ProMach adds to flexible packaging portfolio with acquisition of Reepack
The deal expands ProMach’s food packaging machinery offerings and strengthens its international footprint ProMach, a worldwide provider of packaging machinery solutions, has announced it has acquired Reepack. Reepack is a manufacturer of high-quality flexible packaging machinery known for its vacuum chambers, thermoformers, tray sealers, and flow wrappers. The addition of Reepack helps ProMach continue expansion in the food packaging space and solidifies its status as a single-source supplier for protein-packaging automation. Reepack joins six other best-in-class product brands under ProMach’s Flexibles & Trays business line. With the acquisition of Reepack, ProMach gains a key application technology in flow wrapping, adding to their overall flexible packaging capabilities, and also expanding their existing capabilities in horizontal thermoforming. “Reepack is a solid fit within the ProMach family,” said Mark Anderson, ProMach President and CEO. “They have great people, a strong customer-focused culture, and have been excellent partners. Reepack’s team has developed some wonderful technology, and we are excited to help them build distribution and continue to grow worldwide. We are excited about their engineering capabilities, and we intend to continue to invest in new product development. I am certain the business will do very well.” Each of Reepack’s core product categories has a comprehensive range of models to address package styles, end-product sizes, and production speeds. Their suite of solutions is also complementary to another ProMach product brand, Ossid, an industry leader in tray sealing and overwrapping solutions for case-ready products, weigh/price labeling equipment, and case scales. Between the two product brands, ProMach can offer nearly every form of packaging possible in the raw protein and fresh produce space for almost any size of business. “The pairing of Ossid and Reepack brands allows us to serve our customers with a more complete solution to meet their growing needs as the market evolves,” said Ernie Newell, Vice President and General Manager of Ossid. “Reepack has an excellent line of products. When we match this with Ossid’s strong product portfolio and ProMach parts and service capabilities and customer reach, the future opportunities to deliver exceptional customer solutions and service are very exciting.” As part of the acquisition, Mr. Newell will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Tray Packaging, appointed to oversee both Reepack and Ossid operations along with continuing to handle general manager duties at Ossid. For over 20 years, Reepack has been dedicated to designing packaging technologies that preserve and protect all types of food and medical products, as well as industrial components and consumer goods. Their business continues at a steady pace of international expansion. Headquartered in Seriate, Italy, Reepack will remain stationed in Italy with 71 employees joining the ProMach family. Current Reepack President and CEO, Livio Valli, will join ProMach as Vice President and General Manager of Reepack. “Having worked with Ossid for several years, I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for how ProMach runs their business,” said Mr. Valli. “Being a family-owned business, it was important to me that we join another company that values the existing people who have been integral to our prior successes and growth. The Reepack brand is synonymous with high-quality Italian craftsmanship, and that will not change. I am confident in this move to ProMach, and we are delighted to work alongside other talented brands.”
PACK EXPO International challenges students’ creativity in new Machine Building competition
PACK Challenge, a brand-new packaging competition will bring six high school teams together for a head-to-head machine-building challenge at PACK EXPO International (Oct. 23-26; McCormick Place, Chicago), according to show producer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. “We are excited to introduce this first-of-its-kind competition and watch the students roll up their sleeves in a real-world application while they learn,” says Jim Pittas, president & CEO, PMMI. “One of our main priorities is getting students involved at a young age and showing them the doors the manufacturing industry can open. This competition will give them first-hand experience of what a career in manufacturing could look like.” PMMI will provide a build-to-print snack filler machine kit, designed specifically for this competition, along with an assembly manual to the qualifying teams who will build the machine at their school over the summer. At the show, each team will re-assemble the snack filler to the specifications, compete for best design, host competitions, and marketing and sales presentations. Teams will have the flexibility to be creative with add-ons. The overall best in show team will be awarded $6,000 with second place receiving $3,000 and third $1,000. Other awards include Filler Performance Gold Cup, Most Creative Filler Design, and Marketing/Sales presentations. After the event, the teams will take the machines back to their school, providing future students the opportunity for hands-on experience. “To address the imminent skills gap, PMMI is working at developing many programs to show students the world of manufacturing,” says Kate Fiorianti, senior manager, Workforce Development, PMMI. “This brand-new competition is meant to excite students and pique their interest to want to learn more. As a result, we have a multitude of resources available to both parents and students to get involved and advance the future of this critical industry.” ThePMMI Foundation works to grow awareness of careers in packaging and processing and provides financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the U.S and Canada. Since its inception in 1998, the PMMI Foundation has given more than $2.6 million to strengthen the workforce within the packaging and processing industry. For more information on student opportunities, contact Kate Fiorianti at kfiorianti@pmmi.org PACK EXPO International also offers multiple other programs and activities aimed at getting students excited about careers in packaging and processing and connecting them with professional mentors in the industry. In addition to exciting networking events and student programs, the highlight of PACK EXPO International will be the new, never-before-seen solutions, from thousands of leading suppliers on the show floor, bringing all vertical industries together to generate a cross-pollination of ideas and crossover solutions that can only be discovered in-person. To learn more and to register, visit packexpointernational.com. Registration for the show is $30 until Sept. 30, after which it increases to $130.
AGE Industries, Ltd delivers wide range of custom Fiber Tubes
AGE Industries, Ltd, a supplier of custom paper tubes, innovative packaging, and shipping solutions, manufactures custom fiber tubes for an extremely wide variety of applications, ranging from heavy-duty tubes for shipping large steel products, fishing rods, shipping containers for architectural designs, documents, and many other applications. The strength of the round tubes provides superior protection during shipping, storage, and handling compared to rectangular boxes. Tubes protect paper, such as blueprints and posters, from folds and creases. Tubes also protect metal and plastic objects for internal handling as well as shipping. Tubes are widely used as cores for all types of rolled materials, from tapes, to wrapping paper and bubble wrap, to carpeting, roofing material, and artificial turf. AGE Industries can deliver tubes of almost any length, with diameters ranging from a fraction of an inch to several feet. Depending on the application, thicknesses range from 1/16 to 1/2 inches. AGE Industries offers custom single-color printing and even has the ability to buy preprinted liners when higher graphics are required.
CKF design and build Auto Packer cell for bio-bean, the world’s largest recycler of coffee grounds
CKF Systems were contacted by bio-bean – an innovative company that recycles spent coffee grounds into a fuel source – and were asked to design and build a bag packing cell for their Coffee Logs product. Installed in bio-bean’s production facility in Cambridgeshire, the new system has improved health and safety and working conditions as well as increased efficiency and streamlined their operations. BIO-BEAN is a rapidly growing organization that began business in 2013. The company launched the world’s first industrial-scale coffee recycling factory before developing and launching Coffee Logs, which are an environmentally-friendly, sustainable fuel alternative for log burners and multi-fuel stoves. The fully automated packing cell, designed and built by CKF Systems in their state-of-the-art facility in Gloucester, was installed and commissioned in the customer premises in 2021. The cell receives the manufactured, formed logs on the twin infeed Conveyor from the production line. A dual cycle collation, pick, and transfer system provides accurate positioning, orientation, and loading of 8 logs per cycle into the pre-conditioned open paper bag. Using the latest vacuum technology from Piab and a servo-driven vertical axis, the logs are inserted into the waiting bag. The load operation is repeated, completing the filled bag containing sixteen coffee logs. An automated bag delivery system has a magazine holding a stack of 90 flat pack bags, with a manually fed cassette allowing for bag replenishment with the machine running. This ensures the availability of the machine with no interruption to production. The magazine conveyor and a custom-designed vacuum head position the bag ready for packing. The bag is conditioned from its flat-pack format with a combination of precision pneumatic systems prior to being clamped in position. The pre-conditioning of the bag together with the programmed servo-driven axis ensures the integrity of the bag during the insertion of the orientated coffee logs. Once the bag has been packed with the logs it is automatically lowered and transferred from the filling area of the machine and onto the outfeed conveyor. Control is provided to the machine through an Allen Bradley L30 ERMS PLC and 12” PanelView Plus HMI, all mounted within a custom-built control panel. The machine is designed and built to pack 2880 coffee logs per hour. Ben Mills-Lamptey, Chief Technology Officer at bio-bean said: “The design and engineering of the Coffee Logs bag Auto Packer by CKF has successfully delivered for bio-bean. It’s an innovative solution that enables us to scale our production whilst retaining our fully sustainable and unique product packaging. It has also enhanced the productivity and profitability of our business. Throughout the project CKF’s understanding of our manufacturing strategy, and in particular, our packaging requirements, along with our current technical capability ensured key milestones were met. Like with most innovative and technically challenging projects, CKF was able to sufficiently address challenges which included variations in our technical requirements as well as supply chain issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a company we’re pleased we chose CKF as a supplier for such a significant piece of equipment. We look forward to partnering with them in the future as we expand our business further.” About the Author: To find out more about CKF Systems and what we could do for your operations please visit www.ckf.co.uk or email info@ckf.co.uk.
Flimsy bags can now be picked and handled more easily with a safe grip
As the bags become thinner and flimsier, the more carefully they need to be treated. With the new BGX suction cup developed for handling flimsy bags, this challenge is outdated. The BGX suction cup is suitable for applications in E-commerce, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Secondary food picking, Fashion, and other industries where bags are handled. Bags made of thin plastic films such as those used for salad leaves and fresh herbs, or the aluminum foil bags used for chips and other snacks are flimsy and often just as fragile as their contents. New biodegradable and recyclable materials are becoming increasingly popular and with it the challenges of bag handling increase. The thinner the bags become, the easier they can be sucked into and damaged by the suction cup’s grip. To avoid any damage to the bag or indeed to its contents, the lip of the suction cup needs to provide outstanding sealing capability even at low vacuum levels. Piab’s new BGX bag handling suction cup has been specially developed to be the perfect bag picker for flimsy and oversized bags addressing the challenges presented by this application. The lip of the bag cup is designed with outstanding sealing capability also at a low vacuum level. Produced as a one-piece suction cup with two bellows, the suction cup will easily pick bags of different heights with a safe and stable hold of the product in the fast/semi-fast robot applications. The BGX suction cups are made of FDA & EU-approved blue silicone for direct contact with food and are suitable for both high and low-temperature applications. The suction cup can be configured by choosing between 3 sizes of lip diameters 34, 41, and 48 mm, and 6 different aluminum push-in fittings designed to attach safely to the robust neck of the cups. The ultimate bag picker benefits: Perfect for picking flimsy bags Thin lip seals outstandingly at a low vacuum level One-piece suction cup provides safe and stable hold of the product in fast/semi-fast robot applications Multi bellow design compensates for height differences and uneven surfaces FDA & EU approved silicone material for direct food contact Suitable for both high and low-temperature applications Configurable for individual applications in E-commerce, FMCG, Secondary food picking, Fashion, and other industries. Piab’s solutions for automated bag handling rely on our long-standing expertise in vacuum and ejector technology as well as the use of our specialized suction cups. With over 20 years of experience in developing bag-handling suction cups, we still constantly challenge ourselves to create new cups for increasingly targeted applications supporting your success.
Orbis® announces 2021 Plant of the Year recipient
ORBIS® Corporation — an international provider in reusable packaging — recently named its Silao, Mexico, facility its 2021 Plant of the Year. This annual ORBIS award honors one of its plants for its performance in safety, quality, service, innovation, and overall operational efficiency. This plant, located in the state of Guanajuato in Central Mexico, employs more than 350 associates and provides food, beverage, automotive, and consumer goods companies with reusable packaging totes, containers, custom dunnage, and pallets to move their products safely, efficiently, and more cost-effectively than single-use packaging. This plant is a two-time award recipient and was named the ORBIS Plant of the Year in 2019. “I am excited to share that the Silao plant has had zero recordable injuries for more than 1,000 days and achieved tremendous quality and workplace efficiency in 2021,” said Todd Mathes, executive VP of operations at ORBIS Corporation. “A top performer, this plant consistently exemplifies success through a deep dedication to safety, an engaged culture, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.” The Silao plant — one of 14 ORBIS North American manufacturing facilities considered for the award — won the 2021 Plant of the Year Award for its strong performance in workplace safety, customer service, and quality, as well as operational excellence. In 2021, Silao set new records in safety, revenue generation, and workplace efficiency. “A strong culture of teamwork, commitment, and innovation helped the Silao plant earn this recognition,” said Bill Ash, president of ORBIS. “We are very proud and appreciative of the plant’s accomplishments and are looking forward to continued success from Silao in the years to come.”
AGE Industries, Ltd excels at delivering custom-designed Corrugated Packaging Solutions
Innovative solutions that protect products, reduce inventory and shipping costs, and visual appeal to consumers AGE Industries, Ltd, a supplier of innovative and custom packaging and shipping solutions for industry and government agencies, offers custom-designed corrugated packaging for manufacturers across many different markets, with boxes that securely protect products, reduce shipping costs and inventory through custom design, and visual appeal to retail customers. Manufacturers rely on AGE Industries’ expertise and reputation for reliably delivering complete packaging solutions. Custom packaging solutions range from products as diverse as heavy, bulky automotive parts and major household appliances, to premium consumer electronics and fancy lingerie, to fresh and packaged foods. For each application, the package designers at AGE Industries select among many different box types and inserts, including Die Cut, Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL), Full Telescopic Design Container (FTD), and Overlap Slotted Container (OSC). They utilize software to optimize the shape and size of the box to efficiently and safely package the product(s) contained within, and to ensure the boxes can be stacked securely on a pallet, without wasted space. AGE Industries excels at designing boxes that provide the optimal balance between the crush strength and weight/thickness to reduce the cost of materials and shipping. The use of recycled fibers also adds strength and reduces material costs. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, AGE Industries works with customers to ensure that packaging is curbside recyclable and is committed to ensuring that 100% of all waste and byproducts created in its manufacturing process will be recycled to make useful and safe products. AGE Industries offers custom printing, with exceptional color matching, that increases brand awareness and supports point-of-purchase marketing campaigns. A variety of wax and varnish coating options are available. Additional customizations include partitions, eyelets, transparent windows, and die-cut foam inserts.
SupplyOne highlights managed services program
Services increase efficiency, cut costs and complexity, and amplify business performance SupplyOne, Inc., an independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its Managed Services Program designed to help businesses enhance their competitiveness by taking cost of packaging ownership. SupplyOne’s Managed Services span every aspect of packaging ownership. They include specialty sourcing, back-office procurement-related activities, pre-shipping, packaging automation and service, inventory management, 3PL and logistics services, and more. “Companies want to partner with suppliers that are focused on continuous improvement. They want access to complementary or discounted services required to run their businesses even more effectively, “said David Whitney, SVP, Packaging at SupplyOne. “We’ve designed our services around the needs of our customers.” SupplyOne’s Managed Services reduce costs and complexity associated with packaging ownership giving manufacturers and food processors more control over their packaging-related expenses. There are 20 services available. Packaging Specialists work with customers to identify the custom suite of services to optimize their packaging and operations to yield new efficiencies and savings. Three such services are inventory management, just-in-time delivery, and price protection. ● The Inventory management service frees up space for growth while keeping inventory levels low and turning high. SupplyOne Packaging Specialists monitor inventory requirements and manage supplier quality and service to ensure customers have the right products for their applications when they need them. ● Just-in-time delivery liberates working capital that would otherwise be consumed handling and storing materials until they are needed for packaging and shipping. SupplyOne Packaging Specialists work with customers to ensure packaging materials are delivered on time and in sync with anticipated demand and production schedules. ● Price protection gives customers more predictability and control over their working capital through pre-determined price reviews, guaranteed minimum notification periods, and indexed pricing. Managed Services are ideal for companies seeking to mitigate labor challenges, increase speed to market, increase up-time and productivity and increase cash flow. The packaging supply chain is a complex system. SupplyOne Managed Services simplify it for businesses across industry verticals, including manufacturing food and beverage, medical & pharmaceutical CPG electronics, automotive industries. This program tailormade for those looking to form a partnership focused on enhancing value across their packaging supply chain.
Essentra Tapes appoints new sales manager for Latin America
Leading global easy-open and close tapes manufacturer Essentra Tapes has appointed a new sales manager for the Latin America region, Carlos Valle. The market-leading tear tape and applicator manufacturer has invested heavily in the LATAM region and the appointment of Valle, who will be based in Brazil, is a key part of Essentra Tapes’ global expansion strategies. Valle will be a key decision-maker in the team responsible for delivering new tear tape and applicator business in the region. Christopher Morgan, Global Sales Director at Essentra Tapes, welcomed Valle to the team, saying, “We are tremendously pleased to welcome Carlos into our Latin America team. He brings decades of experience and an impressive track record to the business, and we look forward to seeing his work as we continue to grow and strengthen our LATAM operations. “Carlos will help create and implement our LATAM sales growth strategy. He will also work on executing our key account plan, working with the key account team. His role is a crucial one and we wish him a long and successful career here.” Valle has over 26 years of experience in sales and business development roles. He joins Essentra Tapes having most recently worked for IKA Brasil Equip, also as a sales manager. On his appointment, Valle said, “I am delighted to join the Essentra family as part of the rapidly expanding Tapes business. As sales manager, I look forward to delivering tear tapes and applicator solutions to the diverse markets we work with, including paper and board, flexible packaging, eCommerce, tobacco, FMCG, and more. It’s an exciting time to join Essentra Tapes and I cannot wait to get started.”
Essentra Tapes appoints new North American sales manager
Global easy-open and close tapes manufacturer Essentra Tapes has announced the appointment of a new sales manager, Mitch Larkin. Larkin, based in Colorado, USA, will be a key member of the team responsible for sales growth strategies for North America. The appointment comes as the Essentra Tapes business continues to expand on a global scale, with its tape solutions used in diverse sectors including paper and board, flexible packaging, tobacco, luxury goods, eCommerce packaging, and more. Christopher Morgan, Global Sales Director at Essentra Tapes, welcomed the appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Mitch on board at a time when we are expanding and upskilling our North American sales team significantly. Mitch brings over 16 years of commercial sales expertise to our team and has had particular success in paperboard, corrugated, plastic bottles, and flexible packaging. “Mitch will be responsible for delivering tear tape and applicator business, primarily in the paper and board and flexible packaging markets but also driving sales in other key markets, too. Our mission is to continue to grow our North American business, and I am sure Mitch’s experience will be invaluable as we introduce even more customers to our market-leading tear tape solutions.” Larkin, a graduate of California State University, has over 25 years of sales and business development experience. His appointment follows that of Morgan, who became global sales director in February, and the appointment of a US-based category sales manager, Evan Mazzoni. On his appointment, Larkin said, “There is never a bad time to join a market leader, but it is an especially exciting time to join Essentra Tapes now as the US-based team is experiencing significant growth. I look forward to getting started and playing my part to drive sales in the region as part of Essentra’s global strategy.”
Columbia PSI, LLC. continues to invest and grow its Denver operations with Control Design and Manufacturing acquisition
Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Machine Inc., announced the acquisition of Control Design & Manufacturing (CD&M) assets on March 31, 2022. Located in Englewood, CO, CD&M is a recognized leader in factory automation solutions, designing, manufacturing, and supporting conventional bag palletizing systems, bag handling equipment, box forming and filling solutions, and controls. CD&M will become part of Columbia PSI, LLC and all employees have been hired, allowing the business to carry on without missing a day of operation or sacrificing customer commitment. Columbia PSI, LLC. will join its extensive bagging product lines with CD&M’s wide range of equipment solutions. The addition of the CD&M palletizing solutions, accessory conveyors, controls, box forming equipment, and years of experience will further grow Columbia PSI as an innovative, industry leader. “Adding Control Design & Manufacturing to Columbia PSI, LLC. is a great opportunity to expand our bagging solutions and allows us to grow our Denver-based team. We have a long-term strategy for our Denver operation and CD&M builds on that vision. In addition, the CD&M employees bring valuable experience and product knowledge,” said Tim Goode, General Manager of PSI, A Columbia Machine, Inc. Company. “CD&M offers new equipment to Columbia PSI, opens new markets, and broadens our potential customer base. Columbia PSI plans to continue the same exceptional service and support that CD&M has been known for over the last 30 years of business and is excited to carry on the company and its employees as we integrate the two companies.” “As I look to retire, I wanted to ensure that CD&M would continue to supply reliable equipment and offer the same customer support that our customers are used to receiving for the last 30 years,” said Dale Kintgen, President/Owner of Control Design & Manufacturing. “Columbia PSI will carry on that vision while keeping the business in Denver and providing ongoing employment opportunities for my staff. I wish I were 20 years younger so I could be part of what the future holds.” “It has been great to get to know Dale and his company over the last nine months. CD&M has been a very head down, highly technical, customer-focused company since its inception. The more we have been exposed to the extensive list of factory automation solutions they have designed, manufactured, integrated, installed, and supported over the years, the more impressed we have become.” said Rick Goode. “We are excited to integrate the CD&M Team into Columbia PSI, our Bagging and Packaging Business Unit, and look forward to offering CD&M solutions to our customers in over 100 countries around the world.” The acquisition of CD&M continues Columbia PSI’s strategic vision to grow its bagging product line and offer industry-leading factory automation solutions. Columbia PSI will operate CD&M out of the existing location at 2624 S. Zuni St., Englewood, CO 80110 until the facilities upgrades are complete at the Columbia PSI headquarters. Merging the two companies in the Denver, CO area gives Columbia PSI increased manufacturing capabilities and additional space dedicated to bagging and packaging equipment. Expanding our Denver facility complements Columbia’s other North American manufacturing, service, and parts centers in Vancouver, WA, Ontario, CA, Orlando, FL, Smithsburg, MA, and Mississauga, Canada.
Earth Day Investment is important, says Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has issued its support of Earth Day 2022, saying it is important to continually recognize the need to properly care for the planet. “This year’s Earth Day theme of investing in our planet could not be more appropriate,” said Patrick Krieger, VP for Sustainability at PLASTICS. “The plastics industry has invested and continues to invest billions in new recycling technologies and programs at home and abroad, innovating to increase the recyclability of the products we make and including more recycled content at a record pace.” Krieger went on to say that technology exists to recycle most types of plastic and that technology continues improving by the day. “Improving our national infrastructure to make sure all plastics can be recovered and recycled is the most important answer to reducing waste and building a more circular economy,” he said. PLASTICS has a number of its own sustainability goals that include promoting the use of recycled plastics in new products, educating companies on how to recycle more and make products easier for consumers to recycle, and demonstrating viable business models for collecting and recycling plastic materials from locations such as hospitals, offices, auto repair shops, and others. “Even with plastic being only 13 percent of municipal solid waste in the U.S.”, Krieger said, “the plastics and recycling industries want to ensure these materials are kept at their highest and best use. We are investing to ensure plastics are used as circularly as possible.” The association supports legislation such as the Realizing the Economic Opportunities and Values of Expanding Recycling (RECOVER) Act, which would allocate funds to recycling infrastructure improvement, and the Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act, to create a new federal grant program through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help educate households and consumers about their residential and community recycling programs. Krieger recommended, “On Earth Day, and every day, we encourage people to contact their government officials, asking them to push forward legislation and programs that prioritize recycling. That would be a great investment in our planet.”
Young Plastics professionals take Earth Day action on the environment
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, has announced the formation of a Community Impact Task Group by its Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee. FLiP is dedicated to fostering association involvement and professional development among plastics professionals under the age of 40. The mission of the Community Impact Task Group is to foster collaboration among PLASTICS member companies and external organizations to further plastics industry efforts on behalf of the environment and the communities in which the industry operates. “In observation of Earth Day 2022, our FLiP members are excited to announce this new project that supports Earth Day’s purpose of preserving our planet,” said Jon Smalling, FliP Chair and Director of Sales, Automation, at Nalle Automation Systems. “Those of us in the plastics industry are committed to programs that help protect the world we live in. This cause is very important to our group as it provides the opportunity to give back to local communities and do our part to remove litter and mismanaged trash from our environment.” The Community Impact Task Group is chaired by Madeline Kline, Regional Manager of East Coast Sales for Gardner Business Media. Kline’s staff liaison at PLASTICS is Heather Nortz, Manager of Sustainability & Materials for the association. The task group’s first project will be a litter cleanup taking place during the PLASTICS Fall Meeting and National Conference, which is being held in Asheville, North Carolina, from September 20-23, 2022. Anyone attending the event will be invited to participate. The FLiP cleanup has also been planned in proximity to World Cleanup Day (September 17) to help call attention to other cleanup efforts worldwide and further opportunities for environmental awareness and education.
Stretch Wrap supplier introduces ribbed film for extra heavy-duty Pallet Wrapping
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has introduced the TWT-20120 Ribbed Stretch Wrap. The strongest grade in the company’s TAB line of stretch wraps, the Ribbed Stretch Wrap features patent-pending, Power Band technology that integrates thick ribs of plastic material within the stretch wrap at regular intervals to provide extra strength, durability, and tear resistance for heavy-duty pallet wrapping. The cast stretch wrap was custom-developed to apply the high compression force needed to secure heavy loads with odd shapes, awkward centers of gravity, sharp edges, and/or other challenging characteristics to their pallets without shifting or sliding in transit. Suitable for stretch wrapping metal parts and assemblies, heavy machinery, building products, and other pallet loads, the TWT-20120 Ribbed Stretch Wrap is proven compatible with the company’s TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrappers, which automatically applies stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load to create a sturdy, stable, unitized load. The ribbed stretch wrap is typically stocked at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters for fast delivery. The stretch wrap rolls come in a 20-inch width x 4,000 feet per roll, 40 rolls per pallet.
PACK EXPO East is back and bigger than ever before
The PACK EXPO East 2022 (March 21-23, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia) show floor will be the biggest in its history, according to show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Booth space sales have surpassed any of the previous PACK EXPO East events, and attendee registration is also keeping pace with the 2020 show. Click here for up-to-date real-time statistics on the show. Featuring over 400 exhibitors, this biennial, the three-day regional event provides professionals from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences rich Northeast corridor a convenient opportunity to explore the latest packaging and processing technologies in person, connect with suppliers and find solutions in a rapidly changing marketplace. “PACK EXPO East attendees get the best of both worlds—the ability to see a comprehensive range of packaging and processing technologies while still having time for in-depth discussions with suppliers to solve pain points and address challenges,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. “This easily accessible regional event is the perfect opportunity for a day trip with your team to experience all these solutions first-hand.” Attendees have access to must-see highlights at this year’s show: Free education on the show floor is offered all three days and provides opportunities for attendees to talk with suppliers and learn about best practices and industry breakthroughs. The Forum (Booth 1026) offers free, interactive presentations. It will feature 45-minute sessions on the latest industry trends, presented by the OpX Leadership Network, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packaging Association, and PMMI Business Intelligence, followed by small group discussions and Q&A sessions. Also on the show floor, the Innovation Stage (Booth 2226) offers free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day presenting breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches from industry experts. PACK EXPO East also offers programs and activities to get students excited about careers in packaging and processing. Attendees will see high school robotics teams from the Philadelphia area showcase their design, engineering, and troubleshooting skills at the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase (Booth 525). Participating schools include Camden County Technical Schools, Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League, and Central High School of Philadelphia. Attendees also have the opportunity to meet students from PMMI education partner schools in the Workforce Development Pavilion.
International research identifies challenges to widespread adoption of sustainable packaging
International research into sustainable packaging carried out by global packaging, product, and material test and inspection company Industrial Physics has found that almost half of the 255 global packaging professionals (49%) surveyed said meeting testing standards was one the biggest challenges they faced in wider adoption of sustainable packaging materials. The research goes on to reveal that almost three-quarters of those surveyed (71%) reported that they found quality control processes ‘significantly’ or ‘somewhat more difficult’ with sustainable packaging materials. 69% of respondents cited ‘cost’ as the main supply chain challenge they face in the move to sustainable packaging. Global supply obstacles caused by the pandemic made sourcing more difficult and legacy issues remain, meaning numerous suppliers are often needed rather than one trusted provider. This places additional pressure on quality control processes and a greater need for packaging integrity testing. Full results are revealed in the Industrial Physics Sustainable Packaging Research Report just released (March 8, 2022). Jim Neville, CEO at Industrial Physics, said: “Insights from our global network of technical experts provide manufacturers guidance to create innovative and sustainable packaging while ensuring the integrity of their brands and products by proper testing and inspection.” He added: “Our research highlighted manufacturers face a range of risks. However, these risks can be identified and mitigated by partnering with a packaging testing and integrity solutions partner.” The Sustainable Packaging Research Survey also revealed that respondents think that new standards (52.5%) and new legislation/regulatory requirements (41.6%) will have the most impact on sustainable packaging innovation over the next five years. These findings come as no surprise to Industrial Physics, as Greg Wright, Global Vice President of Sales & Marketing, explains: “Sustainable packaging involves using completely new materials where there may not be test methods already established. Processes are constantly evolving and our expertise in packaging, product, and material integrity testing means we can guide manufacturers through the transition to more sustainable packaging.” The Survey found that most companies are actively seeking sustainable packaging solutions but, in doing so, they experience a range of additional challenges. These include optimizing material performance to protect goods (53%), passing increased material costs onto the consumer (50%), and the ability to meet safety and testing standards (49%). “Our customers are trying to find the right standards and how to test for those standards,” says Joshua Miller a Product Manager at Industrial Physics. “We can really help customers shape their testing, such as giving them a better way to test a product that gives them better data and still meets internal standards.” The research offers an insight into the future of sustainable packaging and explores adaptations that manufacturers, and the industry as a whole, will need to make in order to deliver innovation and implementation around sustainable packaging materials. Sean Kohl, Global Line Product Director for Industrial Physics, adds: “This is what testing is for and why manufacturers must test. It all centers around the idea of being able to confirm that the physical properties, whether it be strength, puncture resistance, life prediction, recyclability, or whatever can meet the performance and durability standards.” Findings show that paper, paperboard, and fiberboard plant-based biodegradable flexible packaging, along with synthetic biodegradable packaging, are the most common materials being used to replace less sustainable alternatives like plastic, paper, and foil packaging. “A lot of new materials mean that we are dealing with limited established test methods,” says Nico Frankhuizen, Manager of Product Management at Industrial Physics. “So, if a customer comes to us thinking they may need a certain type of equipment or test, we may end up advising them that a different tool might be better.” Results of the in-depth research involved organizations around the world, ranging in size to over £1bn turnover, and follows on the back of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other legislation in UK, Europe and USA that imposes a tax on plastic packaging items manufactured, imported or imported filled, containing less than 30% recycled plastic. 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. For more information about Industrial Physics click here.
Orbital Wrapper manufacturer reports record-breaking year for TAB Wrapper Tornado sales
Packaging machinery manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, has broken its record for sales of its TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapping systems, reporting a 43 percent increase in total pallet wrapping units delivered in 2021 versus 2020 and a 44 percent increase in revenue. The TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrappers automatically applies stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load to create a tight, secure, unitized load that resists shifting in transit without requiring banding, boxing, or strapping. The increasing demand for automated packaging equipment as a solution for boosting production without requiring a large staff contributed to the record year, according to Andy Brizek, vice president of sales and marketing. The company’s automated TAB Wrapper Tornado Smart Controls wrapping units tallied a 100 percent increase in units delivered in 2021 versus 2020. These orbital wrappers enable a single operator to perform the entire wrapping function by remote control as a non-stop, continuous process, often reducing the time per pallet wrap from five minutes to 30 seconds or less. The company’s three, standard, semi-automated models with 100-inch, 80-inch, and 40-inch wrapping ring diameters also garnered substantial increases in units delivered year over year. The patent-pending TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrappers are designed and manufactured in the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters. The wrapping machines are delivered tested, inspected, and ready for operation with a warranty.
Matrix and its Master Distributor Brands demonstrating its latest Vertical FFS, Pre-Made Pouch, and Sachet Packaging Technology in booth 2413 at PACK EXPO East 2022
If you are looking to see the latest in vertical form fill seal and pre-made pouch machines, then look no further than Matrix Packaging Machinery in booth 2413 at PACK EXPO East, March 21-23, at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Penn. Matrix is an industry manufacturer of vertical form fill seal machines operating widely throughout a variety of industries. In addition, Matrix is the master distributor of global flexible packaging brands INVpack, and Pacraft (formerly Toyo Jidoki). Machines from both brands will be in action in Matrix’s booth 2413 at PACK EXPO East. Show attendees can see the following machines on display: Matrix Morpheus Series The Matrix Morpheus, a continuous box-motion bagger, allows users to package their products with a variety of films at faster speeds and with better accuracy. The Morpheus uses a continuous-motion, high-speed jaw system that is unique from other vertical form fill seal machines because the film never stops. The jaw system cuts the film and provides just enough dwell time for the three bag seams to properly seal. This innovative feature allows users to achieve higher fill rates and proves why the Morpheus is Matrix’s most advanced vertical form fill seal machine. The Morpheus series comes in three different machines to best meet users’ production requirements: Morpheus: Standard machine with up to 12-inch bag width Morpheus AB: Includes Rockwell controls; up to 12-inch bag width Morpheus XL: Accommodates up to 15-inch bag width Pacraft (formerly known as Toyo Jidoki) The Pacraft TT-8D-N pre-made pouch filler/sealer is designed for a wide variety of packaging applications. Its pouch formats and product types including flat, stand-up, retort, and press-to-close pouch styles. It can seal up to 55 pouches per minute; pouch sizes range from 4.72” to 10.23” (120 – 260mm), lengths from 5.11” to 15.74” (130 – 400mm). INVpack MVA3 EVO The MVA3 EVO sachet form fill seal machine from INVpack is designed for small to medium production runs that require high-quality sealings for liquids, powders, granulates and pasty products. Output ranges from 70 sachets per minute for a single-lane operation, and up to 280 per minute with four lanes. Matrix and its distributor brands maintain a strong commitment to sustainability. Those traits are found by working closely with its customers in developing packaging solutions that exceed their sustainability goals. Multiple film types including compostable and recyclable films can run efficiently on many Matrix machines, as well as those of its distributor brands. Plan to visit booth 2413 at PACK EXPO East to see the flexible packaging solutions from Matrix, Pacraft, and INVpack in action, and learn how they can help you increase productivity and meet your sustainability goals.
Orion demonstrating updated features on its Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping Systems at PACK EXPO East 2022
Orion Packaging Systems, a ProMach brand, is exhibiting updated features on its Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System in booth 2214 at PACK EXPO East, March 21-23, at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Penn. Orion is an industry-leading stretch wrapper and pallet unitizing machinery manufacturer of automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrapping equipment, including rotary turntables, rotary towers, and horizontal wrapping systems. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System with updated features automatically performs the entire film wrap cycle without the operator dealing with the film tail at the beginning or end of the cycle. To start the wrapping process, simply place the pallet load on the machine and pull a lanyard switch while backing away. Minimizing operator interaction significantly impacts efficiency by freeing staff to work on other tasks while the machine is wrapping. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System is engineered for 24/7 operation. It features a heavy-duty steel framework and turntable support system, AC motors, and a belt-driven carriage lift. Additionally, the wrapper is outfitted with Orion’s S-Carriage InstaThread Pre-stretch Film Carriage, which provides a consistent pre-stretch film of 260% at different tensions and 1” less neckdown – both of which allow customers to save up to 15% on film per load. The Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System comes with several performance features and benefits, including: 63” diameter turntable for loads up to 50” x 50” 80” maximum load height standard, optional up to 110” Load with a pallet jack, electric walkie or forklift Full surround deck for easier loading Precision ring bearing turntable support, with heavy-duty casters for additional support 7” IntelleVue color, HD touch screen HMI with up to nine different wrap recipes 15 RMP variable speed with “soft start” 6,000 lb. maximum load weight capacity Automatic force to load for even film tension AC/VFD motors reduce maintenance Forklift portable from front or rear Plan to visit Orion in booth 2214 at PACK EXPO East 2022 to see how it’s Flex LPA Automatic Turntable Pallet Wrapping System with updated features can bring efficiencies to your next stretch wrapping application.
ProMach acquires TechniBlend
ProMach, a worldwide provider in processing and packaging machinery solutions, has announced that it has acquired TechniBlend, a provider of engineered process systems for the liquid processing industry. The addition of TechniBlend significantly expands ProMach’s processing technologies portfolio, enhancing ProMach’s capacity to provide complete turnkey systems along any part of the production line. Founded in 2008, TechniBlend provides a full suite of high-quality, technologically advanced liquid processing machinery and services across numerous market segments including food, dairy, chemicals, and household and personal care products. Their main area of expertise though is in the beverage processing market, providing solutions for beverages ranging from hot to cold, carbonated to non-carbonated, and alcoholic to non-alcoholic. Engineered solutions include deaerators, batching and blending systems, carbonation systems, nitrogenation systems, proofing systems, alcohol separation systems, degassing systems, flash pasteurization systems, can filling and seaming systems, clean-in-place systems, and more to help customers successfully bring their ready-to-drink beverages to market. TechniBlend also provides engineering services and complete turnkey liquid manufacturing systems to help customers in applications ranging from vitamin water, soft drinks, teas, coffees, and juices to craft beer, ready-to-drink cocktails, seltzer, kombucha, and much more. TechniBlend also operates a subsidiary brand ProBrew, a leading supplier of technologically advanced brewing processing equipment to help customers in the craft beverage space improve their processes and grow their independent, artisan brands across local and national markets. “We’re pleased to welcome the TechniBlend and ProBrew teams to ProMach,” said Mark Anderson, ProMach President and CEO. “With the addition of TechniBlend, ProMach now has a very comprehensive portfolio of liquid food and beverage processing technologies that includes our Statco-DSI, Allpax, and Stock product brands. This is another strong step towards becoming the total solutions provider for customers across North America who are looking for a trusted partner to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. “ProMach continues to expand further upstream on the production line,” added Mr. Anderson, “which means customers can start and end their journey with ProMach to commission a successful line from processing to packaging. And when you layer in ProMach’s strong individual product brands and expertise across nearly all parts of the packaging line, from filling to palletizing, coupled with our foundation of customer service excellence, the value of partnering with ProMach becomes clear. I am excited to work with the outstanding senior leadership team at TechniBlend as they continue developing new innovative solutions, expanding into new markets, and growing their already successful business to even greater heights.” Waukesha, Wisconsin-based TechniBlend, and its entire staff are joining the ProMach team. Current TechniBlend President, Derek Deubel, will join ProMach as Vice President and General Manager of TechniBlend. ProMach will continue to invest in TechniBlend’s team, brands, products, services, facility, and research and development efforts to further advance its position as a leader in processing technologies. “ProMach and TechniBlend bring together two organizations that share a common vision for the future and what it means to fully support our customers,” said Mr. Deubel. “This is an outstanding opportunity for TechniBlend customers to benefit from ProMach’s portfolio of solutions and for current ProMach customers to access more options to streamline their processing operations. I’m very excited for both our customer’s and our employees’ participation in the next chapter of the TechniBlend story and I strongly believe with ProMach we have an ideal partner to help us continue our incredible growth. We are looking forward to working with the entire ProMach team to continue this journey we embarked on nearly 15 years ago.” ProMach has grown over the past decade into a leading single-source provider of high-performance processing and packaging lines. It provides stand-alone machines, engineering services, and turnkey integrated systems for many of the world’s most recognized brands, with more than 40 best-in-class equipment product brands sold and supported around the globe. It continues to add complementary packaging and processing machinery solutions to advance its turnkey systems capabilities.