Christoph Wachter is taking over as director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper
Christoph Wachter took over as director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper in January 2022. He succeeds Eckhard Kallies, who has had great success in positioning, developing, and implementing a long-term strategy for this new business unit as part of a three-year mandate. Having invested over 300 million euros into the new production line 8 at its Kehl production facility, Koehler Paper entered the flexible packaging growth market in 2019. With Koehler NexPlus®, Koehler is now meeting the rapidly growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Koehler NexPlus® is a range of barrier-coated paper with a wide range of applications. These include, in particular, barriers to odors, grease, mineral oils, water vapor, and also gases. Christoph Wachter is taking over the division at Koehler Paper during a period of strong growth. He comes from Tyrol in Austria, is married, and has two grown-up children. The 58-year-old studied business administration and brings with him 30 years of experience in specialty paper in the paper industry, where his roles have included working as a CEO with international responsibility. Further growth for flexible packaging paper from Koehler Paper A wide range of customers, such as Ritter Sport and Südzucker, have opted for packaging paper from Koehler Paper since it entered the market. Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group, emphasized: “We see huge growth ahead of us in the Flexible Packaging Paper division and are delighted that Christoph Wachter will now be able to contribute his experience as head of the division.” After successfully entering the European market with strategic customer projects, we are now also focusing on the Asian and American markets. Christoph Wachter is focused on the future: “The expertise we have in the company thanks to our employees, combined with the “state of the art” production facility makes Koehler unique. The spirit of active entrepreneurship is evident throughout the business, which makes us a leading provider in the flexible packaging sector.”
AGE Industries, Ltd offers just-in-time delivery of custom boxes and packaging
Dynamic inventory management system ensures timely delivery of packaging materials to keep manufacturing and distribution flowing AGE Industries, Ltd, a supplier of innovative and custom packaging and shipping solutions for industry and government agencies, offers Just-in-time (JIT) delivery of corrugated boxes, fiber tubes, and packaging materials. During the current supply chain challenges, customers rely on AGE Industries’ dynamic inventory management system and efficient operations for timely delivery of packaging materials to keep manufacturing and distribution flowing. AGE Industries offers a comprehensive one-stop-shop for corrugated boxes, fiber tubes, and ancillary shipping items including stretch wrap, bubble tape, and labels. An in-house design and engineering team works with customers to develop custom solutions and ensure that exact specifications are met. Custom design solutions enhance the protection of products and reduce shipping costs, and custom printing increases brand awareness and supports point-of-purchase marketing campaigns. Options for custom boxes are limitless which allows you to tailor your packaging for its market. With six manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, AGE Industries ships to any location in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Products can also be delivered anywhere in the world by AGE Industries or one of its affiliated partners, providing customers with an integrated program for satisfying all their custom design and packaging needs.
Quick clamping shaft collars for packaging applications
Ruland quick clamping shaft collars require no tools for installation, adjustment, or removal, making them a convenient and efficient choice for a variety of packaging equipment and applications. Designers and operators of packaging machines such as wrappers, bundlers, and cartoners benefit from the faster, tool-less adjustment of quick clamping shaft collars. Ruland offers two types of quick clamping shaft collars: collars with cam levers and collars with clamping levers. Quick clamping shaft collars with cam lever have an integral lever that sits flush with the outside diameter and is finger actuated. The design features a tension-adjustment screw that can be adjusted to tailor axial holding power to application needs. These collars are one-piece clamp-style and require shaft end access to be installed properly. They are best suited for light-duty and low rpm applications with frequent change-outs of items like guide rails or other setup fixturing. Quick clamping shaft collars with clamping lever feature a Ruland manufactured shaft collar combined with an adjustable clamping lever that replaces standard hardware. The final assembly is a shaft collar with a ratcheting handle that can be easily installed, removed, or repositioned without tools. They have the benefits of traditional Ruland shaft collars such as not marring the shaft, tight controlled face-to-bore perpendicularity (TIR of ≤ .002 inch or 0.05 mm), and a fine burr-free finish, allowing them to be used in a wide variety of packaging applications. These shaft collars with clamping levers are offered in one- and two-piece clamping styles and with outer diameter flats and holes for easier mounting of other components. Quick clamping shaft collars with cam levers are manufactured from 6061 anodized aluminum bodies and 6063 aluminum handles with bore sizes from ¼ inch to 3 inches and 6 mm to 75 mm. Quick clamping shaft collars with clamping levers are offered in standard materials including 1215 lead-free steel with black oxide or zinc plated finish, 303 and 316 stainless steel, high strength 2024 aluminum, and engineered plastic. The lever is sourced from JW Winco and features a zinc-plated handle with a stainless steel threaded stud and internal components.
PAC Machinery enters NEW top fulfillment Auto Bagger for an MHI, MODEX Show Innovation Award
PAC Machinery, a provider in packaging with one of the most diverse ranges of machinery, has entered the Rollbag® R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger in the MHI Innovation Award competition in the “Best New Innovation” category. Winners will be selected at the 2022 MODEX show in Atlanta, GA at the World Congress Center held March 28-31, 2022. The R3200 Fulfillment Bagger was also just named one of PAC’s top-selling machines of 2021. The MHI Innovation Award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain innovative products and services to MODEX attendees. The award is promoted on the MODEX website and is a great lead generator and booth traffic driver for exhibitors with NEW technologies. Modex states that 48% of attendees that visited the MHI Innovation Awards page, visit the finalist’s booth. PAC’s Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger will be packaging products LIVE in booth #C7291at MODEX. “The Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger is an exciting development that combines environmentally-sourced material, with automation, less material usage, and the shorter lead times that this industry demands,” said Greg Berguig, VP Sales & Marketing, PAC Machinery. Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment Increase efficiency and lower material costs with the Rollbag™ R3200 Fulfillment automatic bagger, an elite mail order fulfillment bagging system. This auto bagger works with poly tubing as well as bags on a roll. The R3200 Fulfillment can either be equipped with a label applicator that applies a direct thermal label onto the bag (no need for ribbon) or with a thermal transfer printer that prints directly on the bag using ribbon. The standard Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment works with bags up to 16 wide x 24 long and has a seal bar opening of up to 6”. The XL version for larger products, works with bags up to 22” wide x 36” long and features a seal bar opening of up to 11”. The Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment bagger is equipped with a label printer applicator, to create a fully integrated batch-less order fulfillment bagging solution. A thermal transfer printer option is also available, allowing you to print directly on the bag material. Innovation Statement This system is the first one on the market to use pre-opened bags on a roll as well as poly tubing in order to make a bag. The benefits of poly tubing include lower material costs as well as right-sizing of the bag to the product by changing bag length on the fly, lowering shipping costs, reducing material usage, and shorter material lead time. Be innovative and green when you package with improved sustainable materials for this machine by using our Recylene® poly mailer made from up to 90% recycled content (20% ocean-bound plastic, 20% consumer, and 50% Industrial possible). Applicability This bagger is ideal for e-commerce, order fulfillment, and distribution facilities that require the highest level of performance in their order fulfillment packaging operation. This automatic bagger will save you money, improve your branding and customer satisfaction with right-sized bags, and help you to be more flexible when packaging items of various sizes. An additional benefit includes using the latest in sustainable packaging materials, which is better for the environment and makes for a more satisfied consumer.
Packaging for the future from Optima
At IDEA, OPTIMA is presenting solutions for attractive, sustainable packaging design IDEA will be held in Miami from March 28 to 31, 2022. It is one of the most important industry meetings of the year for Optima’s Nonwovens business unit. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to use a wide variety of materials to design the packaging concepts of the future. There will also be a welding station on display that will further improve the packaging design of hygienic products. Another focus is on sustainable packaging solutions for a functioning circular economy. Optima’s experts can be found at booth no. 4416. Because of the neighboring FiltXPO, specialists in the production and packaging of filters will also be on hand for the first time. “We are very glad to once again be able to exchange ideas in person with interested parties and customers at IDEA,” says Oliver Rebstock, the Managing Director of OPTIMA nonwovens GmbH. Personal interaction is essential in special machine construction. “Today’s consumers make high demands on the packaging. It is expected to be unique, high quality, customized, and sustainable. Oliver Rebstock says, “At IDEA, we’ll be showing how we can help producers with these trends.” Safe and aesthetically pleasing sealing of packaging This can be achieved by means of an innovative welding station developed by Optima Nonwovens, for example. This has a positive effect on the quality of the packaging. Packaging can be closed safely and welded in an appealing way. As the packaging systems by Optima Nonwovens are able to engage in “machine learning”, changes to the packaging can be detected automatically and the machine users can respond immediately. An automatic, precise adjustment to each packaging format ensures that even the first package after each format change is perfect. This avoids start-up and readjustment. Interactive packaging experience Differentiation in the marketplace is achieved both with improved packaging and with new packaging concepts. Optima Nonwovens is open to working collaboratively to develop new packaging solutions. Here, the options include alternative materials such as paper or starch films, new types of packaging such as cardboard packaging, or packaging with a new added value, such as the opportunity to customize. However, there is also potential for completely new concepts, which Optima would like to discuss with visitors. Hence, visitors at the event will be able to interactively view and discuss packaging with different materials and customizations by means of the “Hypebox” gamification element. Green packaging, not greenwashing “Particularly in terms of sustainable solutions, we are now addressing this issue collectively and at a much earlier stage, from the packaging material to the machines, and to the entire life cycle of the packaging material and the machines,” explains Dominik Broellochs, Group Sustainability Manager of the Optima Group. This is now only possible by working as a network. As a result, project run times would be massively shortened, risks minimized and results improved. Taking diaper packaging as an example, Broellochs is presenting a solution that does justice to both marketing and ecology: the sleeve bag – 100 percent recyclable mono-polyethylene (PE) packaging for paper hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and even toilet paper. The prospect of a functioning circular economy The sleeve bag offers the prospect of a functioning circular economy according to the Cradle to Cradle principle. The safe installation of the paper inserts and the encasing of the products is a new, innovative process by Optima. This process can be retrofitted for existing packaging machines, which also contributes to sustainability. “With the sleeve bag, Optima has developed honest packaging. In terms of sustainability, honest packaging is the only way that we want to go forward with our customers. The sleeve bag shows that it’s not always a matter of having to develop complex new materials, but the boldness in the simplicity of package is often just the beginning,” says Broellochs. This packaging has been certified as “excellent, 100 % recyclable” by the cyclos-HTP Institute. Flexible conversion of packaging material Optima is not only active in the area of packaging development; machine technology also provides optimal conditions for a flexible conversion from PE to paper and vice versa. All machine solutions by the Nonwovens business unit are flexibly adaptable. Conversion takes no longer than a normal format change. This means ad hoc tests with paper or bioplastics, for example, can be run. Further optimizations in terms of efficiency and output are possible at any time. Whether paper, PE, or bio-PE – it is essential to integrate product protection, sustainability, and marketing successfully with one another. The machine technologies required for this are available at Optima. This ensures the new packaging solutions have a successful future. Optima Nonwovens at IDEA 2022: March 28 to 31, 2022, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Florida, booth No. 4416
Mactac® to acquire Spinnaker Coating, LLC
Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, announces it has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Spinnaker Coating, LLC, representing $130 million of specialty revenue at a price of $40 million. The acquisition is expected to close on Feb. 1, 2022, and consists of Spinnaker’s manufacturing facility and headquarters based in Troy, Ohio, and North American distribution centers located in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and, Vails Gate, New York. Spinnaker will operate as a standalone subsidiary of Mactac. As part of LINTEC, Mactac is one of the largest, most diversified global pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) suppliers. Mactac’s acquisition of Spinnaker, which specializes in the customized production and distribution of pressure-sensitive roll label and sheet base materials in North America, creates a one-of-a-kind, world-class specialty labeling company. With Spinnaker, LINTEC, and Duramark Products (formally Ritrama USA and acquired by Mactac earlier in 2021) serving the industry together, Mactac delivers customers unmatched technology, capability, service, and value. These combined pressure-sensitive adhesive technologies provide the North American market with the necessary support and capacity. “Mactac built upon our solid foundation adding enhanced service, capabilities, and breadth of product offering,” said Ed LaForge, Mactac President, and CEO. “Our combined product offering now encompasses all adhesive technologies, including hot-melt, solvent, silicone, and emulsion. We offer a wide range of high-quality PSA materials for any application need, such as film, cast vinyl, and specialty solutions. And, with Spinnaker’s unique business model, we will expand Mactac and Spinnaker specialty labelstock offerings to create a model unlike any other.” The purchase of Spinnaker delivers Mactac customers an abundance of new opportunities in specialty labeling. Spinnaker customers benefit from Mactac’s advanced technologies, innovative solutions, modern production capabilities, and depth of technical expertise. “Joining together gives Spinnaker access to Mactac’s state-of-the-art engineering and technology and offers our customers new and expanded product offerings and adhesive capabilities,” says Lou Guzzetti, Spinnaker’s Chairman of the Board. “And, like Spinnaker, Mactac is an employee-centric organization with a service-first culture. We look forward to realizing the possibilities this acquisition brings to our employees and to the market.” In response to customer and market requests for enhanced products and services, supply chain continuity, and added reliability, Mactac is focused on market growth and operational expansion. The Duramark acquisition expanded Mactac’s technology, adhesive capabilities, and production capacity with more facilities and locations, new world-class coaters, and advanced automation technologies. In 2022, Mactac will add five new world-class slitting assets and further grow its adhesive formulation and manufacturing capabilities. Mactac and its parent company, LINTEC, a global leader in the field of adhesive materials, will continue to invest heavily in R&D and operational enhancements as part of its strategic plan. Mactac’s acquisition of Spinnaker further solidifies LINTEC’s commitment to bring its comprehensive global capabilities to the North American market. For more information on Mactac, its products, and growth strategies,
PAC announces Top Selling Packaging Machines of 2021 & Customer Trends
PAC Machinery, a provider in packaging equipment with one of the most diverse ranges of machinery, is celebrating a successful year and announcing a list of the most popular packaging machines purchased by customers in 2021. These best-selling packaging machines will be the focus of digital campaigns as recommended machines throughout January and February 2022. Company leaders are also revealing top trends in the industry as they have observed from a very busy year in packaging equipment! Top Equipment Categories Machine categories include Automatic Baggers, Vacuum Sealers, Automatic Shrink Wrappers, Bag Sealers, and Flow Wrappers.“We had an increase in bag sealers due to medical packagers,” said Greg Berguig, VP Sales & Marketing, PAC Machinery. “We have excellent options with the validatable medical seals that this market requires. As far as automatic baggers go, being our largest machine category in sales is no surprise with our versatile automatic bagger options that can do it all – including right-sizing the bag to the product, printing on the package, and an option to use poly bags or tubing, which saves on costs and material lead time,” Berguig said. Top Industries Top Industries for PAC include eCommerce fulfillment, medical, food, industrial, electronics, and aerospace. Top PAC Machine Models Shrink Wrap Machines 6750EL Automatic L-Bar Sealer was a hit. This all-electric system is perfect for packagers on the entry-level side of automatic shrink wrapping 6800CS Automatic Side Sealer also saw extremely high demand, especially with the XL version, for large products Automatic Baggers Rollbag R785 All-Electric Bagger was a standout with customers looking for a workstation poly bagging solution. With the optional label printer applicator customers are able to print a scannable barcode onto clear stock bags as well as poly mailers for shipping There was high demand for the Rollbag R3200, one of the most configurable automatic baggers on the market, as well as the Rollbag Magnum Horizontal. Both R3200 and Magnum Horizontal have the option to use poly tubing, which saves customers money, reduces material usage, and has a significantly shorter lead time than pre-opened poly bags Vacuum Packaging PVT Plus Tabletop Nozzle-Style Vacuum Sealer had extremely high sales due to being a well-optioned machine at a competitive price point, as well as being available with a short lead time Sales for chamber vacuum sealers were also extremely high for industrial packaging applications Medical Packaging PAC saw quite a bit of growth in this sector, including with Vertrod Medical Impulse Sealers (all models), PVK Med Vacuum Sealers with our MedLogic control system, as well as Rollbag Medical Baggers that make, label, load, and seal Tyvek® poly pouches in one quick step. These popular packaging machines are helping growing businesses spanning a wide range of industries. PAC Machinery has solutions for almost any type of packaging application and is a major contributing factor for PAC Machinery’s continued growth. Customer Trends Jason Hudek, Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast, said business is booming from what he has seen, citing the following reasons: (1) An increase in online shopping since the Covid pandemic began (2) High demand for automated packaging solutions from new or growing online merchants (3) Changing requirements from Amazon and other trendsetting retailers along with the transition from boxes to poly mailers. “Fulfillment automatic baggers are on fire right now! I have helped many customers who have been bagging products by hand to automate their process,” Hudek said. “I am showing the Rollbag R785 Automatic Bagger to customers who are saying – I gotta have it! This machine reduces many headaches for them including doing more with less staff – helpful also as a solution to the labor shortage hurting businesses now. Our automatic bagger’s right-size the bag to the product and print right on the bags – saving time and money with automation,” Hudek said. The pharma and fulfillment industry is another HUGE area of growth for PAC this year, especially for shipping of prescriptions in poly mailers. Hudek said there has also been growth in shrink packaging and flow wrapping machines with food industry clients, including energy bars, to cookies and bakeries. He also noticed an uptick in start-ups transitioning from manual packaging to automation to keep up with customer demand. The demand for all things chip-related has grown tremendously over the last year and will continue to grow for years to come. “Whether it’s the auto industry, a computer manufacturer or any other manufacturer that requires a semiconductor for the production of their product, the semiconductor chip crisis has had a serious impact on our lives, said Sean Geniesse, Product Specialist, PAC Machinery. “PAC Machinery is honored for the opportunity to assist some of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers with their vacuum packaging needs. The PVG Electro Pac Vacuum Sealer is specifically designed for applications in the electronics industry where seal integrity and consistent vacuum levels are critical,” Geniesse said. Growth through Marketing This year was also the return to in-person large-scale events. PAC Machinery was an exhibitor at Pack Expo in September, the first large expo for the packaging industry. PAC gained a large number of leads and sales from being an exhibitor. Other areas that contributed to the growth included paid target ads, an expanded social media program, consistent email campaigns, new public relations efforts and programs, and a robust video marketing program. All promotional efforts combined with buyers in need of PAC’s solutions, plus growth in key customer industries lead to new records for PAC Machinery.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS provides high-efficiency, reliable drive systems for demanding packaging applications
Compact, energy-efficient drive systems from NORD are designed to be precisely positioned, reduce variants and maintenance, and lower the Total Cost of Ownership for packaging systems. The combination of NORD’s modular gear units, motors, and variable frequency drives provides intelligent solutions for the special requirements of the Packaging industry. These drive systems can power many types of equipment, including roller conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, stacker cranes, palletizers, case packers, and sealer wrappers. NORD’s team of dedicated engineers work with their customers one-on-one to configure a drive solution that is highly specialized, Industry 4.0 ready, and an exact fit for their needs. With over 20,000,000 possible configurations from their standard product line, NORD can frequently accomplish this without the need for costly custom components. NORD’s electronic control products work in tandem with their gear units and motors for easy integration and industrial networking capabilities. These modular products also allow for versatility and are designed for quick installation and execution of precise operations such as speed and timing for conveyors. In addition, NORD units are easy to service and maintain, helping to avoid costly downtime and saving money over the lifetime of the units. NORD drive solutions for packaging include: nsd tupH Sealed Surface Conversion Treatment NORD’s nsd tupH is a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel that is easy to clean, significantly resistant to acids and alkalis and is an FDA-approved food-compatible material. This surface conversion is an electrolytic process where the aluminum surface of the gearbox is sealed and inseparably bound to the substrate material, creating a new material that is more durable than paint and weighs less than stainless steel. IE5+ Synchronous Motors The newest generation of NORD motor technology offers the highest operational efficiency available on the market today. IE5+ motors are focused on maximizing efficiency, with a compact footprint that can be installed quickly and easily, even in small spaces. With these motors in place, operators can experience energy savings, reduce product variants, and minimize operating costs for their applications, especially where operation at partial loads and low speeds is common. When IE5+ synchronous motors are utilized as a part of the LogiDrive complete drive system solution they create an energy-efficient, maintenance-friendly solution consisting of an efficient gearbox, permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), and a decentralized variable frequency drive. Plug-and-play decentralized technology makes installation and maintenance extremely easy and the LogiDrive system also maintains operational efficiency at partial load and low speeds, making it the ideal solution for intralogistics systems. Key Advantages: -Highest operational efficiency available, even at partial load and low-speed ranges -Reduced Total Cost of Ownership and fast Return on Investment -Reduction of variants through constant torque over a wide speed range -Fully matched NORD modular system solution with gear unit, motor, and variable frequency drive -Compact size -Compatible with all gear units and cabinet or wall-mounted VFDs from the NORD modular system -Flexible mounting options: Direct (integral), NEMA, and IEC -Non-ventilated variant (N-Design) for hygienic wash-down areas -Ventilated variant (F-Design) with a high overload capacity -U.S. Availability -71 frame N design available now -90 frame N and F designs Q2 2022 -71 frame F design scheduled Q3 2022 DuoDrive Integrated Gear Unit NORD’s new DuoDrive is a revolutionary integrated gear unit/motor concept that combines a high-efficiency IE5+ motor with a single-stage helical gear unit in one housing. Due to its optimized system efficiency, high power density, and quiet operation, it is extremely well-suited for intralogistics systems. Together with its simple Plug-and-Play commissioning, the DuoDrive solution can provide a significant reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to other drive systems. Key Advantages: -Extremely high system efficiency of up to 92% -Reduced TCO and fast ROI via utilization of IE5+ motor technology -Compact, smooth design for easy installation and optimized space utilization -Industry-standard mounting dimensions -U.S. availability Q2 2022 NORDAC ON/ON+ Variable Frequency Drives The new NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives were developed to meet the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology and for use with the new IE5+ synchronous motor (NORDAC ON+). They are characterized by an integrated universal Ethernet interface, full Plug-and-Play capabilities, and a compact, space-saving design. NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives are a reliable, economic solution for IIoT environments. Key Advantages: -Future-ready with IIoT capability, a firmware update via Ethernet, and integrated PLC -Standardized design with Plug-and-Play for fast commissioning -Can be used with asynchronous and synchronous motors -Integrated industrial Ethernet interfaces switchable by parameters (PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and POWERLINK) -Usable over a wide frequency range -Compact footprint -Power range: 0.37 – 0.95 kW (0.5 – 1.25 HP) -U.S. availability Q1 2022 LogiDrive Complete Drive Solution The LogiDrive complete drive system is comprised of a high-efficiency 2-stage bevel gear unit, an IE4 or IE5+ motor, and a variable frequency drive. This solution provides a complete decentralized drive package that reduces commissioning and engineering efforts for conveying systems. The modular design minimizes the number of system variants, is easier to maintain, saves on Total Cost of Ownership, and maintains performance at low speeds and partial loads. LogiDrive also allows for easy monitoring and control of all units within a system and can be combined with the NORDCON APP with NORDAC ACCESS BT Bluetooth stick to provide real-time drive status to predict maintenance issues before they occur. Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance NORD’s condition monitoring solution records drive and status data with the objective of maintaining machines and plant productivity. Data is collected from analog, digital, or virtual sensors to determine when there is a drive issue and allows for scheduled downtimes before they turn into unplanned, costly repairs. This system is also able to calculate the optimal time to change the oil by measuring its temperature over time. This enables the drive to run effectively and efficiently with minimal wear on the components.
The Women-Owned Packaging Manufacturer helping brands succeed this Christmas
US-based personal care packaging manufacturer, APackaging Group have ramped up their business to help some of our favorite brands succeed and meet customer demand during this busy festive period. As orders increase and consumer demand places more pressure on brands and retailers in the lead up to Christmas, the APackaging group has become known as a reliable and consistent manufacturer to provide high-quality packaging with fast turnarounds. With a large variety of options for brands to choose from, APackaging Group has become a leading manufacturer of cosmetics bottles, jars, tubes, and dispensers that can be used in a range of different applications. With stock packaging in the US that’s available for immediate pickup or short lead times on custom packaging, brands are in safe hands when they choose this US-based manufacturer. From the bottles and pumps to the labels and decorations, APackaging Group offers a fully rounded packaging service to help brands and retailers get ahead of customer orders and have enough inventory to keep their stock flowing in recent months. Being highly responsive to consumer trends, like sustainability, APG has also endeavored to offer customers sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging which has cemented them as a major force pushing for more environmentally friendly beauty industry. APackaging Group is a go-to manufacturer for some of the leading skincare brands due to their competitive pricing, production capacity, and custom solutions that fit any requirements their customers may have. Helga Arminak, CEO and Founder of APackaging Group said, “The holiday season is one of the most important of the year for many brands and retailers, so making sure that we’re able to deliver their packaging quickly and efficiently has always been one of our main goals at APackaging Group. This year, we’ve been able to offer our customer unrivaled speed to market, instant pickup options, and faster turnarounds for custom packaging than any of our competitors, and we know that it’s been a lifeline for many companies who have been enjoying increased demand after what’s been a difficult year for retailers everywhere.” APackaging Group has over 25 years of experience and 95 employees across the US and Asia that help in manufacturing a variety of product solutions for cosmetics brands to use.
TAB Wrapper Tornado reuses exhaust air to keep cutting area clear
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC has added its automated air recycling assembly as a standard feature on all of its TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapping machines. Formerly offered as an option, the clever Auto-Cut Exhaust Blower assembly automatically captures and recycles hydraulic exhaust air and directs it towards the cutting blade to prevent any excess stretch wrap from affecting the cutting area. The Auto-Cut Exhaust Blower triggers each time an operator presses the auto-cut button on the wireless or corded remote control to end the wrapping process. The potential for downtime for scrap removal is reduced and the life of the cutting system extended. Developed to promote peak, uninterrupted wrapping performance, the proprietary system is included with the company’s automated cut and wrap device on the TAB Wrapper Tornado Standard semi-automatic models, automated Smart Controls models, and the fully automated TAB Wrapper Tornado Perfect Storm, at no extra charge. The TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrappers automatically wrap plastic film 360 degrees around and under a pallet and its load to create a secure, unitized load ready for transport without boxes, banding, or strapping. The stretch-wrappers are designed and manufactured in the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and ship fully assembled with the Auto-Cut Exhaust Blower assembly installed. The orbital wrapper arrives with a full warranty ready to plug in and operate.
Ducommun Incorporated acquires Magnetic Seal Corporation
Market leader of Proprietary Magnetic Seals for critical A&D Applications strengthening the company’s position in niche engineered products Ducommun Incorporated announced that it has completed the acquisition of Magnetic Seal Corporation (“MagSeal”), based in Warren, Rhode Island. Founded in 1954 by George E. Colby and Robert L. Stevenson, MagSeal revolutionized the mechanical seal industry with the introduction of its proprietary magnetic seals by incorporating permanent magnets into their design and manufacture. MagSeal has since evolved into a leading provider of high-impact, military-proven magnetic seals for critical systems in aerospace and defense applications, offering sealing solutions that are engineered to perform in high-speed, high-vibration, and other challenging environments. Today, MagSeal solutions are engineered to outperform in the most extreme conditions. MagSeal supplies sealing solutions to every branch of the U.S. military and is entrenched on more than 50 commercial and military aircraft programs including the AH-64 Apache and CH-53K helicopters, F-15 and F-18 fighter jets, C-130 transports, A320, B737, and Cessna Citation jets. “I am delighted to welcome the MagSeal business and its team to Ducommun as we continue our strategy of adding high value-added A&D engineered products with recurring aftermarket to our portfolio,” said Stephen G. Oswald, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ducommun Incorporated. “MagSeal is an excellent business with a strong reputation and further advances the company’s industry offering and I look forward to the many years of growth ahead.” “We are excited to join the Ducommun family. MagSeal’s combined knowledge, experience, and expertise to design, prototype, value engineer, and manufacture aerospace quality seal solutions will complement Ducommun’s existing portfolio of engineered products for the defense industry. With Ducommun, MagSeal expects to accelerate its growth and expand its focus on innovative offerings to meet the needs of an evolving military,” said Robert Garde, MagSeal’s president. Ducommun financed the acquisition by utilizing cash on hand and a portion of its existing revolving credit facility.
HexcelPack introduces 100% Paper-Based, Fully Recyclable Protective Mailer
A sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bubble mailers, the company’s Hexcel’ope™ is ideal for the e-commerce market HexcelPack, a developer of eco-friendly, paper-based protective cushioning solutions to replace bubble packaging and other plastic or foam-based materials, has introduced Hexcel’ope™, an innovative, 100% paper-based protective mailer. Developed as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic bubble mailers commonly used throughout the e-commerce supply chain, Hexcel’ope™ is curbside recyclable and fully biodegradable. Lightweight, durable, and easy to use, Hexcel’ope™ mailers are designed with HexcelPack’s proprietary slit paper technology for ultimate cushioning and maximum protection of product during transport. The process converts extensible paper into a three-dimensional, patented cushioning product by making precise cuts at specific angles. This method makes the paper “flex,” expanding its volume while maximizing the strength and stiffness of its fibers. The result is a superior cushion proven to outperform environmentally harmful protection alternatives, particularly plastic-based bubble mailers. The Hexcel’ope™ is patented in the USA with pending patents worldwide and is available in custom one-color black print. Benefits of HexcelPack’s Hexcel’ope™ include: Unsurpassed Product Protection: Economical yet effective, Hexcel’ope™ mailers are strong and durable, offering the superior cushioning and product protection needed for shipping fragile items and reducing product damage. Sustainability: Completely paper-based, Hexcel’ope™ mailers are made of 100% Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Canadian Paper for exemplary sustainability and little to no impact on the environment – all while delivering protection proven to outperform plastic bubble mailers. Unlike single-use plastic bubble mailers, the paper used to produce Hexcel’ope™ mailers is fully curbside recyclable and biodegradable. User Friendly: Hexcel’ope™ mailers are easy to use with convenient self-sealing adhesive closures, which eliminate the need for additional tape or staples. Additionally, Hexcel’ope™ is lightweight, offering postage savings when a shipping box is not necessary. “As e-commerce shipping volumes have increased at an incredibly rapid pace, so has demand for sustainable yet protective packaging solutions from both brand owners and consumers,” said Lorne Herszkowicz, Partner at HexcelPack. “With Hexcel’ope, it was our goal to design a functional, highly protective, yet simple solution to meet the needs of the e-commerce industry – one we firmly believe to be the most innovative mailer on the market.”
PMMI announces Fourth Annual On the Rise Awards winners
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is pleased to announce its fourth annual On the Rise Awards winners. Developed by PMMI’s Emerging Leaders Committee, the awards recognize 10 young professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential in packaging and processing. The winners of 2021 On the Rise Awards are: Stacie Eberly Senior Marketing Specialist Matrix Packaging Kevin Fortier Production Engineer Bevco Sales International Alexandra Francis Aftermarket Lead BluePrint Automation, Inc. Xavier Gonzalez Quality Manager Formers International Shannon Leiter Manufacturing Operations Coordinator Kolinahr Systems, Inc. Seth Licke Aftermarket Sales and Service Manager Morrison Container Handling Solutions Aum Patel Mechanical Engineer Polypack Meredith Perry Vice President of Business Operations Spec Engineering Alicia Swayze Account Representative Intralox Anthony Zapata Marketing & Sales Specialist Hiperbaric Honorable mentions include: Adam Allshouse Talent Acquisition and HR Specialist JLS Automation Bill Reese Director of OEM Sales Garvey Corporation John Helfrich Application Development Engineer Beckhoff Automation LLC Peter Rasmussen Industry Segment Specialist / National Key Account Manager Festo Elizabeth Weber Mechanical Engineer Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery Inc. PMMI On the Rise winners meet the following nomination criteria: entry-level young professional employed by a PMMI member company for at least one year; displays leadership potential at the company and a desire to advance his/her career in packaging and processing. “PMMI and the Emerging Leaders Committee are excited to honor these young professionals for their extraordinary leadership qualities in the packaging and processing industry,” says Jackie Sessler, North America marketing director of BEUMER Group and chair of the PMMI Emerging Leaders Committee. “Their efforts continue to make an impact on the future of our industry. On the Rise Awards provide these rising stars with an opportunity to further their professional development in packaging and processing, meet others in the industry and learn more about PMMI.” Award winners were honored at PMMI’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 9, in Detroit and received free airfare, event registration, and hotel stay. The winter issue of OEM Magazine, the official publication of PMMI, will feature profiles of the winners. Read more about the winners and On the Rise Awards here.
Kimber Shray promoted to Vice President of Marketing for GP PRO
GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific just announced that it has promoted Kimber Shray to vice president of marketing. In this role, Shray will lead GP PRO’s marketing team and guide sales enablement initiatives. “The coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented shifts in the marketplace that continue to drive critical changes in what our customers need and in how they operate. GP PRO is tasked with being the best partner we can be as we provide them with guidance, products, service, and support,” said Mike Adams, president of GP PRO. “During her time with Georgia-Pacific and, specifically with GP PRO, Kimber has demonstrated a depth of insight into the customer mindset, including an understanding of how to serve our partners in good times and in bad, and how to help them succeed through it all. I’m delighted to have her at the helm of our marketing operations.” “GP PRO is a market-based organization dedicated to empowering its employees and its customers to work together to achieve success,” said Shray. “As I move into my new role, I look forward to helping our sales and marketing teams more deeply understand the trends driving our customers’ needs and to helping our customers more effectively benefit from our knowledge, solutions, and resources as they navigate their purchasing journey.” Shray has been with Georgia-Pacific for 11 years. Most recently, she led GP PRO’s customer marketing and segment insights team, where she was largely responsible for optimizing the company’s integrated sales, marketing, and category planning process and supporting its proprietary insight-based selling platform, GPXperience. Prior to that, she was an integral member of the company’s Digital Core team, which oversaw an enterprise-wide digital transformation initiative. Specifically, Shray led the roll-out of SAP Marketing Cloud and co-led the SAP Hybris Commerce launch. She also spent several years working on Georgia-Pacific’s retail division. Her earlier career experience includes positions with Heinz and MatchPoint Marketing.
DIEFFENBACHER optimizes material utilization
Material-efficient carbon and SMC component production with Fiberforge and SMC cutting and packaging system. More than anything else, sustainable production means saving resources and using valuable raw materials as efficiently as possible. With its Fiberforge tape laying system and the fully automatic SMC cutting and packaging system, DIEFFENBACHER, a supplier of complete composite systems, offers two solutions that significantly reduce material consumption in the production of carbon and SMC components. The DIEFFENBACHER Fiberforge enables the fully automated production of layups from thermoplastic UD tapes for small and large series production. Using the special DIEFFENBACHER nesting method, the tapes are cut to the required length and combined into a layup in a load-oriented manner via a rotary table. “In the process, the tape ends can be trimmed at any angle between -45° and 45° to produce a contour with minimum waste,” explains Marco Hahn, Sales Manager of the Forming Business Unit at DIEFFENBACHER. Different tape types, even with varying widths, thicknesses, and reinforcing fibers, can be combined in one component without manual intervention. “The high degree of automation enables consistent component quality and high flexibility in component design. Compared to organo sheets, our customers achieve high material savings with the Fiberforge. In one sample application, we achieved just 6.7% waste with the Fiberforge, while with the organo sheet there was more than 50% waste. In addition, the angle cut enables diagonal cuts of the tapes and thus saves valuable material,” says Hahn. By combining length and width cuts, the DIEFFENBACHER SMC cutting and packaging system can generate all conceivable cutting patterns. In accordance with the desired lay pattern, the intelligent nesting control determines the cutting pattern and optimizes material use. Weight deviations from the raw material are measured and actively compensated for in downstream stacking. Error-prone manual steps that could affect production quality are eliminated. “Combined with our lay-up robotics and our stacking gantry, which is used to package individual blanks before they are inserted into the die, we offer our customers maximum flexibility for realizing the most complex lay-up patterns,” states Hahn. “We also help customers produce more sustainably, efficiently, and cost-effectively with our solutions for minimizing energy consumption, which includes our short-stroke presses and adaptive accumulator management,” Hahn adds. “Together with our customers, we are continuously working on implementing further ideas to increase sustainability.”
Brown Machine Group is now BMG
The new name reflects growth and integration into a complete turn-key solution provider in the plastic and paper industry Brown Machine Group, a provider of forming, tooling, and automation solutions for the global packaging industry, has announced that it is changing its name to BMG to reflect its growth and market position as a global turn-key solutions provider for the plastic and paper packaging industry. Brown Machine Group was originally created with the purpose of unifying a collection of industrial brands into one family. The company has grown steadily, including by recently acquiring GN Thermoforming. The company’s new branding as BMG brings together the companies already owned by Brown Machine Group under one consistent name. “BMG is Brown, Lyle, GN, Freeman, NAS and aXatronics. Brown Machine Group was already being shortened to BMG both externally and internally, and we believe the change is more inclusive to our family of brands and is easy for our customers to identify and remember,” explains Greg Wolf, BMG’s President and CEO. “BMG is our umbrella, and each brand can talk about solutions across the portfolio to fit customer needs. Together, BMG represents experience, innovation, and superior customer service, with a reputation for delivering solutions to improve consistency, productivity, and profitability. We look forward to building on BMG’s solid foundation in future growth through acquisition.” In conjunction with the name change, BMG has aligned its businesses into three core areas to serve its customers: BMG FORMING SOLUTIONS, which offers a wide variety of sizes and capabilities for thermoforming machines through the Brown, Lyle, and GN product offerings; BMG TOOLING SOLUTIONS, which offers forming, trim, form-fill-seal and contact heat tooling by Freeman and GN; BMG AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS, which offers robotic material handling and packaging automation by integrating NAS and Axatronics products
Cybersecurity at the highest level
OPTIMA collaborates with LANCOM Systems to develop a novel VPN solution for machines The Optima Group from Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, has joined forces with cybersecurity specialist LANCOM Systems to develop a new type of VPN solution for machines and systems. As a result, it is now possible to establish an even more secure connection with the systems installed at the customer’s site and maintain them remotely. The solution, which is the only one of its kind on the market, allows for VPN connections monitoring, protects the machine network at the customer’s site with a firewall, and is particularly user-friendly. “With LANCOM Systems, we have found the ideal partner to take our cybersecurity to the next level,” says Dr. Eng. Benjamin Haefner, Group Leader Industrial IT at Optima. In the future, every machine built by the special-purpose machine manufacturer will be equipped with an edge firewall from LANCOM that has been specially developed for Optima. “In addition to the highest security VPN routing functionality, the edge firewall functions as a kind of central doorman in the machine. As a result, uncoordinated data flows with potential risks can be systematically reduced and controlled,” explains Haefner. Unparalleled functionalities for maximum security In addition, the VPN connection between Optima and the machines at the customer’s site can be permanently monitored with what is known as a central firewall. “These functionalities are one-of-a-kind on the market and ensure maximum IT security,” says Haefner. The structure of the entire VPN solution is strictly aligned with standards relevant to cybersecurity, such as IEC 62443 or CPwE reference architecture. User-friendliness increases IT security The LANCOM solution is also user-friendly and easy to operate. In addition, the automated solution can be configured for the customer’s network faster than previous applications. There is plenty of freedom for making flexible adjustments to the customer’s individual IT infrastructure, which facilitates harmonious integration. Retrofitting can be carried out on existing machines at any time. “Usability is a particularly important issue for us,” adds Markus Irle, Vice President of Firewall & Security at LANCOM Systems. “This is because a large proportion of cybersecurity incidents are due to errors in use, not the security technologies themselves.” Such a challenge can be overcome by making the system less complex. The development partnership with LANCOM Systems is part of an extensive series of measures Optima has taken to further enhance cybersecurity. Highly respected manufacturer of secure, reliable, and future-proof network and security solutions Based in Wuerselen, Germany, LANCOM Systems is a highly respected manufacturer of secure, reliable, and future-proof network and security solutions (WAN, LAN, WLAN & firewalls) for business and government. For the fifth time in a row, the German network infrastructure provider has topped the Professional User Rating Security Solutions (PUR-S) user survey conducted by the analyst firm tech consult and boasts an excellent reputation among experts. LANCOM Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rohde & Schwarz technology group.
ProMach strengthens flexible Packaging Portfolio with acquisition of CL&D Graphics
The deal expands ProMach’s growing film and label converting capabilities for flexible and rigid packaging ProMach, a worldwide provider in packaging machinery solutions, announced today it has acquired CL&D Graphics and CL&D Digital. CL&D is a leading provider of high-quality flexographic and digital web packaging and converting solutions for consumer product companies. The addition of CL&D significantly expands ProMach’s portfolio of flexible and rigid packaging systems and strengthens its ability to provide complete machinery and material solutions for a broad range of packaging applications. CL&D Graphics offers roll-fed film and pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, pouches, lidding, and preprinted thermoform solutions to consumer packaged goods companies across North America. They provide complex, high-quality graphics for most unsupported film applications in the marketplace, along with research and development expertise in new product design as well as on-site technical support for packaging solutions to ensure consistent, attention-grabbing products in the marketplace. Additionally, CL&D Digital produces short-run, production quality prototypes and promotional samples to help bring products to market quickly with no minimum orders and rapid delivery for companies of all sizes. CL&D is GMP certified by the American Sanitation Institute to print both food contact packaging and non-food contact packaging and their innovations have earned numerous awards and certifications from the Flexible Packaging Association and Great Lakes Graphics Association. “We’re pleased to welcome the CL&D team to ProMach,” said Mark Anderson, ProMach president and CEO. “ProMach is always looking for new and unique ways to bring more value to our customers and CL&D changes that narrative for many of our clients in the flexible packaging space that has wanted a single-source partner who can provide a more complete and total solution including both materials and machinery. This proven model has served us well with our industry-leading brands like ID Technology and I’m confident this will be the case with our flexible packaging partners as we move forward. I am excited to work with the outstanding senior leadership team at CL&D as they continue helping ensure their customers’ products stand out on the store shelves and stand apart from the competition.” Brian Dowling founded CL&D Graphics in 1978 with Ed Flaherty and a single press in a small shop in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His vision of becoming a world-class flexographic printing company continued with his son Michael Dowling, current Chairman and owner. Under his tenure, CL&D has expanded over the last decade into a 24/7 operation, with four locations across Wisconsin and South Carolina operating numerous flexographic and digital presses. “For over forty years, we’ve worked to become the printer of choice for CPG companies across North America,” said Michael Dowling. “From our humble beginnings we’ve grown into one of the premier partners of customers from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, I’m extremely grateful to our employees, without whom none of this would have been possible. From our locations in Hartland, Oconomowoc, and Rock Hill, our terrific team is the reason we’ve been able to help turn my father’s vision into a reality.” Hartland, Wisconsin-based CL&D and it’s over 280 employees are joining the ProMach team. Current CL&D president and CEO Mike Hokanson will join ProMach as Vice President and General Manager. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Mike for the last six-plus years and he has made a huge difference in our strategic vision and direction,” added Michael Dowling. “I look forward to helping support Mike as he leads CL&D forward as part of ProMach. With ProMach, we have a partner that has a strong and well-earned reputation in the packaging machinery marketplace, and they will help us expand our capabilities, accelerate our pace of innovation, and above all else help create additional value for our customers across the United States and Canada. We are looking forward to working with the entire ProMach team to continue this journey we embarked on so long ago.” “The CL&D team excels at helping build brands through packaging, and their strong customer focus and mentality of being easy to do business with is perfectly aligned with ProMach’s philosophy and approach of how we work with our over 55,000 customers across the world,” said Don Deubel, ProMach Senior Vice President, Flexibles & Trays. “CL&D complements a broad range of the ProMach portfolio, capable of partnering with our strong leading product brands like Matrix, Bartelt, FLtècnics, Modern, Axon, P.E. Labellers, Serpa, and more to provide a complete solution to the marketplace with film, labels, machinery, and a full range of support including parts and service. Constant innovation from CL&D and all ProMach product brands means we are able to meet our customers’ current needs as well as anticipate future needs to ensure we are there to support them every step of the way.”
PLASTICS and ACC announce three new members to Elite Operation Clean Sweep blue Status
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and American Chemistry Council (ACC) have announced the addition of three new members to Operation Clean Sweep blue. The elite status is achieved by exceeding rigorous standards set by Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS). OCS is an industry-led campaign dedicated to helping every plastic resin handling operation prevent plastic resin loss. New OCS blue Designees BASF (Florham Park, NJ) DuPont (Wilmington, DE) Eastman (Kingsport, TN) “Creating chemistry for a sustainable future is not just a tagline. We are proud to work with others along the value chain to drive a positive impact, which is why BASF signed on to OCS blue as a clear commitment to pellet loss prevention and protecting the environment,” said Gülay K. Serhatkulu, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials North America, BASF Corporation. “At DuPont, we are committed to a set of bold sustainability goals that are good for our communities and for our planet,” said Alexa Dembek, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, DuPont. “Joining Operation Clean Sweep blue underscores our commitment to best practices in facilities management and operation, including responsible resin handling and pellet containment processes.” “Eastman is committed to accelerating a more circular economy, and as that commitment stimulates product innovation at Eastman, it also inspires us to apply the same principles to our operations,” said Kellye Walker, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Eastman. “By joining Operation Clean Sweep blue, we are underscoring our circularity efforts with our zero-incident mindset approach to safety, ethics, and compliance — driving continual improvement and creating a better circle.” “PLASTICS is proud of managing Operation Clean Sweep. Our industry recognizes the importance of ensuring that plastic is manufactured in a way that seeks to eliminate the loss of resin into the environment,” said Patrick Krieger, Senior Director of Materials and Sustainability at PLASTICS. “This requires coordination across the supply chain and dedication to sharing best practices and interventions. OCS blue reflects a commitment by these organizations to take this a step further seeking to become leaders in this mission. We welcome our newest members to the program and look forward to learning from and with them.” “America’s plastic makers congratulate the latest companies to achieve OCS blue status, and we encourage every company that makes or handles plastic pellets to do the same,” said Joshua Baca, ACC’s vice president of plastics. “Plastics are essential to a safer, cleaner, lower-carbon world – and all of us must work together to keep these advanced materials out of the environment.” The OCS blue achievement demonstrates these three companies’ commitment to preventing plastic from entering the environment or becoming marine debris. By achieving this elite status, these companies are held to a higher standard to eliminate plastic resin loss by conducting site audits, increasing employee awareness, and improving equipment, processes, and procedures at their facilities. For more than 25 years the plastics industry has promoted OCS, a campaign dedicated to helping every plastic resin handling operation prevent plastic resin loss. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) strongly encourage companies to take their commitment – a pledge committing to OCS principles by plastics companies or plastics employees – to the next level.
The Plastic Tax would hurt the economy and the environment
There’s a lot buried in the multitrillion-dollar social spending package currently moving through Congress. One provision under consideration that has largely flown under the radar, is a massive tax that would increase the cost of everyday household goods by over 25% and threaten tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs across America. In the scramble to find “revenue raisers,” the REDUCE Act – introduced earlier this year by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) – is now under serious consideration for inclusion in the “fast-track” reconciliation package. It would impose a massive 20 cent per pound tax on virgin plastic resin. Let me rename the “REDUCE Act” to the “Plastic Tax.” And what, exactly, is the Plastic Tax? On its face, it incentivizes the use of recycled plastics, which is laudable and a goal the plastics industry wholeheartedly supports. For decades, the plastics industry has invested and continues to invest billions of dollars into new and varied recycling technologies and programs at home and abroad. Our industry is constantly innovating to increase the viability of recycling plastics and using recycled plastics in more and more products. This is quite apparent by the expressed goals of the leading consumer brands to incorporate a significant amount of recycled plastic into their products. Unfortunately, the Plastic Tax is by its nature regressive and would be a gut punch to working-class families across the country trying to make ends meet. American households have seen their grocery bills skyrocket in recent months due to record levels of inflation not experienced in decades. The addition of the Plastic Tax would add insult to injury for families just trying to get by because a significant amount of the basic products they purchase at the grocery store would be impacted by this punitive tax. What are some of the items that ultimately would be hit by the Plastic Tax? Everything from personal care products like shampoo and conditioner bottles, deodorant containers, contact lens solution bottles, and many other cosmetic products. There are also condiments including ketchup and mustard, salad dressing, spices, snacks, packaged meats and produce. That’s just to name a few. It wasn’t until after the tax proposal had been introduced that representatives of the plastics industry were even invited to discuss the ramifications of the Plastic Tax. Despite some great bi-partisan successes on our issues in the last Congress, we must question why our industry is now being singled out through punitive legislation. Solid waste and recycling is an issue for all industries. The fact remains, a recycling system is only as strong as its inputs and capacity to process those inputs. One of the biggest problems with the Plastic Tax is that there simply isn’t enough supply of recycled plastic available to meet even current demand, let alone once the tax kicks in. This is because there is not sufficient recycling infrastructure. That would make the Plastic Tax simply unavoidable and felt by tens of thousands of workers in the plastic supply chain down to consumers of common everyday products. Despite the costs, could the Plastic Tax at least achieve environmental goals? No. It’s highly likely consumers will be forced to use alternative materials due to increased plastic costs. Before passing a proposal like this, I strongly urge the consideration of the unintended environmental consequences. Replacing plastic with paper, glass, and metal would deplete more resources and emit more carbon emissions. For example, a British study found that replacing all plastic water bottles used globally with glass would increase emissions equivalent to adding 22 coal-fired power plants. And that is just one product. Additionally, a Danish study found an organic cotton tote bag needs to be used 20,000 times to offset its overall impact on production. That equates to daily use for 54 years for a single bag. The Plastic Tax has an expansive economic and environmental scope that would affect every American in both the short and long term. At the very least it deserves an open discussion involving lawmakers, environmental groups, and industry stakeholders. Unfortunately, that has not occurred. There hasn’t been a single hearing. There hasn’t been a single witness called. There has been no oversight by Members of Congress whose constituents could be devastated by the size and scope of this proposal. The massive Plastic Tax is clearly not ready for prime time. About the Author: Tony Radoszewski is president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and has over 40 years of experience within the plastics industry.