find a way forward by partnering with Industrial Physics, which will ultimately provide its customers across a wide range of sectors with a real alternative to using traditional polymers, helping them cut plastic pollution in the process. Industrial Physics is a global test and inspection partner that works across a wide range of industry sectors to help customers protect the integrity of their packaging, products, and materials. The business is passionate about helping customers move to new, more sustainable packaging materials. The group is made up of numerous specialist testing brands, including Systech Illinois, TQC Sheen, Quality By Vision, Eagle Vision, Steinfurth, Technidyne, RayRan, Testing Machines Inc., and many more. As more organizations continue to strive for sustainable alternatives, it’s unsurprising that demand for Aquapak’s Hydropol continues to grow – this is supported by Industrial Physics’ research that surveyed 255 packaging professionals around the world, highlighting that testing of new sustainable materials was a major challenge they face. Almost half of the 255 global packaging professionals (49%) surveyed said meeting testing standards was one of the biggest challenges they faced in the wider adoption of sustainable packaging materials. An example of this is that current WVTR test methods and standards are based on traditional polymers rather than sustainable, biodegradable alternatives such as Hydropol. In order to continue their drive towards sustainable innovation in a way that didn’t sacrifice the integrity of their product, Aquapak approached Industrial Physics to support them in developing a repeatable and reliable test method for WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) for its Hydropol biodegradable polymer. The WVTR test method is a known challenge for hydrophilic polymers, and the team at Aquapak was looking to utilize knowledge and resources from Industrial Physics to develop a testing method that could be carried out in-house as well as replicated at its customer’s premises wherever they were in the world. Max Phippard, Quality Control Manager at Aquapak, said: “Allowing the WVTR test to reach equilibrium means that we are confident in the results. Over the last few months, we have carried out a full analysis of multi-layer samples to gain an understanding of how our customers can replicate their own WVTR testing regime on Hydropol.” He continued: “Being able to build a relationship with Industrial Physics and leverage their expertise in packaging barriers was critical to the success of this program.” Alan Shema, Product Line Director at Industrial Physics said: “We have reached a point where the WVTR test on Hydropol can be replicated anywhere in the world by using the approach taken by Aquapak and ourselves. This is a major step forward because it will shape how hydrophilic films are tested in the future. It allows our global customers who source sustainable packaging materials such as Hydropol to carry out their own WVTR knowing they can trust the results.” Phippard added: “As highlighted in Industrial Physics’ research, businesses face challenges when looking to switch to new, sustainable packaging materials. Developing a WVTR approach for Hydropol is one of the ways we are supporting our customers as they take this journey. Industrial Physics offers a range of packaging, product, and material integrity testing solutions to food and beverage, flexible packaging, medical, pharmaceutical, and coatings markets. The company adopts a collaborative approach with customers to help them work through the challenges of moving to sustainable packaging. Industrial Physics carried out research with 255 packaging professionals earlier this year. Full results can be viewed in Industrial Physics Sustainable Packaging Research Report.
Miracom introduces Post-Production Controls & Software Solutions to material handling and packaging sectors
Miracom Computer Corp., a supplier of post-press production controls and software to the newspaper industry, has expanded its solutions portfolio into two new sectors: packaging and material handling. Called PackWorx and MatWorx, respectively, the company’s software products are tailored to help small- and medium-sized companies optimize their packaging and material handling operations. The five-product suite of affordable solutions is designed to boost equipment speed and performance, optimize production scheduling, incorporate track & trace capabilities, implement in-line printing, and verify labeling accuracy and readability. For Miracom, PackWorx and MatWorx represent a natural evolution. Founded in 1995, the company has deep roots in the efficiency-critical newspaper industry. For that highly deadline-oriented sector, Miracom provides tools to gather data on equipment efficiency and other crucial aspects of production, yielding opportunities to streamline operations and reduce avoidable slowdowns or other costly disruptions. The company’s modular, standalone solutions can be implemented separately or combined as one seamless system to improve productivity, reduce operating costs, monitor remote locations, and minimize human errors. The products comprising Miracom’s new PackWorx and MatWorx solutions are: MiraBOOST: An integrated controls and software Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that provides internet-based remote monitoring, real-time reporting, and advanced data collection capabilities so companies can measure the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of specific machines, fully automated lines, or even multiple plants. Its benefits include machine synchronization, maintenance scheduling, line efficiency and lost downtime. MiraPACKAGE: A cloud based MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) software system for planning, scheduling, and controlling production and inventory. MiraTRACE: Track & trace software with serialization and unlimited levels of aggregation. MiraTRACE is a cloud-based software system that provides traceability, product integrity, anti-counterfeiting, and brand protection when paired with MiraJET or another inline printer, and MiraSCAN or other print verification equipment. MiraSCAN: A label verification system that uses an inline camera with a printing device to verify that printed labels are accurate and readable. Designed to be plug-n-play compatible with Miracom’s MiraJet line of printers. MiraJET: A thermal inkjet printer and control system for printing high-resolution labels, bar codes, QR codes, sequence numbers, batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, and other variable data directly onto coated and non-coated surfaces. “Our expanded solutions for the packaging and material handling sectors draw upon decades of experience providing efficiency, accuracy, and verification software products in the newspaper sector, whose tight-window production schedules leave zero time for error,” said Judah Holstein, Miracom President and Founder. “Our planning, control, and integration solutions will prove to be an ideal fit in these additional sectors, where streamlining production, simplified scheduling and strict quality assurance are becoming increasingly important.”
AGE Industries announces new equipment to increase efficiency and throughput
Upgrades will substantially reduce lead times and improve plant safety AGE Industries, Ltd, a supplier of custom paper tubes, innovative packaging, and shipping solutions, announces the addition of two flexo /folder/gluers, two unitizers, one automated stitcher, and one new scrap handling system to its Texas plants that will increase efficiency, improve throughput at each shift, and reduce forklift handling operations to create a safer work environment. Positioning itself for the future, AGE Industries is investing in equipment that will help manufacturers meet the challenges posed by increasing freight, raw material, and labor costs. The addition of the 37” Flexo folder gluers will significantly increase open capacity, enable faster production, and reduce lead times. These two-color flexo’s features a full rotary die cut section and are rated to run 18,000 boxes an hour with a 3-person crew, reducing headcount while increasing efficiency by nine times compared to its old printer slotters. Each new Flexo can comfortably convert an additional two tractor-trailer loads of product per shift. With its die-cutting capability, the Flexo facilitates running specialty boxes in one pass, unlike competitors that must use two different machines. Also added are 4-head Signode unitizers, which can compress and strap units at a rate of 40+ units per hour – more than a tractor-trailer per hour – all while moving product safely through plants. What took the prior 2-person manual strapping process 10 to 15 minutes can now be done in under 30 seconds with one person. The new equipment also provides a more consistent and tightly strapped product with a better presentation, so customers can easily double stack them in warehouses. AGE has fully conveyorized two of its plants, so products can be taken from the end of the machines it is being manufactured on all the way to the unitizer, reducing the need for forklifts to handle material on the plant floor and creating a safer environment. AGE has also added a new automated stitching machine that measures the spacing for each staple on a box, automatically adjusting staple length for the type of material being stitched. This machine can produce roughly double the number of boxes as other manual equipment. Finally, AGE has added a new scrap handling system for corrugated and paper scrap generated. All scrap is now moved by conveyor over to a horizontal baler, reducing the time needed to produce scrap bales and eliminating the need to shut down machines to remove scrap bales. Next to be added will be an Eberle tube cutting machine, which can cut 88 cycles per minute. The new machine will allow the tube division to use a blade cut, which eliminates particulates while meeting tolerances of three thousandths of an inch.
Plastics Industry Association participates in clean-up event with RiverLink at River Bend Park
Members of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), working in conjunction with RiverLink, an Asheville-based conservation organization, participated in a clean-up event at River Bend Park along the Swannanoa River. The event is a collaboration between RiverLink through the Community Impact Task Group of PLASTICS’ Future Leaders in Plastics Committee (FLiP)—a professional development initiative for plastics professionals under the age of 40. Flip’s mission is to foster collaboration, providing an outlet to give back and positively impact the environment and communities in which the plastics industry serves. “PLASTICS is here to demonstrate our commitment to the environment, promote the environmental benefits of using plastic responsibly, and encourage legislators to do all they can to fund recycling infrastructure that will help protect beautiful places like this,” said Leslie Jutte, PLASTICS staff liaison for FLiP and director of the association’s Material Suppliers Council. “We love plastic – we hate plastic waste.” Working with the RiverLink team and utilizing materials and equipment provided by the non-profit, approximately 50 PLASTICS’ members spent several hours removing litter in support of RiverLink’s goal of promoting the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and surrounding waterways. “The plastics industry isn’t just companies, it’s people all over the country who care about the communities where we live and work,” said Jon Smalling, National Sales and Marketing Manager at BAUMÜLLER and member of the FLiP Community Impact Task Group. “It’s an honor for us to do some good for the local environment while we’re guests here in Asheville.” “As a local non-profit working for the past thirty years to promote the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed, we’re grateful to work with a diverse group of volunteers each year on projects that benefit our waterways and public lands,” RiverLink said in a statement. “Removing litter from Riverbend Park along the Swannanoa River, one of the French Broad’s largest tributaries is one of many ways we can steward this special place and connect volunteers from groups like the Plastics Industry Association with the areas we care about.” The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing nearly one million workers in the $468 billion U.S. industry. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability through education initiatives, industry-leading insights, and events, networking opportunities, and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.
Orbis Corporation’s Alison Zitzke named 2022 PMMI On the Rise winner
The award recognizes 10 professionals who demonstrate leadership in packaging Alison Zitzke, senior product manager for ORBIS® Corporation, has been named a 2022 On the Rise Award winner by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. This award recognizes 10 young professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership qualities in the packaging and processing industry. “Alison is no stranger to breaking barriers as she constantly challenges the status quo in the industry to support the continued conversion from wood pallets to reusable plastic packaging solutions,” said Alex Hempel, senior director for the retail supply chain at ORBIS Corporation. “As a champion of new product development, a participant in professional coaching sessions, and a steward of sustainability, it comes as no surprise that Alison was recognized with this honor.” One of Alison’s most recent achievements has been spearheading the development and launch of ORBIS’ flagship 40-by-48-inch pallet, the Odyssey®, bringing the pallet portfolio into new manufacturing technologies, applications, and markets within the reusable packaging space. Alison is also passionate about promoting the circular economy and experimenting with incorporating post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials back into the manufacturing of new products. “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award and be recognized among other young leaders in the packaging space,” Zitzke said. “During my tenure at ORBIS, I’m proud of the developments we’ve made to help our customers achieve new efficiencies, realize cost savings, and drive sustainability across the supply chain, and I look forward to seeing our continued leadership in the industry for years to come.” Zitzke was recognized alongside other award recipients at PMMI’s annual meeting on Sept. 12 in Oak Brook, Illinois. The winter issue of OEM Magazine, the official publication of PMMI, will feature a profile of Zitzke and the other winners. Read more about the winners and On the Rise Awards here: https://www.pmmi.org/emerging-leaders-network/awards
Episode 315: Sparck Technologies at MODEX 2022
Welcome to The New Warehouse podcast live from MODEX 2022! In today’s episode, Kevin talks with Sparck Technologies, a company specializing in automated and right-sized packaging solutions. Right-sized packaging has taken off over the past few years as a way for businesses to increase throughput and lower material costs. Be sure to listen for more insights into the world of packaging and how to optimize your operations! Key Takeaways Right-sized packaging gives businesses control over their packaging operation. This is a welcome benefit in light of the recent concerns regarding labor shortages, freight expenses, dimensional weight costs, and material availability. Sparck Technologies has a long history in the packaging industry and can provide insights and solutions to help companies automate their packaging operations. Sustainability is a key focus for many businesses today as they strive to achieve waste diversion goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Synthesized boxing can help businesses reduce their environmental impact by using less material, energy, and labor. Packaging is an important part of the supply chain, and companies must consider all aspects of their packaging operation to eliminate waste. This goes with the box’s design so it can be reused for returns or easily broken down by the customer for recycling. Sparck Technologies offers two products for automated packaging solutions. Each machine is designed to drive efficiencies in the packaging process. The Impack machine is capable of packaging up to 500 units per hour, while the Everest can package up to 1,100 units per hour. The auto-boxing technology means no more wrestling with a tape gun, as the machines measure, build, tape, and weigh products in one single continuous process. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 315: Sparck Technologies at MODEX 2022
Holistic PET container concept sets standards: KHS Loop LITE reduces the carbon footprint significantly
New development combines pioneering KHS technologies Recyclable PET bottles for CSDs made of 100% recyclate Maximum product protection and elimination of secondary packaging Reducing the carbon footprint is high on the agenda of the beverage industry. In order to facilitate achieving this goal, KHS presents Loop LITE, a fully recyclable PET container for highly carbonated beverages, which significantly reduces the use of plastic over its entire life cycle. The newly developed weight-reduced bottle[1] is made of 100% rPET and, thanks to its ultra-thin FreshSafe-PET glass inner coating, offers impressive freshness as well as quality protection without affecting the recyclability of the PET material itself. With its Nature MultiPack, the Dortmund-based system supplier relies entirely on film-free secondary packaging. Caps (tethered caps) permanently attached to the bottle round off the holistic sustainability concept of KHS’ new system. “As experts for holistic PET container systems, we continuously develop sustainable packaging designs that contribute to both the ecological as well as the economic goals of our customers,” says Vesela Helwes, sales expert for PET market development at KHS. “This includes, for example, particularly lightweight packaging that can be produced with a minimum amount of resources and recycled without compromise, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the industry. With our KHS Loop LITE, we have developed a new PET container concept that specifically addresses the specific needs of CSD beverage manufacturers and meets their high standards in every respect.” Resource-saving and energy-efficient bottle production Thanks to its specially developed design, the rPET packaging for highly carbonated beverages makes it possible to reduce the amount of material used by up to 25% compared to conventional branded CSD bottles on the market. The bottle body can also be completely recycled and segregated by type. The innovative and particularly lightweight thread makes resource-conserving bottle production possible, and the permanently attached caps contribute towards achieving a 100% closed loop. In addition, we were able to secure an up to 30% reduction of the labeling materials. The special geometry of the newly designed rPET bottle base decreases the pressure required for the stretch blow molding process and can save up to 15% more energy and thereby cutting bottle production costs. Proven and unique KHS technologies KHS additionally relies on field-proven technologies for Loop LITE, which holistically emphasize the sustainability concept of the container: thanks to its ultra-thin protective layer of silicon oxide (SiOx), FreshSafe-PET, for example, forms an effective barrier on the inner walls of PET containers. The flavor and carbonation are retained while at the same time preventing oxygen from entering the product to thus avoid the loss of vitamins and taste. With its innovative coating system that offers an environmentally friendly alternative to PET bottles made of difficult-to-recycle composite materials, the new container concept makes it possible to lengthen the shelf life of bottled beverages by up to 26 weeks despite the significant reduction in weight. This is a great advantage, especially when transporting products over long distances. Moreover, the container is designed to greatly increase the packing density for pallet transport. As a result, the carbon footprint of the packaging is reduced by up to 60% versus standard systems with bottles made of uncoated and new PET. With the Nature MultiPack, one of the most sustainable types of secondary packaging on the market, KHS Loop LITE relies entirely on secondary packaging that is completely film-free. Instead of plastic film, the bottles are held together with dots of adhesive. This again noticeably reduces the amount of plastic used. KHS Loop LITE offers ecological and economic advantages “With the currently increasing cost of raw materials, the cost savings resulting from the substantially lower overall material usage are significant versus conventional solutions on the market. This is indicated in the calculation of the total costs, which we specifically point out in the course of discussions with customers,” says Helwes. KHS Loop LITE is of particular interest to brand name producers. “With our new marketable concept, we are systematically pursuing the course we are taking towards a circular economy. The line-compatible, non-returnable PET system not only represents a feasibility study but also directly aids beverage bottlers in their quest to convert to an environmentally friendly and sustainable portfolio,” says Helwes. [1] No caps and labels
NAW launches ad campaign urging Congress to rein in Amazon
The campaign aims to push back against Amazon’s treatment of third-party sellers and create a level playing field The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) today announced the launch of a new public affairs campaign in support of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, or U.S. Senate Bill 2992. The campaign pushes back on Amazon’s anticompetitive behaviors on its marketplace platform and its poor treatment of third-party sellers. You can view an explainer video below: “Amazon uses its marketplace as a trap to unfairly stamp out competition, by taking data from the millions of small businesses that rely on its platform and using it to compete against them,” said NAW CEO Eric Hoplin. “Today, NAW is speaking up to say, ‘it’s time to level the playing field,’ and we urge Congress to restore fair economic competition and to protect Main Street businesses by passing S. 2992,” concluded Hoplin. “The American Innovation and Choice Online Act will ensure a level playing field for third-party sellers and NAW members on Amazon’s marketplace,” said Alex Hendrie, NAW Associate Vice President for Government Relations. “It does not give third-party sellers a windfall or special advantage, nor does it break up Amazon or prohibit Amazon from selling their own products on their marketplace,” concluded Hendrie. Amazon has a troubling history of taking data from third-party sellers on its platform to create similar products which show up prominently in the marketplace, while the original small business product disappears or falls deeper into the search results. This is blatantly unfair and leaves small businesses at a disadvantage when competing against Amazon. Many third-party sellers also view Amazon as a bully who is constantly strong-arming them and threatening to kick them off the platform. For the majority of sellers, there is no real alternative marketplace for them to sell on if they are kicked off of Amazon’s platform. Amazon continues to grow its monopolistic power by acquiring grocery stores, healthcare facilities and so much more. When is it going to be enough? How much longer until we live in the United States of Amazon? Let’s pass S.2992. Learn more at naw.org/SupportMainStreet
Plastics files comments with General Services Administration opposing rulemaking banning Federal purchase of single use plastics
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) filed comments today with the General Services Administration (GSA), in response to advance notice of proposed rulemaking which could ban the purchase of single-use plastics by federal government agencies through the GSA. Included in PLASTICS’ official submission are examples of the detrimental impacts such rulemaking would have on consumers, businesses, the broader economy, and the environment. “If this proposal moves forward, it will run directly counter to the administration’s environmental goals to reduce emissions,” said Matt Seaholm, President, and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “This proposal would not only cost taxpayers millions and millions of dollars, but it would also force the use of products and materials that will have a much larger environmental footprint than the plastic products the administration would be looking to phase out. “In the limited amount of time the GSA provided for public comment, PLASTICS compiled multiple examples of how plastics materials, in most applications, perform better from an economic and environmental perspective than other available materials. As the federal government outlines ambitions to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and build a circular, greener future, plastics are a crucial partner in getting there. “Our industry is investing billions of dollars to recycle more plastic waste in the U.S. We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Administration to develop effective recycling solutions that reduce plastic waste through smart investments in infrastructure, technology, and education,” concluded Seaholm. In August of 2022, PLASTICS announced the launch of an educational campaign which included information made available at ThisIsPlastics.com illustrating the implications and potential impact that a rulemaking like this could have, in addition to extreme costs beyond just the plastics industry, potentially harming infrastructure, construction, shipping, consumers and even national parks. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing nearly one million workers in the $395 billion U.S. industry. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability through education initiatives, industry-leading insights, and events, networking opportunities, and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.
Reusable Packaging Association set to host record-breaking Reusable Packaging Event at PACK EXPO
With summer nearing a close, the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), the world’s premier trade organization for reusable packaging solutions that advance the circular economy, is putting the final touches on the Reusable Packaging Pavilion at PACK EXPO, the largest assembly of reusable packaging experts and product showcase. RPA has hosted the Pavilion for more than 10 years, bringing together member companies to share the latest reusable packaging products and services, as well as industry trends, innovations, and economic strategies in the Reusables Learning Center. PACK EXPO International takes place in Chicago, October 23-26. “RPA’s membership growth and program participation continue to demonstrate the increased market interest and demand from companies thinking differently about packaging,” said Tim Debus, CEO of RPA. “This year we have our greatest number of reusable packaging companies exhibiting in the RPA Pavilion, and we are excited to present 18 education sessions over two days in the RPA Learning Center, which will also feature 4 industry expert panel discussions,” says Debus. The 15,000 sq. ft. RPA Pavilion will welcome 49 member companies this October. PACK EXPO attendees are encouraged to check out RPA’s member exhibitors and interactive floorplan to learn where to find each exhibitor in the Upper Lakeside Ballroom of McCormick Place. The Reusable Packaging Learning Center will be open Monday and Tuesday, October 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. US Central Time. Sessions include panel discussions and presentations focused on improving supply chain performance with reusable packaging. See the full schedule here. All sessions are open to PACK EXPO Chicago attendees. RPA will conclude the Learning Center with the 2022 Excellence in Reusable Packaging Awards on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. The annual awards celebrate primary (end) users and suppliers that have significant impactful achievements in one of three categories: a reusable packaging system, product design innovation, or smart packaging technology.
Bartelt and Texwrap debuting its new Kayat SRX Series Single Roll Bundler at PACK EXPO
Create shrink bundled packages with a single roll platform with printed or clear film; SRX uses a bottom overlap seal technology for a strong seal and improved product presentation Bartelt and Texwrap, both part of the ProMach family of brands, have joined forces to introduce the Next Generation of single roll bundling systems, the Kayat SRX Series. The SRX Series gives customers the much sought-after packaging equipment for shrink bundling pre-formed trays of product with the option to add graphics with print registered shrink film. This new machine will be demonstrating its capabilities in Bartelt’s booth N-5340 at PACK EXPO, 2022, October. 23-26, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The SRX Series provides several engineering upgrades for customers looking for a single-roll bundler platform to handle a wide variety of packaged food and beverage products. The SRX Series creates shrink bundled packages with bullseye closures, using a bottom overlap seal technology for a strong seal and better product presentation. The SRX Series is built upon Bartelt’s original Kayat 601 shrink wrapping machine. This partnership between the two companies utilizes customer feedback for much of the engineering upgrades and performance capabilities into the new SRX Series. “The Kayat 601-T has been a workhorse in the industry for several years now. We wanted to take the popular options typically chosen by customers and make them standard, while updating the design to reflect today’s needs in the industry,” said Tom Tomac, Vice President and General Manager, Bartelt. Features and benefits of the new Kayat SRX Series include: Dual roll film mandrels: increase OEE with a design to minimize changeover time and reduce packaging equipment downtime Adjustable wrap bar assembly: able to adjust machine for package height with no change parts Superior film sealing and control: wrap-bar mechanism and integrated heat tunnel ensure reliability and high performance Adjustable tunnel side and bottom air: easily adjust the side and bottom airflow to create the most aesthetically-pleasing end product Easy access film feed and cut: slide out the film feed and cut mechanism for easy maintenance Performance specifications of the new Kayat SRX Series include: Minimum package size: 3” height 9” width (across the machine) 4” length (direction of flow) Maximum package size: 12” height 22” width (across the machine) 14” length (direction of flow) Speed: up to 60 cycles per minute Film width: 29” maximum Film diameter: 20” maximum Film types: clear, random printed, print-registered Construction: heavy-duty welded tubular steel standard; optional corrosion-resistant construction for wipe-down environments Orientation: right- or left-handed available Stop in at Bartelt Packaging’s booth N-5340 at PACK EXPO 2022 and we can show you the new Kayat SRX Series and how it can help you increase productivity in your food and beverage packaging applications.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Corrugating Machinery Division launches new Mitsubishi Prefeeder for EVOL at Corrugated Week 2022
The Corrugating Machinery Division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA), a supplier of corrugating and box-making machinery, is pleased to announce its new and much-anticipated Mitsubishi Prefeeder for EVOL at Corrugated Week 2022 (Booth #201, San Antonio, Texas, September 19-21). The announcement coincides with an important milestone as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA) recently sold its 200th EVOL in North America. “In close collaboration with our customers, we are constantly investing and innovating to best serve their needs for productivity, accuracy, and profitability,” said Shoji Isoai, president, of MHIA Corrugating Machinery Division. “The Mitsubishi Prefeeder is the latest technological breakthrough that comes with the ‘vote-of-confidence’ represented by the landmark 200th EVOL sold in North America.” The new Mitsubishi Prefeeder ensures faster throughput and the front-of-line reliability required to keep the MHIA’s premium line of EVOL box-making equipment functioning with maximum efficiency. In productive use across multiple facilities in the EU, the Mitsubishi Prefeeder is now available for customers in North America. The Mitsubishi Prefeeder is currently available for the EVOL 84 and EVOL 100 – either 350bpm or 400 bpm – or for any equipment that is a top printer. It can run a continuous shingle of either single-wall or double-wall sheets with a minimum sheet of 8.7 x 27.2 and a maximum sheet of 37 x 100 and features a lifting device that reverses the sheet stack. “Our research indicates that 50% of equipment downtime is caused by auxiliary equipment, with the prefeeder accounting for 38% of that number,” said Isoai. “The new Mitsubishi Prefeeder will dramatically reduce downtime and maximize the productive potential of EVOL.” EVOL Customers are giving the company high marks across the board. “It’s quite simple – from the MHIA Sales Team to the VP and all the way through to the tech guys – I have never in my life on the converting side had such a good experience throughout,” said Richard Goldberg, VP of Operations, President Container. According to Brian Healy, General Manager, Carolina Container, the “EVOL is a great selling tool for us. Everyone wants to see it and it’s so impressive and it produces such a precise and clean box; it’s the highlight of the tour.” “Listen, we could have bought any machine we wanted but there wasn’t any real conversation about it – it was EVOL all the way,” said Adam Tominsky, General Manager, Rand-Whitney In addition to the Mitsubishi Prefeeder, the company will also be highlighting the following: Introduced in 2021, the MC-100 is a state-of-the-art Flexo Folder Gluer that features ease of operation and enhanced quality control for plant personnel. Introduced in Japan in 2020, the MC-100 produces less downtime through easy technician access via elevated platforms. Its innovative stop and start wheel feeder provides non-continuous feeding, ensuring optimized alignment and quality control. The top production rate is 300 BPM. Work Instructions represent the latest evolution of the company’s EVOL AR Remote Assistance Augmented Reality Program. With some customers reporting an impressive 50% reduction in downtime, EVOL AR allows North America-based plant managers, technicians, and engineers to quickly and efficiently share and resolve issues in real time from their facilities. The company’s sales, service, and technical team members will be on-site at booth #201 to field customer questions, discuss current collaboration opportunities, and share their latest insights. “Our customers have high demands and we strive to meet and exceed them with investments in technology, customer service, rapid delivery of replacement parts, and in-person and online technical support,” said Hiroyuki Kikumoto, Senior Vice President, Sales, MHIA Corrugating Machinery Division.
Inflation-adjusted economic justification tool projects labor savings from packaging automation
Orbital wrapping machine manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has updated its online Economic Justification Tool to reflect surging inflation in the labor market. Raising the default hourly labor rate from $13.50/hour to $20.50/hour, the Economic Justification Tool reveals that companies upgrading from manual pallet wrapping to an automated or semi-automated TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapper save $25,184.25 in total labor cost savings that recur annually versus a savings of $16,584.75 annually in prior years. Replacing stretch wrapping by hand with the patent-pending orbital wrapper cuts the pallet wrapping process from a two- or three-person job that requires approximately four minutes per pallet load into a one-person job that requires one minute or less. At 30 pallet loads daily, the entry-level TAB Wrapper Tornado Standard model cuts the total labor costs per wrapped pallet load from $3.69 to $0.46. “The higher the cost of employee compensation, the greater the savings from automating the pallet wrapping function,” says Andy Brizek, vice president of sales and marketing for the family-owned TAB Industries. The inflation-adjusted Economic Justification Tool is available to use for free at https://www.tabwrapper.com/economic-justification-chart/ The TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrapping machines automatically apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load to create a sturdy, secure, unitized load in seconds without banding, boxing, or strapping. The stretch wrappers are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered ready for operation with a warranty.
Episode 311: The Cannabis Industry with DIZPOT
The cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and with that growth comes the need for innovative technology solutions. DIZPOT is one such company that provides packaging and logistics and a platform to help manage costs and mitigate risk in the cannabis industry. John Hartsell, CEO of DIZPOT, joins Kevin on this episode of the New Warehouse podcast to discuss all things cannabis-related, including branding and packaging needs for a highly regulated market. Be sure to check out this episode to learn more about what DIZPOT is doing for the cannabis industry and logistics! Key Takeaways John shares that as the cannabis industry has consolidated, license holders have increased their multi-state operations to nearly all legal markets. John notes that each state has disparate commercialization, rules, and compliance regulations, creating a need for different packaging and compliance information. John predicts with the legalization of cannabis at the federal level, we could see a situation where there are centralized locations for the cultivation, processing, and sale of cannabis. When this happens, John believes many existing cultivation centers will likely expand and become centralized locations for distribution. This would allow for interstate commerce of cannabis and would make it easier for people to access legal cannabis. The cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and with that growth comes the need for innovative technology solutions. John shares how automation plays a crucial role in the packaging and extraction of cannabis. John believes that to support continued growth, we need support for small businesses to upgrade and update their equipment to be manufacturing more goods in the United States, as well as improve port infrastructure to keep pace with other locations in Asia, Africa, and South America. A new division of DIZPOT is DIZLOGIC, a 3PL and freight forwarding software for international transport services. It improves the transparency of where products are today in transit, mitigating risk when they become retail items. DIZLOGIC covers logistics from production and manufacturing through the market, providing valuable information to help target demographics geographically. John also shares the intelligence of the DIZLOGIC platform and how it helps manage costs for those in the cannabis industry. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 311: The Cannabis Industry with DIZPOT
Serpa to unveil new Intermittent Motion Beverage Cartoner in Live Demonstrations at PACK EXPO 2022
Serpa, a secondary packaging solutions manufacturer, will exhibit its newly redesigned P150 Intermittent Beverage Cartoner at booth N-5548 at PACK EXPO 2022, October 23-26, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The P150 takes Serpa’s proven intermittent motion technology that is primarily used in packaging pharmaceuticals and modifies it to accurately and efficiently fill and seal cartons of canned or bottled beverages. This machine features nine configuration options, including options for slim canned beverages such as hard seltzers. Maintenance-friendly changeover between these settings takes less than 10 minutes and does not require tools. Other features and benefits of the P150 include: 300 cans processed per minute Balcony design with walk-in access Low maintenance with easy access to all main components Preventative maintenance program in HMI and Serpa Servo Smart Torque Outboard belt drive for lower noise and longer life Compact footprint Hygienic design with no product catch Ergonomic Design – 18” maximum reach points Stainless steel washdown construction with NEMA 4X available Positive carton erecting with prebreak PACK EXPO attendees will have the opportunity to view a live demonstration of the P150 loading prefilled cans into cartons. In addition to displaying the machine’s capabilities, this demonstration will exhibit cooperation between ProMach brands. The cans in use will be filled and sealed by Techniblend. A CL&D machine will manufacture the plastic shrink wraps, which a solution from Axon will then seal to the can. Finally, after Serpa’s P150 has sorted the cans into cartons, a large shrink wrapper from Texwrap will prepare cases for shipping. This fully functional integrated packaging line is a great example of ProMach bringing its product brands closer together to better meet the needs of its customers. Projects like this allow customers to have one central point of contact, and that contact really serves as a one-stop, full-service provider by connecting all the ProMach brands together. This level of project management greatly streamlines the planning process, installation, and start-up curve for packaging lines. Forty-five packaging and automation-focused companies comprise the ProMach family of product brands in categories including Systems & Integration, Filling, Bottling & Capping, Decorative Labeling, Flexibles & Trays, Handling & Sterilization, Labeling & Coding, Robotics & End of Line, and Pharma.