Packaging World January 2022 by PMMIMediaGroup

REPACKAGING THE FUTURE. ONE INNOVATION AT A TIME.

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All Signs Point Up For Leaders in Packaging 56

Kraft Heinz’s New Closures Ease Recycling 86

Maker’s Mark Bottling Line Boosts QC 130

P&G Bottles Use Chemically Recycled PCR 138

New Balance D2C Packs Go Durable, Returnable 154

New Products on Pages

PACK EXPO Las Vegas Innovations Report

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REPACKAGING THE FUTURE ONE INNOVATION AT A TIME

From engineered ﬁber-based primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, to automation that optimizes your supply chain, our innovations are reshaping the future of packaging and enabling you to meet your operational goals without compromising productivity.

SUSTAINABLE. AUTOMATED. CONNECTED. westrock.com/automated

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12/15/21 11:05 AM

Together under one roof: Six of the most iconic names in packaging machinery. Doboy. Elematic. Kliklok. Osgood. Sigpack. Woodman. For more than 75 years, our companies have provided packaging machinery to the producers of everyday trusted brands. Today, as Syntegon Technology, we offer a one-stop shop for everything from standalone machines to complete manufacturing systems — from processing to packaging — with a world-class service team to back it up.

Inquiries +1 (770) 981-5200 connectwithus@syntegon.com www.syntegon.com/food

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Our Leaders in Packaging program, now a Packaging World institution, once again recognizes the many innovative supply-side companies in the packaging community.

FEATURES 46 In-house CMYK Case Printing for CPG Companies By combining a sophisticated understanding of inks with the latest in ink-jet print engines, GSI and IP are bringing in-house, on-line CMYK Case printing to the packaging line.

56 Kraft Heinz Ketchup Packaging Adopts New Dispensing Valve Tech Iconic Heinz Ketchup recently received a valve closure makeover. An award-winning valve system, one that’s more easily recycled than its predecessor, can now be found in several Kraft Heinz brands.

60 Pet Food Co-packer is First with Retort Cartons NaturPak Pet meets consumer preferences for less-processed, natural pet food in sustainable packaging by building its contract packaging/ manufacturing business on retort carton technology.

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72 High-Speed PET Water Line Efficiently Quenches Baghdad’s Thirst From Baghdad, Iraq, where keeping hydrated in an arid, sunny climate is essential, comes an interesting high-speed, high-efficiency waterbottling project. With a speed of 48,000 bottles/ hour (bph), the line, installed by Sidel, achieves 96% OEE.

76 Syngas: A Transformative Technology for Waste Circularity Single-use plastics aren’t the problem; viewing mechanical recycling as the only solution is. The Consortium for Waste Circularity says waste-to-syngas technology has the potential to fundamentally transform waste handling.

86 Maker’s Mark Ups Its Packaging Game When it came time for a packaging line upgrade, this well-known producer of bourbon tackled filling and capping first—coding, inspection, and case sealing quickly followed.

1/6/22 2:31 PM

THERE IS AN EASIER WAY. For customers. And for you. Efficient adhesive application solutions are particularly important in e-commerce. We will show them to you exclusively at the virtual Robatech Solutions Showcase from March 15 to March 17, 2022. Scan the QR code now and register. robatech.com/solutions-showcase

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12/23/21 5:51 AM

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FEATURES 92 Big Boost for Compostable Molded Pulp? Transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging is now widely accepted as a global imperative, and that transition may have gotten a big boost thanks to a recently announced collaboration.

98 Bagger Helps Dry Milk Packager Meet Food Bank Demand

154

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 Innovations Report PMMI Media Group editors scoured the exhibits at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 to report on the latest and greatest packaging breakthroughs.

156 MACHINERY 198 SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING 212 CONTROLS 228 ROBOTICS 240 PHARMA & MEDICAL DEVICE

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With a new contract to serve increasing food pantry needs amid the pandemic, the maker of ready-to-eat foods and various powdered products chose a vf/f/s bagger and auger combination to help improve efficiency as well as sanitation.

104 AUTOMATION Linear Servo Track System Allows Production-on-Demand for Liquid Filling Once-futuristic concepts like mass customization and batch-size-one are evolving from impossibilities to realities, and consumers accustomed to engaging with e-commerce platforms are now expecting a customized consumer experience. With the help of a track system from B&R, this Polish OEM is building machines that let liquid products CPGs, like cosmetics or pharma companies, make short and specialized product runs practical.

114 Automation Drives Danone Yogurt Multipacks in Mexico

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124 Tesco Taking the Lead on Sustainable Packaging Choices for U.K. Suppliers Brands who want space in this top U.K. retailer’s stores need to comply with preferred packaging material and format suggestions, which are driven by material recyclability.

130 P&G Herbal Essences PET Bottles Now 50% Molecularly Recycled PCR Herbal Essences will be the first P&G brand to use Eastman Renew molecular-recycled plastic in its packaging.

138 Durable, Reusable Sampling Packs Reduce Waste, Improve Brand Experience New Balance Team Sports made the leap from traditional kraft corrugated in D2C sampling and sizing returns to a durable, reusable PET fabric pack. It’s branding makes a nice impression and distinguishes it from other shippers, all the while being more sustainable.

148 Fresenius Kabi Goes Above and Beyond DSCSA Requirements With the support and standards of GS1 US, the pharmaceutical manufacturer fulfills customer needs for an additional system to ensure safe use of medication on a unit-of-use level.

Festo and Hybernya Industrial develop an end-of-line automated packaging solution for multipacks for Danone and Danup yogurts in Mexico.

253 SPECIAL SECTION Leaders in Packaging 2022 Welcome to Packaging World’s 2022 Leaders in Packaging (LIP) program. This is our thirteenth year of formally recognizing the many innovative companies that supply packaging machinery, materials, and services for successful packaging operations and initiatives.

1/6/22 2:31 PM

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12/29/21 9:11 AM

6 PW JAN2022

DEPARTMENTS 10

packworld.com VIDEO

COLUMNS

Maker’s Mark Boosts QC on Wax-Dipped Bottle

9 Lead Off 36 The Legal Side 38 The Big Picture 40 Sustainable Packaging 458 Shelf Impact! 462 Industry Watch 468 Professional Perspective

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NEWS/EVENTS

OEM Incorporates Linear Servo Track

10 News 26 Quotables/By the Numbers 28

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28 First Person PRODUCTS

12 Automation Technology 1 464 Technology

ADVERTISING

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466 Advertiser Index

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Aladin Alkhawam Director, Packaging Operations, Par Pharmaceutical

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Jan Brücklmeier Technical Application Group Packaging Technology Expert, Nestlé

Get Started with Sustainable Packaging

Patrick Keenan R&D Packaging Engineer, General Mills/Annie’s Organic Snacks Mike Marcinkowski Global R&D Officer, GPA Global & Hub Folding Box Co. Paul Schaum Chief Operations Officer, Pretzels Inc. David Smith, PhD Principal, David S. Smith & Associates

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Brian Stepowany Packaging R&D, Senior Manager, B&G Foods, Inc. Jasmine Sutherland President, Texas Food Solutions; Vice President, Perfect Fit Meals

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www.packworld.com/leaders

Packaging World® (ISSN # 1073-7367) is a registered trademark of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Packaging World® is published monthly by PMMI with its publishing office, PMMI Media Group, located at 401 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60611; 312.222.1010; Fax: 312.222.1310. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL, and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2022 by PMMI. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication must not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Applications for a free subscription may be made online at www.packworld.com/subscribe. Paid subscription rates per year are $254 in the U.S., $363 Canada and Mexico by surface mail; $605 Europe and South America; $907 Far East, Australia, and other countries by air mail. Single copy price in U.S. is $20. To subscribe or manage your subscription to Packaging World, visit Packworld.com/subscribe. Free digital edition available to qualified individuals outside the United States. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to Packaging World®, 401 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60611. PRINTED IN USA by Quad. The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of PMMI. Comments, questions and letters to the editor are welcome and can be sent to: editors@packworld.com. Mailing List: We make a portion of our mailing list available to reputable firms. If you would prefer that we don’t include your name, please write us at the Chicago, IL address.

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1/10/22 10:40 AM

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12/29/21 9:14 AM

8 PW JAN2022

EDITORIAL Matt Reynolds Chief Editor Iris Zavala Managing Editor Anne Marie Mohan Senior Editor @PackagingTrends Natalie Craig Features Editor Jim Chrzan Vice President, Content and Brand Strategy Kim Overstreet Senior Content Strategist, Alignment Pat Reynolds, Sterling Anthony, Eric F. Greenberg, Ben Miyares Contributing Editors

ART David Bacho Creative Director

AUDIENCE & DIGITAL Elizabeth Kachoris Senior Director, Digital and Data Jen Krepelka Director, Websites + UX/UI

ADVERTISING Wendy Sawtell Vice President, Sales • wsawtell@pmmimediagroup.com Lara Krieger Production Manager • lkrieger@pmmimediagroup.com Kelly Greeby Senior Director, Client Success & Media Operations Alicia Pettigrew Director, Product Strategy

PMMI MEDIA GROUP Joseph Angel President, Publisher David Newcorn Executive Vice President Sharon Taylor Director, Marketing Amber Miller Senior Marketing Manager Janet Fabiano Financial Services Manager Lloyd Ferguson Founding Partner

Packaging World • PMMI Media Group

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PMMI The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies 12930 Worldgate Dr., Suite 200, Herndon VA, 20170 Phone: 571/612-3200 • Fax: 703/243-8556 • Web: www.pmmi.org

Staff at PMMI Media Group can be contacted at info@pmmimediagroup.com

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12/28/21 3:07 PM

LEAD OFF

COMPLETE

Things Are Looking Up As I sit down to type this, it’s 10°F in Chicago, it’s dark by 4:30 p.m., the Bears are in year 37 of their rebuild, and I’m quarantining with COVID-19. I’m lucky and relieved to have an extremely mild case (thanks booster), likely the vaccine-defying Omicron variant, but it’s still pretty dreary around here. Even so, I can’t help but feel optimistic about the coming year. Things are really looking up in the U.S. for both packagers and their suppliers, as the cover of this magazine indicates. I’m not just waking up to this feeling, either. At PMMI’s Annual Meeting this past November, Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics said he was highly optimistic about the U.S.’s near and long-term economic future, particularly as it pertains to packaging. “Manufacturing in this nation is strong. It’s vibrant,” Beaulieu says. “We are going to see manufacturing continue to grow and forecast record levels of output in this country in about a year.” He emphasized that while a global pandemic roiled markets with uncertainty, CPGs and their OEM and materials suppliers have weathered the storm well, and that some of the worrying around supply chains has been overwrought. We’re still on and will continue to be on, through most of 2022, the lucrative side of the four-year cycle. Because of government stimulus and consumer spending, the supply chain issue, Beaulieu says, is not a result of companies falling behind in the production of goods. Instead, consumers bought more and continue to buy more than they previously did. As the stimulus and unemployment checks dry up, the supply chain will stabilize. “This is a demand problem, not a supply chain problem,” he said. “As demand eases, you see the supply chain delivering more, then all of a sudden, the situation works its way out, and prices will reflect that [with lowering inflation].” Right on cue for this column, a January 4 article penned by Lucia Mutikani for Reuters Business News titled “U.S. manufacturing catches breath; supply logjam starting to break up,” had this to say: “U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in December amid a cooling in demand for goods, but supply constraints are starting to ease and a measure of prices paid for inputs by factories fell by the most in a decade. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) survey on Tuesday [January 4] also suggested some improvement in labor supply, with a gauge of factory employment rising to an eight-month high.” Speaking of supply chains, I recently caught a segment on American Public Media’s Marketplace (check out pwgo.to/7442 for PW’s segment on the show) about Atlanta-based PMMI Member Veritiv, relating supply chains that are primarily within the U.S. are healthy. “Our phones have been ringing off the hook with customers saying, ‘I can’t get the packaging I need for my holiday orders.’ So we’ve been really active around that recently,” Dan Calderwood, a SVP at Veritiv told Marketplace producer Nancy Marshall-Genzer, mentioning that sales were up about 11% through the third quarter of 2021. Things are looking up.

PACKAGING SYSTEM

FOR BAR PRODUCT

BUILT TO PERFORM

Welcome Packaging World Features Editor Natalie Craig Last month this column space was used by my predecessor Pat Reynolds to bid farewell, though we haven’t heard the last of him. Even with Pat’s departure, a new reason to be optimistic at Packaging World is that we’re bringing quickly emerging talent into the fold. And Natalie Craig is no stranger to packaging. She spent the last six years reporting on the latest technologies and business issues Natalie Craig for packaging and processing machine builders at OEM Magazine, where PW Features Editor, Senior Editor Anne Marie Mohan and I worked closely with her. Packaging World “I am thrilled to join Packaging World,” she says. “I can’t wait to start reporting on the latest packaging materials and designs while continuing to field stories about controls, equipment, and the very things that keep this industry moving forward at a time where innovation is essential.” Natalie will be Features Editor here at PW and Editor of CONTRACT Manufacturing and Packaging. And here’s a kicker. In 2020, Natalie was recognized by FOLIO: as one of the Top Women in Media. Hey, I’d say things are looking up indeed. PW mreynolds@pmmimediagroup.com

Learn More | Watch Videos

847-437-1427 | pmikyoto.com

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NEWS

Blueland Adds to Plastic-Free Laundry Products Lineup Called by eco-friendly, sustainable e-commerce household cleaning brand Blueland the “must-have laundry companion for everyone looking to eliminate single-use plastic from their laundry routine,” the company’s new Oxi Laundry Booster and Dryer Balls duo employs packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or both. And, when paired with its reusable Forever Tin, its laundry booster powder ticks all the eco-friendly boxes. The new products, launched in mid-August 2021, expands on Blueland’s Laundry Starter Set, which comprises 40 laundry tablets, packaged in a compostable pouch, along with one steel Forever Tin that can be used to store the “naked” tablets, protecting them from moisture and humidity. Following receipt of the first Starter Set, refills are available in the pouch.

Unlike many better-for-you and better-for-the-planet brands, Blueland was created to address household cleaning product packaging first, with its eco-friendly, clean-ingredient products formulated to support that mission—versus product first, packaging often an afterthought. Explains founder and CEO Sarah Paiji Yoo, “My journey to use singleuse plastic began when I became a new mom. I was horrified to learn that all the plastic I was throwing away was contaminating our water supply and generating hundreds of microplastics in the water and food I was feeding my baby. I wanted to do my part to help, but it was impossible to find household products like window cleaner, lotion, and toothpaste that didn’t come packaged in plastic. From there, Blueland was born.” In its mission to create more sustainable packaging, Blueland is not

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Read a related article on Blueland’s household cleaning products in reusable Forever Bottles at pwgo.to/7380. only eliminating single-use packaging, but also reducing the amount of packaging needed, by formulating its products without water. As noted, its laundry detergent comes in a tablet form, the laundry booster, in a powder. Says Paiji Yoo, all ingredients in Blueland’s products are “safe for your family and the planet.” The fragrance-free Oxi Laundry Booster is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning it is non-animal tested, and is made without phosphates, parabens, chlorine bleach, dyes, or petroleum-based chemicals. Its Dryer Balls, designed as a low-waste alternative to single-use dryer sheets, are made from 100% New Zealand wool and can be reused up to 1,000 times. As with the Laundry Starter Set, the laundry booster powder comes in a compostable three-layer pouch constructed of stain-resistant paper, metallized cellophane, and compostable film. All layers are made from compostable materials in accordance with EN13432 and ASTM D6400/ASTM D6866 standards. Explains Paiji Yoo, “To ensure proper performance, our team has worked closely with our supplier [proprietary] to do extensive testing to ensure the packaging can withstand even the most extreme conditions without any damage to the product inside the pouch.” The product starter set comes with a 17.64-ozcapacity cylindrical steel Forever Tin that holds 500 g of the powdered product, or one pouch-full. The container lid is designed to help consumers portion out the right amount of powder; one capful is enough for one full load of laundry. The tin, like the one for the laundry detergent tablets, is decorated in a soothing, solid pastel color that matches the brand’s aesthetics. From start to finish, says Paiji Yoo, Blueland’s packaging design is led by the company’s internal product development team. “Where relevant, we bring in experts in industrial design, engineering, and manufacturing to make sure our product is not only beautiful, but also easy to use and manufacturable,” she adds. The pouch and tin are shipped in a recyclable, corrugated case, as are the dryer balls, which require no additional packaging. Since the launch of its new laundry products, Blueland has added another plastic-free option in the household cleaning category: a toilet bowl cleaner in tablet form that acts like “a bath bomb for your toilet.” The new, mildformula product, in a Lemon Cedar scent, uses the same successful packaging strategy as its laundry products, with a compostable pouch and an oblong steel container, perfect for the toilet top, that holds 14 tablets. Blueland’s Oxi Laundry Booster Starter Set is available for $18; refills are $12 per pouch. The Dryer Ball Starter Set, which comes in a set of three, is also $18. The Toilet Cleaner Starter Set is $20, with a 14-tablet refill pouch priced at $14. According to Blueland’s website—which tracks the company’s environmental impact in real-time—at presstime, it had diverted more than 1.9 billion single-use plastic bottles from landfills and oceans since its launch in 2019. —Anne Marie Mohan

1/3/22 11:50 AM

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11/30/21 9:17 3:45AM PM 12/29/21

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NEWS

Lieb Cellars Breaks from the Bottle for Premium Bag-in-box Wines Dispensing good red wine, for a romantic dinner, from a plastic bag? The mere thought makes wine drinkers’ cringe. But Lieb Cellars, based in Suffolk County, N.Y., says that shouldn’t be the case. The brand is demonstrating that premium wine can also be packaged in alternative packaging formats, like flexible bag-inbox, cans, and even kegs too. Lieb Cellars offers six wine varietals of its Bridge Lane label in 3-L bag-in-box packaging, supplied by Rapak®, part of TriMas Packaging. The company says this flexible packaging solution is not only a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to glass bottles, but it also protects the wine optimally in the many-touch world of e-commerce and extends the product’s shelf life. This is important since the winery has experienced increased demand from the e-commerce sector, particularly after the onset of the pandemic. “This type of packaging is easier to handle in terms of logistics,” says Ami Opisso, General Manager at Lieb Cellars. “It not only requires less sourcing of materials than bottled wine [bag and corrugated only vs. bottle, label, corrugated, and cap], but glass bottles can break during shipment to direct-to-consumer (D2C) customers. With bag-in-box, we see almost no breakage.” Still, the company quickly realized that it was not satisfied with the quality of its former bag supplier. So Lieb Cellers turned to Rapak, which offers a wide range of barrier film technologies to protect liquids from UV light and oxidation. Films include multilayer coextruded oxygen and moisture barrier films, laminated high performance metalized substrates, and the newest product offering, a coextruded Nylon-EVOH film available in 1.5-L, 3-L, and 5-L sizes. “We understand how important the shelf life of premium wine

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products is. For Lieb Cellars, we used a specially designed NylonEVOH coextruded film for their bag-in-box solution, which provides excellent oxygen barrier and high puncture resistance,” says Ken Micnerski, Retail Channel Manager, Wine and Oil, at Rapak. The bag-in-box wine format compares favorably to bottled wine in other respects, too, according to Rapak. The product contact surface of the film was designed to be taste-neutral and retain the important aromas and notes of the wine. The film was also engineered with the best flex crack resistance to protect the highquality product during transport. The film in combination with the iTap dispensing tap, a high flow one or two finger dispense tap, provides excellent oxygen barrier, good directional flow, and easy dosing by the consumer. With bag-in-box, wine remains fresh even four to six weeks after opening. Sustainability was another consideration in choosing this particular bag-in-box application. In 2018, Lieb Cellars became certified sustainable by Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing, and packaging wines in eco-friendly containers, like bag-in-box, that greatly reduces carbon footprint, is an important initiative. Bag-in-box weighs less than a glass bottle, so up to 20% in energy costs can be saved during transport. The box is made of cardboard and is therefore 100% recyclable. “These are the same high-quality wines that our customers have come to know and love in glass bottles. But with the new packaging solution, they can pour themselves a glass of wine on day one and, thanks to the dispenser and product-protecting film, it still tastes fresh after 30 days,” Opisso concludes. “We are very pleased that the collaboration with Rapak has been so successful.” —Matt Reynolds

1/10/22 10:35 AM

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21/12/2021 13:35:47 12/29/21 9:18 AM

14 PW JAN2022

NEWS

Lagunitas, Blue Moon Test Glass “Flight Pack” Concept O-I Glass, Inc. announced the release of the Drinktainer™, which it says is an innovative, recyclable drinking vessel engineered for bars, restaurants, and taprooms to differentiate to-go service with a container that captures the on-premise experience allowing bars & restaurants to fill a single-serve container with draft, or fresh cocktails, that would typically be limited to on-premise consumption. The company says its Drinktainer blends the sensory experience of a glass with the convenience of drinking straight from the glass bottle, with a wider opening to allow a deeper flavor, freshness, and aroma, replicating the on-premise experience.

O-I Glass says the new beverage packaging format is already experiencing success among cocktail and draft pilot programs and is now available commercially to bars, restaurants, and breweries actively seeking a packaging option to offer draft experience while maintaining flexibility and portability to elevate their to-go beverage options. Lagunitas and Blue Moon were two of the first national breweries to begin experimenting with the Drinktainer pack format. Packaging World editors handled examples of both at the Craft Brewing Conference in Denver last September. “Our Flight Packs offer beer fans a unique way to bring the taproom tasting experience home,” says Mark Puente, Director of Retail Operations for Lagunitas. “So instead of just bringing one or two beers to go, the Flight Packs allow our consumers to explore our wide range of IPAs that are typically only ever available in our TapRoom. The at-home flight is enhanced by the wide-mouth Drinktainer format, which resembles the aromatic and tasting experience of our 10-ounce mason jar.” “Drinktainer creates a new level of function for the drink-to-go category designed for fresh cocktails, or beer straight from the draft, in a

sealable container,” adds Sarah Brennan, Market Director for O-I. “The Drinktainer creates a single-serve vessel that removes the barriers of traditional containers to deliver the ultimate consumption experience, unlocking the beverage’s aromatic potential straight from the packaging—no extra glass needed.” For brewers, restaurants, and bars, the Drinktainer introduces a new size for to-go beer in an easily fillable and sealable container that offers single-serve variety and flexibility that according to the company, cannot be matched by other to-go packaging options, such as crowlers that limit enjoyment of flavor and aroma. And the recyclable glass packaging eliminates waste scenarios that have been associated with the proliferation of plastic to-go containers. O-I offers a taproom-ready, manually operated packaging device for applying the rip-cap closure. “Glass is infinitely recyclable, and the innovative design of the Drinktainer™ enables it to be recycled locally along with other glass bottles and jars,” Brennan says. “Glass is pure and inert, meaning the Drinktainer maintains the natural flavor of your favorite beverage while offering flexibility of choice that cannot be addressed in larger container forms.” For consumers, the Drinktainer introduces options for selecting multiple drafts in single-serve, RTD containers. They only need to pull the rip-cap to open, and the wide-mouth Drinktainer gives a full-sensory, aromatic beverage experience.

O-I tapped the Drinktainer as the flagship of its Catalyst Collection. This new collection is engineered to capture the character of brands and embody them in a physical shape. O-I says bottles in the Catalyst collection will spark an emotional connection with consumers that creates lasting brand loyalty. —Matt Reynolds

Bart Watson, Chief Economist for the Brewers Association, explains how the Craft Brewery industry is weathering the pandemic, material shortages, and increasing competition from other beverage sectors. Visit pwgo.to/7384 to read more.

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1/3/22 11:52 AM

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12/29/21 9:23 AM

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NEWS

Amazon Invests in Fit-to-Size Boxmaking Equipment Company Amazon has announced that The Climate Pledge Fund—a corporate venture capital fund that invests in companies that can accelerate Amazon’s path to meeting The Climate Pledge commitment—is investing in CMC Machinery, a company with technology that makes custom-sized boxes that eliminate the need for single-use plastic packaging. The Climate Pledge, which has been signed by more than 200 businesses worldwide, is a $2 billion venture investment program created to back companies building products, technologies, and services that will enable Amazon and other companies to accelerate their path to net-zero carbon. “We’re proud to invest in these innovative technologies through The Climate Pledge Fund, and we continue to search for and identify revolutionary companies that are uniquely positioned to help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy,” says Kara Hurst, Vice President and head of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon. “These companies span multiple industries and offer new pathways for Amazon to achieve the goals of The Climate Pledge, a commitment co-founded by Amazon and Global

Optimism for companies to become net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.” CMC Machinery’s technology designs and manufactures custom-sized boxes tailored to the dimensions of the items in each order. This results in accurately sized packages that eliminate the need for single-use plastic padding while still protecting items during shipping. Amazon expects that by the end of 2022, the technology could reduce the cubic volume for each box by 24% on average, and the technology is projected to reduce the use of approximately 1 billion plastic air pillows by the end of 2022. Says Francesco Ponti, CEO and Strategic Business Development Director of CMC Machinery, “This investment further strengthens our long-standing partnership with Amazon and our shared commitment in reducing the environmental impact related to e-commerce packaging. We are proud that our technology has become a true activator of The Climate Pledge and contributes to the transition toward a carbon-neutral future.” —Anne Marie Mohan

Chobani Dips Toes into Paper Packaging Trend Chobani says its new paper cup marks a milestone in its efforts to reduce plastic use and put more sustainable packaging on shelves across America. Chobani’s new product innovations—oatmilk, cold brew coffee, and coffee creamers—already come in paper-based packaging that is recyclable. After two years of development, the brand moved its oat yogurt into a paper-based cup. But the company says it won’t stop there—it will continue exploring more sustainable packaging across its portfolio that will use less plastic and more paper. “We all have a role to play in protecting our planet,” says Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya. “People have been asking for a paper cup, and we welcome this challenge to start reducing our plastic use, and to spark a conversation about how we can drive change together.”

In a media quiet period after filing for an IPO (read more at pwgo.to/7440), Chobani didn’t field further questions about this paper pack. Chobani’s paper cup is 80% paperboard, made from responsibly sourced and renewable materials. The cup has a thin plastic lining to maintain the quality of the product. “While this paper cup is a step in the right direction, it’s just the beginning,” says Ulukaya. The cup will be made of recyclable materials, but Chobani executives are realistic about the complexities of American’s recycling system, which is fragmented across more than 10,000 municipal-run recycling centers, each with unique rules.

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Innovative packaging often challenges the current recycling capabilities across the U.S. As part of its work in bringing this cup to market, the brand says it will continue collaborating with partners, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and policymakers to advocate for improvements that expand the recycling infrastructure in this country. Fans started finding Chobani’s paper cup in the yogurt aisle at the end of 2021, beginning with single-serve Chobani Oat Blend. —Matt Reynolds

1/3/22 11:52 AM

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NEWS

Nutifood’s NuVi Differentiates Dairy in Crowded Aisle When launching a series of child- and teen-targeted drinking milk products that aim to boost nutrition and catch the modern consumer’s eye, locally famous Vietnamese food company Nutifood chose Ecolean aseptic packs.

“We choose Ecolean because it has a unique value proposition offering an innovative packaging, which is convenient to use, standing out in display and at the same time offers world-class food safety. It is both flexible and durable,” Anh says. “Today’s consumers also take sustainability into account when thinking about the product or brand that they are going to buy. Ecolean packaging is standing out in that value as well.” According to the company, Ecolean packages are lightweight, almost half in weight compared to many traditional packaging formats and contain up to 35% chalk. Using fewer raw materials from the start saves energy during production, transport, and waste handling. The packages can also be completely flattened, minimizing food waste, and using less space in the waste bin.

Vietnamese Diary Market Snapshot

“We are confident that the new launch of our product in Ecolean packaging will create a good opportunity for our brand to stand out in the market,” says Võ Hoàng Anh, Vice President Marketing, Nutifood. “To ensure nutritional value in our products, which is especially important when you offer products to kids and teens, we work very closely with our institute in Sweden called Nutifood Nutrition Research Institute (NNRIS).” Nutifood launches Ecolean’s aseptic packages in 125-mL and 250-mL sizes, with both flavored milk and white milk, the latter imported from New Zealand.

According to Euromonitor International, Vietnamese consumers are becoming more aware of the effects of nutrition and the welfare and development of their children. Products targeted at children are being developed in terms of content and packaging in dairy products in Vietnam. Manufacturers will now attempt to differentiate their products and may opt for differentiating packaging types so as to stand out from the crowd as differentiation based on packaging size will prove difficult. Also according to Euromonitor, Vietnamese consumers view dairy products as a source of nutrition, which is the reason for the continued growth of the category. The total retail size of dairy packaging in Vietnam increased by 10% in 2020 to reach 13.4 billion units and are projected to rise at an 11% CAGR to reach 22.8 billion units in 2025. —Matt Reynolds

Paperboard Fruit Carriers Canada’s Niagara Orchard & Vineyard Corp., located in Virgil, Ontario, just completed its first season-long trial of paperboard carriers in place of thermoformed PET containers for fresh fruit. “We tried a similar paper package about 10 years ago, but it just didn’t hold up,” says Sales Manager Spenser Greenfield. “But now with so many retailers and consumers trying to move away from single-use plastic packaging, we wanted to sit down with WestRock to figure out how to make it work, and WestRock had a lot of good ideas.” The WestRock auto-erect carriers are part of WestRock’s EverGrow™ Fiber-Based Produce Packaging Collection. The formats used by Niagara include 1.5-, 2-, 3-, or 5-L sizes. They’re made of 24-pt Coated Natural Kraft and are printed by WestRock in six colors. Niagara has used them for plums, pears, nectarines, peaches, and grapes. Growers order the paperboard carriers from Niagara, which then ships them out as knocked-down flat blanks in 200-count corrugated shippers. Operators in packing sheds

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open and fill each carrier and then put 10 carriers into a master corrugated shipper for distribution into retail channels. Greenfield acknowledges that until Niagara increases the number of these paperboard carriers it uses, they do cost a little more than the PET thermoforms they replace. But he expects the cost to be closer to parity once volumes increase. In the meantime, he says consumers like the new format. And Niagara likes the way that the high-impact graphics showcase the fruit in-store. —Pat Reynolds

1/3/22 11:53 AM

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20 PW JAN2022

NEWS

On-Trend Superfood Mushrooms Get Sustainable Packaging Upgrade Om Mushroom Superfood, a producer of functional mushroom foods, beverages, and supplements, unveiled new biodegradable, multi-serve package format for its line of functional beverages. Om’s Hot Chocolate Blend, Coffee Blend, Matcha Latte Blend, and Coffee Latte Blend invite consumers to make mushrooms a daily habit that only requires diluting product in hot water prior to consumption. The four functional beverages are now available in a biodegradable, 30-serving canister that gives consumers an eco-friendly alternative to single-serve packaging. The approachable, colorful, and easy to understand packaging is size-optimized and designed to minimize environmental impact, according to the company. The cannister from The Paper Tube Co. is entirely paperboard with an added, removable food safe pouch. “In order to keep the canister recyclable, we chose not to add a metalized film but rather a removable pouch to hold our mushroom powders,” says Adam Ziegelman, VP of Marketing at Om Mushroom Superfood. “The pouch itself is made from at least 30% PCR material while still affording a two-year shelf life for our products.” Each of the canister SKUs use an offset printed top sheet with CMYK colors, plus two pantones for a total of six colors. “We are super pleased with the way our branding and color palette is highlighted with the canister design,” says Ziegelman. “The fact that the canister has a round shape in a sea of boxed packages further distinguishes them from the rest.” The tubes can be recycled in the same, regular recycling stream as any other paperboard or fiber-based packaging. The biodegradable lamination on the tubes helps the finish break down and the paper breaks down as normal virgin pulp paper would. There are no additional layers or laminates that need to be removed from the tube for any reason, the company says, and it can be recycled as is and it will break down without any additional efforts needed from customers. “While the tube itself does not have a biodegradable certification—we are looking into this—the lamination is what is biodegradable,” says Ziegelman. “It has a substance in it that once activated, eats away at the finish to dissolve it.” Additionally, Om Mushroom Superfood has optimized the packaging for its 10-count box of individual LDPE drink sachets with a foil barrier from K1 Packaging, which are now made using 40% less plastic and 100% recycled content paperboard. “They are using a different material (PPFP) instead of White cosmetic web. The PPFP doesn’t contain the PET layer that the old sachets did,” says Ziegelman. “The construction of the new sachets consists of two LDPE layers, one foil layer, and one paper layer called 35# C1S. This new sachet construction ultimately uses significantly less (40% less) plastic than the original sachets.” Sachets are flexographically printed in a six-color process. —Matt Reynolds

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1/3/22 11:59 AM

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12/29/21 9:28 AM

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NEWS

Clemson Announces Fall 2021 Packaging Science Award Winners From Clemson University comes news about two 2021 awards. Henry Lopez won the Robert Testin Outstanding Packaging Science Senior Award for Fall 2021, and Michaela Gibson received the Packaging World Outstanding Senior Award for Fall 2021. Outstanding Packaging Science Senior Award winner for Fall 2021 Henry Lopez is a senior at Clemson University majoring in Packaging Science with an emphasis area in package design and graphics. Lopez strongly values building meaningful relationships with people, and one of his professional goals is to practice being an empathetic leader. In the summer of 2018 (June 2018 to August 2018), Lopez worked as a Packaging Intern at Pratt Industries in Simpsonville, S.C. After completing this internship, he was certain that he had chosen the right major. This experience revealed to him that packaging science combines his interests in engineering, graphic design, and marketing. In January 2020, Lopez began his six-month co-op (end in July 2020) at Campbell Soup Company in Camden, N.J. As a packaging engineer coop, his projects exposed him to a wide range of packaging materials. In the Fall semester of 2020, he joined the creative inquiry team at Clemson University that works with Clemson Football to develop recruitment mail for football prospects. Lopez designed packaging structures for multiple mailers, which is currently used by the Clemson University Athletic Department. Lopez graduated in December 2021 and hopes to secure a job as a Packaging Designer at a branding/design agency. Packaging World Outstanding Packaging Science Senior winner for Fall 2021 Michaela Gibson is a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science student in Packaging Science at Clemson University. Michaela graduated with a bachelor’s degree in December 2021, and she will remain at Clemson University to continue working on a master’s in Packaging Science. Throughout her undergraduate career, Michaela has focused her studies on flexible packaging, and she has worked as a student research assistant at the flexible packaging lab oncampus for three years. In 2020, she completed a co-op with Printpack in Atlanta where she assisted with trials focused on improving recyclability or compostability of existing packages. Michaela plans to concentrate her future research on improving the mechanical properties of biodegradable films used for packaging. After completing her master’s degree, Michaela hopes to work in a research and development-based role, focusing on biodegradable and compostable films. PW

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NEWS

Two Brand Startups Awarded 0.5 Million Closures Each For the third year in a row, Silgan Closures has awarded two lucky startups with a bounty of caps—up to 500,000 stock closures, to be exact—in its 2021 Free Closures for Year Contest. The contest first launched in 2019 as a way to promote Silgan’s stock closure program while giving fledgling brands a hand-up with their ventures. Along with the closures, the winners also receive consumer insights on their products from Datassential Scores. The first winner is PRO.J, a functional beverage that combines protein with orange juice. PRO.J was developed by Dr. Nathan Feldman and Daniel Schapiro, founders of EB Performance, along with partner Steve Rittmanic, as a premium beverage hybrid that integrates the best qualities of traditional protein/meal replacement, bottled orange juice, and natural refreshment drinks. Scheduled to launch in early in 2022 in select Florida retailers as well as on Amazon and on the brand’s website, PRO.J is packaged in a shelf-stable, 16-oz hot-fill PET bottle from Amcor. Topping the bottle is a Silgan 38 VSI hot-fill closure. Research from Datassential Scores on the brand indicates that PRO.J is unique enough to really differentiate itself. According to the report, millennials and foodies gave it a high purchase intent score.

The second winner is VUE Vitamin Tea, created by Mike Luehrsen, Gordie Gronkowski, and Riley Didion. The partners’ goal in formulating VUE was to create the healthiest, cleanest beverage in the marketplace, packaged in the best container for the environment, and tied to a foundation that gives back to the community. VUE Vitamin Teas are packed with antioxidants and are combined with specific vitamins and minerals to boost mental clarity and overall health. The product is hot-fill processed to maintain ingredient integrity and is packaged in a 59-dia, 20-oz Pacific Round aluminum bottle from Trivium, chosen by the VUE team because of its recyclability and reusability. Silgan, the only company in North America to manufacture closures for these containers, will supply VUE’s signature multicolor, confetti-print caps, which represent the different shapes, sizes, and colors of their target market. The cap style is Silgan’s 38 TZS aluminum ROPP closure. VUE is currently sold in four-packs at Boston area retailers and on the brand’s website. Datassential Scores reports that VUE was rated as a top performer for draw, showing stronger purchase intent with men, millennials, families with kids, and foodies. Silgan is accepting entries until March 31, 2022 for its 2022 FCFY contest. Visit https://freeclosuresforayear.com to “throw your cap in the ring.” —Anne Marie Mohan

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1/3/22 12:05 PM

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PACK EXPO East Brings Latest Packaging & Processing Solutions to the East Coast With 400 exhibitors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, PACK EXPO East 2022 (March 21-23, Philadelphia) attendees get the best of both worlds—the ability to see a comprehensive range of packaging and processing technologies yet still have time for personal, productive discussions with suppliers.

March 21-23, 2022 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA USA “Technology and machinery solutions have changed a lot in the two years since PACK EXPO East 2020,” says Laura Thompson, VP, Trade Shows, PMMI. “Our return to Philadelphia is the ideal chance for busy professionals to bring entire project teams by car or train, to see the latest solutions in person.” The biennial event, produced by PMMI, provides professionals from the CPG- and life sciences-rich Northeast corridor access to some mustsee highlights at this year’s show: • The Forum at PACK EXPO (Booth 1026) will feature free, interactive 45-minute open sessions on the latest industry trends by the OpX Leadership Network, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packagers Association, and PMMI Business Intelligence, followed by small group discussions and Q&A sessions. • Free 30-minute seminars on the Innovation Stage (Booth 2226) offer ample opportunity for attendees to learn about breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches from the experts themselves. • The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network reception invites all interested industry professionals to a networking reception on Tuesday, March 22, starting at 3:00 p.m. after the show floor closes, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. • The Workforce Development Pavilion is a one-stop shop for resources to strengthen and grow the workforce. Learn about PMMI U offerings, including popular training workshops. PMMI Partner Schools will present mechatronics, packaging and processing offerings, and attendees and exhibitors can meet students interested in careers in the industry. • The Association Partner Pavilion houses leading associations dedicated to advancing the packaging and processing industry, offering significant resources, insights, and expertise all in one central location. After a highly successful PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 led the way in bringing the industry together again, PMMI has proven its top priority remains reuniting the industry with health and safety in mind. PMMI will continue to monitor any updates from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and federal, state and local directives to implement the PACK Ready health and safety plan. Visit packexpoeast.com/packready for the most updated information. PW

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1/12/22 5:57 AM

26 PW JAN2022

QUOTABLES

BY THE NUMBERS

cents

The fee per pound on the sale of virgin plastic used for single-use plastics that will be imposed in 2024 if the proposed Rewarding Efforts to Decrease Unrecycled Contaminants in Ecosystems (REDUCE) Act is passed

63%

The percentage of consumers who say they would be unlikely to buy from a company that had embellished its “green credentials,” according to a new study from consumer research platform Attest

$1.5 trillion

The estimated size of the “subscription economy” by 2025, which is more than double its 2020 level, implying an average annual growth rate of 18%, according to UBS

10.5% The percentage of circularity the world will achieve by 2030, as sustainability efforts and incoming legislation start to take effect, according to ABI Research

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“We know people want to do more to help the planet and that’s why we are working hard towards meeting our commitment of all Kellogg’s packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of 2025. This important trial of fully paper cereal packaging ensures we have explored all our options. Ultimately, we would prefer plastic liners to be accepted in home recycling as our data tells us that they are better for the planet over the full lifecycle of the packaging, but this trial ensures we have an alternative.” –Chris Silcock, Kellogg UK and Ireland Managing Director, in an article from Packaging Gateway, “Kellogg’s to pilot recyclable paper liners for cereal boxes”

“For industrial facilities to remain relevant and overcome productivity deficits, technology breakthroughs such as cobots and AMRs are critical innovations. In both research and production, these robots are now mainstream and are expected to operate alongside people. The collaborative robots market is slowly taking over, and this will only deepen in the pharma sector.” –Jaya Krishnan J, Research Analyst with Beroe, in an article, “Use of robotics in pharma packaging, manufacturing on the rise: Beroe,” from Outsourcing-Pharma.com

“With current market forces and environmental challenges driving the growth of compostable packaging, there has never been a more critical time to collectively advance labeling, testing and infrastructure investments related to the recovery of compostable food packaging and food scraps. We’re excited to work together with leading brands and retailers, including PepsiCo and the partners of the NextGen Consortium, as well as the entire composting value chain—from global brands to composters and packaging manufacturers—to accelerate much-needed solutions.” –Kate Daly, Managing Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, as quoted in an article from Sustainable Brands, “Composting Consortium Aims to Advance Recovery of Compostable Packaging, Food Scraps”

“Assessing sustainability has to include plastic’s impacts on the physical environment as well as the climate, including the production of plastics from fossil fuels, and disposal of plastic waste into the environment. But we must take care in choosing alternatives. Comparison studies and common sense tell us that alternative materials will also produce environmental impacts, quite possibly worse than the plastics they replace.” –Kenneth Green, environmental scientist and author of a recent report from the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), titled, “Plastics and Sustainability,” in a press release from the association, “New Report: Plastics Have Smaller Environmental Impact than Alternatives, Necessary for Continued Sustainability”

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28 PW JAN2022

FIRST PERSON

Catching Up with Grove Collaborative as it Goes Public

Jon Silverman

Back in in March of 2019, Packaging World used this First Person space to hear from John DeVierno, then Head of Community Happiness at Grove Collaborative (visit pwgo.to/7434 to read). In the intervening three years, the brand and platform has been busy with a series of innovative product launches at the intersection between D2C and sustainability. Jon Silverman, Grove’s Senior Vice President, Physical Products, catches us up on the once emerging, now fully emerged brand owner, including the most recent big news that it plans to go public.

Packaging World:

How have things changed since we last spoke with Grove Collaborative?

Jon Silverman: In the past few years, Grove has evolved from origins as a subscriptionbased model mostly for third-party, sustainable home cleaning and personal care brands, really leaning into the home cleaning side. Three years ago, we began exploring a new space. At that point, we were just beginning to create products under our flagship Grove Co. brand, and we were at least thinking about building those from the ground up. But we were still largely a platform where [consumers] came and either discovered, or furthered their relationship with, third-party brands. Those brands really pioneered a lot of sustainable formats in the home cleaning space. But since then, we’ve recognized a few things. First is, we’ve just gotten bigger and attracted and acquired more customers. We’ve been able to do that in a few different ways. One is through more sustainability messaging. On that front, we started an experiment when we launched Seedling, our line of tree-free home tissue (A), toilet paper, paper towels, tissue, etc. That was the first time we really started to talk to customers about ourselves as a sustainability player and consumer products company. We asked consumers to come to us for sustainable products, as opposed to asking them to come to us for exciting products from other brands they may know. Seedling was really an unlocking point for us. Customers came to us A because they thought, “Hey, I should do better by the world when it comes to purchasing home tissue.” And that has evolved into much stronger sustainability messaging and positioning.

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So, we have really come into our own when it comes to Grove’s own brand product development, and we’ve realized the value that that can have. That’s not only in building products that we want—so the products are exactly what we want them to be—but also in customer acquisition and retention of customers through those products. That led us to leaning into sustainability, and always evolving our site, and the app we launched in the past three years. Then, it was really about discovering ourselves and exposing customers to our platform through the strength in our owned brands and products. That led to this recently announced partnership with the Virgin Group, and I think we felt like it was time. We were ready to take the next big step in the long, what we hope is the multi-decade future of Grove.

That catches us up to now, and to the big news that Grove Collaborative just a few weeks ago, announced its plans to become a public company through a transaction with Virgin Group Acquisition Corp. II, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsored by Virgin Group. Tell us more. Since we are going public through a SPAC, the mechanics are a little bit different than, say, an IPO. But the end result is the same—we are expected to become a public company with current timing slated for late Q1 or early Q2 of 2022. We’ve always thought that a public offering was the most likely outcome for the company, or most likely a major step in our evolution, because we have obviously seen a number of our brand partners, like Seventh Generation, be acquired by large CPGs. And that’s how large CPGs are finding their way into the natural and sustainable space, largely through acquisition. But Grove was not interested in being acquired. We have pioneered the space in ways

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that make us want to continue to control our destiny. We want to continue to lean into our Beyond Plastic initiative, which means no plastics in our product range by 2025, and to what we’re doing in the carbon neutrality space, and to extend that to the brands that we develop, like our refillable deodorant systems. The way to control that destiny ourselves is through a public offering, much more so than any other option.

How will being publicly traded change the brand, to whom it’s beholden, and how it operates (if at all)? We’ll be beholden to different people, of course, in public shareholders, but we’re already beholden to investors today. B That investor makeup will change, and what we disclose, and the frequency in which we disclose it, of course changes as a public company. But what we’re here to do and our mission will remain the same. We’re a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). It’s in our charter as of spring of 2021, meaning we have a fiduciary responsibility to think well beyond just the bottom line, into what we are doing for people, the planet, and shareholders. Now, that’s who we were even before we were PBC. But being a PBC really puts it down in writing so that our board and our shareholders are aware of our multifaceted mission. We will be able to continue to pursue our goals when we go public and beyond just as we pursue them today. It will not change who we are, and it won’t change the goals that we’ve set out for ourselves. We are and will continue to be fueled by a mission to transform the consumer products industry into a force for human and environmental good. For your third-party brand partners, Grove is a platform. But you’ve mentioned coming into your own as a CPG brand of your own, within your own platform. How do you think about new product development? When we started out, we were third party-only. We were asking people [consumers] to interact with a lot of products they didn’t know, to do it on a site they hadn’t heard of and do it within this flexible, soft subscription methodology or model. There was a lot of change. We didn’t want to layer onto all of that newness a new Grove brand that consumers totally never heard of. But at least some people had heard of Seventh Generation, or Tom’s of Maine, or Mrs. Meyers, or Burt’s Bees [third party brands that were early adopters of the Grove platform]. And so that’s obviously how we started out. We recognize that those brands have done so much when it comes to evolving what’s inside the bottle. And we wanted to take it a step further by asking, “what is the form of the bottle or package?” Why is that? If you’re thinking about all your revenue through the lens of major retailers, you think, ‘bigger is better’ to consumers. But because Grove is natively digital, we didn’t think about it that way. That, to us, meant bigger footprint, more shipping costs, more movement of water, and more carbon wasted unnecessarily.

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FIRST PERSON

When we started to build brands, we thought small, concentrated, durable, reusable, all the while thinking about what consumers do at a product’s end-of-life. That really drove us to the creation of owned brands. We found that we could do that effectively with Grove Co. cleaning concentrates, which was the first really different and innovative product we launched in 2017. We had a [durable] glass bottle, a one-ounce tube [of concentrated cleaner, and that was mixed] with 15 ounces of water that comes out of your faucet at home (B). We kept going from there with dish soaps and hand soaps, laundry detergents, inter-usable vessels, and back then, pouches that have evolved into glass and aluminum bottles. We realized we didn’t need to just stop with home care, we could do these things in other categories. When we launched HONU, which is vitamins, minerals, and supplements in glass bottles, they had plastic caps that we will move to nonplastic. We went into personal care with Peach not Plastic, starting with hair care and body care in the bar format with recyclable paperboard packaging, and then the all-aluminum and refillable aluminum deodorant and body lotion. Superbloom, a beauty brand, is in glass packaging. There are a couple little plastics and some droppers that we’ll phase out. We didn’t want to restrict ourselves just to the home care space. We also found that through our website and digital platform, we could tell stories to consumers and educate them to try things that they probably wouldn’t buy in the retail environment. That’s because you don’t have that interaction with retail associates in many of those occasions. We wanted to know how broad of a space could we play with the same goals in mind: sustainable packaging, moving towards zero plastic, and ingredients that are the best in the industry. When we realized that we could create products that are the purest manifestation of our mission, we wanted to do that. To be clear, we don’t do it in all cases. There are categories where we don’t feel like we can be differentiated. So, we don’t [develop our own brand] in all cases. But where we feel like we can make a difference, and we can hit the trifecta on performance, sustainability, and consumer experience, we do it.

For your own brand, do you manufacture your own products yourself, or do you work with co-manufacturers and co-packers? We are not first-party manufacturers; we don’t own factories in production. There are days I wake up and say, “I just wish we had a factory that did that,” especially since supply chains have been tight lately, it’d be great to own that stuff, but that’s not a distinct goal of ours. So, we work with a select group of contract manufacturers and contract packagers, and because of the standards that we have established for ourselves, and won’t compromise on, a lot of [co-man/ co-pack organizations] don’t apply. We can’t use folks who tell us, “Look, if you want me to make candles, I’m going to use certain amount of paraffin in the wax,” or “If you want me to make hand soaps and dish soaps, this is the way I do it.” We build all our own formulas. So it’s not as if we just go

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and say, ‘Give us your dish soap and we’re going to add lavender to it.’ But some of those co-packer folks tell us that they don’t fill into aluminum bottles today. “I fill into virgin or PCR plastic bottles so, sorry, I’m not going to do that for you.” That restricts [which co-man/ co-pack] you can use but by default. The people that you find to partner with you, they’re folks who are like-minded and you build something together, you learn from one another.

Are there benefits for co-man/co-pack organizations in partnering with you, even though your model or expectations might be outside of their comfort zone? With some of our current partners, I think that there was some hesitation in the beginning. They’d say to themselves, ‘I don’t work with some of those ingredients, some of those ingredient suppliers, or with some of that packaging.’ But they were still incredibly excited about the business and the partnership that we have, how the business has grown, and just being on the leading edge. I’m quite certain they are now going out to some of their potential customers and saying, ‘Hey, we are at the forefront of some of the newest sustainable products in this space, look at the partnership that we have with Grove or one of Grove’s brands.’ Also, a number of these [co-man/co-pack] folks know that they need to evolve because the industry and all the players involved have to move toward sustainability. They ask themselves, ‘what does our customer base look like? How protected are we against the evolution of consumer sentiment?’ For instance, if you polled a lot of manufacturers by asking them, ‘How different will your product base, customer base, and ingredient base need to look in 20 years’ time?’ I think nearly all of them would say, ‘It needs to look pretty different.’ And then if you asked to those same people, ‘How much change you’re going to make in 2021? They’d say, ‘None.’ ‘What about in 2022?’ They’d say, ‘Well, I don’t know, probably not much.’ And if you keep going through the years, they realize they need to make change. But when is that change going to happen? It’s hard to plan that into your business. When someone like Grove comes knocking, we are legitimate, our volumes are sizable. We’re not going to be as big as some multinational customers that are out there, but [co-man/co-packers] understand the mission and what we’re trying to do. And we’re a good group of people with the right frame of mind. That’s often the incentive or the impetus that co-man/co-pack partners need to say, ‘Okay, I didn’t know when I was going to do this, but now I know. Now is the time to definitively move in that direction and change the customer base and the ingredient base and the packaging materials that come into my factory. That way I am doing the right thing, but also, I can say I’m doing the right thing.’ Because that’s a part of it for everybody. How can you advertise and communicate to folks that you’re doing the right thing? We plan

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FIRST PERSON

to be plastic-free by 2025, and we’re not keeping it a secret. We’re talking about it. The ability to communicate this applies to several of the contract packagers and manufacturers we work with.

Your primary packaging is designed with sustainability in mind. But on the secondary packaging side, there’s historically been a tension between the D2C/e-comm space and sustainability. One fallout of the pandemic has been consumers that are hyper-cognizant of the amount of packaging that comes with shipping, say, a single toothbrush. How does Grove think about secondary packaging and GHG as it relates shipping? It’s a challenge that continues to persist and will for a number of years. I don’t think anyone’s totally cracked that nut, but there are few things that we are doing. One is that we’re not just D2C, we’re now omnichannel. We’re in Target and we’ll continue to push into omnichannel, so that delivery takes a different path. There are more efficiencies when you can move pallets and cases around, as opposed to moving individual Kroger boxes. But within the D2C space, Grove is not intended to be a single item purchase service. You can do that if you want, but our customers don’t. They interact with us because they know our shipments are all carbon neutral. We buy RECs (renewable energy certificates) and carbon offsets on the carbon from shipping, and work with USPS and other carbon offset facilitators. We buy mostly U.S.-based RECs where the work shows up in U.S. We don’t use any plastic at all [in C secondary packaging] now and haven’t for all of 2021. There’s no plastic in the boxes, there’s no air pillows, there’s no peanuts, there’s no bubble. We do use kraft, and we are evolving our recyclable content in our boxes (C). Importantly, the average shipper that goes out from Grove has eight to nine items in it. And that’s great. The average Amazon box doesn’t. Plus, everything that you order from Grove ships from the same fulfillment center, we don’t have some of it shipped from a third-party drop ship, and then some ship from here and some from there. And we are very intentional about that. People think about us as their flexible monthly shopping service when it comes to home and personal care. Our customers don’t order in onesie-twosies, and we like that because there is just a great deal of efficiency in how much corrugated is there. We’re thinking about how to continue to drive down the singleuse or the linear nature on that shipment. Down the road, there are few concepts out there, but it’s a tough one to figure out. There’s reusability, or you can use Amazon locker models with your centralized locker and drop off locations, microfulfillment centers, all of which we look at. But right now, we don’t think it’s the right customer experience. We’ll continue to encourage consumers to be efficient with their orders and shipments so we’re using as little carbon as possible to get it to their door.

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FIRST PERSON

You mentioned that Grove is carbon neutral, and the RECs and offsets you use to get there. The carbon offset market, with sustainable forests, wind farms, and carbon sequestration, is pretty established, so no need to expound. But you also say you are ‘plastic neutral.’ I’ve never heard that phrase, can you explain? ‘Plastic neutral’ is a new term that we were proud to bring to the market. It simply means we know how much plastic—to the gram—is in every single product that we sell across the board. That includes our own products, third-party, everything. So, when we ship a box, since we know which products are in it, we know the exact number of grams of plastic are in that box. We total up all the boxes we ship, and we work with two plastic offset providers, telling them how much plastic we shipped in a given time frame. Maybe in December we’ll ship 50,000 kg of plastic. Through the various markets in which they work, these organizations create offsets against that 50,000 kg. These are typically markets where there is a lot of plastic that is headed toward the ocean. This is not ocean plastic—the notion of collecting plastic in the ocean is one that we don’t think is scalable. We mean plastic that is in rivers, streams, and waterways that are going to eventually get to the ocean. We have local organizations who are collecting that plastic, to the tune of that same 50,000 kilograms we shipped. We pay those companies to do that for us. This not only prevents that plastic from going to the ocean, it also provides wages and jobs for people in South East Asia and Brazil, our primary markets for offsets today. Every gram of plastic we ship, we make sure we collect that same amount of plastic. And then, depending on what it is, the plastic gets used again, and sold to people that are using post-consumer cycle plastic in a variety of different cases. You’ve established that you’re doubling down on your own brand since you’re often best suited (or the only willing) to match your own expectations and requirements around sustainable ingredients and packaging. Are you still acquiring new third-party brand partners? Without a doubt we are, and I think we’ve done some great work here. Our goal is not to be a ‘Grove-owned brands only’ platform. There’s too much going on in the world that’s great, too many good products in good packaging. Obviously, over the next four years until the end of 2025, we are and will be communicating and holding people to the plastic-free by 2025 standard. That’s our Beyond Plastic pledge and initiative, and we’re not compromising. But there are some intermediate milestones on these brands’ journeys, and we know complete and wholesale changes can’t happen from one day to the next. One of the greatest things we’ve done as part of the Beyond Plastic initiative is creating what we call our third-party working group. Danielle Jezienicki and Alex Bede, who are on our sustainability team at Grove, they created this and lead quarterly meetings. We lead a Plastic Working Group comprised of about 75 brand members—companies that are brands, small and large, that participate in sharing and solving problems. We have speakers that come in and present on how to solve some common packaging issues that arise. A brand will ask, ‘Hey, I’ve got this issue. Can somebody put me in touch with somebody who might be able to solve it?’ Or another brand chiming in, ‘Here’s how I’ve solved it.’ So we’ve got resources because we want all of [member brands] to come with us on the Beyond Plastic journey and evolve your packaging so that you’re all still here with us on our site. So, you’re growing on the third-party brand partner side, too, and onboarding new members? What does that process look like? The goal is definitely not to pare back with having other brands on Grove. The goal is to grow and be inclusive. But we encourage [brands] to evolve their packaging and to know that, if you make that evolution Beyond Plastic, or if you are already plastic-free in your packaging, Grove is the place to go. Now, that doesn’t mean everybody who comes to us with plastic-free packaging is just automatically permitted on the site. Product performance is just as important. We ask about the efficacy of the product, what categories it covers, what’s the performance, what’s the quality of the ingredients, etc. we continue to onboard new brands all the time that have found innovations that are plastic-free or that are evolving to plastic-free.

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A new brand may say, ‘Hey, we have this thing now, but we’re going to roll out plastic-free packaging a year from now.’ We think that’s great, and we’re going to bring you on board, demonstrate what’s working on the site and what’s not. And we will be there to tell your story when you go plastic-free.

Packaging World recently featured one of Grove’s latest durably packaged refillable products, the Peach not Plastic line of deodorant (read more at pwgo.to/7435). How’s that project going, and what’s next for Grove Collaborative? When it comes to our Peach not Plastic (D) refill deodorant lotion, the only problem we’ve had is we haven’t been able to stay in-stock. It has done really well. And it’s in aluminum, and that supply chain as you can imagine includes several different components, parts, and locations. That can be challenging. We are always working to streamline it and just to get in a better in-stock position, because it has done better than we expected. It’s not a surprise, but we’re finding that sales initially were people buying that full set, buying the forever case along

with one or more refills. Now, a lot of people are coming back and just buying refills. They have a case already, so it’s working. But we also launched a seasonal rose gold case for holidays, so some people are buying that so they have two color options. We’ll continue to evolve and roll out other scents and forms that play into that model. We love it. Its plastic-free, it’s reusable, and it redefines what’s going on. There are paper-based deodorants that are push up pops, and we’ve tried every one in the market— it’s not a great consumer experience. [The Peach] E format works so well. It’s incredibly effective and the fragrances are wonderful. And Peach not Plastic, it’s kind of a playground for us in terms of asking ourselves, ‘how can we look at different forms and redefine the personal care experience for customers?’ Also, we just launched a pet care brand called Good Fur (E) last week, with pet shampoos and conditioners. Incredibly, the sales have been amazing the first seven days out of the gate, using allaluminum packaging and aluminum caps. No one else is doing that in the market. There are just so many spaces to continue to explore. We’re in Target today with Grove Co. We hope consumers will see more of our products in more retailers down the road, because there’s just a lot of great work to do. We’ll just keep pushing really hard. —Matt Reynolds

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36 PW JAN2022

THE LEGAL SIDE

By Eric F. Greenberg, Attorney-at-law

Here Come USDA’s “Bioengineered” Food Labels (or Maybe Not) The new label requirements for “bioengineered” foods are here! Sort of. It’s a messy story. The new USDA rules for labeling foods with “bioengineered” ingredients, which became fully effective January 1, 2022, are being challenged in court. Opponents, including the Center for Food Safety, an advocacy group, are plaintiffs in federal court in San Francisco, suing USDA to stop the effectiveness of the new rules. If the court agrees that any of the plaintiffs’ objections are valid, the court will temporarily, or permanently, prohibit the rules from going into effect or being enforced. Let’s take a close look at some of the issues raised in the lawsuit, some of which are commonly raised in administrative cases. For background, you can see my July 2018 column (pwgo.to/7401) in PW for a summary of the rules and even some of the controversy. The USDA itself refers to its rules, which it calls the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, as intended to require disclosure of information about bioengineered foods and ingredients. (Separately, USDA offers guidance for those who want to claim their foods contain no bioengineered ingredients.) The new requirements apply to foods that are required to be labeled under FDA’s requirements and to meat and poultry products required to be labeled under USDA’s. Yo, packaging makers and users: packaging components that migrate into food are not “food” for purposes of these new bioengineered food disclosure requirements. And, for what it’s worth, neither are animal foods. “The Standard defines bioengineered foods as those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature,” explains a USDA document. USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service generated a list of bioengineered foods to help companies comply. “The List of Bioengineered Foods is alfalfa, apple (Arctic™ varieties), canola, corn, cotton, eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties), papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties), pineapple (pink flesh), potato, salmon (AquAdvantage®), soybean, squash (summer), and sugarbeet. These foods comprise most of the bioengineered crops or foods grown in the world and, therefore, most of the bioengineered food and food ingredients.” USDA will conduct annual reviews of the list. “If a food or food ingredient is on the List of Bioengineered Foods, and the regulated entity’s records show that the food is a bioengineered food or does not indicate whether or not the food is bioengineered, the food must bear a … disclosure,” says USDA.

Perhaps the most controversial element of the program is that food makers, importers, and some retailers have their choice of means of making the disclosure. They can put text or a symbol on the food’s label, or use an electronic or digital link, or a text message. Small food makers, or small packages, can disclose via a phone number or web address. Another controversial element of the new program is the use of the phrase “bioengineered” instead of “GMO” or genetically engineered. USDA says bioengineered is the more accurate term, but consumer advocates say it’s misleading, particularly since the public is more familiar with the other terms. The plaintiffs say the new rules violate the law Congress passed telling USDA to make the rules, and also violates something called the Administrative Procedure Act as well as the U.S. Constitution. That Administrative Procedure Act is extraordinarily important to our government’s operation and protection of our due process rights. It comes into play because Congress makes laws and often those laws tell administrative agencies to do one thing or another on one or another topic. For example, the law might tell an agency, “Make rules that make machinery safer for workers,” but if the agency then makes rules that are too different than the instructions Congress gave it, the rules can be invalidated. One of its key provisions says that no agency action can be “arbitrary, capricious or … otherwise not in accordance with law,” and that’s what the plaintiffs say is true here. They argued in a recent filing that USDA’s regulations “fall far short of fulfilling the promise of meaningful GE [genetically engineered] food labeling. Instead, … [it] excludes most GE foods from mandatory disclosure, limits the applicable labeling terminology to the obscure “bioengineered,” and allows disclosure in a form never before approved in a federal label—electronic Quick Response (QR) codes— that the Agency itself determined would conceal disclosures from many Americans. If that were not enough, … [it] forbids retailers from doing better than the feeble standard USDA set, restricting their constitutional rights to speak clearly and plainly to their own customers about GE foods using familiar means and terms.” Are the plaintiffs right? Well, we’ll see. The plaintiffs’ motion asking for a ruling in their favor will be heard in March. Meanwhile, you can probably find some disclosure labels anyway, as some companies started already using them. So they’re here, sort of, but stay tuned. PW

Eric Greenberg can be reached at greenberg@efg-law.com. Or visit his firm’s Web site at www.ericfgreenbergpc.com. INFORMATIONAL ONLY, NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

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38 PW JAN2022

THE BIG PICTURE

By Sterling Anthony, CPP, Contributing Editor

What Post-COVID-19 Supply Chains Portend for Packaging Those risks include slower recovery from a pandemic than what’s The concept of supply chains has been experienced by the U.S. and the Western world. Whatever the thrust upon the consciousness of the world configuration, package laboratory testing will be challenged to model due to a crisis brought on by COVID-19 and its variants. In the U.S., for the supply chain and to simulate the imposed forces and hazards. example, flotillas of container ships parked off major ports translate Another change will be increased amounts of inventories throughinto shortages and outages, fueling inflation. It doesn’t mean, however, out supply chains, as a buffer against future disruptions. Companies that most people understand what supply chains actually are. learned that, even when the causes of shortages and outages are A supply chain is the network of companies whose combined known by customers, goodwill and customer satisfaction still suffer. In contributions result in a finished product reaching a customer/ short, people prize delivery and performance. Increased inventories consumer. What constitutes a finished product is relative in that generate increased inventory-carrying costs. They run counter to “lean” one company’s finished product can be a component of another operations, an example being JIT (just-in-time) receipt of inventories, company’s product. By that lone example, supply chains can be (and which are placed quickly into production instead of into storage. frequently are) complex, and can stretch from local to global. Packaging can contribute to the containment of inventory-carrying Supply chains are dynamic, with their signature characteristic costs. The greater the amount of inventory, the greater its exposure being physical flows. That’s why supply chains cannot exist without to being damaged during warehousing. Damage can be inflicted by packaging. Value-adding operations convert raw materials into material handling, for example. Another damaging effect is static the vast variety of items that constitute the commercial stream. compression, especially on loads stacked on the floor, rather than in Those items must be adequately packaged to endure the handling, storage racks. Stacked loads don’t always transportation, and warehousing that are at the heart of supply chains. Companies learned that, even remain columnar and are subject to collapsing. Palletized loads comprise most The indispensable reliance that supply when the causes of shortages of the inventories in warehouses; therefore, chains have on packaging was argued in the integrity of tertiary packaging is my October 2018 column, “Packaging: and outages are known by essential to inventory-carrying costs. The Strongest Link in Supply Chain customers, goodwill and Transportation is a form of warehousing Management?” (read it at customer satisfaction still suffer. because cargo is under storage throughout pwgo.to/7415), and the the conveyance. The relationship is expressed fundamentals still exemplified by intermodal, containerized transportation, which apply. Nonetheless, the pandemic has caused such disruption that transpires across extended times. From a systems perspective, changes in how business is planned and executed are inevitable. inventory-carrying costs, and packaging’s effect on it, start prior to the Before launching into that discussion, however, a brief digression into arrival of inventory at a warehouse. the history of packaging and physical flows can lend perspective. In addition to physical flows, supply chains are characterized The phrase distribution packaging has endured for generations, by informational flows. Advancements in information technology reflecting its connection with physical flows. It predates the phrase (IT) will improve communications among supply chain members supply chain, which is of comparatively recent coinage, itself and increase overall transparency. On a related note, packaging has preceded by materials management, physical distribution, and logistics been an early medium for scanner technologies, to the benefit of (originally, a military term). The point is that throughout the evolution order placement and order replenishment. Informational flows are of phraseology describing disciplines devoted to physical flows, important to packaging procurement, given the limited practicality of packaging has been an enabling constant. having a ready product but lacking the packaging. Because packaging Knowledgeable sources warn that another pandemic will occur typically embodies multiple components, the unavailability of a single (a warning separate from, but acknowledging of, the specter of component can halt operations. disruptions caused by natural disaster, geopolitical upheavals, and Any crisis denotes having been taken by surprise. In harsher terms, the like.) Strategic planning of supply chains needs to reflect such a crisis results from failure of foresight, planning, and execution. certainties. Those plans, in turn, will carry significance for packaging. Preventing another supply chain crisis brought on by a pandemic Some supply chains will be reconfigured, even if it’s not feasible will be a priority of industry and government. As the aforementioned in the near term. An example: companies will rethink the degree changes, as well as others, are implemented, packaging must be to which offshore manufacturing, with its cheap labor, offsets the assigned its pivotal roles. PW costs and the risks associated with separation by distance and time.

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Packaging Policy Update & 2022 Outlook AMERIPEN, a material-neutral trade association for the packaging industry, is focused on the intersection of packaging policy and the environment. It also educates the industry on the value of packaging. In this Q&A, Packaging World speaks with AMERIPEN Executive Director Dan Felton and the association’s Principal Lobbyist, Andy Hackman, of Serlin Haley, about current and future packaging policy.

Packaging World:

Is there a possibility of a federal packaging producer responsibility bill?

After a decade of on-and-off dialogue, this past year two states passed producer responsibility programs for packaging. Can you tell us a little more about what packaging companies can expect, and is there more to come?

Dan Felton: We now have two states—Maine and Oregon—with packaging producer responsibility laws on the books. As of right now, packaging producers will start paying into these systems in three to four years—Oregon in mid-2025 and Maine in late-2026. In both laws, packaging producers are generally defined as brand owners first, followed by brand/trademark licensees or owners, and then importers of covered packaging into the states. But Oregon’s law defines producers more precisely to clearly capture products coming into the state via e-commerce and therefore may have a more obvious impact on e-commerce retailers and on packaging manufacturers participating in that space with their own branded packaging.

Andy Hackman: We anticipate that at least 10 to 12 additional states will consider packaging producer responsibility legislation in 2022, and from that, we could expect at least a couple more states to enact something into law during the year. AMERIPEN is already and will continue to be deeply involved in the discussions and negotiations in these states to help shape the best possible outcomes for packaging companies.

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Hackman: Two bills that include packaging producer responsibility language have already been introduced into the current session of Congress: the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act (BFPPA) and the CLEAN Future Act. BFPPA, in many respects an “anti-plastic” bill, includes language to establish a national packaging producer responsibility program. CLEAN, a broader climate change action bill, carries many provisions from BFPPA, including language to establish a taskforce to study the possibility of a national packaging producer responsibility program. It’s unclear at this time how much traction either of these bills, including their packaging producer responsibility language, may gain in 2022 given other priorities in Congress, such as the federal budget and appropriations. It’s possible some other elements of both bills could gain some standalone traction in 2022, but we do believe there is merit in the packaging industry engaging at the federal level, or across multiple states at the regional level, on packaging producer responsibility to avoid a patchwork of onerous state laws with different requirements placed upon packaging companies and owners.

Plastic packaging has been playing a significant role in federal discussions with the passage of Save our Seas 1.0 and 2.0 and the RECYCLE Act, the bills mentioned above, and now discussions on a virgin resin tax. What do you see as the future of federal engagement in packaging policy?

Hackman: AMERIPEN supported inclusion of the RECYCLE Act and funding for Save our Seas 2.0 implementation in the federal infrastructure package and was pleased to see these two items remain in the final INVEST Act, signed into law in mid-November. This will provide $350 million in much-needed grant funding to states and municipalities to help strengthen municipal recycling programs and increase consumer recycling education. All this bodes well for helping to increase packaging recycling and recovery and could be the foundation for additional work at the federal level.

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

It appears there will also be ample additional opportunities for packaging manufacturers and owners to engage with Congress in the coming months and years on packaging policy. —Dan Felton

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Felton: AMERIPEN has also been an active supporter of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) America Recycles Network and is encouraged by several components in their National Recycling Strategy released in mid-November, including a focus on data collection, standardizing definitions related to recycling, and end-market development for recycled materials. This ties in very well with a national packaging strategy AMERIPEN has been working on with its members during the second half of 2021 that should be released in early 2022. We have been examining policy opportunities across the packaging value chain, as well as what we anticipate for the future of packaging, to advance further discussion by policymakers that goes beyond packaging’s endof-life to also contemplate opportunities for things like design, raw material development, and product protection. As mentioned earlier, it appears there will also be ample additional opportunities for packaging manufacturers and owners to engage with Congress in the coming months and years on packaging policy, whether more narrowly and punitively focused on specific materials (e.g., the virgin plastic resin tax) or more broadly focused on packaging recycling, recyclability labeling, increased recovery, and endmarket development.

Labeling was an emerging issue in 2021 after California passed a bill restricting recycling messaging on packaging and other products within the state. What are the implications of this, and can we expect more legislation or labeling changes as a result?

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Felton: AMERIPEN did not support California SB 343 as it was passed and enacted into law, due to serious concerns that it creates state-specific standards for what is considered recyclable at curbside or through alternative collection methods (i.e., store drop-off) and will result in increased consumer confusion and additional packaging material going to landfill, and because it conflicts with state laws in nearly 30 other states into which packaging manufacturers and owners sell their products. We expect at least four to six additional states to consider similar policy in 2022, potentially further exacerbating the confusion and conflict we see with California’s new law. We believe there may be opportunities to pursue some federal uniformity around this issue, as the EPA and the FTC could be forums for efforts to establish national definitions and labeling language. This is also a topic of legislative interest, as labeling language is also included in the BFPPA and CLEAN bills, previously mentioned.

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Recycled-content mandates seemed to be a big issue in 2021. What’s happening there, and how should packaging producers be planning for increased recycled content?

Felton: Following California’s new beverage container recycled-content mandate law in 2020, Washington state signed similar legislation into law in 2021, although broader in scope, to include beverage containers, household and personal care products, and bags. Washington state may look to expand that law in 2022 after a stakeholder process is completed as required under their new law, to make recommendations to the legislature on additional plastic packaging recycled-content mandates. Furthermore, New Jersey is positioned to have a new law on the books mandating recycled content for rigid plastic containers, plastic takeout containers, and plastic and paper bags. With additional states anticipated to consider recycled-content mandates in 2022, the BFPPA and CLEAN bills already including related language, and some within the plastics industry signaling a willingness to adopt certain recycled-content levels by certain dates, this issue is only likely to intensify over the coming year. Packaging producers, in collaboration with packaging owners, should join AMERIPEN with a seat at the table now to help shape legislative and regulatory outcomes that are achievable and reasonable and that recognize that “one size” probably doesn’t fit all (e.g., food-contact packaging may need special considerations).

This past year, AMERIPEN has become more engaged in recycling market development. Can you tell us more about your efforts here and why this is an issue that is relevant to a packaging policy association?

Felton: In 2020, we established our State Recycling Market Development Taskforce, a unique entity within AMERIPEN in that it is made up of all non-AMERIPEN members; rather they are state and regional recycling market development professionals. The goal has been for AMERIPEN to collaborate with these experts to help advance end markets for packaging materials. As a product of this collaboration, in March of 2021 we released a study (see pwgo.to/7378) examining corporate packaging goals and demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) content against available supply and capacity. Then in September, in partnership with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), we released the first available best practices guide for the development of state recycling market development centers (see pwgo.to/7379). As state and federal policymakers are clearly addressing issues related to recycled content and end-market development, our taskforce has found value in the collaboration between the packaging and state recycling market development industries, and we are looking forward to announcing some exciting new related initiatives in 2022.

Are there any other packaging policy considerations our readers should know about for 2022?

Hackman: For the last several years, we have seen specific package or single-use product bans and restrictions proliferate in state legislatures, and we expect that trend to continue in 2022. While these bans do not impact brand owners and packaging producers equally across product sectors, they are tangible issues that policymakers are likely to continue to latch onto and seek to advance in 2022. Additionally, we expect there to be increased policy on toxic materials in packaging, as interest from policymakers in certain chemicals like PFAS and phthalates in packaging grew in 2021. We expect that trend to continue, and an increased awareness of materials within the supply chain is likely to be necessary as these laws begin to come online in states like Maine and Vermont in the years to come. —Anne Marie Mohan

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As Seen at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

Mounted on a conveyor at PACK EXPO Las Vegas were three digital printing technologies from GSI: Colorize 360 (A), Colorize 180 (B), and NOLabel (C). Read about other innovations found at PACK EXPO Las Vegas on page 154.

In-house CMYK Case Printing for CPG Companies By combining a sophisticated understanding of inks with the latest in ink-jet print engines, GSI and IP are bringing in-house, on-line CMYK Case printing to the packaging line. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Case customization

SKU reduction

By Pat Reynolds, Contributing Editor One intriguing bit of news to come out of PACK EXPO Las Vegas is that thanks to recent developments in digital printing technology, brand owners may soon be able to do their own four-color CMYK printing of corrugated cases right on their own packaging lines. The need for such in-house case-printing capability has been driven by several factors, but at the top of the list is the ongoing trend toward shorter runs due to SKU proliferation. There’s money to be saved if a brand owner can order one common case from a corrugated supplier and then print small batches in the quantities needed. Added savings come because this small-batch approach reduces the chance for obsolescence should information on preprinted cases become no longer accurate. Leading the charge in putting four-color CMYK printing capability immediately downstream from a brand owner’s case packing and closing equipment is GSI, or Graphic Solid Inks. The firm demonstrated at PACK EXPO the Colorize 180, capable of CMYK printing with a resolution

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of 180 DPI at 1,000 ft/min, and the Colorize 360, capable of CMYK printing with a resolution of 360 DPI at 500 ft/min. Also notable is that International Paper is getting in on the action by teaming up with GSI on an initiative that will let brand owners do their own full-color, small-run, brand-on-demand printing in a way that’s never been possible before. But before going there, it’s helpful to look at GSI’s back story. GSI is a company that got its start as a maker of solid blocks of hot melt ink used chiefly by hot melt inkjet printers. Over time the firm took on distribution responsibilities for OEMs such as Linx, Matthews, and others in the marking and coding business. But in 2019, management decided it was time to begin making its own equipment in addition to being an equipment distributor and maker of inks. “It’s not like it came out of the blue, because it was something that was always on our radar,” says GSI President Chad Pender “But all the right pieces and people had to come together at the right time, because we weren’t looking to just do another marking and coding machine. We

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saw an opportunity for something that was really different, something the brand owners really needed.” Pender emphasizes that offering brand owners equipment capable of high-quality, four-color, digital printing on erected, filled, and sealed cases was actually Innovation 2.0. Preceding the Colorize 180 and 360 equipment was GSI’s NOLabel technology, a way of using digital ink jet printing and UV curing to lay down white ink on corrugated cases

followed immediately by black ink for printing of lot and date code information, including bar codes. According to GSI’s Mark Beauregard, NOLabel is a game changer. “With white you get high contrast and better bar code grades than you’d get on most print-and-apply pressure-sensitive label without having to order, pay for, or inventory rolls of label material,” says Beauregard. “Also eliminated is the downtime caused by having to put a new label roll in a print-and-apply labeler. Plus it facilitates recycling because now you no longer have a plastic film label on the corrugated when it reaches the recycling center. Not to mention the fact that by eliminating pressure-sensitive labels, you’re eliminating the release liners that typically wind up in the solid waste stream.” Adds Pender, “It’s essentially printing a liquid label on a case.”

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So why has it taken so long for such an obviously beneficial solution to emerge? Largely because white inks are notoriously difficult to handle. The titanium dioxide pigment in the ink is very heavy, which makes it want to sink and separate from the ink formula. The NOLabel system addresses that because its Seiko Instruments print heads have a high-flow Ink circulation structure so that ink constantly circulates immediately behind the nozzles at high speed. This ensures nozzles recover from blockages automatically and instantaneously, eliminating the need for routine nozzle cleaning during operation and significantly reducing ink wastage. Ink is in constant circulation and always ready to jet, removing the need for priming or purging before starting printing. Moreover, GSI not only makes the NOLabel printer, it also makes the inks, which presents opportunities to optimize the compatibility of the ink with the printing equipment. “We did a lot of research on market-available white inks, and we had difficulty making them work on a porous corrugated substrate,” says Pender. “So we developed our own specialized formulation that, once cured, results in a beautiful white pop. Having an ink formulation facility on one side of the building and a marking and coding equipment manufacturing facility on the other side played a big role in allowing us to offer a solution that until now has not existed for this market.” And because they’re UV-curable inks, the corrugated cases being printed can be either porous brown kraft or non-porous coated cases. The original thinking at GSI was to lay down white with one print engine, cure it, lay down black with a second print engine, and then cure the black with a second UV lamp. But two print engines and two curing lamps come with a cost, plus the total solution would have had a larger footprint. So the team devised a way to use one print engine to print white first and black 

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second and then use a single curing lamp to cure both. But it’s not wet black ink on wet white ink. GSI’s “interlacing” technology includes software that keeps the two inks from touching, as Beauregard explains. “Remember, with ink-jet printing you’re talking about laying down small dots. If your software gives you sufficient control over where those dots are laid down, the laydown of white ink can leave parts of the corrugated—the parts where the black ink will go—without ink.” He adds

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Print engine architecture GSI’s ability to pull this off has a lot to do with the architecture of the Seiko RC1536 print engine. Each of its four nozzle arrays has 90 orifices, which means the engine is capable of delivering 360 dpi. If half the nozzles are dedicated to black and the other half to white, then one print engine can print in two colors at 180 dpi. That’s how the NOLabel solution works. Moving on to the Colorize 180, two print engines are used. The first has half its nozzles dedicated to cyan and the other half to magenta. The second has half its nozzles dedicated to yellow and the other half to black. The resulting capability is four-color printing at 180 dpi. And then on the Colorize 360, where four

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print engines are used, all 360 nozzles of each engine are used for each color, which results in four-color printing at 360 dpi. While it was the huge market opportunity for black and white print on corrugated that got things rolling at GSI, once the NOLabel technology was more or less sorted out management thought, why stop there? “We quickly found ourselves morphing into CMYK, to be honest,” says Pender. “It relies on the same Seiko print engine, which does a phenomenal job with color printing.” “It’s hard to tell the difference between the 180 dpi and the 360 dpi,” says Beauregard. “But the option is there. Feedback from most packaging consumers indicate the 180 dpi is good enough for porous media, and 360 dpi delivers better print and color quality when needed.” According to Beauregard, using marking and coding equipment to print full-color CMYK directly on a corrugated case in a brand owner’s manufacturing facility is considerably different than printing CMYK on a sheet-fed or roll-fed press. Because on a press the distance between substrate and ink jets is optimally controllable. This is not the case when a corrugated shipper is the target. “No two corrugated cases are the same,” says Beauregard. “Once a case is formed, whether it’s taped or glued, if the flaps don’t align perfectly, that case is going to be slightly skewed. So when it goes past the ink jets, the leading edge might not be the same distance from those jets as the trailing edge. Without a very good controller and a print engine capable of throwing the ink far enough and accurately enough, the ink droplets can start to break up or become misaligned,

The Seiko RC1536 print engine plays a key role in both the NOLabel and the Colorize technologies that made their debut at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. causing suboptimal print quality. Our print head controller’s electronics and software are very powerful, and the Seiko print engine is designed to throw the inks far enough to maintain accuracy. On top of all this, if you’re going to fit this kind of marking and coding equipment on a brand owner’s packaging line, it has to be delivered in a compact package. And that’s what we showed at PACK EXPO. It was three compact systems—the Colorize 360, the Colorize 180, and the NOLabel—mounted on stands that can be wheeled right up to a conveyor.”

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International Paper’s role Now let’s circle back to where International Paper and Jeff Grossman, Manager CVA/MPS, fit in. CVA stands for Customer Value Analysis, and MPS stands for Mechanical Packaging Systems. Grossman and his team are laser focused on understanding how to help IP customers optimize value, sometimes by capitalizing on new developments in packaging machinery. For years 12:15 they’ve 3138NV-half-page.pdf 1 7/16/21 PMbeen hearing customers ask for

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better ways to personalize and customize corrugated cases in short runs without being penalized by Minimum Order Quantities. More recently, Grossman encountered an IP National Accounts Manager that works with a CPG company who also had an idea that lent itself to on-case advertising—though once again, in multiple SKUs each in relatively small quantities. This prompted Grossman and his team to redouble their efforts in the search for possible solutions, and that’s what led them to GSI. After one meeting in the GSI facility, IP recognized a great opportunity. “Their technology far surpassed anything we’d been seeing partly because of its simplicity,” says Grossman. “There are so many things brand owners can do with this. And it’s not just SKU reduction or on-case advertising. It’s the internal cost savings, warehouse reduction, and eliminating obsolescence because the information pre-printed on their cases is no longer accurate. Or think about seasonal promotional opportunities and other kinds of small-volume customized graphics that a brand owner might want to do. Some of our customers have shied away from these kinds of opportunities because the timing made it impossible for them to get it through their systems. Now there’s a way.”

Watch a brief video of Colorize and NOLabel technology in action at PACK EXPO Las Vegas at pwgo.to/7352. C

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What IP announced at PACK EXPO is an IP & GSI exclusive offering called Digital Print @ the Customer powered by GSI’s NOLabel and Colorize 180 & 360 technologies. It’s a digital print solution designed to be installed at the customer’s location utilizing 4.25in. print heads that can be stitched together for larger print areas. Part of the package is the NOLabel black & white in-line digital printing, though a brand owner wouldn’t necessarily have to install both NOLabel and Colorize capabilities. It all depends on customer requirements. Beta testing is now underway, and in Q2 of 2022 comes IP’s official launch of Digital Print @ the Customer. Grossman is mighty excited about the prospects. “For years,” says Grossman, “brand owners have been asking for SKU reduction where corrugated cases are concerned, and until now the stock answer from the industry has been this: ‘You can have it in any color you want with current in-line ink-jet printing—as long it’s black and the print doesn’t have to be particularly legible.’ Digital Print @ the Customer from IP & GSI changes everything. It enables SKU optimization and puts the ability to seize seasonal promotional opportunities, for example, at the fingertips of the brand owner customer. And it means we can produce what customers need without having to ask them to meet an MOQ.” PW

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Kraft Heinz Ketchup Packaging Adopts New Dispensing Valve Tech Iconic Heinz Ketchup recently received a valve closure makeover. An award-winning valve system, the recyclable SimpliCycle from Aptar Food and Beverage, can now be found in several Kraft Heinz brands. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Easily recyclable TPE

Dispensing valve closure design

By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor As the third-largest food and beverage company in North America, and the fifth largest in the world with eight $1 billion-plus brands, Kraft Heinz is aware of its huge reach and the environmental impact of packaging waste. To address this industry-wide challenge, the company says it is committed to taking steps to reduce its packaging impacts. According to project leads, this new Heinz Ketchup closure project is an important one of those steps. “We are proud of our collaboration with Aptar on the utilization of the SimpliCycle™ valve as it helps further advance our goal of full package recyclability by 2025,” says Chris Max, research lead of packaging sustainability for Kraft Heinz.

Commercial valve, inside closure.

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In addition, other Kraft Heinz brands including Heinz Mustard, Heinz Mashups, and Heinz BBQ Sauce, were converted to the SimpliCycle valve by the end of 2021 as well. Testing was coordinated and administered by both companies to ensure the consumer experience was equally matched in the conversion. Adds Jordan Kinsler, Manager—Packaging Engineering at the Kraft Heinz Company, who was also on the project, “This is a replacement technology for our existing silicone valve technology used in our ketchup and condiments dispensing closures. The existing valve can be detrimental to the olefin recycle stream. The TPE valve can be readily recycled in widely acceptable markets.”

3D rendering of valve outside of closure.

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When asked about any potential challenges in affixing/adhering the cap to the bottle, project managers say that the valve is held in place with a retention ring snapped into the closure. The same ring is used for both valve substrates. Packaging World asked Max and Kinsler about any functional tradeoffs or drawbacks to the new valve closure. “After conducting performance testing and research with Aptar, we were happy to see that there were virtually no differences in valve performance from a quantitative or consumer experience standpoint,” Kinsler says. “This change is invisible to the consumer, which is an exciting prospect to know that the consumer experience remains unchanged, but we’re advancing in our efforts to deliver fully recyclable packages to market.” The consumer doesn’t have to change any habits, either—the recycling process for the consumer remains unchanged; a rinse of the bottle before recycling is all that’s needed.

Watch a brief video at pwgo.to/7354 describing and illustrating the Aptar SimpliCycle closure system. Composed of a low-density material, the SimpliCycle valve is easily separated from the PET stream and ultimately recycled within the PP/ PE olefin stream while maintaining the same high performance, cleanliness, control, and convenience of silicone valves, the company says. Kinsler continued that as an added benefit, the Kraft Heinz Company did not have to make any changes to its existing packaging lines or equipment to accommodate the shift to the new closure.

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REGISTER TODAY packexpoeast.com The SimpliCycle valve was awarded the Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative at the World Food Innovation Awards ceremony held virtually on YouTube in March 2021. Aptar Food + Beverage also received recognition for its development of SimpliCycle TPE valves with closures for PET, HDPE, and PP bottles from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). The recognition was based on the technical recyclability of the valve in compliance with the APR Critical Guidance Protocol. “Many of our customers have set goals for full package recyclability, without compromising on packaging performance and the overall consumer experience,” says Beth Morris, senior account manager for Aptar Food + Beverage. “It is our goal and mission to help them achieve the most ambitious sustainability objectives.” PW

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Pet Food Co-packer is First with Retort Cartons NaturPak Pet meets consumer preferences for less-processed, natural pet food in sustainable packaging by building its contract packaging/manufacturing business on retort carton technology. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Retort processing

Retort cartons

Cartons versus cans

By Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor Pawel Marciniak is one of Tetra Pak’s biggest fans. He’s such a fan, in fact, that he and his wife, Iwona, built two extremely successful co-packing businesses based around the company’s Tetra Recart® retort carton technology. It’s really no surprise though—Marciniak was not only an employee of Tetra Pak from 1992 to 2006, but he was also one of the engineers responsible for developing and implementing the Tetra Recart platform as an alternative to cans for wet, shelf-stable foods. “After I was with Tetra Pak in the U.S. for six years working on this new processing and packaging platform, my wife and I Pawel Marciniak, fell in love with it, so we decided to invest co-founder and all our money in building the platform,” President of says Marciniak. “And the idea was very, NaturPak Pet, with very simple—to educate smaller brand family pet, Coco owners and also retail stores on the technology and help them start using it for new products.” In 2007, the Marciniaks launched IPM Foods, in Beloit, Wis., to comanufacture soups, gravies, and sauces for human consumption using the Tetra Recart system. It wasn’t long though before the company started experimenting with wet pet food. Says Marciniak, while the processing and packaging technology was the same, creating pet food required the development of recipes that could provide a complete and balanced meal in one serving versus providing just one part of a meal, as for humans. He adds that early on he saw the need in the U.S. market for less processed pet food. “Less processed means let’s not take the water out of the product because it’s easy for transportation and for storage,” he says. “Let’s retain the same nutritional value as from the beginning.” Recognizing the opportunity to provide brand owners and retailers with premium and super-premium wet dog and cat food—in sustain-

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able packaging no less—the Marciniaks started up their second business, NaturPak Pet, in 2020. The new company is located in Janesville, Wis., not far from IPM, which relocated to that city in 2017. Fulfilling Marciniak’s predictions, demand for NaturPak’s services has been exceptional. Currently producing 80 million units of pet food annually, the company plans on adding an additional 40 million units of capacity in 2022, with a potential additional capacity of 80 million in the facility—all of which is powered by the Tetra Recart platform.

Retort cartons a sustainable alternative to cans Tetra Pak is known for its aseptic food processing and carton packaging systems. With the aseptic process, the packaging material is sterilized before filling, which is done in a fully sterilized environment, resulting in a product that is preservative-free and shelf stable for up to 24 months. The process allows the food to retain its color, texture, taste, and nutrition. Tetra Pak’s flagship package is a multilayer carton, made primarily from paper, with layers of polyethylene and aluminum for barrier. With the Tetra Recart, Tetra Pak developed a carton and packaging system that could handle wet foods traditionally packaged in cans that require in-pack retort cooking and sterilization. To withstand the high temperatures—from 212°F to 266°F—and wet conditions used in the retort process, Tetra Pak reengineered the carton structure with a unique paperboard material with special sizing and new polypropylene-based polymer grades. The Tetra Recart was introduced with the tagline, “Canned food—two centuries smarter.” What makes the retort carton “smarter,” according to data from

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Tetra Pak and from those who work with the system, including Marciniak, is the range of sustainability and marketing benefits versus cans—and versus glass jars and pouches. “It’s just progress; it’s better packaging,” says Marciniak. “Every so many years, we face a new type of packaging. In the 19th century, there was the three-piece can, which was good at the time, considering the technical development of society. Then, from three-part cans, they moved to two-part cans with an easy opening feature, and then there were pouches, and then Tetra Pak moved packaging a bit further— pouches with support.” Collapsing the top and bottom of the carton, Marciniak demonstrates his point, as the carton lies flat. But compared with a flexible pouch, he notes, the Tetra Pak carton is easier and more economical to transport, easy The Tetra Pak R2 carton filling machine was chosen for its speed of 6,000 packs/hr, to stock on a shelf, and easy to open and close. It also which allows for efficient, small-batch product processing. provides a better billboard space for marketing. ing in a carbon footprint that is five-times lower than cans. The Tetra While sustainability proponents may focus on the carton’s lower Recart package also weighs approximately 60% less (for a 400-g pack) recycling rate versus the can, according to Tetra Pak, when analyzed than a can. Because of its light weight and rectangular shape, six- to across its lifecycle, the multilayer carton offers a footprint that is 81% 10-times more empty retort cartons can fit on a single truck versus cans. lower than those of steel cans and glass jars. Similarly, with filled cartons, 10% to 20% more units can fit on a truck for Enumerating the Tetra Recart carton’s sustainability benefits, Tetra outbound distribution. These factors result in reduced transportation Pak relates that the package is made from 70% renewable material, costs and fewer resulting carbon emissions. sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified sources, result-

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Its recycling story is actually pretty impressive as well: According to the Carton Council, as of 2019, nearly 61% (71 million) of households in the U.S. had access to carton recycling across 49 states. And, while the recycling rate for cans may be higher, Marciniak says the process of recycling cans not only requires a larger amount of energy and results in greater carbon emissions, “but it is also a very unhealthy process.” The Tetra Recart offers functional benefits too. For brand owners,

the carton’s rectangular shape means it takes up 30% less shelf space, allowing CPGs to gain more retail space. In addition, its flat surface offers a larger area in which to communicate marketing messages. For consumers, the package presents no sharp edges, and its laser-perforated, easy-open feature allows it to be opened without a can opener. Marciniak also believes the carton eliminates the metallic taste and smell imparted to products packaged in cans. “That could be a very subjective observation, I don’t have scientific evidence to prove this,” he says. “But definitely, the perception at the consumer level is [the product is] fresher from the box.”

NaturPak hits the ground running A greenfield plant, the NaturPak facility spans 180,000 sq ft, with additional land available to expand. The company employs from 50 to 60 people, with a goal to grow to 100 employees by the end of 2022. Its customers and those interested in NaturPak’s services include “everyone throughout the market,” including startups, retailers, and multinationals, Marciniak says. “Again, there was a void in the industry of good, wet pet food packaged in sustainable packaging.” Not only are companies looking for a source for premium and super-premium pet food, but some have also been facing difficulties getting enough cans for their products, so they’re switching to cartons. One of the biggest differentiators between NaturPak and other pet food contract packagers/contract manufacturers, explains Marciniak, is the way it manufactures the pet food through a small-batch process that enables it to create specific textures and flavors for different pet preferences. “The small-batch process allows us to have better control of the product,” he explains. By mixing the highest-quality meats, vegeta-

Free Download: Pet Packaging Sustainability Two consumer trends that stemmed from the pandemic have been increased scrutiny on packaging’s sustainability, and a lot more time spent with—thus money spent on— pets. What kinds of packaging sustainability trends are affecting the pet food market? Find out in this report. Visit pwgo.to/7375 for the free download from Packaging World and PMMI Media Group. PW

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nally, when the dog leaves droppings, the owner will judge whether they are of the right consistency.” To keep control of the small-batch process and maximize equipment efficiency during filling, NaturPak opted for Tetra Pak’s lower-capacity retort filling machine, the Tetra Pak® R2, at 6,000 packs/ hr, rather than the higher-speed, 24,000pack/hr R1. “We chose this from the point of view of control over the delivery—to be able to create smaller batches and control the ingredients,” explains Marciniak. “It also allows our clients to be more diNaturPak operates six Surdry retort chambers—three for each line—that cook and sterilize the versified in different flavors with a smaller minimum, so they can test the market repet food products in-pack. sponse for certain flavor profiles.” He adds that a minimum run can be as low as 35,000 units, but the company’s bles, and supplements in small-batch kettles designed in-house, Natur“sustainable range for production is 75,000 units.” Pak is able to produce pet foods that are as appealing in appearance as NaturPak offers the full gamut of Tetra Recart cartons sizes, which they are in taste, with whole ingredients—for example, beans, blueberincludes the 200-mL Mini carton, and the 340-, 390-, 440-, and 500-mL ries, or meat—visible in the final product. Midi carton sizes. In 2022, Tetra Pak will be launching a new size, a “At the end of the day, we are judged many times,” says Marciniak. petite, 100-mL carton to compete with the 3.5-oz cans used for cat food. “First, when the package is opened, on the aroma that comes out. Then, NaturPak plans to add this size to its offerings once the carton becomes what the product looks like when it’s put on the plate—that’s by the available. owner. Then, if that pet eats the product and how they like it. And fi-

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NaturPak offers all five of the available Tetra Pak retort carton sizes; a 100-mL size will be joining the lineup next year.

Two complete packaging lines Each one of the Tetra Pak R2 filling machines heads up its own complete packaging line equipped with inspection systems, retort chambers, and secondary packaging equipment. Both of the R2 machines run all of the carton sizes. Changeover takes just minutes between the Midi sizes, as they all offer the same base dimension, with different heights. The 200-mL size has a different base, so changeover to that size can take from four to six hours, a process that is often done by NaturPak on the weekends. Each R2 is fed by three small-batch kettles, with each one holding 1,000 lb of product. Tetra Pak provides the converted carton blanks, which are supplied flat and are opened, filled, and sealed within the machine. The R2 offers three filling options: a packet filler, which can fill the carton with a single ingredient, a piston filler (two filling heads)

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for the main ingredient, and a filler that can top off a product with broth. Before exiting the machine, the cartons are sealed through a combination of heat and pressure. The cartons then travel on a conveyor through a Mettler-Toledo inline checkweigher that ensures the correct amount of product is contained within the package and then through a Tetra Pak-supplied inkjet printer that prints the best-by date, batch number, and lot code on the top of the carton. It next travels through a Novus X-ray system from JBT Corp. that inspects for foreign objects within the product. Every 15 minutes, an operator on the line pulls a product and performs a quality check. The next step is in-pack cooking and sterilization via the retort process. For this, the cartons continue their journey on the conveyor until they reach an automated basket loading system from Jorgensen Engineering A/S, supplied by Tetra Pak. The system loads the cartons

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High Capacity Spirals are in response to our customers need to go higher and handle more weight. They can handle double the weight capacity of our regular spirals at speeds up to 200 FPM. The new WT Model comes in a slat width of 30” and 36” and can provide an elevation change of up to 35 feet with only one drive. Multiple Entry and Exit Spirals allow loads to enter or exit the High Capacity Spirals at intermediate elevations. New special induction and divert conveyors have individually adjustable conveying surfaces to match the spiral pitch, assuring a smooth and reliable operation. Quality and service come first at Ryson. We are the number one spiral manufacturer in the USA. For application assistance or more information, give us a call or visit www.ryson.com.

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into the retort basket by rows, with each basket, or rack, holding 1,300 cartons. Once the basket is full, it’s manually rolled to the infeed of the retort system. Each packaging line feeds three retort chambers from Surdry, each of which holds 7,700 cartons. Products are held in the retort chamber for a specific time period at a particular temperature, depending on the requirements of the recipe. Once the product is properly cooked and sterilized, the racks are then

rolled—again manually—to another Jorgensen system that unloads the cartons in the same manner as they were loaded. From there, the cartons are conveyed in single file to a Tetra Pak Cardboard Packer, which Marciniak says was chosen for its flexibility. NaturPak can provide customers with trays and wraparound cases in formats that range from six-packs all the way to 28 units/case. A DT Industries Kalish Packaging Systems shrink bundler wraps multipack trays, which are then conveyed through a shrink tunnel.

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REGISTER TODAY packexpoeast.com For the final step, finished trays and cases are palletized using either an in-house designed palletizer or one supplied by Tetra Pak (depending on the packaging line), and pallets are then stretch-wrapped. Marciniak shares that NaturPak is awaiting the installation of a new robotic palletizing system from Fanuc. Before being released for distribution, finished products are held by NaturPak for two weeks, at which time a third-party lab tests the product to ensure there are no “microbial survivors.”

Natural, wet pet food is the future NaturPak is bullish on the future of its premium and super-premium wet pet food business. As mentioned, before the year is out, it plans to add another Tetra Pak R2 filling machine, at a cost of $6 million, and is contemplating adding more lines in 2022. Says Marciniak, “I’m not surprised by the growth, but I would like it to grow faster. I’m more surprised that consumers aren’t aware of how good these products are for their pets, as well as the benefits of the packaging for their environment. That’s part of the education that must happen—educating them on the quality of minimally processed wet pet food. “Working for the Tetra Recart platform has given me a huge advantage in understanding the technology and moving in the right direction. So, in recent years, my focus is more on the ingredients and final product, because the packaging is perfect!” PW

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High-Speed PET Water Line Efficiently Quenches Baghdad’s Thirst From Baghdad, Iraq, where keeping hydrated in an arid, sunny climate is essential, comes an interesting high-speed, high-efficiency water-bottling project. With a speed of 48,000 bottles/hour (bph), the line, installed by Sidel, achieves 96% OEE. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Ultra-light preforms

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By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor Iraqi National for Food belongs to the Iraqi National Group of Companies, which is one of the country’s leading companies in manufacturing, trade, and transportation. Founded in 2019, Iraqi National for Food is recognized for its high-quality nutritional products. The company has many self-owned brands, including Hindrin carbonated soft drinks, Dinar healthy water, and Ra’eege pasteurized juice.

Iraqi National for Food initiated a new greenfield project to meet a growing demand for bottled water. After witnessing and experiencing first-hand Sidel’s solutions at two customer sites in Turkey, Iraqi National for Food chose Sidel as their partner to install the complete PET water packaging line.

Two firsts in Baghdad: Sidel’s high-speed PET water line and the lightest preform Following an analysis of the market and the customer’s requirements, Sidel proposed a complete PET packaging line for water featuring a Sidel Combi as a turnkey solution, covering the entire process from packaging design to equipment supply. It thus became Sidel’s first and fastest high-speed line in Baghdad. The 48,000 bph line has a line efficiency of 96%. “We are very happy that we chose Sidel for our complete water line project, in particular during the pandemic. The Sidel team provided great consultancy and conducted efficient execution so that our product could be launched in a short period of time,” says Mohammed Jasim, Executive Manager at Iraqi National for Food. The complete line solution not only ensures high efficiency and quality, but also high sustainability standards which are of utmost importance to Iraqi Na-

Sidel proposed a complete PET packaging line for water featuring a Sidel Combi as a turnkey solution. The line achieves speeds of 48,000 PET bottles/hour (bph).

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Matrix Filler SF100 reduced filler enclosure provides a smaller filling environment with fewer chemicals and less water used during external cleaning. The air filtration system used in the filling process keeps the environment safe while ensuring high product quality. In terms of packaging design, the bottle is designed and manufactured in three sizes (330 mL, 500 mL, and 1500 mL) with what Sidel says is one of the lightest preforms on the market (StarLITE base), further enhancing the product’s sustainability.

Close cooperation overcomes lockdown obstacles

The PET water bottle line uses one of the lightest preforms on the market, StarLITE base from Sidel, further enhancing the product’s sustainability. tional for Food. For example, at the beginning of the line, Sidel’s EvoBLOW blower fitted with the AirEco2 double air-recovery option reduces the required volume of compressed air by 35%. Furthermore, the Sidel

To complete the installation on time, Sidel and Iraqi National for Food cooperated closely during this period, overcoming numerous logistic challenges posed by the lockdowns that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The situation made the process of dispatching our installation team as well as arranging spare parts more difficult. Although the line arrived at the site before the lockdown, the project execution was still hindered by the restrictions, especially because no one was allowed to travel to Iraq at the time. By tackling the dilemma together with the customer, Iraqi National for Food managed to arrange an exceptional flight for our team a few months after the lockdown,” says Vedat Guler, Sales Director—Middle East at Sidel. The installation and start-up only took six weeks, and the first sellable bottle was produced and launched on the market by the middle of June 2020. PW

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Syngas: A Transformative Technology for Waste Circularity Single-use plastics aren’t the problem; viewing mechanical recycling as the only solution is. The Consortium for Waste Circularity says waste-to-syngas technology has the potential to fundamentally transform waste handling. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

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By Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor As brand owners large and small struggle to meet ubiquitous sustainable packaging goals for 2025 centered around recyclability and the elimination of single-use plastics, the Consortium for Waste Circularity (CWC) is proposing that they not just “think outside the Blue Box,” but that they get rid of the Blue Box altogether.

During the webinar, speakers explained why: • Traditional mechanical recycling is not the answer to the U.S. packaging waste problem • Eliminating single-use plastics because they are not recyclable ignores their many and more-advantageous upstream sustainability benefits versus other packaging materials • Suppliers and brand owners must collaborate to promote transformative solutions for packaging waste circularity before they become locked into misguided policies based solely on the use of mechanical recycling technology • The use of Regenerative Gasification to produce syngas allows for the most robust variety of feedstock and results in the greatest product versatility

The recycling paradox

That was the message conveyed in an educational webinar hosted by CWC in November, “The Future of Packaging Circularity: Creating a sustainability strategy with a circular approach.” The CWC, whose founding members include packaging material suppliers, the Flexible Packaging Assn. (FPA), and others, is aligned around creating a world where waste is treated as a valuable resource that can be converted to feedstock for virgin materials. For CWC, this means employing technologies beyond mechanical recycling. Instead, it advocates for investment in and support of robust and flexible science-based solutions, primarily the production of syngas from mixed-waste and difficult-to-recycle packaging. Syngas is a highly versatile feedstock used in the production of chemicals that include methanol, a primary component of plastics. “Plastics produced from syngas are ‘virgin plastics’ with the same quality and properties of plastics produced from fossil fuels,” explains the CWC website. “Waste-syngas-methanol-products/plastics offers a true pathway to the circular economy sustainability.”

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According to Dr. Calvin Lakhan, a member of the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and a member of the CWC Academic Committee, when it comes to recycling, by having done such an effective job in communicating the importance of recycling to the public, we have become the victims of our own success. “Both households and policymakers now conflate recycling with sustainability,” he told webinar attendees. “If it can’t be recycled, it’s considered bad.” In fact, he shared, in a study conducted in 2019 by York University to understand the public’s sentiments around various end-ofDr. Calvin Lakhan life waste management initiatives, recycling was ranked as the number-one most effective end-of-life solution, followed by reuse, then composting, and then reduction. “Why is this so problematic?” he asked. “Well, largely it’s because reduce, reuse, recycle isn’t just a catchy phrase, it’s the order in which we’re supposed to do things. Recycling is our third-most-preferred option.” Given the prevailing perception that recycling is the best route to

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packaging sustainability, there has been a push within the packaging industry and by policymakers to replace single-use plastics with other materials and focus on investing in the mechanical recycling infrastructure and on developing markets for recycled materials, using Extended Producer Responsibility legislation as a lever. But, Lakhan said, the Canadian experience with EPR for printed paper and packaging waste has been a miserable failure. “The outcome of this approach has been an enormous bill with extremely questionable environmental outcomes,” he said. “For context, the cost of operating Ontario’s Blue Box recycling system has almost tripled in the past 15 years, while recycling rates have actually remained largely unchanged, even declining year over year for the past five years.” He posited that the reason for this is because Ontario’s existing waste management system is not configured to recycle lightweight, multi-resin plastics, which are increasingly making up a larger share of the overall waste stream. As a result, Canada has even banned some single-use, multilayer plastics. The thinking is, “after all, if we can’t recycle it, why should we be using it?” he said. However, a fixation on recycling fails to consider the many upstream benefits of lightweight, flexible, single-use plastics, he explained. Primarily, packaging made from lightweight plastics uses less material, thus meeting the most-preferred waste management strategy: Reduce. As Lakhan outlined, the lighter weight of single-use plastics versus materials such as glass or paperboard results in logistical efficiencies, reducing the amount of GHGs emitted during transport, and its ability to provide greater durability and a longer shelf life allows for discretionary consumption by the consumer, which in turn reduces food waste. To reap the upstream environmental and economic benefits of lightweight, single-use plastic packaging while at the same time ensuring it never becomes waste, Lakhan said he likes to tell people, “We need to start thinking outside of the Blue Box.” He added, “It’s important to recognize that we have more tools in our toolbox than just mechanical recycling. Both companies and legislators continue to look toward mechanical recycling as the solution to our packaging waste problem. But isn’t insanity trying the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result? We’ve done it [mechanical recycling]. We’ve tried for the better part of 30 years, and we’ve done an amazing job. But it’s simply not working anymore. “When we look at proposed [EPR] legislation put forward in states such as Oregon, Maine, and New York, it’s forcing a mechanical recy-

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cling solution, and I can’t imagine why we would achieve a different and preferable environmental outcome, given the experiences we’ve had in Canada.” While mechanical recycling has its place in a sustainable waste management system, it’s not the be-all and end-all, Lakhan concluded. “As a result, we need to embrace alternative forms of recovery, such as syngas, and increase awareness surrounding it and why it should be used and when it can be used.”

Syngas offers a transformative path to circularity According to Dr. Bruce Welt, a Professor of Packaging Engineering at the University of Florida and a member of the CWC Academic Committee, unlike traditional reduce, reuse, recycle strategies, which offer incremental advantages, syngas has the potential to fundamentally transform waste handling. “Syngas is an advanced downstream end-oflife process that takes materials and makes them available for new manufacturing,” he explained. “In this way, we have to have to think differently about waste handling and think of it more in terms of manufacturing.” With the current industry mindset, upstream changes in packaging are often made Dr. Bruce Welt more for marketing points, rather than to create real impact, Welt noted. For example, in the case of Keurig Dr Pepper, a switch to polypropylene from polystyrene for its coffee capsules sounds like a sustainable win. But, in order to recycle the package, consumers must peel the lid from the capsule and empty the grounds, a process that requires diligence from the consumer and has resulted in the development of more materials in the form of tools that can be used to dismantle the capsules. “And, at the end of the day, if you speak with the material recovery facilities, regardless of whether you dissect a K-cup or not, they will say, ‘It’s too small. It goes through the screens and ends up in a landfill anyway,’” Welt said. “What’s the benefit there?” Another example he shared of erroneous attempts to create more sustainable packaging would be companies that switch to biodegradable materials. “If biodegradable materials end up in landfills, which most of the material will, they will degrade anaerobically and generate methane, which is a very potent greenhouse gas. Moving to a bio-

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Instead, Welt suggested that the greatest gains can be realized by looking downstream—at an advanced recycling infrastructure that is more robust and where the benefits can be quantified because “we know how much material we’re taking in.” There are several advanced recycling options that can be used for degradable package and putting it in a landfill is ultimately going to packaging waste. Among them are depolymerization, which is a process be worse than using traditional plastics. These things are individual, used to chemically recycle PET. While effective, it can only be used with they’re short-lived, and they’re not really improving the situation.” PET and only produces virgin PET, “so it doesn’t solve the complexity that we’re dealing with in the marketplace right now,” explained Welt. Another technology, pacmachinery.com solvent recovery, uses specific solvents to dissolve different substrates. The need for different solutions for different materials is one drawback, another is the issue of the solvents themselves. “Drawing a box around these processes and where the solvents come from WHAT’S THE BEST WAY becomes kind of shady,” noted Welt. TO PACKAGE YOUR PRODUCT? Another process outlined by Welt is pyrolysis/cracking, which results in a char product, pyrolysis oil, and synthesis gas. If the material being pyrolyzed is exclusively biomass, the char is usable; if mixed waste is used, then the char becomes waste. In addition, the pyrolysis oil needs to be refined, meaning the yield, in terms of conversion of waste into new recycled content, is relatively low. “What we end up having to do is mix that pyrolysis oil from waste in with fossil material, so the contribution in terms of recycled content gets diluted—we’re talking single digit-type numbers,” he explained.

Read how Procter & Gamble is using PET recycled through depolymerization technology for its Herbal Essences bottle on p. 130.

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They’ve been gasifying coal for the purpose of making synthesis gas, which we could use to make primary feedstock chemicals that go into plastics and all kinds of other things. Another process that is well established is gasification, which uses carbon-based materials to produce synthesis gas for use by major chemical companies, such as Eastman Chemical. “They’ve been gasifying coal for the purpose of making synthesis gas, which we could use to make primary feedstock chemicals that go into plastics and all kinds of other things,” said Welt. But the mission of CWC is to take gasification one step further, to create an advanced recycling process that offers the greatest feedstock robustness and product versatility in the form of Regenerative Gasification. Explains the consortium website, “Regenerative Gasification is a process that achieves higher temperatures than gasification, in excess of 3,400°F. At such temperatures, organic chemical bonds are broken, and inorganic materials are melted down. Carbon-rich organics are primarily converted into synthesis gas (‘syngas’),

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Getting Started with Sustainable Packaging Looking for information on how to get started with sustainable packaging? This Packaging World primer provides an overview on what sustainable packaging is, what’s driving the push for more sustainable packaging, and how to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. Includes links to resources. Download this free PDF today at pwgo.to/7345.

comprised mostly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Metals and inorganic oxides (i.e., glass/metals) are melted down and recovered as ingots and glassy materials. All products become feedstocks for subsequent value-added commercial applications.” It adds that syngas is a highly versatile chemical feedstock. “There is nothing that can be made from fossil fuels that can’t be made from syngas. Ideally, syngas will be converted into feedstock chemicals such

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as methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, acetic acid, etc. to be used for subsequent synthesis by the chemical industry.” Feedstock for Regenerative Gasification can include any type of mixed-waste packaging, including multilayer plastic materials, shrink labels, adhesives, packaging contaminated with food waste, and other hard-to-recycle materials. “It doesn’t matter if there’s a metal fitment, if there’s foil or metallization, the process can handle all of these things, and the primary output would be synthesis gas,” said Welt. “This type of a robust process would simplify the collection of our trash, because we would not only be able to think outside of the Blue Box, but we could also get rid of the Blue Box. We could truly do single-source collection. And then, what we would do is change the idea of sorting—we’d be selecting, not sorting. We need to really think of it that way. When we have a robust process that can capture everything, it doesn’t mean we have to, there are healthy recycling markets for many of the materials in there [the Blue Box]. We could be much more selective about what we’re pulling out of the waste stream, which would enhance the value of the mechanical recycling we’re doing now.” The remaining materials would then be recycled via Regenerative Gasification to produce syngas. Explained Welt, “The first simple molecule we can make from syngas is methanol. Methanol is essentially a fungible primary feedstock chemical that chemical companies use to make virtually everything. There’s not a chemical company in the world that would say no to a truckload of methanol that was produced from waste and counts as recycled content.”

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This Eco-Methanol™, explained Welt, “is the vehicle that will carry recycled content back into the circular economy.”

A shared vision is essential for progress Currently gasification is being done all over the world. In Asia, coal is used as feedstock; in Europe and North America, it’s natural gas. Among the industries competing for a piece of the syngas pie are the airline

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industry for jet fuel, the auto industry for fuel cells, and the agricultural industry for fertilizer. Advised Welt, “The point here is that the packaging industry needs to recognize that there’s competition for the waste, and so we have to have a shared vision that if infrastructure is going to go in, the syngas gets converted into methanol, and that is our best hope for gaining that recycled content.” According to the consortium’s website, its mission of transforming the recycling infrastructure through the advancement of economically sustainable wasteto-syngas technologies will be aided by: • Supporting the education of municipality leadership through land grant university outreach programs • Advocating for waste-to-syngas public policies • Advocating for public policies that drive demand for post-consumer resin content • Collaborating with stakeholders to further advanced recycling projects • Providing educational opportunities on the benefits of Regenerative Gasification for all supply chain stakeholders • Promoting R&D for Regenerative Gasification and other technologies by providing funding to the University of Florida’s Advanced Recycling Initiative Although Ted Yoho, a former U.S. Congressman who served on the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Industry and a member of CWC’s Public Affairs Committee, opened the webinar, his introductory comments serve as a fitting conclusion as well. “The opportunity to join this movement, to create a future for the packaging and print industry, backed by science, that is truly circular, is here,” he said. “The technology transforming waste into usable and affordable products is here. To accomplish this will take us all participating in this solution—let your voices be heard and counted.” To learn more about the Consortium for Waste Circularity or to become a member, visit the group’s website at https://wastecircularity.org/. PW

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Maker’s Mark Ups Its Packaging Game When it came time for a packaging line upgrade, this well-known producer of bourbon tackled filling and capping first—coding, inspection, and case sealing quickly followed. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Control of liquid filling

Laser coding

By Pat Reynolds, Contributing Editor Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whiskey produced in Loretto, Ky., by Chicago-based Beam Suntory. Line A at the Loretto facility has undergone some serious upgrading over the past two years. It began with the December 2019 installation of a new filler/capper, but subsequent additions and/or replacements included laser coding of bottles, inspection of laser codes by vision system, and a new case sealer for corrugated reshippers. The filler/capper was supplied by Fogg Filler, says Mike Monroe, Maintenance Manager at Maker’s Mark. “Actually,” says Monroe, “Beam Suntory came to see similar Fogg equipment that had recently been installed for spirits at my previous place of employment. It was one of the systems they were evaluating as they sought to improve on quality requirements. The older filler/capper that had been running here in the Loretto facility did not have the kind of control they wanted, and Beam Suntory is big on quality control. By the time I arrived here at Maker’s Mark,

Watch a video on filling at Maker’s Mark at pwgo.to/7353.

Equipped with 42 filling nozzles, the Fogg filler handles 1-L as well as both 700- and 750-mL glass bottles.

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the decision had already been made to go forward with this Fogg filler/capper and it was in its early stages of installation. I served as site manager and helped with the commissioning.” Equipped with 42 filling nozzles and 14 capping stations, the Fogg system runs at about 180 bottles/min when 750-mL bottles are in production. Speed is somewhat limited, notes Monroe, because after filling and capping, the top of each glass bottle gets hand dipped into wax—a Maker’s Mark calling card, if you will. “You can only dip so many bottles per minute, so throughput will always be somewhat constrained,” he adds. So why not do away with hand dipping? “We see certain things as part of our heritage that we’re not willing to compromise on,” says Monroe. “Hand dipping in wax is one of them.”

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Two other sizes filled on the line are 700-mL and 1-L. Changeover from one size to another is easy, says Monroe, because it’s tool-free and the change parts are color-coded. One other key contribution by Fogg was the HEPA-filtered enclosure that surrounds not only the filler/capper but also the bottle rinser that was retained. “The absence of this kind of enclosure, which effectively prevents the intrusion of dust and other things you want to keep out,

was another reason Beam Suntory wanted to replace the old filler,” says Monroe. “Fogg also provided a feed screw drive to transfer the bottles from the rinser to the filler/capper. They did a really nice job of integrating the whole thing, and once again it brings a measurable element of quality control to the line.” The threaded closures are injection-molded of polypropylene and supplied by Berry Global. Once the closures have been torqued on,

CSL30 laser coding equipment puts date and lot code information on the front and back of each bottle. bottles enter a P.E. Labeller that applies a cold-glue paper label on the front and a pressure-sensitive label on the back. The same machine also wraps a tear tape between the neck finish and the cap. The end of this tape sticks out so that later, when it’s time for the consumer to open the bottle, the tape can be easily pulled to make it easy to remove the cap from the bottle.

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Coding and inspection Two other significant equipment upgrades made to the line, upstream from the Fogg equipment, are in coding and inspection. After an uncaser removes bottles from reshippers and an orienter gets them single-filed and all facing the same way, an FT Vision system inspects the finish of each bottle to ensure there

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This case sealer near the end of the line was another recent upgrade made by Maker’s Mark. are no chips or defects. Then CSL30 laser coding equipment from Linx Printing Technologies puts date and lot code information on the front and back of each bottle.

“We’ve been getting away from inkjet,” says Monroe. “With lasers you don’t have the consumables or the MEK-based inks, which are frowned on from an environmental standpoint. Not to mention that lasers have come a long way and are now really good at printing at high speeds on glass.” Beam Suntory standardizes on a lot of equipment, notes Monroe, but in the case of the laser coders, the operations and management team at the Loretto plant selected Linx Model CSL30. ”They’ve really worked out well,” he adds. When asked why coding on front and back are needed, Monroe says it gives Beam Suntory a better chance at detecting gray market and/ or counterfeit activities in the global marketplace. Inspection of both these laser codes, notes Monroe, is done by a second FT Systems vision system. The final equipment upgrade on Line A sits shortly after the drop packer that puts filled bottles back into their corrugated reshippers. It’s a Model CS40-67G case sealer from Pearson Packaging. Maker’s Mark specified that a Graco Invisipac MM25c melt-on-demand adhesive applicator be integrated into the Pearson machine. Pearson also integrated a separate adhesive applicator, a Dynatec Mini from ITW Dynatec. It gets used when customers want load-lock pallet adhesive applied to cases for the purpose of better stabilizing pallet loads by keeping cases from shifting during transportation and distribution. “When it came to this kind of customization, Pearson was really good to work with,” says Monroe. PW

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Big Boost for Compostable Molded Pulp? Transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging is now widely accepted as a global imperative, and that transition may have gotten a big boost thanks to a recently announced collaboration. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Automating molded pulp

Scaling up globally

By Pat Reynolds, Contributing Editor The collaboration involves ABB, one of the world’s leading robotics manufacturers, and Zume, a six-year-old California-based startup that has been pioneering the production of molded pulp compostable packaging made from agricultural waste. ABB has announced an agreement to collaborate with Zume by supplying robotic cells (referred to as MFCs, or Molded Fiber Cells) that will facilitate Zume’s production of sustainable packaging on a global scale. ABB robots will automate production, enabling the scale and speed required to make Zume’s compostable packaging a cost-effective alternative to single-use plastic. Zume’s packaging material, which is ASTM D6868 certified as compostable, is made from sustainably harvested plant material left over

from agricultural production, including bamboo, wheat, and straw. Foodservice applications, like the bowls used by the Cava chain of quickserve restaurants in the U.S., have led the way for the most part. But trays for beef, poultry, or other protein products are sure to appear in supermarkets before too long. Plant material uses significantly less water and energy and reduces CO2 emissions when compared to the production and disposal of plastic packaging. Unlike plastic, plant-based material is 100% biodegradable and simply breaks down after use. But making molded pulp packaging at scale has never been a slam dunk. “There’s always been a trade-off in molded pulp,” notes Zume Founder and CEO Alex Garden. “You can do high-precision parts slowly,

Bringing ABB’s robotic automation to the process of making Zume’s compostable packaging is poised to bring the benefits of this sustainable packaging technology to manufacturing plants around the world.

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or you can do low-precision things quickly. We are the first to attack that trade-off by developing parallel thermoforming machines. We arranged the forming machines in a bouquet so that they can operate in parallel. This required connecting them with very advanced robotics and materials handling solutions. That’s where ABB came in. Large industrial robots manipulate large platen sizes transferring from forming, a wet process, to pressing. But we have multiple presses running in parallel,

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and we have an organic sequence among those pieces of equipment so that there’s never one machine component in the overall process waiting for another machine to complete its process. This is why our effective drop times of molded parts are very short. The bottom line is that with these turnkey installations, complex parts can be made quickly.” (For more on Zume, visit pwgo.to/7376.) One of the challenges facing any robotics supplier attempting to tackle this kind of manufacturing operation is that large masses and inertia must be managed at the same time that some rather delicate picking and placing of finished parts must be done with great accuracy. According to Sami Atiya, President ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation, superior motion control technology is what makes the ABB IRB 6700 robots capable of meeting this challenge. “We will work with Zume to make compostable packaging a cost-effective alternative to single-use plastic and foam by automating its production process with robotic manufacturing cells,” says Atiya. “The flexibility, repeatability, and accuracy of robots can boost the sustainability of a business. Robotic automation has a clear role supporting the development of a smarter, better world and a circular economy.” Expanding on ABB’s role in the collaboration with Zume is Marc Segura, ABB Group Senior Vice President Managing Director, Consumer Segments & Service Robotics. “Our role is to help Zume scale its technology so that millions and millions of units can be efficiently produced. It’s all about standardization and modularity, which are the essence of the MFC or Molded Fiber Cell. It’s a combination of the molding technology of Zume, two enabling robots, and advanced motion controls that govern the process steps between the machines. One of the beauties of this approach is that we can copy and paste where the MFC is concerned to create an MFA, or Molded Fiber Array, and we can deliver this globally. So we leverage economies of scale and the global footprint of ABB.” A pilot project has been installed by Zume and ABB at Satia Industries Limited, one of India’s largest wood and agro-based paper manufacturers. Satia has built a facility holding 50 MFCs that will process 100 tons of wheat straw daily creating 100% compostable packaging for a range of industries. “Our work with Zume and ABB enables Satia Industries to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients for high-performing, affordable, and reliable products that are sustainably manufactured and easily composted,” says Dr. Ajay Satia, CMD Satia Industries. “Besides adding significant value to the company, we are able to support the planet by providing sustainable solutions to help our customers transition to more modern, reliable, and customized products compared to those they use today.” Two other installations of Zume’s turnkey systems

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estingly enough, both the Jefferson facility in Texas and the Satia facility in India rely on stock preparation systems supplied by Parason. Zume CEO Garden believes the Zume/ABB collaboration will make a big difference in growing the kind of sustainable packaging that can become the foundation of a more circular economy. “Our collective efforts over the next five years could annually sequester as much as 2 million tons of agricultural waste and replace as many as 20 billion pieces of single-use plastic each year,” says Garden. “We’ve been on a journey for years now to identify and perfect a model that is a Shown here are a few of the compostable packages made by way of Zume’s molded realistic alternative to single-use plastic, a legitimate path forward at scale. If we’ve learned anything about pulp technology. getting to price and performance parity it’s that it’s not one thing, it’s hundreds of things. And I’m proud of how far we’ve are underway. One is in the Aurangabad, India, facility of India’s Paracome, though it’s essential to point out that we never could have gotten son, a leading global supplier of “stock preparation systems,” i.e., the this far without the global partnerships we’ve formed with Satia, ABB, equipment that processes the raw materials that become the pulp used and Parason. Each of us brought something to the table. And I think to make molded fiber packaging. The other is in the U.S at Jefferson that what we’re talking about here today will, in 10 years, be the new Enterprise Energy. Jefferson’s Lufkin, Texas plant, described as the first standard.” PW 100% renewable energy-powered compostable packaging factory in North America, will be powered entirely by on-site renewable energy Watch video footage of the container-making with zero use of fossil fuels. At the heart of the new green energy and process now underway at the Satia facility manufacturing facility will be a 400 ton/day pulp mill that will produce in India, at pwgo.to/7377. high-strength renewable pulp from agricultural waste materials. Inter21_2633_Packaging_World_JAN Mod: December 1, 2021 5:15 PM Print: 12/22/21 11:27:00 AM page 1 v7

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Bagger Helps Dry Milk Packager Meet Food Bank Demand With a new contract to serve increasing food pantry needs amid the pandemic, the maker of ready-to-eat foods and various powdered products chose a vf/f/s bagger and auger combination to help improve efficiency as well as sanitation. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Switch from intermittent to continuous bagging

Throughput improvement

By Aaron Hand, Executive Editor, ProFood World Photo courtesy of Triangle Package Machinery

Thanks to a new AbilityOne contract, Transylvania Vocational Services needed to increase production of its instant non-fat dry milk to better serve food banks.

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AbilityOne is a U.S. government program that employs more than 42,000 individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the non-profits that work with the program saw exponential growth in demand, especially for personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing products. There was also high demand on food banks during the pandemic, with an estimated one in six Americans facing hunger. Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS), founded in 1967 to provide meaningful employment to people with disabilities, employs 209 people at its plant in Brevard, N.C. The company packages ready-to-eat foods and various powdered products and distributes them to food banks, military bases, and others in need throughout the world. Thanks to an AbilityOne contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), TVS needed to increase production of its instant non-fat dry milk to better serve the food banks. To do this, TVS needed to replace its obsolete bagging system with something more efficient. “We needed additional packaging capacity to keep up with a growth in demand while trying to stay within an existing building footprint,” says Steve Green, director of plant operations for TVS. “We were using intermittent motion pouch filling equipment that had become obsolete from a service and parts standpoint.” After considering several options, TVS turned to Triangle Package Machinery. TVS also needed to find a system with improved sanitation. As a government contractor of ready-to-eat foods, TVS needs to meet 3-A Sanitary Standards. The manufacturer chose Triangle’s Model XYRJ vertical form/fill/seal (vf/f/s) bagger and an auger from Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, both of which offer 3-A certification.

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Capable of multiple package styles Designed and introduced by Triangle in 2015, Model XYRJ can run a wide variety of bag styles, including three-sided seal, stand-up pouch, pillow, gusseted, flat bottom, and zippered bags. The bagger’s easily rotatable sealing jaw allows packagers to run multiple package styles on the same machine. Additional benefits include ease of setup and maintenance, better product flow, improved sanitation, and better production.

Speed VersAtility Easy operation

The machine is designed to operate with milk powder in the air, and also for full washdown. For TVS, the fact that Triangle baggers include Rockwell Automation controls and servo motors was also beneficial. “Model XYRJ is built with a solid stainless-steel frame, equipped with Allen-Bradley PLCs, utilized continuous motion engineering for the desired throughput, and possessed the needed 3-A sanitary design rating,” Green says.

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The Transylvania Vocational Services operation described in this article exists with employment, workforce development, and training in mind in an era when good people can be hard to come by. How are you ensuring you’re getting the most out of your people and keeping them trained on the latest tech? Check out PMMI’s Workforce Development for resources in this arena. For instances, it will be holding two workshops at PACK EXPO East: Fundamentals of Field Service and Certified Trainer. Both are being held March 21-22.

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The primary product packaged on the Triangle/ Spee-Dee system at TVS is instant non-fat dry milk. The auger measures a 12.8 oz fill and dispenses it into the bagger, which forms a three-sided seal bag with integrated resealable zipper. The company runs threesided seal, zippered bags at speeds up to 70 bags/min, depending on the product. Spee-Dee’s 3A-certified sanitary auger filler is designed to package powdered infant formula, whey protein powder, nut-based protein powders, and other nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications that require adherence to strict hygienic standards. It features a sloped hopper cover, an agitator seal design to prevent foreign material intrusion, quick disconnect hopper clamps, precise servo control of auger tooling, and no fasteners in the product zone, as well as a sloped drive head shroud and removable hopper gasket.

Production doubled In addition to high sanitary standards, the new bagger/auger combination has helped TVS more than double its production. Within 60 days of commission-

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Photo courtesy of Triangle Package Machinery

This capacity increase has meaningful impact in that the additional output alone provides close to a million incremental gallons of fluid milk per month, when reconstituted.

Zipper bags can be processed at 70 bags/min with the new vf/f/s bagger. Changeovers take about 30 minutes to replace the forming tube, jaws, vertical sealer, and cross seal.

ing the new Triangle XYRJ, the team at TVS was able to increase throughput of powdered milk from 20,000 lb/day to more than 50,000 lb/day per machine with lower scrap factors, enabling TVS to meet the increased demand. Production has increased from about 45 zipper bags/min to 70 bags/min, with improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). With a continued upsurge in business, TVS installed a second Model XYRJ vf/f/s bagger and Spee-Dee sanitary auger in late 2020. Today, both systems run milk powder, pancake mix, or a superfood powder blend, depending on production demands. TVS has purchased a third machine, which will be operational by Q1 of 2022. “This capacity increase has meaningful impact in that the additional output alone provides close to a million incremental gallons of fluid milk per month, when reconstituted, for needy Americans seeking nutrition from food pantries,” Green adds. PW

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AUTOMATION

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Linear Servo Track System Allows Production-onDemand for Liquid Filling Once-futuristic concepts like mass customization and batch-size-one are evolving from impossibilities to realities, and consumers accustomed to engaging with e-commerce platforms are now expecting a customized consumer experience. With the help of a track system from B&R, this Polish OEM is building machines that let liquid products CPGs, like cosmetics or pharma companies, make short and specialized product runs practical. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Product-on-demand concept

Linear servo track system

By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor Consider this scenario: The production department at a large cosmetics company at a manufacturing plant in the suburbs of a European capital takes a call. Someone from the marketing department is asking to order a small batch of shampoo for a promotional campaign. How big is the order? It’s quite small at only 5,000 units. That’s a problem in and of itself, but this marketing person is requesting a couple of changes, too, asking that the shampoo color be different, and filled into some custom bottles instead of the usual ones. Oh, and they’d also like to change the caps and the labels. And the deadline happens to be early next week. These expectations wouldn’t sound acceptable to most CPGs. Unless the product is already waiting on the shelf at the warehouse, it’s simply unprofitable to apply so many changes to a well-oiled machine of a production line. At least, that used to be the case. Today, Polish packaging machine builder Unilogo Robotics is trying to make these scenarios not only doable for liquid product Watch a video highlighting CPGs, but downright practical. It’s Cleanline features and capabilities of system, a new, fully automated packaging line Unilogo Robotics’ Cleanline based on B&R’s ACOPOStrak transport system, at pwgo.to/7385. makes short runs with high variability possible, in fact they can be deployed extremely Unilogo Robotics’ Cleanline packaging system targets liquid product CPGs in industries like rapidly and provide unprecedented optimizacosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaners and chemicals. tion performance with just a few clicks. For CPGs hoping to launch new liquid products into industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals and cleaners, highly customized or short runs have always been severely limited by cost and implementation times. Traditional customization methods made it unprofitable to release small batches.

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Pioneer and visionary in the packaging technology market Unilogo Robotics is a medium-sized Polish OEM that designs and manufactures solutions for the cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, specializing in liquid product customization. According to it supplier B&R, the company’s machines and production lines are the embodiment of innovation in its complete form, and of true engineering panache. “Initially, we provided services to large corporations moving their manufacturing plants to Poland,” says Tomasz Nowacki, founder of Unilogo Robotics. “After some time, large retail chains appeared, too, and began to roll out private labels. This changed the playing field: the market started to demand machines adapted to diverse bottle shapes, caps, and labels. At that time, we set ourselves the goal to create the highest-performing productive production line.” The company also set itself specific objectives and targets for its lines’ productivity. Production batches are getting shorter and require constant machine changeovers, so Unilogo assumed that its line would always produce 12,000 to 15,000 units per shift, regardless of how complex the customer’s components (bottles, corks, labels) are and if changeover would be required one, two, three, or four times.

E-commerce standards in B2B An approach that has become a standard now at the consumer level is one we’ve all become familiar within e-commerce: speed and

Cleanline as a whole complies entirely with Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things principles in that the machine is coupled with a smart network. The entire process is very simple to control and monitor, and it can all be done in real time, according to the company. flexibility of service are currently universally required qualities. Is this approach also penetrating the B2B market? Most companies still have a traditional supply and production chain in place, built for an outdated sales model based on holding expensive product in inventory. According to B&R and Unilogo Robtoics, though, today’s world demands immediate response and flexibility, a product-on-demand concept. Unilogo is preparing for such a revolution and is already gaining competitive edge by using adaptive manufacturing in its design process.

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AUTOMATION

Thanks to Unilogo’s Cleanline, cosmetic, chemical, and pharma CPGs are able to implement production-on-demand, and the company says it will bring new dynamics into production and let their customers to realize meaningful savings in warehouse and product storage. Cleanline is an integrated system of robotic modules in the form of a compact production line, designed and developed in accordance with the Industry 4.0 concept. It includes a fully automated robotic pro-

duction line for lotions, personal care products, perfumes, household chemicals, and similar liquid products, with changeover and start-up times of only a few minutes. Parts are 3D-printed to allow the line to work with any type of packaging and closure, and additionally make it possible to launch new packaging to the market within only a few days. The biggest advantage of Cleanline is its flexibility, which is an extension of its modular design. The whole line is based on building blocks that can be easily combined and adapted to the needs of the individual business, as well as expanded with new modules. Cleanline includes a module responsible for sorting and capping. With 3D-printed parts, a dosing module, labeling module, and a module responsible for packing the units into corrugated shippers and placing them on pallets. A part of the module is connected with the ACOPOStrak intelligent transport system by B&R.

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According to Nowacki, the innovation that makes Cleanline so versatile is the specially developed intelligent transport system. It is based on magnetic trolleys [also called movers in other linear servo contexts] that move along a magnetic track. The trolley shape makes it possible to handle and transport any pack type without having to perform a changeover. The core of the system is B&R’s ACOPOStrak technology. It shortens entire line considerably while making it extremely flexible and sustainable; particularly important for the calculation of capital expenditures. The entire process takes place in an end-to-end system, without involving human operators or manual labor. What also makes Cleanline stand out is the fully robotic unpacking/packing module. A set of several robots autonomously unpack the pallets with the packaging units, as well as perform their blowing, laser marking, and feeding. Robots are also used at the final stage of packing of the finished products, and human labor is only required to transport the empty pallets and collect the loaded ones.

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After seven years of experiments, Unilogo Robotics successfully developed a capping module that it’s really happy with. It is fully automated and uses 3Dprinted format parts, allowing Cleanline to remain a 100% versatile machine, the company says. The whole system is efficient and optimized in terms of dimensions, occupying only 2.1 m of line length. Cleanline as a whole complies entirely with the Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) principles. This means, among other things, that the machine is coupled with a smart network. The entire process is very simple to control and monitor, and it can all be done in real time.

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AUTOMATION

Control panel, OPC UA, and Pack ML to save more resources Cleanline is controlled using a universal HTML5-based panel. This solution makes sure that all process parameters can be changed from a single place. On top of that, the panel can be expanded by adding features required in the customer’s process, as well as personalized and adapted to the individual expectations, the standards adopted in the relevant manufacturing plant, or simply to the operators’ habits. Another advantage is the use of the OPC UA (Open Platform Communication United Architecture) technology. It makes it possible to monitor data, also in real time, and to access detailed reports, or even videos recording key process stages or emergencies. Data is stored in the cloud, maximizing working convenience and making it possible to control the whole process from any place. This solution also significantly facilitates repair and maintenance of the line as well as shortens the response time of Unilogo tech support in emergency situations. A particular advantage of the line for businesses with more than one production device is its compatibility with the PACK ML system, providing time savings, working comfort, and software standardization. Unilogo Robotics’ initial goal was to provide a production line that would be able to unpack a pallet of empty packaging units, fill them, cap them, apply labels and pack them into boxes ready to be shipped to the customer, all done efficiently and involving as few people as possible. “We believe that robotic Cleanline solutions will soon replace overly

The core of the system is B&R’s ACOPOStrak track and trolley technology. It makes the entire line considerably smaller than it would otherwise be, and is quite flexible, which is particularly important for the calculation of capital expenditures. complicated and inefficient product customization and packaging systems,” Nowacki says. “The market’s future lies in flexible solutions enabling customization and series production in small batches. We look for companies that think like us and see this as their opportunity for success.” PW

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Ultrasonic Sensor Speed Starter The CONTACTRON speed starter from Phoenix Contact offers functions common in a variable frequency drive without the complexities. It provides ramp-up and ramp-down functions while the motor is under load, which the company says a soft starter cannot do.

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Automation Drives Danone Yogurt Multipacks in Mexico Festo and Hybernya Industrial develop an end-of-line automated packaging solution for multipacks for Danone and Danup yogurts in Mexico. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Supplier partnership

Industry 4.0 readiness

By Lilián Robayo, Editor, Mundo PMMI Increasingly, consumers understand variety as a better purchasing experience, one that food processors have been addressing by combining diverse product options within a single pack. In the supermarket and on store shelves, customers appreciate the convenience of finding their favorite flavors in multipacks, with added economic benefits in most cases on top of greater convenience.

Danone branded yogurts by building a productive synergy with two companies, Hybernya Industrial and Festo. The partnership resulted in the assembly of an industrial automation solution that takes products that come from yogurt production lines and automatically diverge them to eight different lines to combine into a variety of flavors and create multipack presentations. At the Irapuato Industrial City, within the State of Guanajuato, Mexico, they began the adaptation of machinery and systems that would allow for this process. Danone was backed up by the work of a team of professionals from Hybernya Industrial, a 100% Mexican company dedicated to the development of end-of-line engineering projects, and from Festo, the multinational German-born supplier of intelligent solutions for productivity and competitiveness through factory automation with pneumatic, electrical, control and process technologies.

At 1,000 bottles per minute, high speed for yogurt streamlines the multipack process for assorted flavors. However, this alternative imposes technological and processing challenges on production facilities while demanding the development of specialized technological solutions for packaging lines. The technical adaptations needed to positively respond to these challenges calls on the participation of different specialists to configure every step to offer a variety of products in multipacks and avoid jeopardizing the company’s productivity. In Mexico, Danone has accomplished this mission for its Danup and

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The solution implemented by Hybernya and Festo for Danone Mexico provides greater stability to conveyed products.

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was the challenge? “To streamline production and delivery times for two flavors of both Danup and Danone brands in multipacks, for which we developed a pioneering and disruptive solution in terms of separation and product handling of the two flavors simultaneously,” says Stefanny Villareal, Senior Engineering Manager for Danone Mexico. The line’s structure integrates mechanical elements provided by Hybernya Industrial with Festo’s control and electromechanical axes to build a configuration that supports three essential pillars of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness): “availability, quality, and performance,” as highlighted by Hector Ramírez, F&P Applications Engineer at Festo Mexico. He explained that various areas within the companies were involved in this project as a multidisciplinary endeavor. Yogurts with combined flavors are diverted toward eight separate packaging lines. Following an initial conversation to understand the exact requirements Danone had, the project’s reach, and how to achieve it, the alliance was sealed, and technical and performance This solution, developed by Danone’s plant at Irapuato, has become parameters were set. “Hybernya and Festo own cutting-edge automaa milestone for the yogurt packaging industry in Mexico, given that betion technologies and offered us a technical solution that suited our fore its inception there was no equipment in the whole country that different requirements including space availability, adequate delivery could manage this modality of multi-assorted packaging. These types of times, and production speeds, generating a low carbon footprint, and processes were conducted manually by operators who would grab prodoptimal maintenance,” Villareal told Mundo PMMI. ucts from each line and take them to the packaging machines. What

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Line efficiency After scaling the project and building prototypes, Hybernya Industrial and Festo identified the scope of their participation and started developing the solution by integrating specialty components from each company. Based on a starwheel system developed by Hybernya that picks up one bottle of each different flavor as they run through to achieve the desired combination, and then places each on the line, one after the other.

From there, products reach a robotic cartesian double-axis diverter, made by Festo, that classifies bottles with different yogurt flavors in a uniform and automatic fashion to drive them towards eight separate packaging lines. Thanks to the performance of this new solution, Danone and Danup yogurts today reach supermarkets and other points of sales in six-, eight-, or twelve-unit multipacks. The processing speed can reach 1,000 bottles per minute; an added line-optimization feature is the product’s stability all along its transit on the conveyor belt, which has made stoppages due to bottle overturning virtually unnecessary. As Monserrat Leycegui, Marketing Chief for Hybernya Mexico, told Mundo PMMI: “The interpolation of the two axes to ensure bottle stability, along with equipment automation that eliminated counting, speed, or precision margins of errors,” are the most remarkable aspects of this development.

This automated process for Danup/Danone has set a milestone for yogurt packaging in Mexico.

Furthermore, the launch of this solution removed previous reprocessing steps, consisting in doublepackaging with shrink-wrapping materials, an improvement that translates into lower waste rates. Also, important financial and commercial benefits were gained: “The process of filling and forming for twoflavored multipacks was automated, which contributed to accelerate the final product’s delivery times and provided our clients with a value-added package, including two favorite flavors at a competitive price,” says Villareal.

Shared know-how The aggregate of experiences played a key role in successfully completing this project, designed for Danone’s assorted multipacks. The long-standing relationship between Festo, Hybernya Industrial, and Da-

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none has facilitated an optimal development of solutions in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and the consumer’s demands. “Danone requested from us to develop this solution because we were a strategic partner of theirs in Mexico. Every Danone production line in Mexico has built-in Hybernya engineering, design, and manufacturing developments,” says Leycegui. On the other hand, Festo is recognized in Mexico and across the world for its problem-solving abilities in a wide range of industrial and manufacturing areas, providing precise knowledge and means of efficiently planning and installing reliable equipment and lines. “The synergy between Hybernya’s mechanical knowledge and Festo’s supplying of controls contributed to the solution’s throughput, meeting Danone’s standards,” says Adzuira Sahad Ortiz, Automation F&P Consultant for Festo Mexico. Leycegui also underscores the value of this collaborative work. “Due to the synergy present between Festo and Hybernya, we found a way to build a great team. The speed of their systems and the precision of their machines is what helped us achieve an adequate line distribution of mixed products towards our eight final lines,” Leycegui says.

With the future in mind Programmable speeds and the use of sensors ensure efficiency and precision for multi-flavored yogurt packaging.

The implementation of this automated multipack process at Danone Mexico encompassed programming of velocities, installing sensors that send signals to identify each one of the flavors to be included in each package, and the development of programmable logic controls, driv-

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ers, and robust plug-and-play electromechanics, among other systems and features. This, in addition to Festo’s and Hybernya’s support during installation and setup, allows for optimal performance of the lines. This automatization and technification focus also led to a significant number of Danone workers avoiding repetitive tasks and developing new skillsets and activities within the company. At the same time, this initiative marks an advancement of the con-

cept of Industry 4.0 by adding communication protocols into the equipment which moves the company ahead towards this model, as stated by Adan García, head of the Food and Packaging Division of Festo Mexico. For his part, Hector Ramírez, Applications Engineer at Festo Mexico, pointed out that the existence of these protocols opens up the possibility to scale this integration to an Industry 4.0 model in the future: “Danone is currently migrating towards that scheme in a way that, if they want to implement solutions as these, they can do it with electric equipment”.

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Register Today at expopackmexico.com.mx For the time being, the benefits are evident and truly positive, as confirmed by Villareal, when she answered Mundo PMMI’s question about the market differentiation that this multipack assorted flavor solution has sprung for Danone Mexico. “This project, besides being a breakthrough in automation for yogurt processing, has allowed Danone Mexico to provide its clients with a variety of multipacks at a very competitive price and with optimized market delivery times”. PW

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Tesco Taking the Lead on Sustainable Packaging Choices for U.K. Suppliers Brands who want space in this top U.K. retailer’s stores need to comply with preferred packaging material and format suggestions, which are driven by material recyclability. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Retailers’ perspective

Trade-offs with packaging material switches

By Kim Overstreet, Senior Content Strategist, Alignment Paul Ernshaw, Technical Packaging Manager at Tesco, said his day job is to try to help save the planet, and urged attendees of the Sustainability in Packaging Europe conference in Barcelona, held by Smithers, to get on board too. Speaking about both Tesco-brand products and brand-name products sold throughout the retailer’s thousands of outlets, Ernshaw said Tesco’s ambition for packaging is, “every material we use is either going to be reused or is going to be easily recyclable. We’re going to use recycled materials wherever possible, and we are going to be the most helpful retailer for recycling and reuse.” According to Tesco’s website, “Our 4Rs packaging strategy is to Remove where we can, Reduce where we can’t, Reuse more, and Recycle

Soft Plastics Collection Points to be Rolled out in 800 Stores. (Image courtesy of Tesco).

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Listen to the podcast, “10 Billion Reasons to Embrace Reusable Packaging,” at pwgo.to/7356. what’s left.” And as Ernshaw said, “The best thing to do to make your packaging sustainable is to remove it. If you can get rid of it, if it doesn’t have a functional purpose, it should not be there. Once you’ve got rid of all the extra packaging that’s not needed, the next thing you have to do is make what is left smaller, lighter, use less of it. That’s the reduce.” Reuse, one of the more challenging “R” strategies, is also one of the most important for impact on carbon footprint, and finally recyclability is the last strategy to look at. Ernshaw said there is a huge amount of pressure to do something about plastic waste and pollution, and this comes from consumers, the media, and government. Tesco has targets in place to address these issues: • Tesco-brand paper and corrugated is to be sustainably sourced by March 2021, and this goal has already been accomplished. Brands to meet goal by end of 2022. • In 2020, Tesco had another goal which it reached—to rid a billion pieces of plastic from its portfolio. In 2021, an additional half billion pieces of plastic was to be removed. • Following a successful trial of collection points that allowed customers to return previously unrecycled soft plastic, such as the clear film used to wrap meat and fish, crisp packets, fruit and vegetable bags, and sweets wrappers, Tesco is rolling the soft plastics collection points out to approximately 800 large stores. • All Tesco-label packaging is going to be reusable or recyclable at curbside and/or in large stores in the U.K., by the end of this year. Brands aren’t yet held to this target, but Ernshaw said that eventuality is coming. • External targets such as the U.K. plastic packaging tax for materials that aren’t at least 30% recycled content (which begins in April 2022), and the extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that begins in 2023.

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Tesco’s 2021 Preferred Materials and Formats for U.K. Packaging (Image courtesy of Tesco).

Ernshaw said of these legislations, “It is going to drive us all to make better packaging decisions…please engage with those targets and the taxes. They are the right thing to do to help save the planet.” Tesco provides a preferred materials list to its suppliers which consists of red, amber, and green designated materials, and another target mentioned by Ernshaw was to exit “red materials” for own-label by the end of 2021, and brands by 2022. To further explain these categories, Ernshaw said, “We’ve thought about all the different types of packaging, materials, and formats, and we’ve put them into one of three categories. The red category is the naughty one. These are the ones that are not recyclable or are bad for the environment. You need to get out of those. You will not be allowed to sell in Tesco, if you are using any red materials or formats. The green are the ones that we prefer. These are what we want you to be in. They are recyclable, the lower impact. And then we have the amber, and these are the ones we don’t like but for various technical reasons, we have to keep using them until we can find an alternative. If you are using an amber material and you want to sell it through Tesco, you are going to have to come to us and explain why it is necessary that you use it, and also present your plan for getting out of it.” About the guidance (there is a 144-page document available through Tesco), Ernshaw also added, “We kind of want that to be the textbook of how to do packaging sustainability.”

Compostable plastics Tesco has banned compostable and biodegradable plastics. Compostable plastic is broken into two categories, home and industrial. Ernshaw said that home compostable is theoretically good because it will break down on a compost heap, but, he adds, only about 5% of people

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Watch a video on Mars transition from plastic Smarties wrap to paper at pwgo.to/7357. in the U.K. have a compost heap to begin with, and of those that do, most people will not put plastic on a compost heap. Industrially compostable plastics do not break down unless subjected to certain conditions such as higher temperature and certain atmospheres. Ernshaw said, “A MRF near me, a recycler, says, “If we have one compostable bottle mixed in with a thousand ordinary PET bottles that we were going to recycle, instead of recycling them, they ship the whole lot into landfill now, because you’ve put a compostable plastic in there. It gets worse than that though. When these compostable plastics end up in landfill, they break down and they tend to give off methane. Ordinary plastic in landfill just sort of sits there being plastic and just doesn’t do anything at all. It’s inert. These break down and give off methane. Methane is 16 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than is carbon.” Tesco has other considerations like preferring recycled paper and corrugate, and preferably paper and corrugate that has come from FSC or PEFC forests. Foil blocking will likely be replaced by metallic ink, and the company frowns on alternative materials such as bamboo.

Supply chain Ernshaw sums up Tesco’s approach as, “in the real world, our packaging must have the highest probability of delivering a positive outcome. We’ve made our material out of a nice green material, we made it recyclable, we sourced it properly, then we need to ship and sell it efficiently. We have a complicated supply chain with containers, and lorries, and pallets. And we’ve calculated that about 85% of our (ownbrand) pallets are not efficient. About 15% air on average is what is

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on those pallets. That equates to 36,000 lorry journeys being wasted. If we could just get our pallets a little bit more efficient, then that would save the number of lorry journeys. If we put brands into it, I reckon it’s about 90,000 lorry journeys a year. It’s the boring end of sustainability, but it is something we’re addressing. End-to-end efficiency is super important. We don’t sell air and we don’t package air.”

Future proof packaging and system challenges “There are three top tips for future proofing your packaging,” said Ernshaw. “First one is, address each stage of that packaging life cycle. Try and use monomaterials wherever you can. Try and avoid exotic materials. And if you think there’s a better way of doing it, then please tell us because we can then amend it. It’s our responsibility as a big retailer to try and lead what is going on. We need to collaborate on this. And then, remember the customer. As soon as you start making things difficult for the customer, they won’t do it. It’s got to be simple.”

Our 4Rs packaging strategy is to Remove where we can, Reduce where we can’t, Reuse more, and Recycle what’s left. Addressing the subject of reuse systems, he said that “We are going to have to come up with reuse systems that make it easy for customers to reuse. We’ve all got into the habit of taking our bags into store now. We’ve done it there. How are we going to make it work on the other things?” But issues exist such as the additional labor needed to monitor and clean reuse stations. “We haven’t cracked it yet, but it is an area of huge focus,” he said. And finally, said Ernshaw, “The recycling infrastructure is the major problem at the moment. Which is why we are having to collect soft plastic in store, because that’s a big hole in the recycling infrastructure. We are stepping in to do it for them. But ideally, it should be collected at curbside.” PW

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P&G Herbal Essences PET Bottles Now 50% Molecularly Recycled PCR Herbal Essences will be the first P&G brand to use Eastman Renew molecular-recycled plastic in its packaging. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Advanced materials

Molecular recycling

By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor Herbal Essences, one of P&G’s most iconic brands, in November introduced five shampoo and conditioner collections in primary packaging made from Eastman Renew resins with 50% certified recycled plastic, a material that uses an advanced (non-mechanical) recycling technique. The two companies have a long history of partnership, with Eastman supplying P&G a variety of specialty materials—either directly or indirectly via molder/converter partners. In this new project, the Renew material used to produce the new Herbal Essence bottles is a PET material using injection stretch blow molding (ISBM). This commercialized project comes on the heels of an August 2021 P&G and Eastman agreement to collaborate on initiatives that will advance the recycling of more materials, encourage recycling behavior, and prevent plastic from going to waste. The launch of Herbal Essences in packaging from Eastman Renew materials, which was timed to coincide with America Recycles Day on November 15, was the first concrete step the companies are taking to leverage Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies and advance their shared commitment to the circular economy.

Molecular recycling technology “Eastman’s Polyester Renew Technology (PRT) is a form of advanced or chemical recycling–what we call ‘molecular recycling.’ Specifically, it is a form of depolymerization,” says Chris Layton, Eastman’s Sustainability Director for Plastics and Circular Solutions. “As the name implies, with PRT we are able to recycle polyester waste plastics. We break down those materials into their molecular building blocks, in this case Dimethyl Terephthalate and Ethylene Glycol. These molecules are indistinguishable from the same molecules produced by fossil feeds. We can then feed these recycled

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Herbal Essences bio:renew shampoos and other personal care products will now be sold in PET bottles consisting of 50% PCR derived from molecularly recycled polymers. By including the standard How2Recycle® label, Herbal Essences is encouraging consumers to recycle the empty bottles.

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molecules into our existing manufacturing processes to produce our portfolio of specialty co-polyesters including Tritan Renew which goes into durable goods like Camelbak and Nalgene water bottles, appliances, medical devices, and electronics/auto applications.” With PRT, Eastman molecularly recycles polyester waste plastics. This means not only clear water and soda bottles, but also colored shampoo bottles, the food packaging trays seen on grocery store shelves, and

even carpet and textiles. Today these “hard-to-recycle” materials generally end up in a landfill or incinerator. The technology is meant to be complementary to more traditional mechanical recycling, and Eastman ensures it isn’t poaching from more easily recycled materials, that the current infrastructure can easily handle, by focusing its PRT attention on hard-to-recycle materials as a feedstock.

The Herbal Essences project “At P&G Beauty, we have a goal of a 50% reduction in the use of virgin plastic by 2025,” says Rachel Zipperian, Principal Scientist, Herbal Essences. “Mechanical recycling has limitations and chemical recycling can recycle more materials, more times. Our strategy includes incorporating PCR from both mechanical and chemical recycling to reduce the need for virgin plastic and divert plastic waste from landfills or the environment.” The ratio of 50% PRT material isn’t necessarily fixed; bottles could contain more PRT in the future. Zipperian says these PET Herbal Essences Bottles made in part from PRT are not limited by any functional issues, so the 50% blend currently used is based on availability from Eastman, not a need to use some percentage of virgin material for any functional purpose. Recycled content is achieved through recycled waste credits allocated by a mass balance process certified by ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification). “We estimate that the U.S. generates approximately 20 billion pounds of polyester waste plastic every year including PET bottles, non-bottle PET, carpet and textiles,” Layton says. “Unfortunately, less than 20% of this gets recycled. So, we are confident in our ability to secure the amounts needed to feed our PRT.” “As an industry, we need to create a better infrastructure for colored PET to be collected and sorted for recycling and diverted from the landfill to get more feedstock for Eastman Renew resin,” Zipperian adds. Five Herbal Essences bio:renew sulfate-free collections, including the Aloe Vera lineup, were recently upgraded to Eastman Renew materials. These will be followed by two new collections coming to market in January 2022. These new packages will also include standardized How2Recycle® labels to clarify recycling instructions and encourage recycling behavior, even in the bathroom.

Labeling and certifications “It’s on all of us to make a difference and create a more sustainable future where plastics are truly recycled, reused and out of nature,” Zipperian says. “Making this package change to Eastman Renew materials reduces the brand’s dependence on virgin plastic and helps us bring the world one step closer to making plastic a circular resource. By including the standard How2Recycle® label, Herbal Essences is encouraging people to recycle their empty bottles.

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Cosmetics Brands to Benefit from Molecularly Recycled Material “Cristal™ Renew and Eastman’s innovative molecular recycling technologies will play a crucial role in helping us achieve the commitments laid out in our ‘2030 A MORE Beautiful Promise,’ without sacrificing the premier beauty experience customers expect from Amorepacific,” says Jung Changwook, Senior Vice President of Amorepacific’s development and purchasing division.

Korean cosmetics and prestige brand owner Amorepacific will also be taking advantage of Eastman’s range of PCR that have been processed via advanced recycling, or what it calls molecular recycling.

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As mentioned in the Herbal Essences application described in this article, Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies break down hard-to-recycle plastic waste into building blocks used to create new materials that are comparable to traditional materials in clarity, luster, and mechanical properties. Using molecular recycling to make these materials diverts plastic waste from landfills, incinerators, and the environment. The process also reduces the use of fossil resources and results in 20% to 50% lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional manufacturing. The recycled content is achieved by allocating the recycled waste plastic to Eastman Cristal Renew co-polyesters using a mass balance process certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Amorepacific says that Eastman’s Cristal Renew material is key to creating recycledcontent packaging that lives up to its signature beauty aesthetic, which the company says is renowned worldwide. Cristal Renew, available with 30% and 50% certified recycled content, gives the skin care leader brilliant, crystalclear packaging that enhances its products and customer experience, the company says. PW

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Read about several other advanced, chemical, or molecular recycling projects and technologies, including Honeywell’s new UpCycle advanced recycling process technology (pwgo.to/7382), L’Oréal’s HDPE bottle made from industrial emissions (pwgo.to/7381), or Emmi’s readyto-drink coffee package made from 30% chemically recycled polypropylene (pwgo.to/7383). “Even separate from the incorporation of the Eastman Renew resin, Herbal Essences has added the How2Recycle label to the majority of bottles to clarify recycling instructions and encourage recycling packaging waste,” she says. “In fact, How2Recycle labels were added to packaging across all the P&G Beauty North America Hair Care brands including Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Hair Food, and Herbal Essences. Plastic is an extremely valuable material, it is our goal to enable responsible usage of the material and create a circular path for plastic. Recycling rates are low, especially in the bathroom, and we want to simplify instructions and encourage reuse and recycling. The majority of Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner bottles are labeled ‘widely recyclable’ and made with either chemically [molecularly] or mechanically recycled PCR resin.” As previously mentioned, these advanced recycling technologies complement traditional recycling, expanding the types and amounts of plastics that can be recycled. This gives materials an extended useful life

The new P&G bottle, made with Eastman Renew, sans label. Check out another story about advanced recycling methodologies that stand to make an impact on plastic waste on page 76.

and diverts plastic waste from landfills or the environment. “We are excited to see our partnership with Procter & Gamble reach consumers’ hands with the launch of these Herbal Essences packages,” Layton concludes. “We are delivering solutions to the plastic waste problem right now and look forward to the continued collaboration with P&G as a leading partner.” PW

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Durable, Reusable Sampling Packs Reduce Waste, Improve Brand Experience New Balance Team Sports made the leap from traditional kraft corrugated in D2C sampling and sizing returns to a durable, reusable PET fabric pack. It’s branding makes a nice impression and distinguishes it from other shippers, all the while being more sustainable. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Improved branding

Durable, reusable packaging

Return logistics

By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor ket is in the team sport space, given the demographics and the sheer Global shoe and sports apparel brand New Balance outfits some of the number of participants at the youth grassroots level between ages 8 and world’s leading athletes, from Olympic stars like nine-time U.S. National 18. It’s primarily in club sports, but that also includes recreational and Track and Field Champion Emma Coburn, to Major League Baseball luinstitutional sports as well. Within that institutional bucket, we service minaries like former all-star outfielder Curtis Granderson. high school and collegiate programs all the Meanwhile, any old weekend warrior in way up through semi-pro and professional a softball league or running club at home sports here in North America.” can benefit from New Balance shoes or The 30-plus member category mangear, even this PW editor. Now, Granderson agement team is decentralized, meaning and Coburn doubtlessly receive the latthey’re located all over the country, and est, top-of-the-line gear first and directly don’t have regular access to a central office from the source at New Balance. I, on the or shipping department. These folks do the other hand, purchase much more pedessample shipping themselves, so they are trian New Balance shoes from a third-party closely attuned to the mountain of packagneighborhood running shoe store. ing materials and the shipping and return But between these two opposite ends logistics headaches involved. of the athletic gear-buying spectrum, there is a wide swath of commerce that’s hidden to average consumers like me. This exists in sampling, sizing, and outfitting the multitude of intermediate levels of athletics Sampling for club teams entails a catthat exist in the wide chasm between an egory manager like Chaney, who specialMLB outfielder and the average Joe. izes in lacrosse and hockey, working closely New Balance Team Sports switched to a reusable, New Balance breaks out its business returnable pack design to improve branding and with his customers, who can be dealers, categories by sport, with each sporting cat- reduce waste in a sampling and sizing program retailers, or end consumers, to arrive on an egory being assigned a manager or team of that previously shipped product in traditional kraft aesthetic, look, and feel, that will be used regional managers. Since this athletic club corrugated. by, and sold to, the entire club. That means team space is so far afield from of what color swatches, logos, patches, and fabric Packaging World usually covers, maybe it’s better to let David Chaney, types, all at different price points and sophistication levels, need to be New Balance Team Sports Sales Manager, explain. shipped, sampled, tried on, tested, and ultimately returned via D2C “We outfit athletes at all levels with premium performance prodshipping with a return tag. ucts,” he says. “And when I say all levels, we truly service professional Many of the larger club teams—say, soccer or lacrosse—may have athletes, all the way down to grassroots youth teams. Our primary maron the order of several thousand members, ranging in age (and size)

Packaging’s place in sports sampling

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entirety of what New Balance would call a size run, or the full range of available shoe and apparel sizes. These sizing nights allow a club team to find its perfect size and fit, and then return the tested gear. Armed with that sizing info, the customer can then confidently make a tailored jersey or shoe order. New Balance category managers send sizing kits to teams specifically for these purposes, and the kits are shipped back to them for re-use. From an e-commerce and logistics perspective, it’s a manual, packaging-heavy operation.

Sustainability and brand perception

Internal dividers can be used to keep shoes organized, or removed so the pack can double as a jersey or uniform shipper. between third graders and high school seniors. Not to mention there are coaches, parents, referees, and line judges of all ages and sizes. Outfitting an entire club team requires a lot of back-and-forth to eventually arrive at a purchased line of gear. Chaney says this can involve several shipments, with much or most of the sampled product coming back to him and his fellow category managers. And uniform selection isn’t the end of the packaging saga. Once the aesthetic is decided upon, then teams often have what are called “sizing nights” or “sizing parties” where some or all of a club team try on the

One obvious outgrowth of the sampling and sizing process was, at least historically, it used a lot of corrugated shippers that may or may not have been recycled. That’s a sustainability concern that has been brought into sharp relief among consumers during the pandemic, with people being more aware than ever of waste tied to shipping, returns, breaking down of boxes, removing tape and dunnage, and ability to recycle. The positive side of the sustainability story with regards to club sports outfitting is that RSC-style corrugated shippers can withstand more than one use in this back-and-forth of sampling and sizing, and in most cases are at least recyclable (though not infinitely so). But the practice of using (or re-using) plain kraft corrugated brings up another problem: brand perception. “We’re at the forefront of the brand and the consumer’s engagement,” Cheney says. “We are the physical representation of the brand to the athlete on the team side. Our athletes’ direct, first-hand experience with the New Balance brand is with us, what we send them as samples,

PUMA Redesigns Shoeboxes for Positive Environmental Impact Sports equipment and apparel company PUMA introduced a new shoebox design that it says will save 2,800 tonnes (3,086 tons) of paperboard and corrugated every year, as part of its sustainability strategy to make a positive environmental impact across its product range. Rolled out in 2021, the new shoeboxes are just one element of PUMA’s commitment to make its retail supplies more sustainable. By 2023, the company says it will no longer use plastic bags in its stores and will also switch other retail supplies, such as hangers and shoe trees, to more sustainable alternatives. “If we consider that it takes about 12 trees to make a tonne of cardboard [paperboard or corrugated], we are saving 33,600 trees every year. That is more than the number of trees in Central Park in New York,” says Stefan Seidel, Head of Corporate Sustainability at PUMA. “Such initiatives, which are part of our 10FOR25 Sustainability Strategy, help us make a positive impact at scale.” The company says its new shoeboxes are just as sturdy as their predecessors and are made of more than 95% recycled paperboard or corrugated. Earlier in 2021, PUMA announced a partnership with notfor-profit environmental organization Canopy and said it would

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source all of its corrugated and paper packaging from recycled or certified sources to ensure they are not derived from the world’s most integral forests. PUMA’s 10FOR25 targets cover a wide range of sustainability topics including climate action, human rights, circularity as well as plastics and the ocean. The targets are aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and ensure that PUMA works on making its core business more sustainable. PW

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How Many Return Cycles Constitute Success? The latest durable, reusable, and refillable packaging models all involve a theoretical magic number. That’s the break-even point, or number of return/refill cycles needed to make the system overall more environmentally beneficial, economical, or efficient than a traditional disposable packaging model. If a reusable, refillable package is only reused or refilled once, it might not be much of an improvement over traditionally disposed packaging. If it’s reused and refilled a million times, it’s likely a huge improvement by just about any metric. But where’s the threshold between one and a million? The short answer is that it depends on the application. But when it comes to secondary shipping and delivery packaging, it’s likely lower than you think, and almost certainly lower than the number of cycles a brand will aim to get out of a durable pack. “Our main critique of the reuse world is that it tends to be dominated by product designers who develop reusable packaging that has a theoretical life cycle. And they’ll say, ‘this is good for a hundred shipments,’ or ‘a thousand shipments.’ or ‘a thousand refills’ or whatever that number is,” says Mike Newman, Returnity CEO. “But it’s not always grounded in the reality of how often a reusable pack is actually reused in real-world applications.” He thinks of the New Balance reusable packaging program as a strong representation of how Returnity philosophically looks at reuse and aligns it to sustainability benefits. “When you look at the life cycle assessments that have been done by us, and by third parties like Fashion for Good, specifically looking at secondary shipping and delivery packaging, they consistently find that after four reuse cycles, you can start to see a slight net benefit on key metrics like carbon output, water use, and so forth compared to single use packaging,” Newman says. “To get to four reuse cycles, you have to have packages returned 75% of the time, but we aim higher to see a 95% to 97% return rate, which will get you 20 packaging uses.” In practice, it’s often much more. But at or around the 20-reuse cycle number, Newman says that it has been validated across a number of studies that brands are going to see around 50% or greater reductions in carbon and water use. “It is case-contingent on how far it has to be driven for the return leg, and what packaging system it’s replacing, which makes it harder to spit out a specific number in every instance,” Newman says. “But I think the key question here ultimately is, ‘is it actually being reused?’ If so, and you’re keeping it in circulation, you’re really going to see some big benefits that come from that reuse.” PW

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and the packaging those samples arrive in.” With a premium brand’s consumer reputation in mind, consider that New Balance category managers once relied on several-cycles-old corrugated shippers, replete with old shipping labels, barcoodes, nicks, dings, and perhaps tape from previous orders and journeys. That’s hardly the elite brand experience that New Balance category managers want to provide for their club team customers. Joseph Ziegengeist, New Balance Baseball/Fastpitch Sales, recalls what the legacy process looked like. “It was pretty archaic,” he says. “Typically, when I’m sending samples out, it’s either a sample jersey or shoe that only I have access to, that a dealer or customer wants to see. Otherwise, I’m sending samples or sizing kits. And that’s probably the bulk of what I would do on a day-to-day basis, since I cover so many states.

The reusable, durable packs are constructed with rigid corrugated plastic within screen-printed PET fabric. “In the past, I would have to collect [corrugated] boxes. And whether that was an old box that I used when I started at New Balance three years ago—usually one that looked worse for wear but was still usable—or if it was an Amazon box from something that my wife had ordered, anything was fair game,” he continues. “I just kept box inventory in my garage, and it was filled with boxes. When I’d get a request for a sample or sizing kit, I’d have to go out to my garage, find a box with a size that would work, and was something I was reasonably confident wouldn’t fall apart on the way.” And even if Ziegengeist and Chaney took pains to make sure their re-used boxes would make the journey to a customer with product unharmed, that wasn’t always the case with their customers, who were tasked with sending the product back to the New Balance category managers. Even when New Balance category managers would provide shipping labels and otherwise make returns as easy as possible, “We’d often end up often having a taped-up, jumbled-up mess on our front door, and it wasn’t even the box we had sent it in,” Ziegengeist says of the return logistics nightmare.

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Asics Use Blister Pack for Shoes Japanese multinational sports equipment corporation Asics created humorous and eye-catching packaging to cleverly associate the health benefits of exercise with that of medicine. The pack for the U.K. and Netherlands markets involves Asics running trainers packaged in oversized blister packs, evoking the cues commonly used in pharmaceutical packaging. The introduction of the pack signals the start of Asics’ “Movement for Mind” program which hopes to get people doing exercise in support of their mental health. It is unclear about the recyclability of this initiative compared to a traditionally used paper-based shoe box may not be as good for the environment. The pack is for a small, direct marketing campaign and is unlikely to be a consumer-facing initiative. PW Source: ThePackHub

Durable, reusable D2C packaging solution That’s where Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Returnity, a durable, reusable packaging supplier, comes in. Launched in 2017, Returnity replaces single-use shipping and delivery packaging by designing, manufacturing, and implementing reusable packaging and circular logistics systems. New Balance selected Retrunity’s durable packaging because it could simultaneously deliver a high-end branded product sampling experience for the customer, and also reduce the environmental impact of less-than-durable corrugated packaging. Today, this reusable packaging system replaces 10,000 shipments of single-use corrugated boxes, reduces emissions up to 63%, and further promotes New Balance’s initiative to make a convenient and more consistent experience for coaches and teams while reducing waste.

Ensuring a good fit isn’t just for shoes “Our project with New Balance aligned really perfectly with our philosophy on how to integrate reuse. First, we need to make sure it was a system where a reusable package actually is the right operational and economic fit,” says Mike Newman, Returnity CEO. “Since New Balance sampling had a circular shipping model already, that was a sign of a good fit, since that’s where we think re-use really shines. That part can often be a challenging component of a conversation with a potential customer, but this was a ready-made example of an application that stood to benefit from a reuse model.” Customization of packaging to fit New Balance’s needs was next, and Newman knew Returnity had to be specific around key elements like package sizing and content protection. Returnity says it, as a supplier, understands how to design packaging that’s flexible to customer needs, getting the right level of content protection, and making sure they get the economics, branding, and related components lined up correctly. “Customizing the right size and protection level was where most of the work was centered, since New Balance had a circular model to begin with and that wasn’t any kind of departure,” Newman says. “But in the shipping world, last-mile logistics are very expensive. And content protection is absolutely critical. So, for this type of operation, a brand

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Garment bags don’t use the rigid corrugated plastic walls that the shoe packs require. owner needs to have precisely the packaging that it needs, not some standard, off-the-shelf version. We have what we call our ‘Toolkit’ of design and technical capabilities that we bring to each client.” Chaney agrees on the need for customization, and points to the wide gamut of shoes and apparel products New Balance needs to ship. Every sports category is different. A first round of CADs (computer animated designs) of the proposed durable shoe pack, for instance, looked pretty good for most of the sports categories. But the New Balance basketball team raised their hands to point out that they would need to ship in shoe sizes up to 15 or 16, and that early design wouldn’t easily accommodate such big shoes. The team had to go back and tweak the height of the footwear pack. “It’s not the same widget that we’re sending out and getting back over and over again,” Chaney says. “The ability to create a reusable

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“Returnity manufactures them in such a way that New Balance can continue to use them without third-party services, so intermediaries are required,” Newman says. “Primary materials are PET fabrics, and plastic corrugated that give the packages rigidity. We’re able to add padding, etc., to eliminate the need for additional dunnage. The packs are closed with zippers and a locking mechanism for security. On this product the packaging has an external pouch for labels. Fabrics can be dyed to any color, and they utilize full color and branding. Full color printing is easily integrated. The packs are sometimes screen printed, sometimes digitally printed—we use a number of printing techniques to add colors and logos. Full-color printing is standard.”

package that exclusively fit our needs, and to work with their team to do it, was really boutique experience. We had a vision of what we thought would answer some of the challenges that we had, and they executed it for us. Their ability to custom-build the packaging for our unique needs was a huge factor. Their history and success stories with other garment suppliers aligned the stars for us.”

Final two pack designs

New Balance and Returnity had to strike a balance between the wide variety of products they were sampling and the logistical need for a limited, standardized number of custom Returnity packages that could meet all necessary shipping needs. Through test- A zipper closure can be secured with a zip-tie or ing, they arrived at just two customized du- other locking mechanism. rable pack styles. One is a rigid, collapsible box, with dividers, that is used primarily to ship New Balance’s athletic shoe samples. The dividers can be easily removed to let the box double Since Returnity packs are fully branded with New Balance screen as a garment bag for stacked shorts or jerseys. The other pack design is print, they are noticeably different from the sea of kraft corrugated a bag that is designed like a box, but with no rigid walls—just fabric. It RSC shippers that tend to pileup in any dealer or retailer environment. also easily folds/collapses for simpler storage and shipment. The bag is Those traditional kraft corrugated boxes tend to disappear, indistindesigned to ship their soft apparel. guishable from a wall of other corrugated.

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“And really, why I was so excited when we came on board with this program is because [the reusable packages] are so distinct and stand out,” Ziegengeist says. “The previous brown [corrugated] boxes were like any other, so after they would arrive to a customer, or to a team direct, or to a dealer, that box would immediately just blend in with the rest of their other brown cardboard boxes they’d have sitting in their back room. “Oftentimes it’s hard for us, and our customers, to keep track of samples,” he adds. “An extra layer of what we have to do on a day-to-day basis is to track these samples. Frequently that box, with valuable sample product that we wanted back, would just kind of get lost in the shuffle. They’d use it and then they wouldn’t send it back immediately. And it would just get lost in a sea of other brown [corrugated] boxes in the back room. It could be maddening since we’d always provide a return label to make it as easy as possible for them, but they’d still fail to get the returns to us. That’s what the picture looked like prior to us partnering with Returnity, at least. Now these returns are much more automatic.” After having implemented the project, Chaney, Ziegengeist, and the 30 or more other sports category managers in New Balance club team sampling enjoy a much simpler process. Gone are the days of eyeballing

A built-in clear envelope designed to display a shippinig or return slip obviates pressure-sensitive labels that would otherwise build-up and require removal from the pack, return cycle after return cycle. beat up kraft corrugated to judge whether it would survive a shipping and return cycle, removing old barcodes or shipping labels that could cause a shipping error, and having to stay stocked up on shipping tape. Club teams report a better experience as well. First, they’re receiving nice, branded PET fabric packaging that has a premium feel to provide a better brand experience. Secondarily, they aren’t as likely to receive damaged sample product or sizing kits, misplace product in their own facilities, or lose a return slip. “And now, I realize I was creating an inconvenience for my customer, who often had to find or purchase new packaging to get samples back to me,” Chaney adds. “I think the relief in knowing that I’m providing our customer a best-in-class experience when it comes to sampling, that’s really been the highlight. Especially for dealers that have been with us for a long time, I’ve gotten the most response from them because they’ve been seeing the decrepit packages arriving over the years. Their immediate response was, ‘Whoa, this is really nice.’” PW

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Fresenius Kabi Goes Above and Beyond DSCSA Requirements With the support and standards of GS1 US, the pharmaceutical manufacturer fulfills customer needs for an additional system to ensure safe use of medication on a unit-of-use level. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

RFID labeling

Track & Trace

By Melissa Griffen, Contributing Editor, Healthcare Packaging The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put into effect the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which was enacted by Congress in November of 2013, in order to outline the steps necessary for the industry to build an electronic, interoperable system by 2023 to identify and trace—through the packaging and homogenous cases of products—prescription drugs as they are distributed throughout the U.S. This legislation is meant to develop and enhance drug supply chain security and includes product tracing requirements which went into effect in 2015 for manufacturers, repackagers, wholesale distributors, and dispensers such as pharmacies. The DSCSA requires that manufacturers and repackagers affix or imprint to each package and homogenous case of product a product identifier, which includes: • The product’s standardized numerical identifier—composed of the National Drug Code (NDC) and a unique alphanumeric serial number • The lot number • The expiration date This information must be included in a 2-dimensional (2D) data matrix barcode for packages and either a linear barcode or 2D matrix data barcode for homogenous cases which complies with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP). GS1 US, a not-for-profit information standards organization, provides a system of standards for identifying products, locations, and logistic units, thus enabling manufacturers and repackagers to meet the DSCSA requirements. This allows pharmaceuticals in packages and homogenous cases to be tracked and traced from manufacturers to the receiving docks of healthcare providers at the unit-of-sale level. However, the management of medicines throughout hospitals—from receipt to administration, or at the unit of use level—is not within the scope of DSCSA. GS1 US member company Fresenius Kabi—a healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicines and technologies for infusion, transfusion, and clinical nutrition—was approached three years ago by many of its customers (hospitals and pharmacies) about implementing RFID tracking on medication inventory, which they had been adding manually in a time-consuming and tedious process. Fresenius Kabi’s

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The company began implementation of its +RFID system at its Sweden facility (Photo credit: Fresenius Kabi). customers had found RFID tracking to be more accurate than barcodes, allowing them to scan many drugs at once, more easily track expiry dates, and better maintain tighter inventory levels. Healthcare Packaging’s two part series on RFID (hcpgo.to/part2rfid) implementation at Allegheny Health Network goes into further depth on the interest in RFID from a dispenser perspective.

Implementing RFID So, the company began research into RFID that took up the majority of a year. Considering the lack of mature RFID system vendors available, Fresenius Kabi turned to eAgile, a vendor that supplies both RFID-enabled labels and RFID equipment, and spent the next year on the initial equipment design and implementation. In early 2020, the company began implementation of its +RFID system at its Sweden facility, which Jeanne Sirovatka, Senior Director for Packaging Design and Technical Projects at Fresenius Kabi, as well as analytical chemist, explains ran into a few snags when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Implementation was slowed as countries went into lockdown and the company could no longer send in its U.S. team (that had conducted the research) in person and resorted to using many virtual conferences instead. “Ultimately, we got it done and it all worked out, but I would have preferred not to do this during a pandemic,” Sirovatka says. So, in the fall of 2020, Fresenius Kabi reportedly became the first pharmaceutical manufacturer to

12/24/21 9:55 AM

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the packaging point. The tags are pre-encoded with the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), and a unique serial number at the eAgile facility. They are encoded with the lot number and expiry date on the Fresenius Kabi packaging line via antennas that interact with the tags through radio frequency. Tags that are unreadable or with incorrect information encoded are rejected from the line. The RFID antennas, interrogation equipment, and at some facilities the reject equipment (depending on the configuration of the line) were purchased primarily from eAgile. “This gives us a universal solution,” says Sirovatka.

The GTIN, serial number, and tag ID are embedded into the label (Photo credit: Fresenius Kabi). embed medication identification data into an RFID tag, relying on GS1 Standards to permit full interoperability and compatibility. In Fresenius Kabi’s research, customers responded that they wanted the NDC, lot number, expiry date, and serial number provided in the RFID tags. The company has been using these tags on specified products, including glass and plastic vials and syringes, which were commonly tagged by its customers in anesthesia and similar fields. Each RFID tag is embedded into the existing label so it can run on the company’s existing packaging lines and this makes the process fairly invisible to the packaging line operators with no physical interaction at

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Pros and cons While testing its RFID system on a syringe plant, Fresenius Kabi learned the hard way that the environment can interfere with the antennas, such as the placement of a metal ladder too close to the antenna, or the presence of water. “Subtleties like that in the environment really had a much greater effect on the equipment than anyone who is new to this technology would have expected,” says Sirovatka. Sirovatka also explains that with vial sizes and RFID reflectivity being unique and dependent on vial material, the RFID tag antenna must have the capability to be customized so that the tags have the signal strength required in the hospital systems. In addition, with aggregation needs and the cost of the RFID system, this solution is not meant to be a DSCSA replacement but rather an addition to 2D data matrix barcodes. This makes RFID tags an added

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layer of protection for pharmaceutical integrity for the sake of patients, while saving healthcare providers time and providing precise inventory control throughout hospitals. Fresenius Kabi’s customers have responded positively to +RFID, appreciating these pre-tagged, ready-to-read products that are of high quality and reliability. Gwen Volpe, Director of Medication Technology for Fresenius Kabi and trained pharmacist, says, “Currently, RFID is in its infancy and gaining momentum in the United States. Eleven percent of hospitals are now using this technology and the numbers are growing every day.” Other benefits of using an RFID system include strengthening the DSCSA serialization regulations through the combination of the GTIN, serial number, and tag ID being embedded into the label, which further reduces the threat of counterfeiting. In the event of a recall, the serialized RFID tags allow items to be identified and pinpointed down to the expiration date and lot number, as well as other related manufacturing details. RFID-tagged medication can also reduce inadvertent entry error changes to a medication’s product data at the hospital and other points along the supply chain.

GS1 US involvement Using GS1 Standards makes the RFID tags readable anywhere, allowing the industry consistency and delivering on interoperability. “The vast majority of the vendors we asked were adamant that we follow GS1 Standards,” says Volpe. According to the company, “GS1 Standards enable any supply chain

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Read this story about the benefits of low-cost IoT stickers on pharma and medical device packaging at hcpgo.to/389. participant across the globe to read data with the proper RFID equipment, including hospitals and pharmacies that comprise Fresenius Kabi’s primary customer base. By tagging each dose of medication, the healthcare provider and patient have an additional serialized measure of unique product identification.” This further allows Fresenius Kabi the potential to work with all of their customers’ RFID tracking system vendors, thus enabling the customers to choose the system that’s right for them. GS1 US played a supporting role throughout, beyond spreading the word about RFID benefits. They worked closely with Volpe, Sirovatka, and other Fresenius Kabi employees who were involved in creating the company’s RFID system, +RFID, to publish a case study and create a white paper at the end of 2020 to help other companies embarking on the RFID path. GS1 US also provided its RFID specialist to guide and collaborate with Fresenius Kabi to confirm the company was taking the correct approach, consistent with GS1 Standards. “GS1 US approached us about the case study to guide others who are going to be going down this path and we’re happy to help. It’s not always easy being the first, but you can use the experience to assist others as they join you. Using GS1 Standards ensures customers have a consistent experience with our pharmaceutical products and ensures the most important data attributes are always at our customers’ fingertips,” Volpe says. PW

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 Innovations Report By PMMI Media Group Editors At a time when COVID-induced uncertainty seems to color nearly everything we see and hear, it was mighty nice to experience the in-person, handson, rock-solid, kick-the-tires certainty of a major trade show like PACK EXPO Las Vegas. It was the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America in 2021, drawing more than 23,000 attendees who showed up hungry for solutions. They were able to engage with more than 1,500 exhibitors across four expansive halls and more than 740,000 sq ft of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Jim Pittas, President and CEO of show producer PMMI, summed it up this way. “PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO was clearly a success. Exhibitors and attendees alike were energized by the number of people who attended and by the business conducted from the moment we opened the doors on Monday.” Returning favorites at the show included the Processing Zone and The Forum, and there were also new features like the PACK to the Future exhibit. Networking flourished at events like the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast, which saw more than 500 attendees, as well as the ever popular Emerging Leaders Reception. As in years past—including 2020 when PACK EXPO International was canceled, and instead we covered a virtual event called PACK EXPO Connects—the editors of PMMI Media Group fanned out to see what kind of innovations the show exhibitors had on display. Our report, which begins on the next page, is divided into five main categories: Machinery, Sustainable Packaging, Robotics, Controls, and Pharma & Medical Device. This report is brought to you by: Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World Pat Reynolds, Contributing Editor, Packaging World Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor, Packaging World Natalie Craig, Features Editor, Packaging World David Greenfield, Director of Content/Editor-in-Chief, Automation World Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief, OEM, Senior Editor, Automation World David Miller, Senior Technical Writer, Automation World

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MACHINERY What better place to begin our coverage of machinery innovation than by taking a look at some end-of-line developments—specifically, case packers and cartoners. Retail-ready packaging continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., and SOMIC Packaging Inc. announced on the opening day of PACK EXPO Las Vegas that it has reached an agreement to provide GOYA Foods with a proprietary, end-of-line packaging machine (1) for retail-ready packs. At the Las Vegas show, SOMIC demonstrated the newest version of the SOMIC ReadyPack with GOYA products packed in stand-up pouches. The new machine GOYA has ordered is SOMIC’s 424 T2+ case packer, which rivals ReadyPack’s performance but on a slightly larger platform, says Peter Fox, SOMIC’s CEO. He indicated the new machine is being designed to handle wraparound case packing of both stand-up pouches and cartons. GOYA Foods is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S. As the premier source for authentic Latin cuisine, it produces more than 2,500 products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, and Central and South America. Award-winning olive oils, beverages, confectionery, marinades, organic products, frozen items, and others are prepared and shipped to stores in bottles, jars, cans, and flexible packaging. Disney Arrubla, Executive Plant Engineer at GOYA’s manufacturing facility in Secaucus, N.J., says a compact design, speed, packaging flexibility, and future considerations factored into his decision. “I met Peter Fox a couple of years ago at PACK EXPO in Chicago. I was attracted by the machine’s compact and smart design,” says Arrubla, who has worked at GOYA for seven years. “I did consider three other vendors but none could deliver a small-footprint machine and meet our specifications. It provides the speed and type of package we need, and it offers the flexibility for 2 other packaging design in the future. The biggest challenge was to accommodate all of the equipment in a small room. SOMIC’s case packer is the last piece of the puzzle to fit into the layout.” GOYA says the Secaucus facility is making preparations for the machine to be installed in the first quarter of 2022. Elsewhere in the case packer arena, Heat and Control displayed new capabilities for its compact, all-in-one Ishida ACP Series case packer (2) for bagged snack foods. The fully automatic system features case packing, case alignment, bag packing, sorting, closing, and sealing in one machine at speeds to 150 packages [10 cases]/min. A key capability for the system is its ability to run tape cases and push lock/slide lock cases in the same machine, even accommodating a combination of the two styles of top and bottom closures. For example, a company may opt away from manual operations, automating a push lock bottom and a tape top. This is particularly timely, Product Manager BJ Holden explained at the booth, as companies deal with labor shortages and look to automate case packing functions where possible.

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

Holden also noted that brands in the snack industry have been implementing reusable cases—often printed with branding—that drivers return to the processing site. This has led to rising demand for case packers that can accommodate reusable cases. Case aligning and closing mechanisms are fully integrated, removing the need for additional conveyors and creating an all-in-one case packing solution. An integratable seal checker checks for defective packs, while the system features gentle, vacuum-free bag handling that’s so important in the snack market. Changeovers can routinely be performed in three minutes, with preset options that allow for the machine to be automatically set up without the need for tools or any other manual operation. How about an end-of-line bag-in-the-box solution that is in high demand from e-commerce users? That’s what was highlighted at the booth of nVenia, LLC, a new Operating Company within Duravant’s Packaging Solutions Segment that was formed by combining Arpac, Hamer-Fischbein, and Ohlson into a single entity. The system (3) made its official debut at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. A Hamer brand robotic palletizer was at work in the booth, integrated seamlessly with an Arpac brand compact, intermittent-motion wraparound case and tray packer that was packaging bags of wood chips used in landscaping into e-commerce-ready cases. “This system is capable of loading bags into corrugated cases, which has become very useful in e-commerce spaces where companies don’t want to take uncased bags and transport them,” says Chuck Mayberry, Senior Sales Engineer, nVenia, a Duravant Company.

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12/24/21 10:07 AM

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MACHINERY 4

INNOVATIONS REPORT

funnels get wider or narrower, the compression assembly moves appropriately, and so on. Plus there are adjustable change parts, so there are no change parts dedicated to any particular size.”

video of this innovative machine at pwgo.to/7387.

At Aagard’s PACK EXPO booth there was plenty of talk about and video footage of the remarkably flexible 436 Case Packer (4), even though the machine itself did not make the trek to Las Vegas. “It’s what we call an ‘indiscriminate’ case packer,” says Aagard Applications Engineering Manager Jonas Capistrant. “Typically case packers are designed around the idea of all the cases being oriented one way. But this case packer doesn’t care, for example, about the orientation of the manufacturer’s joint on incoming case blanks. That makes it unique. Or picture some of our customers who have cases whose printing is oriented one way and other cases with printing oriented another way. They can’t run such cases on one case packer. With ours, they can.” This machine, which handles 30 RSC or HSC cases/min, features a bulk magazine feed so that stacks of case blanks can be placed on a floor-level roller conveyor that feeds an elevator taking them to an upper level where they get picked and sent into the case-erecting station. This represents a considerable improvement over the more typical routine of having an operator lift a stack of cases and place them into a magazine feed. Looking to the future, Capistrant asks, “At what point might we remove the operator who is loading stacks of blanks and insert a robot to load them automatically?” Additional development now underway, says Capistrant, will enable the machine to perform an inspection of each case and validate that the case blank is good so that substandard case blanks can be automatically kicked out. Photocells or other conventional scanning devices could perhaps be used for this inspection, though Capistrant says there have also been discussions with Cognex about deploying some 3D scanners. These would make it possible to not only inspect for proper orientation of the case but also for defects like torn flaps and so forth. The 436 also has a unique walk-through feature that lets an operator or technician avoid having to walk all the way around the machine should an issue on the other side of the machine need to be addressed. “There’s no need for a walk-over, or a safety gate, or a liftable gate, or anything,” said Capistrant. “And you can walk right through while the machine is running.” Other features on the new case packer are diagnostic lighting and automated changeover. “With the diagnostic lighting, the operator sees a blue light if the supply of corrugated cases is low,” says Capistrant. “Or if there is a fault, the light turns red. And if everything is running smoothly, the light is white. It saves the operator a lot of time looking at the HMI panel to understand what needs attention.” As for automated changeover, it’s assisted by the more than two dozen Rockwell servo motors on the machine. “You push a button at the HMI and the machine changes over to the next recipe,” says Capistrant. “Case-loading

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Delkor Systems claims its LSP Series of robotic case packers are fastchangeover machines, even between highly variable products. But just telling people that wasn’t enough for Rick Gessler, VP of Engineering, who decided on some gamesmanship while he was in Las Vegas. He put his money where his mouth was with a changeover timer on his smartphone to demonstrate fast changeover. Adding to degree of difficulty, he chose an apples-and-oranges changeover between small, individually sized pouches that were packed in corrugated RRP (retailready packaging) Cabrio Cases, and larger club-store pouches in stackable club-store corrugated trays.

video of Gessler timing changeover on the LSP machine at pwgo.to/7388. ON TO CARTONERS PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems used PACK EXPO Las Vegas to exhibit its washdown horizontal cartoner (5) for frozen foods such as prepared meals, ice cream novelties, and more. The new, all-servo driven cartoner has a compact design, providing a small footprint and making it easy to integrate. It is designed and built to FDA sanitary standards and features heavy-duty, fully welded stainless-steel washdown construction. Quick and simple changeovers are performed at the touch of a button on the HMI, making it ideal for a variety of SKUs and suitable for CPGs and contract packagers. With built-to-last, quality construction and materials, this system features full-height guard doors with interlocked stainless frame. The system can run cartons or sleeves at speeds to 240/min. Also ideal for CPGs and contract packagers is the system’s flexibility to ramp up or down production as needed. For smaller runs or lower output, a hand-load option is available. When production needs to increase, simply add on a robotic infeed section for higher speeds and added efficiency.

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MACHINERY “We’re excited to bring a flexible and efficient solution to the market,” says Branko Vukotic, PMI KYOTO President. “By offering a washdown horizontal system for frozen foods and dairy, we are able to address the needs of additional industries and bring more value to our customers.” Additional features include a high-speed servo-driven rotary carton placer with pre-break, articulating product buckets with barrel cam pusher heads, servo flap tuckers with cycle stop mode-positive flap closing device, Nordson hot melt glue system and an Allen-Bradley system control platform and HMI. On Day One of PACK EXPO Las Vegas, R.A Jones, a Coesia company, held a velvet-roped unveiling of its future-ready packaging machinery, the Meridian XR MPS-300®. The machine itself is an existing one in the R.A Jones lineup, but it was customized to support The Bumble Bee Seafood Company’s shift to a recycle-ready packaging format for multipacked cans (6). The packaging equipment is the next evolution of R.A Jones’ multi-packer for canned food and beverages, custom-built to replace Bumble Bee’s shrink wrap machines, in what it says is a marketfirst effort to package seafood multipacks with paperboard. The Meridian XR was able to meet Bumble Bee’s needs of enhanced operational performance, speed, and reliability because of the equipment’s adaptability. “R.A Jones is dedicated to providing high-quality and reliable equipment that can adapt to meet our customer’s needs of today and tomorrow,” said Jonathon Titterton, CEO of R.A Jones, at the unveiling. “The

process of developing the Meridian XR with Bumble Bee proves that our industry partners can take an actionable step toward innovation by shifting to sustainable packaging formats. We’re committed to continuing our longstanding history of providing customers with end-to-end insight and engineering expertise, as packaging trends continue to evolve.” R.A Jones’ packaging equipment and technology consultation will fuel Bumble Bee’s bold sustainability goals, including a commitment to provide readily recyclable packaging, an action driven by consumer, customer, and retailer support. Producing as many as 26 million multipacks (165 million cans) annually, Bumble Bee identified the shrinkwrapped product as an opportunity to continue to meet its commitment to keep plastic out of landfills and out of the ocean. As the first in

Adhesive Melter Simplifies Operator Interface, Knows What It’s Melting Robatech showcased its Vision adhesive melter (7), designed to melt thermoplastic hot-melt adhesives. According to the company, it maintains a constant adhesive viscosity and conveys hotmelt at a consistent pressure to the application head, as it should. But its operator-friendly features really set the system apart. Using what it calls a Smart Terminal, which consists of changing colors on an LED strip on the front of the device, current operating and status information is displayed to operators at a mere glance, simply and intuitively, rather than using a complex interface that requires scrutiny. The advantage? Even from a distance away, the operating personnel can recognize whether the gluing process is running smoothly or whether, for example, the adhesive needs to be refilled. Displays of the current pump pressure, status codes, and four function keys facilitate operation and rapid intervention. “The first thing you’re going

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to notice with this machine is the simplicity,” says Tyler Henderson, Robatech USA. “There aren’t a lot of buttons on the front so it’s very simple for your operator to navigate. You have

7 pump, WiFi, timer, and temperature, and that’s it. The LED strip indicates the level of adhesive inside the tank, as calibrated to the molten adhesive. What’s great about it, and why we say that it’s intelligent, is it would tell you if you were using the wrong adhesive.

You have manufacturing plants that may require several different kinds of adhesive for different applications, so that’s something that easily could happen. That’s the big thing for us, being able to intelligently measure the adhesive level inside of the tank.” Vision offers machine manufacturers many options. The melter can be installed lengthwise or crosswise: it is operated remotely or via the optional Touch Display, which is mounted at the front or side. The 45-deg FlexPort connection surface allows heated hoses to be connected at different angles to save space. This gives customers the flexibility to position vision at the shortest possible distance from the application heads, keeping the heated hose length short. Besides that, the Robatech Control System offers open interfaces and standardized Fieldbus protocols for easy integration into complete systems. PW

a video presentation of this innovative device at pwgo.to/7391.

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the seafood industry to invest in and deploy paperboard multi-packaging, the partners set a pace and precedent for the global seafood industry to innovate. “Moving our multipacks from shrink wrap to paperboard was not a simple process, but as a company we felt strongly that it was the right change to make for our planet, our customers, our consumers, and also for Bumble Bee as a category leader,” added Jan Tharp, President and CEO, The Bumble Bee Seafood Company, at the unveiling. “Engaging with an experienced, values-driven OEM partner to guide our packaging format transition was integral to making this work, so partnering with R.A Jones was a natural next step.” While enhancing product protection throughout the manufacturing process, the partnership’s packaging solution also equips Bumble Bee with an easier-to-read packaging opportunity for conveying product benefits to consumers at the store shelf. The ergonomic benefits of the paperboard also assist in making the packaging more user-friendly and easy-to-open. When consumer tested against Bumble Bee’s current multi-pack, the paperboard packaging earned significantly higher scores in terms of appeal and purchase intent, and it was perceived to be demonstrative of environmentally friendly packaging. Retail customers have also expressed enthusiasm for the new paperboard packaging, citing increased flexibility in terms of shelf-space options. The new paperboard multipacks are expected to launch in stores as early as the first half of 2022. Packaging World attended the unveiling at PACK EXPO and spent some time waking through machine features with Jeff Wintring, Chief Technology Officer at R.A Jones. The standard Meridian XR MPS-300 is a beverage multi-pack cartoner for cans and bottles (300 ppm). Unique features of Meridian XR include a four-lane infeed for new packaging options and configurations, integrated can-count verification after loading, and six- and 12-in dual pitch transport. In the customized Bumble Bee application, which entails wrapping cans of tuna into paperboard multi-packs of various formats, Wintring called out a few other unique features. The machine features a low-level magazine, which allows for easier and more ergonomic loading of the carton blanks into the machine for operators. Carton picking is powered by what’s called an air frame system with movable lugs to accommodate a wide range of different board types and sizes. The cartons are mechanically erected within the monoblock with the assistance of pneumatic/air bursts. The custom machine employs R.A Jones’ Acc-U-Change validated changeover platform. Within this system, every change part carries RFID information. When each change part is swapped out, the platform reads the RFID to find out whether it’s the correct change part for the recipe indicated. A red light/green light display at the location of each part provides go/no-go feedback to operators on any adjustments or change parts being swapped into the system. The platform simply will not let the machine start back up until every change part is validated as a go, or green. An operator likely wouldn’t be tempted to try to start the equipment unless all the lights are green, thus validating the right parts are locked into the correct positions. This allows for what Wintring calls a “vertical” startup, with no need for an operator to slowly ramp up speeds and make small corrections to calibrate the system for its full speed. “After a carton is erected, it enters a transport system and does an

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MACHINERY elevation change, extending down into the transport,” says Wintring. “That allows us to get the carton around the [tuna] cans we’re introducing. Cans are then progressively loaded, with the final loading happening as digital counting occurs. Over the top of this loading, an overhead squaring system was introduced for instances when we need to run cartons that are very tall relative to their length in the machine. It allows us to have a nice, square carton.”

Schubert was the right choice.” Joining St. Aubin (far right) and Schubert Sales Account Manager Stefan Hoffman (second from left) in the photo shown here (8) are three of St. Aubin’s Hudsonville colleagues: Cary Grover (far left), Danny Ellens (center), and Trevor Tyler (second from right).

a video demo of the Meridian XR MPS-300 at pwgo.to/7389. Considering the supply chain shocks that brands experienced in the wake of the pandemic, fast lead times and quick commissioning have been bigger priorities for brands than they have been in recent memory. So more than one exhibitor at PACK EXPO Las Vegas showed new machines that were already spoken for. Among them was Schubert North America, which debuted its new lightline Cartonpacker at the show and then watched it go home with Michigan contract packager Hudsonville Ice Cream. “As a contract manufacturer, flexibility in manufacturing is key to success,” says John St. Aubin, Operations Leader at Hudsonville. “Future products and formats change frequently as consumer preferences keep altering. While producing for other brands as well as manufacturing our own branded products, flexible end-of-line systems, such as our new Schubert packaging machines, ensure competitive advantage. It’s great to see part of our machine system exhibited at PACK EXPO and how it attracts other manufacturers—this confirms once again that opting for

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MACHINERY According to Schubert’s Hoffman, the new lightline Cartonpacker offers CPGs a cost-effective case packer that quickly automates a packaging process with the most efficient technology on the market. With Schubert’s lightline solutions, most of the configuration already is built in. Pre-configuration with limited need for customization provides CPGs with an affordable automation solution with quick commission times. The exhibited lightline cartonpacker is part of a modular Schubert TLM system that it built for Hudsonville. The co-manufacturer/co-packer produces the famous frozen Greek yogurt bars for the brand Yasso. The case packer was installed together with four cartoners and one more case packer on-site in late 2021. Another eye-catcher in the Schubert booth was the PARTBOX by Schubert Additive Solutions. The digital PARTBOX platform enables manufacturers to make their own production parts from anywhere in the world. 3D models with certified print jobs are stored on the digital platform and can be produced at any time anywhere using a standard FFF 3D printer. The technology was one of the finalists for PACK EXPO Las Vegas’ Technology Excellence Awards.

video of the lightline Cartonpacker at pwgo.to/7390. ADVANCES IN INSPECTION Flexibility in operation is a machine characteristic we heard about frequently in the aisles of PACK EXPO, and WIPOTEC OCS was one of the exhibitors that had a lot to show in this important area. It introduced a new model of its Modular Multilane System (MMS2) intelligent weighing systems for machine manufacturers that is IP65 rated and is even more flexible than its predecessor. The existing MMS system has been used in multi-lane applications. The new MMS2 is more compact, approximately 50% smaller, and has an IP65 protection class, which means there is no need for an additional control cabinet. It is also more flexible. The existing MMS is equipped with 3, 6, 10, or 14 slots in the base plate. The new MMS2 is a modular design in which individual modules can be plugged in together side by side to the exact number needed in a space-saving manner. The basic module includes all of the common fieldbus interfaces, an Ethernet interface, and the power supply. It has an option of Active Vibration Compensation (AVC) for environments where high interferences can influence the weighing result. “The weigh cells with AVC technology are designed to eliminate all of the problems with vibration,” says Jack Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for WIPOTEC OCS. “An issue we found in the market was that the electronics for each weigh cell are large and IP54. So we took all of our electronics and made it smaller and IP65.”

INNOVATIONS REPORT

“Flash cell technology allows us to run a faster rate of products per minute, in addition to getting better accuracies,” says Brad Wood, Regional Sales Manager with Mettler-Toledo. “In addition, we can actually shorten the scale and provide the same relative accuracy as the system and provide a smaller footprint within the plant.” Mettler-Toledo carried out tests comparing FlashCell to current EMFR (electro-magnetic force restoration) load cells, and the firm has also installed its new load cell technology at customer sites. Through these tests and installations, FlashCell load cell checkweighers have demonstrated, for example, the ability to achieve throughputs up to 800 ppm and a 40% improved standard deviation for a 35-g cereal bar. FlashCell technology delivers weighing results with a standard deviation up to four times lower than the previous load cell generation. The technology also works with shorter measuring times at high speeds. The weighing conveyor can therefore be reduced in length, with slower conveyor speeds helping to increase product handling stability and allowing shorter outfeed conveyors and product collection areas. The complete length of the checkweigher itself can be reduced by up to 24%. With three different load cell types in the FlashCell portfolio, food manufacturers can select the appropriate load cell for their products, weighing a complete product range up to 10 kg reliably and precisely. The checkweighers can process products more quickly and reduce product give-away through greater weighing precision. “Flash cell technology allows us to run a faster rate of products per minute, in addition to getting better accuracies,” says Wood. “In addition, we can actually shorten the scale and provide the same relative accuracy as the system and provide a smaller footprint within the plant.”

video of the MMS2 at pwgo.to/7392. Checkweiging was also a feature at the booth of Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, The firm launched C-Series checkweighing systems (9) at the Las Vegas show that provide new standards for speed and precision with new load cell technology that allows users to achieve increased throughputs. FlashCell™ load cells weigh food products at speeds of up to 800 ppm, with precision better than required by Measuring Instrument Directive (MID). With three different load cell types in the FlashCell portfolio, food manufacturers can select the appropriate load cell for their products, weighing a complete product range up to 10 kg reliably and precisely. The checkweighers can process products more quickly and reduce product give-away through greater weighing precision.

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March 21-23, 2022 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA USA

YOUR EAST COAST CONNECTION Interested in inspection technology? Don’t miss PACK EXPO East to learn about the latest advancements in product inspection.

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10 Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection also took advantage of PACK EXPO Las Vegas to launch a next-generation series of metal detection systems (10) that deliver a fresh dimension to the food inspection market. The modular design of the fully integrated system can be adapted over time, in line with evolving compliance and productivity needs. A new digital platform, powered by new smart SENSE™ software, is combined with advanced algorithms to allow entry-level models to deliver high sensitivity to all metal contaminant types with minimal false rejects. Dynamic Stability Control innovations stabilize the core sensor of the metal detector to help protect against environmental noise and vibration interference for increased reliability. A full-color touchscreen makes operation simple, with key tasks accessible using the quick-access menu. According to Alan Zeng, Mettler-Toledo Business Development Manager for the OEM business, the M30-R series metal detector has a 100% digital window-based platform and is very easy to use. During a live demo at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Zeng showed how products are passed through the detector. “The machine will learn what frequency it will be operating,” explained Zeng, “and will optimize set up.”

video of the M30-R and the FlashCell technology at pwgo.to/7393. One last look at innovations in inspection technology bring us to the booth of Domino Printing Sciences, which launched the new R-Series range of smart vision systems (11) for automatic inspection and validation of product codes, including date codes, batch numbers, bar codes, and 2D-printed codes. The R-Series was developed in consultation with customers following Domino’s acquisition of Lake Image Systems. It’s not that manufacturers had no way of validating codes in the past, but the validation technology had to come from a source other than Domino. With the launch of the R-Series, Domino seeks to deliver customer value by reducing complexity and offering a complete end-to-end solution from a single trusted partner. Specifically designed to work with Domino printers and coders, the R-Series eliminates the need for manual code validation and inspection or the complexity of buying an automated validation system from some other OEM. This significantly reduces the risk of an incorrect code leaving a manufacturing site unnoticed, while allowing for more efficient use and distribution of resources.

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The launch highlights Domino’s ongoing commitment to “do more” to help customers improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing waste by delivering best-in-class customer experience through products, services, and expertise. R-Series systems have been developed to work alongside Domino printers, integrating seamlessly into existing production lines without the need for custom brackets or specialist add-ons. R-Series controllers can be run from a single human-machine interface and have a standard user interface with Domino ‘look and feel,’ which is easy to learn and reduces the need for additional training. Unlike other vision systems, the R-Series is specifically designed for coding and marking applications. The systems are optimized for Domino fonts, print characteristics, and inks, and they match the speed of Domino’s fastest printers, meaning that manufacturers can code with confidence, knowing that every code that is printed can be checked and verified.

The R-Series is available as three separate products, with custom options available to cater to all requirements and budgets. The top-level R550 is a complete code validation and verification solution, which validates the data for both human- and machine-readable codes, as well as checking for readability and code placement. The mid-range R350 checks the readability of machine-readable codes, while the R150, a cost-efficient introductory option, offers simplified checking for code presence and placement. With the launch of the R-Series, Domino says it can satisfy on a global basis customers’ coding and vision needs via a single reputable brand while taking full responsibility for installation, training, and after-sales support.

LIQUID FILLING Well known for its in-line filling systems, Shemesh Automation showed at PACK EXPO Las Vegas a new rotary filler (12) for high- or low-viscosity products. The robust Asterra machine is a positive-displacement piston filling machine with a filling tolerance of +/- 2mL and speeds to 300 containers/min (higher throughputs available depending on the number of filling stations). The machine shown at Las Vegas had 16 filling heads and is suitable for a range of products in 12 food, beverage, cosmetics, chemicals, household products, and others. The Asterra features a proprietary mechanical cam

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MACHINERY with built-in bottom-up Shemesh nozzles and portioning technology developed across three decades of expertise in manufacturing highquality and reliable filling and packaging machines. Asterra also offers a programmable portioning speed graph for anti-foaming and drip prevention. Mechanical-cam based, Asterra’s technology is said to deliver higher accuracy as the filling process itself does not depend on auxiliary air pressure, which may be unstable or sometimes liquid-contaminated. Additionally, with this filling method the portioning process is faster and more consistent while producing less waste and spillage. Thanks to its proprietary nozzles and mechanical cam technology, unlike other more common pneumatic based rotary piston fillers, Asterra can also easily fill highly viscous liquids, including sauces with fruit pieces inside, peanut butter, pastes, etc. There is also no trade-off when it comes to hygiene: the new Asterra is constructed of 304/316L stainless steel and USDA/FDA approved materials as well as sanitary welds. The mainframe, slat chain conveyor and construction base are made of 304 stainless steel, while all pistons and 170 L smart liquid tank are constructed from 316 electro polished

stainless steel. Featuring tri-clamp sanitary nozzle connections designed for quick cleanup and maintenance, the tool-less cam mounting system saves valuable time when changing production and product specifications; less than 30 minutes are required for the complete changeover. Featuring top-of-the line SEW motors, this rotary filling machine is fully controlled by a Siemens HMI and PLC, though a Rockwell controls platform is also optional. Fill speed and portioning trajectory is adjusted simultaneously for all pistons via the touch panel. The userfriendly interface software provides a wide range of functions, controls, monitoring, and traceability for improved production efficiency. This filling machine is offered both as a stand-alone filler, in a rinserfiller-capper monoblock, or in a filler-capper monoblock configuration. Asterra can also be easily incorporated as part of the complete Shemesh custom-made bottling line featuring unscramblers, rinsing machines, loading systems, cappers, sealers, labellers, case packers, palletizers, and depalletizers. The new Asterra has a small footprint: 4.9 ft x 5.2 ft only (1500 mm x 1600 mm), excluding infeed and outfeed conveyors. That is thanks to

Streamlined Integration Fully functional integrated packaging lines occupy a lot of space, so they’re rare on trade show floors. But that’s not necessarily true for ProMach, who brings the equivalent of a whole town (streets, boulevards, and stoplights included) to the PACK EXPO portfolio of events. In Las Vegas, ProMach’s vision of merging two (or more in this case) of its product brands together into one streamlined solution attracted a lot of attention. The integrated packaging line (13) stars three of ProMach’s product brands: Matrix, Quest, and Wexxar Bel, and demonstrates the ease of how the brands collaborate together to fill and package candy mints. Attendees saw mints weighed on a Yamato scale and released through a forming tube into a pillow bag created from rollstock film on a Matrix Morpheus Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine. The Morpheus was paired with an ID Technologies (also a ProMach brand) Compact 53C Thermal Transfer printer to code the packages. A conveyor then moved packages, each containing five to six mints, over a Matrix EC-E Checkweigher for a final weigh check to a Quest Quik Pick QP200 robotic case packer.

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13 The QP200 were fed cases from a Wexxar Bel WF 20 Fully Automatic Case Former. Picking the mints off the conveyor was a neat thing to see as the QP200 uses two Fanuc Delta-style robots. These robots picked packages from the conveyors and top-loaded the mints into cases. The cases then continued their journey to a Wexxar Bel 250 Fully Automatic Case Sealer, where they were sealed and then moved to the final step of the live demonstration: robotic palletizing with a new Quest Box Bot (more on this on page 236). Show attendees saw just how small a footprint an integrated line of this

size really is, and it could be made even more compact if necessary. This fully functional integrated packaging line was meant to illustrate ProMach’s ability to bring its product brands closer together to better meet the needs of its customers. Projects like this allow customers to have one central point of contact, and that contact really serves as a one-stop, full-service provider by connecting all the ProMach brands together. This level of project management greatly streamlines the planning process, installation, and start-up curve for packaging lines. PW

video of ProMach’s integrated packaging line at pwgo.to/7394.

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MACHINERY the fact that the portioning process itself is much faster, which results in a need for fewer filling stations and smaller turrets overall, saving space in your production plant. Furthermore, Asterra’s mechanical cam technology does not require pneumatics and air-pressure dependency. This in turn results in a more consistent and sustainable machine that requires less utility consumption. More innovative liquid filling technology was on display from Syntegon subsidiaries Ampack GmbH, Germany, and Osgood Industries, LLC, USA, who highlighted the new LFS filling machine (14) for the dairy and food industry. Available in clean or ultra-clean hygienic executions, the LFS fills pre-formed containers with liquid, viscous, or pumprequired products, such as yogurt, sour cream, margarine, deli salads, dips, sauces, soups, or retorted pet food. The machine’s new modular concept enables manufacturers to react quickly to changing market demands. Each machine function can be retrofitted, added, or exchanged to meet customized requirements. The open design ensures optimum accessibility and visibility for easy cleaning and maintenance, resulting in a highly efficient and economical production. The ability to flexibly handle a variety of products and formats is a key advantage in the highly competitive food market. “While developing the LFS, we paid special attention to a modular concept, which enables our customers with peace of mind that their new filling and packaging solution can be counted on for decades to come,” says Oguz Karcier, Product Manager at Syntegon. The LFS consists of individual modules that include main machine

INNOVATIONS REPORT

14 functions such as cup supply, disinfection, filling, sealing, capping, and cup discharge. Each module can be configured, added, or retrofitted according to individual production needs for maximum flexibility. For example, the LFS can be equipped with either a servo-driven tank pump for homogeneous liquid products or a spool pump for viscous foods such as potato salad. And according to Head of Sales & Marketing Jonathan Viens, 2022 will see the commercial availability of a servo-driven single-pump system capable of handling a variety of different product viscosities. “It could be a game-changer,” says Viens. “It will let customers go from one viscosity range to another simply by changing nozzles.” The dosing station incorporates exchangeable nozzles as well as integrated CIP (Cleaning In Place) and SIP (Sterilization in Place) for ultraclean configurations. The LFS processes all common container formats with a diameter between 60 and 160 mm on up to eight lanes with a maximum output rate of up to 20,000 cups/hr. In sequential indexing

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MACHINERY configuration, alternating carrier plates allow for processing two different packaging formats one after another without format changes needed. To ensure optimum hygienic conditions during the filling process, the disinfection station can be configured to meet individual product requirements. For ultra-clean applications such as products with extended shelf life, customers can opt for two types of chemical-free disinfection methods: UVC light or pulsed-light technology from Claranor. Optionally, the same technologies can be used to disinfect the lids before placing them on the cups. In addition, HEPA filters purify the air, while container vacuums remove loose particles and debris from the cups before filling. Food producers can seal their product’s packaging either using pre-cut lids or by heat-sealing rollstock film. Integrated sensors perform seal integrity checks to detect any leakage or poor seals to ensure product safety. Thanks to its overall open layout and maintenance-friendly design, operators have optimum accessibility to the LFS machine parts and can perform tool-less format changes safely and quickly. Another notable new feature addresses a common problem that chain-driven machines like this have been prone to regardless of who makes them. “The stainless steel carrier plates are pretty heavy, and the chains that drive them inevitably stretch,” explains Viens. “That can cause misalignment when, for example, a carrier plate delivers a cup to a sealing station, and with misalignment comes a bad seal. So we built in a measure of adjustability in each of these stations down the axial length of the machine so that as the chain stretches, you can tweak the position of the carrier plate to avoid misalignment.” From an ease-of-use perspective, the integrated HMI 4.0 multi-touch screen provides intuitive operator guidance with a clear and structured menu to assist efficient workflow and simplify troubleshooting. Further digital solutions can be added to enable quick product changes. For example, recipe changes and all necessary machine parameter adaptions are done automatically by the push of a button. In terms of sustainability, the LFS saves energy and can be configured to process sustainable materials, including paper and mono-materials, for better recyclability. As for the controls architecture, the LFS features distributed electronics from Bosch Rexroth as well as Bosch Rexroth servo motor/drive combinations in one form factor. “Distributed electronics eliminates the need for a remote electrical cabinet,” says Viens, “which in turn shortens the installation and commissioning time because you don’t have to run wires to and from the cabinet. Instead you just bring power and air into one central location.” One more look at an innovative liquid filling system, one that might be one of the most compact preformed pouch fillers (15) in the world. It was featured at the WJ Packaging booth. The pouches being filled were of the spouted variety, and the intermittent-motion machine also torques a cap, injection molded of PP or PE, onto the spout after filling. Two models, the single-spout Tower III (shown above) and the twinspout Tower III Plus, were demonstrated. Both models feature a clever pouch-feed system that is essentially a rail holding pouches. As soon as one rail is empty, an operator • signals the next rail to begin feeding in pouches, so there’s no interruption in production • removes the rail that has just been emptied • inserts a fresh rail full of pouches that can be activated when the current rail is depleted

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INNOVATIONS REPORT 15 But it’s the remarkably small footprint that really makes these machines stand out. The single-spout Tower III, capable of speeds to 14 pouches/ min, has a footprint measuring 1100 mm x 700 mm (43 x 28 in) and stands 1550 mm (61 in) tall. The twin-spout Tower III Plus, capable of speeds to 24 pouches/ min, has a footprint measuring 1740 mm x 810 mm (69 x 32 in) and stands 65 in tall. WJ Packaging is a Vancouver, British Columbia, distributor of these machines, which are made in South Korea by an unnamed OEM. WJ Packaging’s expertise is in laminating and pouch making. Pouch specs can vary considerably depending on application. But at PACK EXPO the pouches were a threelayer lamination of polyester/aluminum/PE. Smoothies, drinks, and juices are the product categories for which these machines are suitable. A pneumatic cylinder with a metering pump distributes precise and accurate volume with each cycle, says WJ Packaging. And a temperature-regulating fill tank can maintain liquid temperatures at a desired level up to 130ºC (266ºF).

MARKING AND CODING—SOME DIGITAL Designed for labeling cases and trays with GS1-compliant barcodes and alphanumeric text at very high speeds, the 258 applicator (16) from ID Technology, a ProMach brand, improves print quality and barcode readability while greatly easing use with its unique one-button operation, according to the company. “A lot of our customers kind of are stuck having to make a compromise. Everybody wants the lines to run faster and have more output. And at the same time, they also need to maintain quality, particularly if you’re printing barcodes,” David Holliday, Director of Product Marketing, ID Technology, told Packaging World editors at the booth. “And you

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want to get rid of downtime and keep efficiencies up and all of those good things. The 258 solves for a lot of those compromises.” Adds Mark Bowden, Vice President of Sales & Service at ID Technology: “Our patent-pending CrossMerge technology allows us to decouple print speed from line speed and rotate the print head to change print orientation. This increases line throughput while decreasing print speed to simultaneously maximize packaging line output and enhance print quality. Our next-generation Model 258 labeler also simplifies operation. Single-button functionality and the ability to easily swing the applicator from its running position to its service position and back make the 258 perfect for less trained operators in high-turnover environments.” Unlike traditional tamp or feed-on-demand print & apply labelers that must produce linear barcodes in the non-preferred ‘ladder’ direction to apply GS1-compliant labels in landscape orientation, CrossMerge prints barcodes in the preferred ‘picket fence’ direction and applies labels in landscape orientation. CrossMerge technology enables the 258 label applicator to produce more readable barcodes with crisper edges to ensure the best scores when verified. By rotating the print head, the 258 applicator can print a 4x2 label to apply a 2x4 label, which optimizes the conditions for both barcode printing and label application. This facilitates 50% more labels on the roll, running line speeds up to 50% faster and/or achieving 50% greater print head and print engine life. The 258 applicator maximizes uptime and minimizes the total cost of ownership while enhancing print quality, according to the company. Dedicated to labeling cases and trays, the 258 applicator prints and applies labels 3.5- to 6-in. (90 to 152 mm) wide and 1.75 to 4 in. (45 to 100 mm) in length to cases and trays on packaging lines running at speeds to 190 feet (58 m) per minute. Compared to traditional print & apply labelers that require the printer to pause while the tamp pad is traversing, CrossMerge decouples print speed from line speed. Using a vacuum belt to transfer labels from the print engine to the point of application, the Model 258 applicator allows multiple labels to be on the vacuum belt at the same time and enables the system to start printing the label for the next product without delay. The all-electric design features a fan-based vacuum generator—it requires no factory air. Over on the ink-jet side of the marking and coding space, the new 5940 G Touch Dry high-resolution inkjet coder from Markem-Imaje made its debut during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. The GS1-128 compliant system meets growing industry demands for sustaining high-resolution barcodes, branding, and text on corrugated packaging without incurring the high cost of labels. It also reduces the need for pre-printed corrugated packaging. The new system features Markem-Imaje’s proprietary Touch Dry inks that instantly dry on contact, enabling increased readability of GS1-128 barcodes for more reliable traceability. Plus—unlike liquid inks—Touch Dry inks will not spread along corrugated fibers and lose resolution. A variety of colored inks are available. They are VOC-free, safe to handle and support sustainability. Applicable for a broad range of materials, the 5940 G prints highly scannable barcodes on corrugated cases and trays of fresh produce, beverages, meats, confectionery, and many other foods as well as precision printing on polystyrene for frozen foods and shrink wrap for pal-

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MACHINERY let shipments. In addition, the system prints clean, crisp information and codes on porous surfaces including fabrics and non-wovens for medical masks, gowns, and diapers. The innovation also features a patent pending, Intelli’Flow printhead technology that avoids nozzle blockages due to ink backsplash and dust buildup. Plus, a filtering process that effectively degasses the ink during printing keeps the jetting mechanism clean and clear, resulting in a higher print quality, greater throughput, reduced maintenance, and less downtime. The system also supports increased throughput by enabling faster heat-up time by 67%. Also, each unit features from one to four printheads to support diverse and complex printing. Supporting the printheads is a specially designed ink container— which is 75% larger than most competitors—cutting operator intervention by 43%. Ink containers can also be replaced without stopping production. And the 5940 G affords easy access to internal components, with parts quickly replaced within an average of 15 minutes from problem identification. Greg Kasprzak, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Markem-Imaje, says, “The 5940 G system’s breakthrough Intelli’Flow printhead technology combined with fast-setting Touch Dry inks consistently achieves sustained, exceptional print quality of complex, compliant barcodes on corrugated and other difficult substrates, delivering a significant ROI.” Furthermore, the 5940 G leverages Markem-Imaje’s packaging intelligence software to help manufacturers maintain their entire database of print jobs centrally, streamlining print management and supporting greater throughput. Says Kasprzak, “It’s all about delivering intelligence, beyond the mark.”

INNOVATIONS REPORT

cleaned before it faults, taking the guesswork out of periodic cleaning. When needed, the auto-rinse feature is quick and efficient, only using up 2.5 mL of fluid in the cleaning cycle and taking just 90 seconds to run. The printer features a single service module that is changed annually regardless of run hours. The replacement takes only minutes, even for a novice user. Built with compatibility in mind, the 1880 is a plug-in replacement for most Videojet CIJ models for an easy upgrade. With more than 30 inks to choose from, the company says that Videojet 1880 is suitable for printing on an array of packaging types in the beverage, frozen foods, meat and poultry, and baked product industries. Users can take advantage of its Videojet MAXIMiZE™ advanced diagnostics suite to continuously monitor and display the printer’s health parameters and help identify if a fault is likely to occur. The printer provides on-screen notifications and on-board videos to walk users through proactive maintenance routines.

IN-LINE DIGITAL PRINTING FOR F/F/S V-Shapes is an innovative supplier of the convenient, hygienic, and sustainable single-dose form/fill/seal packaging machine known as Alpha. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, the firm debuted its unique AlphaFlex system, which adds inline digital printing to the form, fill, and seal capabilities (18). This compact, professional-grade dosing and delivery system from V-Shapes features high-quality synchronized digital printing on both sides of the sachets.

video of the 5940G at pwgo.to/7395. Videojet at its PACK EXPO booth demonstrated its 1880 continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer (17), designed for uptime with minimal touches. Large 1-L cartridges and reduced makeup consumption compared to many other printers mean that the printer runs longer on each cartridge, reducing the touches by operators. The unique Videojet ink build-up sensor sends an alert when the print head is getting dirty so it can be

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Notable is that AlphaFlex is powered by Memjet DuraFlex® digital printing technology and ColorGATE, a modular solution for managing color and data throughout the whole package production chain. The V-Shapes AlphaFlex dosing and delivery technology makes it possible for vertical integration of high-volume production of the patented VShapes single-dose sachets, eliminating the need to outsource printing and giving complete manufacturing control back to the brand owners and co-packers. V-Shapes says it was no small challenge to develop synchronized feeds and professional quality printing of the patented single-dose sachets, and the firm adds that the revolutionary filling/converting machine was made possible through a variety of important partnerships, including Memjet, Siemens, and SIHL, as well as the talented V-Shapes engineering team. SIHL is the converter that produces the flexible film materials used to make the sachets. Several different adhesive laminations—some including aluminum foil for barrier purposes and others not—can be used depending on the specific application. The AlphaFlex features integrated in-line printing into the V-Shapes six-lane ALPHA machine, enabling packaging converters/fillers to ac-

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MACHINERY complish the complete manufacturing process of V-Shapes’ unique single-dose sachets under one roof with a compact footprint and full color branding capabilities—in line, on demand, and with the industry’s highest quality. In the AlphaFlex configuration, the printing module prints a single side of the single-dose sachets inline, synchronized with each other, and precisely married for die cutting, filling, and sealing. Also new to the portfolio of equipment offered by V-Shapes is its VS dflex near-line digital printing solution. An early adopter of this system is Health Supply US of Mooresville, N.C., which identifies, sources, and delivers safety and medical supplies to frontline workers and first responders. Health Supply US is already operating two V-Shapes Alpha single-dose packaging machines. “Once we installed our first Alpha and were on our way to our second, it also became clear that we could easily do on-site printing with the VS dflex printer rather than outsourcing it,” says Managing Partner Cesar Garcia. The VS dflex nearline reel-to-reel printer, which also features Memjet DuraFlex® inkjet printing technology, makes it easy to print flexible packaging on site, eliminating the need to outsource printing or to tie up other printing equipment in the plant, especially for shorter runs of customized sachets. For Health Supply US, these acquisitions dramatically transformed the design and approval process for single-dose products, making it easier to meet tight customer delivery deadlines and setting the company apart from the competition. “I have a printing background, and I looked at all the possibilities of being able to show our clients right away what their packaging would

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

look like instead of putting a file together, sending it to an outside printer, having them print a massive run, and then coming back and putting it on our Alpha for filling,” says Garcia. “By using both the Alpha and the VS dflex, I am able to do everything on site and on demand; and that saves me about 2.5 weeks at a minimum for each project, dramatically improving our cycle time. Now I can go see a client in the morning, and in the afternoon I’m printing out sample sachets for them that I can show them the next day!” The VS dflex produces full-color printing with aqueous inks at 1600 DPI at a speed of up to 24.7 m/min (90 ft/min). Specialized film from SIHL allows the inks to absorb instantaneously without the need for UV treatment or drying, and the speed at which the dflex runs means it can be used for production runs, not just for samples. The flexibility offered by the combination of the V-Shapes Alpha and the VS dflex has also opened up new opportunities for the firm. Garcia says, “While we were originally looking at packaging sanitizer, we are now also looking at producing various types of creams and lotions. In addition to the need for medical gels that can be conveniently and hygienically dispensed, we also see opportunities for packaging high-end sauces or sampling for cosmetics, as well as products for other industries. It enables us to deliver a complete, end-to-end solution to our clients that goes beyond simply filling the sachets.” Rovema took advantage of PACK EXPO Las Vegas to launch its CBF (Collect, Buffer, Feed) concept. This unique and patented innovation brings remarkable flexibility to dosing mixed products into a single bag

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MACHINERY or dosing varied products into their own separate bags in a perforated “chain bag” format— all on a single machine. The machine demonstrated at PACK EXPO was a Rovema vf/f/s system. Mounted above it was a B&R SuperTrak, which uses magnet technology to guide individually controllable shuttles along a track using long stator linear motors. Mounted at various locations above the SuperTrack were three separate dosing units, each responsible for depositing a different product into containers mounted on the SuperTrak shuttles. When these containers reach the feed tube of the vf/f/s machine, their contents drop down the tube and into a bag formed from a roll of flexible film. The best way to appreciate what CBF brings to the table is to visualize two typical applications: fastener kits for do-it-yourself furniture and tea packaged in perforated chain bags. Suppose a fastener kit needs to hold a screw, a washer, and a nut. By putting each item in its own dosing unit, all three items can be conveniently dropped into the shuttle-mounted containers traveling around the SuperTrak and subsequently down the feed tube of the vf/f/s system. What better way to make in just one production cycle a single bag holding all three items? Now picture a marketer of teas who wants to package a three-unit chain bag with green tea in one bag, black tea in another, and chamomile in a third? Once again there would be three dosing units each containing a different tea. When the green tea drops into the feed tube, the heat sealing tools close on that dose and a perforation is made. The same thing happens for the dose of black tea and again for the dose of chamomile. Except that after the chamomile is in, the Rovema tooling cuts the threecount chain bag free and it drops down the discharge chute. Switching from single-bag to chain bag production is done at the HMI panel. Other examples of applications tailor made for the CBF concept would be a single bag holding a powder and a solid. If the two are dosed from a sin20 gle dosing unit, it’s difficult to have any real control over the proportion of solid to powder. That problem is squarely addressed when the powder can be precisely dosed from one unit and the solid from another. Or picture a muesli mix. Once again, by dosing oat flakes, raisins, sunflower seeds, and walnut pieces each from their own dosing unit, far greater control of product proportions can be achieved. Worth noting is that where the chain bags are concerned, the system can be programmed so that each unit is the same size. But should an application call for units to vary in height, this can be programmed at the HMI, too. As for the kinds of dosing units that can be integrated into the CBF, cup fillers and auger fillers would in almost every case

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INNOVATIONS REPORT 19 be components made by Rovema. But combination scales can also be part of the mix, in which case Rovema would integrate a machine from another OEM. Two last observations about the CBF launch. The Janich & Klass PC-based controller governing the Rovema vf/f/s system is tightly synchronized with the SuperTrak’s PC-based B&R controller. And finally, Rovema says the CBF concept can also be applied to its SBS range of machines, which combine form/fill/ seal technology with specialized top-shaping systems for compact brick packs and block-bottom bags.

video of the CBF at pwgo.to/7402. One last innovation on the f/f/s side of things was on display at Butler Automatic, a leading producer of web splicing equipment that keeps horizontal and vertical form fill seal systems operating without interruption. Historically the splicing has always been done by application of tape. Occasionally—especially in cold, humid, or dusty conditions—this spliced area with tape can get hung up on the forming collar. So Butler came up with what it calls S3, or Same Side Seal Technology (19). It’s a way to do away with tape and use a hot wire tool to join the sealant side of the expiring roll to the sealant side of the fresh roll being fed in. The firm introduced its new solution at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. As is the case with its previous offerings, plenty of film is accumulated on a system of dancer bars so that while the splice is being made, there is no interruption in the operation of the packaging machine that receives the flexible film. Butler says the S3 is available on new SP1 Automatic Splicers or as a field upgrade on existing SP1 splicers.

CONVEYORS ARE CRITICAL, TOO Morrison Container Handling System’s Smart Changeover system (20), shown this year at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, includes automatic changeover of the timing screw system and automatic changeover of all the conveyor rails around the system itself. It uses operator assistance capabilities so even inexperienced operators can set the system up quickly. “Everything is located on the machine for a quick changeover and easy storage so the operator knows exactly where the parts go, labeled accordingly, and color coded so the operator can’t make the mistake of putting the wrong parts in the wrong location,” says Dustin Lee, Morrison’s Director of Sales. To that end, a color sensor reads the change part color and prompts for the proper recipe. “The system is smart enough to know when there are no change parts on the machine,” Lee says. “As an operator puts on the next set, it will identify it and once it does that it will tell us we need to upload the proper recipe, and it won’t let me start the machine until I do so.”

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MACHINERY When performing a changeover or setting up the line, the timing screws will automatically move to the correct location so as not to rely on an operator to visually inspect and set the timing between screws. All of the rails will automatically adjust to the proper setting. With the push of a button on the HMI, and no tools needed, it’s possible to change over the rail locations to handle a wide variety of container sizes, allowing for infinite adjustment of rail position for many container sizes to run on the same line, the company says. “It is smart and easy changeover to make it more user friendly and keep your production up,” Lee says.

video of the smart changeover system at pwgo.to/7396. More conveyor innovation was on display at the booth of Regal Rexnord, which was still going by Regal Beloit during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. But following a merger with Rexnord PMC and the acquisition of Arrowhead Systems, we now have a firm called Regal Rexnord, and a highlight at its Las Vegas booth was the Modsort Trident (21), which is highly suitable for applications in e-commerce distribution and fulfillment services.

adds Brad Gossard VP and GM, PTS Conveying, Regal, with whom PW spoke during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. “Inliners, feeders, or the points where the containers change their speed quickly are the areas to watch. The iCOF condition monitoring device can also be used in mass conveyors to keep line back-pressure under control.” The iCOF device can be mounted on a conveyor and integrated in the line control system. Without any operator intervention, the system will independently measure the friction at regular intervals. With these data, it is possible to calculate an average value and the related trend and set alerts to take corrective action. “As we further understand emerging needs, particularly in e-commerce, warehouse distribution, and 3PLs [third party logistics], one of the big things is that they’ve got to take the flow and break it up to get product where it needs to go. The Trident is able to split off the product flow,” Gossard says. “Now, why would we to do that? Well, with e-commerce or Amazon, 50% of their retail clothing that they sell, they have to take back. It’s classic. Someone says, ‘well, I’m buying a small, a medium, and a large. I’m going to see which one fits and I’m going to return the other two.’ But then those returns? They’re unpackaged and they’re all broken up. In a lot of cases, if they can’t be scanned, they’ve got to be physically identified. [With the Trident,] the ones that can’t be scanned go this way. The ones that can, go this way. So reverse logistics is another big problem that these facilities have. This system facilitates the separation of packages through reverse logistics.”

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The Modsort Trident has a four-zone infeed that gaps a product, reads the package, and sends it down a belt, where it then diverts left, right, or straight on a 30-deg spur-curve to one of three sorting locations. “The Modsort Trident is ideal as a secondary sortation station in a fulfillment center and works well with parcel post, e-commerce, and warehouse distribution applications,” says Jeremy Fryman, SystemPlast Product Manager, Regal. “This sortation system can accommodate up to 50 cartons per minute on average, with a weight limit of 50 pounds. It utilizes a 34-inch wide (between frame) by 66-inch-long triple-belt divert for polybags, boxes, flats, and some types of totes. Modsort Trident technology uses 24-volt DC power and requires only a simple power drop and Ethernet connection to customer warehouse management solution. Designed to be mobile (the unit comes on heavy-duty casters), it can be redeployed if needed to another location.” Regal’s System Plast iCOF condition monitoring device is designed to monitor the condition of a manufacturing line or a part of it by measuring the coefficient of friction (COF) of a chain or belt while it is running. It returns the average value and trend of the COF. The goal is to maintain line efficiency and an optimum cleaning regime. “The iCOF device can be used in any conveyor, where a stable friction is the critical point. In dry lines, this value can more easily be affected by several factors, including the cleaning conditions of the conveyors,”

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Banding equipment was a highlight at the PACK EXPO booth of Primark America Corp., but it was banding with an innovative added functionality. Incorporated into the equipment (22) is a direct thermal printing system, which means that each band applied also serves as the package’s label. The banding can be applied to single packs, like a mix of berries in a thermoformed plastic bowl with snap-on lid. Or it can be used to bundle two or three primary packages together. Either way, the key ben-

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

MACHINERY efit is that with direct thermal printing, users of the equipment don’t have to inventory pre-printed banding materials or labels. This would be especially appealing to, for example, a company selling six varieties of salads. Rather than inventorying preprinted banding material for each variety and having to change that material for each one, just run the same unprinted OPP material for all six varieties and simply change data at the HMI when you go from Salad #1 to Salad #2. The banding material used in this application is currently OPP, though a recycled polyester is being looked at now. Two models are available. The CTW-B50 is semi-automatic in nature. The operator manually positions the container or containers being banded and hits a foot 23 pedal to activate the bander. The more automated CTW-BC50 (shown on previous page) includes a conveyor infeed and no foot pedal.

video of the printer/ bander in action at pwgo.to/7403. At the PACK EXPO booth of Signode it was the SGP strapping machine (23) that was featured. It’s designed to maximize productivity, with the model at the booth simulating a pressurized washdown environment. As the company reports, “The SGP automatic machine delivers a fully automated inline solution or can be used as a stand-alone machine when combined with idle conveyors. It features a close strap arch system with heat seal and cycle counter, and it utilizes an automatic strap feeder and automatic strap end ejection for cycles without product.” Food manufacturers are looking for systems that can handle cleaning and disinfecting, said Mike Stein, VP Global Marketing and Product Management, Automation & Packaging Technologies at the Signode booth. The SGP’s TüV-certified stainless-steel versions with IP 56 rating accommodate such harsh environments, with electronic components protected from high-pressure water jets. Capable of speeds to 65 plastic straps/min, the system is designed for integration with conveyors or standalone use. It incorporates an adjustable conveyor height for flexibility and a fold-out belt conveyor system for component access. High-efficiency components and few wear parts aim to simplify maintenance. The HMI control panel is an electronic control system with Siemens S7-1200 PLC mounted on the strap dispenser side. It has a graphic display for programming and operation including strap spacing, and it displays error messages to allow for fault diagnosis and correction. The control system features a basic photocell for detecting and positioning the package. Also featured at the Signode booth was a system designed for high-capacity storage and retrieval in warehouse environments. Signode’s StorFast Automated Storage and Retrieval systems (AS/RS) feature carts that automatically and quickly move pallets in and out of storage positions in the warehouse, along with StorFast’s range of robot-based depalletizing, palletizing, and material handling solutions.

The AS/RS boasts enhanced capabilities this year, operating at twice the speed of the previous generation with improved control for acceleration and deceleration of the robotic carts. The technology is suited to many sectors—it accommodates ambient, cold storage, and deep-freeze applications. As Don Overberg, Director of Strategic Accounts at Signode, explains, “Customers using this type of product have warehouse space constraints, and the [AS/ RS] helps them optimize that space… with how they handle, pack, and store material.” The AS/RS works within building constraints regardless of layout and floor plans, in some cases precluding the need for expansion or relocation. An all-electric Aisle Cart transports a pallet to (or from) an assigned row, the Row Shuttle then “undocks” from the cart, carrying the pallet to store (or retrieve) from a specific row position. Signode reports that the movement of both the cart and shuttle is automatically controlled by system software using PLC technology communicating to a main controller. The Storfast system is intended for high density areas, using two aisles per level, resulting in greater flow of goods in and out of storage simultaneously. The enhanced StorFast components have improved robustness to handle pallets weighing up to 4,400 pounds. The company notes that with individual cart movement, energy consumption is considerably lower than crane-based systems.

an animation of StorFast at pwgo.to/7397. MACHINERY FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY At the Harpak-ULMA PACK EXPO Las Vegas booth, a key emphasis was on a package format not seen very much in the U.S. but that is increasingly popular in Europe: trayless ground meat backflushed with a mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide and wrapped on a flow wrapper (24). Harpak-ULMA Flow Wrap Product Manager Hugh Crouch, who also talked about the format at an Innovation Stage presentation, believes this concept has a shot at being adopted in the U.S. because by eliminating the tray there’s not only a cost savings but also a source reduction advantage. In addition to removing one whole piece of packaging by going trayless, you also eliminate the trucks and the fuel they would consume when trays need to be delivered. As Crouch puts it, “Just send a roll of film to the meat packer and that’s it.” The Harpak-ULMA flow wrappers recommended for trayless ground meat are either the Ulma FM 300 for speeds to 70 packs/min or the FM 500 for up to 130 packs/min. The films being applied vary considerably according to shelf life requirements. European meat marketers are not inserting a soaker pad, paper only. Testing in the USA has been done both with and without a soaker pad. The jury is still out on whether it’s needed. Crouch admits that, historically at least, the U.S. consumer has not been all that receptive to ground meat packaging formats other than the tray plus film overwrap. But considering how

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MACHINERY vociferous consumers have become where sustainability is concerned, he thinks it may be time to try this format in the U.S., and in fact testing is now underway. Crouch also points out that the shelf life of such packs in the U.S. marketplace would need to be longer than what is required in Europe due to the greater distances that fresh ground meat needs to travel on this side of the Atlantic. So the flexible films and gas mixtures used would likely need some tweaking. Worth noting is that Harpak-Ulma wasn’t the only PACK EXPO exhibitor talking about trayless ground meat. A similar MAP flow wrap concept was on display at the Omori booth.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

video of the trayless meat packaging at pwgo.to/7398. As consumers put more emphasis on health, demanding more natural, fresh foods, interest is growing in High Pressure Processing (HPP) and what it can do to extend the refrigerated shelf lives of natural products. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, JBT Avure introduced its FlexiBulk system (25), which is aimed at optimizing efficiency and throughput significantly. But to appreciate what a game-changer this innovation might be, it’s helpful to consider how HPP—the practice of extending refrigerated shelf life of packaged products by using high pressure to inactivate bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli—has typically been done. Historically, primary containers filled with product are placed into a large basket. It’s these baskets, after they’re filled with water, that enter the pressurizing chamber so that HPP can take place. It’s important ai163915303190_enercon-half-page-ad-outlined-9x5.4375 1 12/10/2021 10:17:14 AM (primarily to point out that containers made (2).pdf of only certain materials

plastic) have been suitable for this process because things like glass or metal cannot maintain physical integrity and withstand the mechanical stress like plastic does under the intense pressure—up to 87,000 psi—involved in the process. In recent years, innovative bulk HPP systems have helped broaden the range of packaging materials in which HPP product can be marketed. With this bulk processing approach, rather than putting filled primary containers into the HPP basket, a flexible film bag goes into the basket and then gets filled and closed. Next, the basket goes into the pressurizing chamber for the required pasteurization time. Then the basket exits

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EZGUIDE

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ADJUSTABLE GUIDE RAIL The most notable feature of the EZGUIDE™ system is it does not have any protruding brackets or shafts which could be a major safety hazard. The EZGUIDE™ system does not have any mechanical components which protrude from the sides of the conveyor during adjustment. All the mechanics are done without the need to protrude past the conveyor, keeping everything safe for those walking close by. Another feature of EZGUIDE™ is it is designed to remain adjustable through curves. That is, the radius of the guides can change as the guide width is increased/decreased in the curve. While there are many traditional guide rail systems which can be made to adjust their width in straight sections, there are very few that can truly be adjustable through a curved portion of conveyor. The reason is because changing the radius of a section is difficult – the guides must bend, and the length of the guide has to increase/ decrease as the radius is changed. The EZGUIDE™ system handles both of those problems with its unique design.

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MACHINERY the pressurizing chamber and its pasteurized contents are transferred to what’s referred to as an A-Tank. Needless to say, the interior of the ATank is cleaned to a level every bit as hygienic as the pasteurized product itself. From this A-Tank the product is filled into primary containers that are also sanitized to a level of cleanliness that is suitable for the pasteurized product. These containers, it’s important to point out, can be glass or metal because they don’t have to withstand the pressure of the HPP chamber. Why is this so important? Because plenty of food and beverage marketers who might be drawn to HPP are reluctant to embrace a technology that, until recently, required plastic packaging. The downside to this bulk HPP approach is that it’s sequential. Only when all three critical processing steps—filling the bulk bag, pressurizing the bulk bag, and emptying the bulk bag’s contents into A-Tank—are completed can the next batch of product be filled into a bag and a new cycle begin. And that’s where FlexiBulk comes in. Rather than relying on one HPP basket that must be filled, processed, and emptied before the next batch can begin, FlexiBulk deploys multiple HPP baskets. This means that filling of the bulk bag, high-pressure processing of the bulk bag, and emptying of the bulk bag into A-Tank can all take place simultaneously, which greatly improves the throughput efficiency of the process. Also important is that the FlexiBulk baskets accept either bulk bags or single-serve plastic containers simultaneously. This is extremely attractive to toll processors who, because they produce for a wide variety of brand owner customers, value any measure of flexibility they can find. But what really gets JBT Avure’s Sam Mudgal, Global Product Line

INNOVATIONS REPORT

Manager, excited is the increased throughput. “Efficiency in a basket is typically 40, 50, 60% max if a customer is doing conventional HPP, where single-serve bottles go into the basket, because there’s so much wasted space,”says Mudgal. “And if a customer is doing bulk HPP, they get the same suboptimal efficiency because until now that process was a sequential one. Now with FlexiBulk, efficiency is more than 90%, so we can actually double throughput.” At JBT Avure’s PACK EXPO booth, Mike Stokes, Chief Supply Chain Officer for Los Angeles-based Pressed, said he was looking forward to the installation of a FlexiBulk system this past October. The cold pressed juice maker had been waiting for HPP to become more package-agnostic, according to Stokes. “Our consumers are all about sustainability,” he says, noting that Pressed wanted to be able to provide cold pressed juices in glass, aluminum, and carton containers, as well as plastic. “Not that plastic is not recyclable, but consumers don’t recycle.” Flexibility is also key in how JBT Avure’s new system operates. “The FlexiBulk delivers the maximum in HPP flexibility—the ability to run bulk and in-package products in the same cycle,” says Ryan Pereira, president of JBT Avure. In this case of course, a bulk bag would occupy one basket and the in-package products would occupy a separate one. Pressed runs a variety of bottle sizes for its juices. Running its 2-oz shots in PET bottles in an HPP basket maximizes the pack efficiency, since the small bottles can be packed so densely. Pressed plans to run a bulk bag in one carrier of the machine while running the 2-oz bottles in the second carrier.

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MACHINERY “The throughput vs. other bulk systems is profoundly different,” Stokes says, noting the benefits of FlexiBulk doing the basket filling and basket unfilling outside of the HPP press, thereby improving the speed and efficiency of bulk HPP. The FlexiBulk has fill speeds of up to 55 gal/min. It can fill bags, in baskets, while other bags are being pressed and unfilled. Automated filling and unfilling at such high speeds combined with JBT Avure’s largest diameter presses can now help processors HPP food at throughputs closer to conventional liquid foods processing. “HPP has always been niche,” Mudgal says. “With this, we’re really making it mainstream.”

video of the FlexiBulk at pwgo.to/7399. The Urschel TranSlicer (ETRS) cutter (26) features a built-in discharge conveyor, which facilitates the dispensing of cut product into totes. The built-in conveyor also assists with the effective capture of slivered, small cuts of leeks, onions, or peppers to promote complete discharge from the machine. Hinged/sliding panels offer full access to all key areas of the machine to simplify maintenance and washdowns, while sloped surfaces throughout the machine, including a self-draining frame, make cleaning easier. Engineered for elongated food products, the belt-fed unit employs different styles of 20-in diameter cutting wheels to create flat or crinkle slices and julienne cuts.

available with the belt profile machined onto the drum that drives the modular belts without the use of sprockets. “The difference with the VDG drum motor is that all components, including the motor and gear reducer, are enclosed inside the drum, providing a compact, space-saving solution that is up to 96% mechanically efficient and consumes 30% less energy,” states VDG Heavy Industry Drive Specialist Matt Lepp. The Tippmann Group Pallet Fit door (28) makes the company’s QFR Zone blast freezing system more flexible and efficient than ever before. The door allows pallets of all sizes to be placed in the QFR Zone system, including full pallets, partial pallets, singlelayer pallets, or no pallet, eliminating the need for plug pallets. As pallets are placed into the system, the 28 door engages only where there is product, opening and allowing maximum airflow through the product while eliminating wasted airflow. The door also is available with the QTR Zone solution for thawing palletized product. “The QFR Zone Pallet Fit door provides optimum flexibility for our customers, so they can tackle any situation,” says Sean Slain, Tippmann Group Vice President of Sales. “This cutting-edge technology was designed from customer feedback. We listened, and we delivered a system [QFR Zone Pallet Fit door] that provides maximum operational flexibility and labor savings to our customers.”

PUMPS AND SORTERS

“The design of the Urschel E TranSlicer (ETRS) cutter streamlines processing with minimal elevation changes, plus controlled and contained transfer points, to ensure maximum product is processed,” explains Urschel Laboratories CSO Alan Major. Built for reliability, efficiency, and longevity, the VDG IntelliDrive drum motor (27) features variable belt speed without torque reduction and a permanent magnet electric motor that is enclosed inside the drum, along with the gear reducer and gears. The drum motor has a service life of 80,000 hr before scheduled maintenance. For sanitary food belt conveyor applications, the all-316-stainless-steel motor is

Unibloc Pump displayed its QuickStrip positive displacement pump (29) for fluids, which features an all-stainless design with no rotor bolts or O-ring, helping eliminate the most common causes of foreign material entering the process stream and reducing damage during sanitation.

27 According to Unibloc Pump Sales Engineer Pelle Olsson, the pump has a sanitary swing arm that comes out from the side of the bearing housing and holds up the front cover. “This is both a safety and a sanitary design,” says Olsson. “It keeps the front cover off the floor and free from damage.”

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MACHINERY A unique feature of the rotor design is that it has no rotor bolt. “It’s designed for manual clean or COP applications in the food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical industries,” says Olsson. “The rotor comes out with your fingertips. It’s all stainless steel. There is no O-ring behind it, and there are no O-rings on the rotor bolt.” With fewer components than other sanitary pumps, QuickStrip pumps can be assembled and reassembled with no tools, minimizing wear and tear during sanitation cycles.

a PACK EXPO Las Vegas demo at pwgo.to/7400. Brand new at PACK EXPO Las Vegas was the FCM Colloid Mill (30) from Fristam Pumps. Designed for products such as sauces, dressings, mayonnaise, and a range of oil and fat emulsions, the new system saves time between batches because it’s never necessary to open the mill between products—either for product change or for cleaning.

The FCM system has a variable gap adjustment that lets the user easily change the gap for more or less shear, reducing fat particle size as necessary, explains Jim McCoy, sales manager for Fristam Pumps. It is not necessary to move the inlet or outlet ports or even pause operation. The system also enables hands-off clean in place (CIP), simply adjusting the gap to its maximum setting to CIP through the mill. The FCM’s variable gap makes it possible to dial in the particle size needed for shelf-stable emulsions. It allows for consistent particle sizes with a tight distribution. A flagship product introduced at PACK EXPO Las Vegas six years ago returned to the 2021 show sporting major upgrades, including new mechanical, illumination, and intelligence capabilities that improve several aspects of performance. The Veryx 2.0 line of digital sorters (31) from Key Technology feature a new mechanical layout, next-generation LED illumination, enhanced laser scanner technology, new software driven by artificial intelligence (AI), and more. The upgrades provide improved detection of defects and foreign materials in the product stream, and they also deliver that performance over a longer period of time without degrading. In very aggressive food production

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

environments, the optical sorter is subject to water and other materials splashing against sensors, causing debris to collect on both sensors and lights, notes Marco Azzaretti, Director of Marketing at Key Technology. “Over time, the challenge is to operate the same as Day 1,” he says. The system’s optimized mechanical layout addresses this. The sorter’s architecture houses all utility components within the frame, eliminating the need for an external enclosure. All door seals have been updated to a new patented design, and additional sanitation upgrades further ensure Veryx 2.0 can withstand harsh operating environments over long production cycles. All new technology for the LED lighting system delivers higher-intensity illumination with less scatter and reduced shadowing effects, Azzaretti notes, improving the sorter’s detection capabilities. The LEDs also have twice the lifetime of previous generations, he adds, which helps to reduce maintenance and energy costs of the lighting system. Veryx 2.0 also features Key’s enhanced laser scanner technology. New digital receivers improve resolution while delivering a signal that is more accurate and consistent. “It’s a next-generation technology that has an improved signal quality,” Azzaretti explains. “It gives improved contrast between foreign and good product.” On the software side, new AI algorithms are helping to improve Key’s FM Alert monitoring tool as well as its Sort-to-Grade (STG) software. With FM Alert—which sends alerts if foreign materials are found in the product stream and records a time-stamped image of each critical foreign object detected by the sorter—AI techniques help to analyze captured images to further improve the accuracy of its record-keeping. The STG software categorizes every product defect and the dimensions of every object and automatically makes optimal accept/reject decisions based on the target quality spec defined by the operator. Here, AI helps to achieve more accurate dimensional grading of the product by digitally separating clumps of products into distinct objects for evaluation. Also new from Key Technology is Discovery, a suite of data analytics software that enables Veryx 2.0 and other Key equipment to collect, analyze, and share data while sorting product. Because the sorter sees every object flowing through the production stream, it can reveal patterns and trends that not only improve the sorting itself but can also help illuminate upstream and downstream processes. “Increasingly, customers are using our sorters as information centers for the whole process line,” Azzaretti says. “They’re able to capture more information than just what the machine needs for its core function, and they can provide valuable insights to customers.”

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MACHINERY

FOCKE

Discovery provides actionable information 32 to help processors optimize product quality, maximize yield, reduce downtime, and minimize labor. As one example, if sorting diced or formed product, the system could detect how the shape profile has changed over time, Azzaretti notes. The system could alert an operator further up the line about a possible problem with the dicer or former. Azzaretti also points to the ability for customers to use information from detailed quality reports to pay suppliers of raw input. With a pay-for-performance scheme, food processors could pay suppliers based on how clean or dirty the product is, he adds. Anysort U.S.A. showcased its new cloudbased VR164+, an infrared color sorter (32) with Hawk-Eye recognition technology for kernels of walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios. The infrared technology detects the differences in density for shape and size sorting purposes. The feed chutes are grooved to aid in the control of the product distribution into the recognition area PS PMMI 9and x 5_4375 vek.pdf 1 The 31.08.20 for AZclearer more 01RZ accurate sorting. machine10:22 uses one-button remote start and stop.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

The cloud-based VR164+ provides real-time online service to customers, allowing certified technicians to log in to assist with troubleshooting. The machine offers international advanced multi-spectral analysis technology, along with Hawk-Eye recognition technology, and intelligent shape-sorting automation. Programmed with an intelligent shape-sorting function, utilizing a multidimensional space algorithm to identify and sort by shape, length, and thickness, this machine accurately recognizes and removes plastic particles, glass, animal waste, insects, sunflower gum, rocks, dirt, and other impurities. Each machine has its own suggested processing speed and capacity per hour that is affected by the type of the raw materials. Anysort provides a suggested processing line with its machines and helps customers handle large amounts of materials. “You load in the nuts into the hopper, they’re fed down the chute, and pass through our Hawk-Eye technology multi-spectral cameras,” says Michelle Johnson, Sales Director, Anysort U.S.A. “They recognize 20,000 lines per second 16,000,000 colors. The nuts are then separated into the accepted or rejected bins.” PW

CMY

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING There was a time when a review of packaging material innovations debuting at a major trade show like PACK EXPO would focus on examples of improved functionality and performance. Think enhanced gas barrier characteristics, antimicrobial properties, improved slip properties for better machineability, or the addition of new tactile elements for even greater shelf impact. But the PMMI Media Group editors who roamed the aisles of PACK EXPO Las Vegas last September looking for new developments in packaging materials found, as you’ll see in the coverage below, that one topic ruled the roost: sustainability. Perhaps this should come as no surprise, considering how clamorous consumers, retailers, and for that matter society in general have become about sustainable packaging. Still, it’s worth noting just how dominant this one aspect of the packaging materials space has become. Also worth pointing out is that developments in the paper sector are abundant, to say the least. Let’s begin with the all-paper blister pack machine (1) featured at the booth of Starview, an initiative developed jointly by Starview and paper1 board converter Rohrer. “The conversations between Rohrer and Starview have been going on for quite a while,” says Sarah Carson, Head of Marketing at Rohrer. “But in the past year or two the pressure on consumer packaged goods companies to deliver on ambitious sustainable packaging goals by 2025 was increasing considerably, to the point that customer demand started to really ramp up. That included one significant customer who was so serious about the idea that it gave us a powerful business reason to invest in the R&D that it was going to take. Fortunately, we had already established a great partnership with Starview from the machinery side.” “We had both intended to actually launch this last year at PACK EXPO in Chicago,” says Robert van Gilse, Director of Sales and Marketing at Starview. As we all know, COVID-19 put the kibosh on that plan. But then when customer interest in the concept grew the way that it did, says van Gilse, “We knew it was time to get really serious.” On the machinery side, a key goal throughout the development process was to come up with tooling that would make it possible for existing customers already running automated Starview blister machines to get in on the all-paper blister option by simply adding an auxiliary feeder to any one of Starview’s FAB (Fully Automated Blister) Series of machines. With this tooling in place, a flat paper blister is picked from a magazine feed and, thanks to precision scoring done by Rohrer, is erected and made ready to receive whatever product the customer hap-

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pens to be packaging. Then it’s just a matter of applying the blister card and heat sealing card to blister. As for the paperboard components that come from Rohrer, at the PACK EXPO Las Vegas booth demo the blister was a 20-point SBS and the blister card was a 14-point SBS. The virgin board is FSC certified, notes Carson. She also says that Rohrer, a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, worked with that organization to make it possible for customers to easily get permission to use the SPC’s How2Recycle logo on their blister packages. Printing, meanwhile, is done on an offset press, and if customers so choose, a window can be die cut into the blister card to provide product visibility. Keep in mind that customers using this all paper blister are producers of products like kitchen gadgets or tooth brushes or pens as opposed to pharmaceutical or healthcare products where such a window would of course be out of the question. When asked what the All-Paper Blister will cost compared to comparable alternatives, both Carson and van Gilse said there are so many supply chain variables percolating right now that it’s difficult to say.

video of the machine in action at pwgo.to/7429. INNOVATIVE TRAYS The Syntegon Kliklok topload carton former known as ACE—developed with a particular focus on ergonomic design, sustainability, and increased efficiency—made its North American debut at PACK EXPO Connects 2020. (For more on this machine, go to pwgo.to/7430.) The ACE (Advanced Carton Erector) was on display once again in Las Vegas, but now it is available with a special head that lets it form a unique compartmented paperboard tray (2) that is certified as compostable. Syntegon sees the new tray as a far more sustainable alternative to the plastic trays that are widely used in packaging cookies, for example.

Samples of the tray shown at PACK EXPO were 18-pt natural kraft, though a range of thicknesses are available from CMPC Biopackaging Boxboard, which produces the tray. Trays can also be offered with a barrier coating, says CMPC Biopackaging Boxboard, that is repulpable, recyclable, and compostable. The ACE machine is capable of forming either glue-style cartons or lock cartons that require no glue. The paperboard carton introduced at PACK EXPO is a lock style requiring no glue, and Syntegon indicates that a three-head ACE system can handle 120 of these paper trays/min. Adds

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING Syntegon Product Manager Janet Darnley, “Getting mechanical fingers to form a tray like this having compartments as it does is a significant accomplishment, especially when there’s no glue involved.” On display at the AR Packaging booth was a package just now being launched by Toronto-based Club Coffee that takes full advantage of AR’s Boardio®technology. In an upcoming issue we’ll have feature-length coverage of this recyclable, mostly paperboard alternative to today’s multilayer packaging, which is difficult to recycle. Other news from AR Packaging is the launch of a paperboard tray concept (3) intended for modified atmosphere packaging of ready meals, processed meat, fresh fish, and other chilled foods. The fully recyclable TrayLite® solution provides an efficient and convenient alternative to full plastic barrier trays and reduces plastics by 85%, says AR Packaging.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

are used while tightest seal integrity is achieved. The inner liner is recyclable as mono-material PE with an ultrathin barrier layer that provides the crucial product protection and thereby minimizes food waste. And branding and consumer communication is excellent thanks to the full surface print possibilities on the tray—both inside and outside. “Our goal is to create safe and sustainable packaging solutions in cooperation with our customers and thereby help meet consumer needs and our customers’ ambitious sustainability targets,” says Harald Schulz, CEO at AR Packaging. “The launch of TrayLite® confirms this commitment and is one more addition to our wide range of creative innovations provided by our multi-category packaging group.”

video of the innovative paper-based tray at pwgo.to/7431. DEVELOPMENTS IN POUCHES

3 Alternatives with recycled or renewable plastics are available today, but many brand owners, retailers, and food producers have set targets for fully recyclable packaging with maximized fiber content. By combining its expertise in both cartonboard packaging and flexible highbarrier materials, AR Packaging was able to develop a tray that has an Oxygen Transmission Rate lower than 5 cc/sqm/24r. Made of sustainably sourced cartonboard, the two-piece paperboard tray is lined and sealed with thin higher barrier mono-material films to ensure product protection and extended shelf life. When asked how film is attached to cartonboard, AR says only this: “The cartonboard and the liner are developed to adhere without any use of glue or adhesive and in a manner that makes it easy for the consumer to separate for recycling after use.” The cartonboard tray, liner, and lidding film—a multilayer PE with a thin EVOH layer for gas barrier purposes—are easy for the consumer to separate from each other and recycle in separate well-established recycling streams across Europe, says AR. “We are excited to offer a new improved paper tray and support the development towards more circular packaging solutions,” says Yoann Bouvet, Global Sales Director Food Service at AR Packaging. “Designed for recycling and easy to handle, heat, and eat from, TrayLite® is ideal for a wide range of products such as ready meals, chilled meat & fish, and nutritional food. Being lightweight and using 85% less plastic, it is a sustainable alternative to the conventional plastic trays.” Thanks to the patented design of the tray, the thicknesses of cartonboard can be tailored to the exact needs, and therefore fewer resources

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UFlex partnered with Mespack, a manufacturer of flexible packaging, end-of-line, and soluble pods equipment, and Hoffer Plastics, a leader in the custom injection molding industry, to develop a sustainable solution that will address the complexities of recycling attached with hot-fill pouches. These three innovative firms have jointly developed a turnkey solution (4) that not only enables 100% recyclability of hot-fill pouches with its new mono-polymer structure but also the spout caps, thus bringing many ecologically responsible brands closer to reaching their sustainability goals. Commonly, hot-fill pouches are used to pack ready-to-eat foods, allowing sterile packaging of a range of fresh, cooked, or semi-cooked food, juices, and drinks. It’s used as an alternative to traditional industrial canning methods. The utility of hot-fill pouches has outshone the expectations of consumers due to the functionality of easy storage and direct consumption of food content after heating it within the pack itself. The newly designed recycle-ready single-material PP-based hot-fill pouch combines the strength of OPP (Oriented PP) & CPP (Cast Unoriented PP) in a layered laminated structure designed by UFlex offering

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING enhanced barrier properties, easy heat seal-ability, and longer shelf life for unrefrigerated food storage. Sealing is done with patented closures from Hoffer Plastics in the form of tamper-evident, strong-seal spout caps. And pouch production features the mechanical integrity of the Mespack HF-series fill and seal machine, which allows efficient fill through the spout of pre-made pouches. The new design offers 100% easy recyclability of the laminated structure and spout cap as well within existing PP recycling streams and infrastructures. These pouches manufactured at a UFlex plant in India will be exported to American markets and will be used primarily for packing edible products such as baby food, food puree, and pet food, etc. Thanks to Mespack technology, the HF Series is completely developed and designed to work with recyclable materials, and due to the continuous through-the-spout filling, up to 15% of the headspace is reduced by eliminating the wave effect. “With our future-ready approach focusing on circular driven packaging, we are trying to offer products that widen our sustainable footprint in the ecosystem,” commented Luc Verhaak, Vice President-Sales at UFlex Packaging. “Designing with mono-materials, like with this recycleready PP hot-fill spouted pouch, creates value for the recycling industry and helps in the development of a better recycling infrastructure. This co-creation with Mespack and Hoffer Plastics is an accomplishment backed by collective vision for a sustainable future and excellence in packaging, and it also marks the beginning of new opportunities in the future that can be tapped with our respective strengths.” “One of our Mespack promises is to focus on developing innovative equipment for sustainable packaging solutions to preserve the environment and reduce the carbon footprint,” states Guillem Clofent, Managing Director of Mespack. “To do so, we follow three main strategies: Reduce usage of raw materials, replace them with more recyclable solutions, and adapt our technology to these new recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials. In this case, thanks to the collaboration between key strategic partners, our customers already have a recyclable solution for pre-made pouches contributing to the circular economy, helping to achieve their goals at the same time.” “Sustainability has always been a critical focus and driving force at Hoffer Plastics,” says Alex Hoffer, Chief Revenue Officer at Hoffer Plastics

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Corporation. “Now more than ever, creating products that are fully recyclable and circularly designed from the outset is not just in demand, it will shape the future of our industry and the environment. We’re proud to work with innovative, responsible partners like the UFlex and Mespack teams in leading the way forward.”

video of this innovative concept at pwgo.to/7432. Sometimes it’s not just new products that are debuted at PACK EXPO, but also the ways those products go to market and which industry-first third-party certifications they might be able to tout. While that’s something unusual to report on in a new product review, we found it innovative, and this, after all, is the innovations report. Glenroy used PACK EXPO to first officially introduce its TruRenu portfolio of sustainable flexible packaging (5). But as a cherry on top, it was also able to unveil certification in what’s called the NexTrex program, a circular economy-minded initiative whose output is durable goods. More on that in a bit. First let’s look at the new branding.

“The TruRenu portfolio includes PCR [post-consumer resin] content up to 53%. It also includes store drop-off recyclable pouches, and everything from spouted pouches, to roll stock, to our recycle-ready premade STANDCAP pouches,” says Ken Brunnbauer, Marketing Manager at Glenroy. “Not only are our store drop-off pouches certified by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition [SPC], we also were just informed that we’ve been certified by Trex.” Trex, of course, is the Winchester, Va.based manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, railing, and other outdoor items made from recycled materials. Glenroy says it is the first flexible packaging manufacturer to offer store drop-off pouches certified by Trex for its NexTrex program, whom brands can work with for their own, consumer-facing certifications. It’s a no-cost investment to the brand, according to Brunnbauer. If the brand’s product is certified by Trex to be clean and dry when the pouch is empty, they can put the NexTrex logo on their packaging. And when the packaging gets sorted, if it has a NexTrex logo on it, it goes directly to Trex to eventually become durable goods, like Trex decking or furniture. “So brands can tell their consumers that, if they are using a pouch that’s part of the NexTrex program, it’s almost guaranteed to not go in the landfill and instead end up as part of the circular economy,” Brunbauer added during a PACK EXPO chat. “It’s super exciting. We just got that certification as of early last week [Sept. 2021]. We announced it today as part of a focus on delivering sustainable solutions to serve the next generations.”

12/24/21 10:22 AM

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING PAPER BAGS AND MOLDED STARCH Sustainable packaging initiatives were front and center at the booth of Mondi Consumer Flexibles in North America, as the firm highlighted three new sustainability-driven packaging innovations aimed specifically at the pet food market. The new packages are • FlexiBag in Box (6), which supports online and omnichannel pet food marketing • FlexiBag Recyclable, a recyclable flat-bottom bag with a zipper reclosure feature, and • FlexiBag Recycle Handle, a recycle-ready, rolled-glue-bottom bag with an easy-to-carry handle. Each package is designed to capture consumer attention—on retail shelves or through e-commerce channels—and earn brand preference among environmentally aware end users.

6 Options for all FlexiBag packages include premium rotogravure and up to 10-color flexographic or ultra high-definition flexographic printing. Bags are available with clear windows, laser scores, and gussets. One thing that makes Mondi’s new FlexiBag in Box format so notable is that bag-in-box is rarely if ever seen in the pet food market. “Our qualitative and quantitative consumer research identified a consumer need for this format in the pet food sector,” says William Kuecker, Mondi Consumer Flexibles Vice President of Marketing, North America. “There is a demand for a package that allows consumers to easily serve from and yet reliably reclose. This should replace the current widespread practice of pouring pet food into a bin or tub at home. The inclusion of the slider on the package was also key to consumer interest in our research.” Kuecker also noted the steady growth in pet food sold via e-commerce, where SIOC (Ships In Own Container) is all the rage. The FlexiBag in Box meets this requirement. Plus it enables brands to promote their products on both their product packages and the shipping containers in which they are delivered to end user customers. “FlexiBag in Box is designed for the growing online and omnichannel petfood market,” says Kuecker. “The SIOC-compatible box combina-

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tion is based on insights gleaned from extensive consumer research. The packaging equips pet food manufacturers with a powerful branding-through-use tool that supports retailers’ online marketing efforts and strengthens brand preference among end users. At the same time, it helps retailers to satisfy sustainability goals, while assuring environmentally aware customers that the products they purchase conform to high sustainability standards.” Kuecker adds that FlexiBags are compatible with existing filling equipment currently handling large pet food side-gussetted bags, including machinery from Cetec, Thiele, General Packer, and others. As for the flexible film material, Kuecker describes it as a PE/PE monomaterial lamination developed by Mondi to be suitable for holding dry pet food in quantities up to 30 lb. The recycle FlexiBag in Box arrangement consists of flat, rolled-glue, or pinch-bottom bags and ready-to-ship boxes. Both the bags and boxes can be custom printed with a brand’s graphics, logo, and promotional and sustainability messages, as well as nutrition content information. Moving on to Mondi’s new PE FlexiBag Recyclable bags, these are available with reclosability features, including press-to-close and pocket zip. The entire package, including the zipper, is recyclable, says Kuecker. The packages are designed specifically to meet the shelf appeal and production efficiencies required by the pet food industry. The bags come in flat, rolled-glue, or pinch-bottom configurations. They incorporate high fat, aroma, and moisture barriers, offer good shelf stability, are 100% airtight, and are suitable for filling weights up to 44 lb. (20 kg). As part of Mondi’s EcoSolutions approach that helps customers meet their sustainability goals with new packaging solutions, the FlexiBag Recyclable is approved for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s How2Recycle Store Drop-off Program. The How2Recycle Store Drop-off approval is product-specific, so even though this package is approved a brand will need to obtain separate approval for each product. Last but not least, the new Flexible Recycle Handle is available in rolled-glue and pinch-bottom configurations. The handle makes FlexiBag easier to carry and pour products.

video of FlexiBag in Box at pwgo.to/7437. Evanesce, a relatively new player in the compostable packaging space, used PACK EXPO Las Vegas to unveil what it calls “groundbreaking sustainable packaging technology.” The firm’s scientists have engineered a patented molded starch technology (7) that produces costcompetitive compostable packaging that is 100% plant-based. The firm

12/24/21 10:22 AM

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING expects its meal trays, meat trays, containers, and cups to be commercially available in 2022. Essential to the production of these packages is standard food processing equipment from Buhler that’s been adapted to make containers. “Our packaging is baked in molds much as you would bake cookies,” says Evanesce CEO Doug Horne. “But what really makes us stand out is that 65% of the composition of the ‘dough’ being baked is starch. About a third is fiber, and the remaining ingredients we consider proprietary. Starch is significantly less expensive than fiber, so we expect the cost of our packaging to be about half of what other compostable packaging is. Yet it has outstanding performance characteristics, like being oven safe and suitable for the microwave oven.” Horne says the material looks and feels like expanded polystyrene (EPS), except that it’s made completely from organic matter. Both the starch (tapioca or potato, for example) and the fiber (rice husks or bagasse, for example) are byproducts from the food manufacturing industry. “The idea is to use waste fiber or starch byproducts that are plentiful in whatever region the package is being made,” adds Horne. Horne says that now underway is the process of getting ASTM certification for both home and industrial compostability. In the meantime, the firm is building a 114,000-sq-ft plant in North Las Vegas that will include not only manufacturing lines for the molded starch items but also lines that will produce PLA straws, another Evanesce specialty. In addition to launching its own commercial production facility in North Las Vegas, the firm plans to license its patented technology to other interested parties, says Horne.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

“We started talking to the E6PR guys two years ago,” says Christian Koch, co-founder of the Colorado brewery. “At the time we were applying plastic ring carriers with an automated system, and as appealing as the fiber-based carrier was, it could only be applied manually. And once you have that kind of thing automated, you don’t really want to go back to manual. When we learned that E6PR had formed a relationship with Tecma Aries and that an automated applicator was available, we became the first to install one.” The Model DC180 running at Elevation Brewing is capable of about 180 cans/min. Tecma Aries now offers five other versions, including a DC2400 that handles 2,400 cans/min. Koch confirms that the fiber-based carrier is more expensive than the plastic carriers it had been using. But consumers and retailers alike had made it clear that this was a move that had to be made. Koch adds that one other option the firm had considered is going to paperboard instead of ring carriers. But that would have been even more expensive than the E6PR option. Currently Elevation Brewing is doing primarily six-packs, but soon four-packs will be added. The tooling change required takes only a few minutes, says Koch.

RING CARRIERS At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019, Tecma Aries won a Technology Excellence Award for an applicator machine it developed specifically for the E6PR beverage can ring carrier. At the 2021 Vegas show, the machine was again a highlight, and this time the news was that Elevation Brewing (8) has begun using the machine at its Poncha Springs, Colo., facility.

8 The E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring) is compostable in municipal composting facilities, and home compostability certification is underway. The carrier is made of by-product waste from the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Like molded pulp products, the process involves a slurry that is poured into heated molds. But no paper or cellulose is in the mix, and considerable development work and customization lies behind the molds and the process in general, says E6PR.

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Just because some in the ring carrier business are enthusiastic about paper-based solutions doesn’t mean everyone has to be. Take a look at what PakTech showed at PACK EXPO Las Vegas: unique handles (9) that were just recognized by the Business Intelligence Group for its Sustainability Product of the Year in the 2021 Sustainability Awards program. Throughout all aspects of development, PakTech embraces a sustainable and circular approach by embracing the waste hierarchy, embodying the reduce, reuse, and recycle principles in their product designs. In addition to being 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, PakTech’s handles reduce unnecessary plastic with their minimalist design. And in addition to the sustainability accolades, PakTech handles excel in form and function. They are durable, water resistant, comfortable to carry, and easy to remove. The handles are reusable and recyclable infinitely. “We are proud to reward and recognize PakTech for their sustainability efforts,” says Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer of Business Intelligence Group. “It was clear to our judges that their vision and strategy will continue to deliver results toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.” In all aspects of its business operations, PakTech is committed to creating a more circular and sustainable economy and society, to reducing

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING waste, and to helping brands achieve their sustainability goals. The company aims to provide circular packaging solutions manufactured from 100 percent recycled resin and its own recycled handles because it believes this practice can help achieve a circular economy, one where no plastic becomes waste and the demand for virgin plastic is greatly reduced. When PakTech handles are recycled, they are transformed back into recycled resin and used to make new handles, composite lumber, flower pots, pipes, park benches, and more, completing the circular loop. Their unique handles have provided leading brands and retailers globally with fully circular and sustainable packaging solutions for 30 years.

A TREND IN MULTIPACKS Packaging World has been tracking a recent trend among some food and beverage companies that has them switching their multipack material from plastic shrink film to fiber-based paperboard wraps. There are a lot of variables at play as brands choose between the two substrates for their multipacks. Cost, weight, mechanical strength (or requirement for adhesive), ability to withstand moisture, and ability to receive print are all part of the cost/benefit analysis. The recent shift toward fiber-based offerings is, at least in part, born out of consumer perceptions around plastic and the sustainability story that can be told around the pack. And it’s not just the consumer perception. Retailers’ shifting attitudes toward the different substrates also factor into brand decisions. Check out a story on recent changes to what Tesco considers acceptable on page 124. WestRock isn’t just surfing this plastic-to-paperboard wave, the company is also helping to drive it. A commercialized example that PW covered earlier this year (read more at pwgo.to/7355) is of a Heinz canned food multipack rollout in the U.K. (coincidentally or not, where Tesco is the major retail player). This Heinz application represents what John Perkins, VP, Global Packaging Systems, says is WestRock’s ability to link together three different pillars of company focus—paperboard material, package design, and automation with machinery that wraps multipacks. “The Cluster-Wing™ (10) is a patent-applied innovation that links to the actual design of the consumer pack, as well as the machinery,” Perkins says. “What we were able to do is take out what normally would’ve been scrap, these black areas (A), and we’re able to turn them into a performance element of the pack. If it was a simple wrap, there’d be nothing that would mechanically hold the cans together in the multipack. We are able to design the pack, along with our machinery, to fold these tabs [gussets] up inside the pack, both on the top and the bottom, and lock the cans in without any glue. It’s a glue-free pack that passes all the performance tests. It’s the most fiber-reduced pack of its kind, so it delivers on multiple fronts. And it ties back to the materials, because coated natural kraft [paperboard] does a great job. The long pine fibers have a lot of tear strength—that’s where it really excels versus recycled board. And that way, you can pick this pack up, and handle it fairly aggressively, and it’s not going to tear.” The Heinz application used multiple formats of the cluster wing, from three- to eight-packs. The three-pack runs at 400 packs/min, equating to 1,200 cans/min. “All that backs up to the fact that they’re running their lines at faster than 1,000 cans a minute, they want surge capacity on top of that, and they can’t back up,” Perkins says. “We have to guarantee 98 percent efficiency. We have high-end visual cameras that are making sure all these

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tabs are locked properly. And if they’re not, it rejects without stopping the line. That’s for the inline three-pack, but it’s also a four-, six-, and eight-pack. Part of what we bring to our customers is flexibility, because they’re selling to different channels. We want to make sure if they’re selling in club store, for example, that they can sell a multi-count that’s higher, versus if they’re selling in a traditional grocery store like a Tesco.” The material itself, coated natural kraft, comes mostly from sustainably managed virgin pine paperboard. Perkins adds that it’s important to use virgin to continue to feed the overall recycling chain since, “you can only recycle the fiber material so many times.” The longer pine fibers (compared to recycled fiber) are robust enough to function in a much thinner gauge than would be required of paperboard using a higher percentage of recycled fiber, so there’s a lightweighting benefit as well.

10 Another solution for food manufacturers that WestRock demonstrated at PACK EXPO Las Vegas was the Cluster-Pak® (CP) eMerge™ Combo, the company’s latest fully integrated system that enables a wide range of fiber bowl and tray formats. Using WestRock’s optimized fiber-based primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging through integrated end-ofline automation, the CP eMerge Combo increases line efficiency and lowers total cost through material and labor savings. This integrated solution starts with a new, fiber-based, freezer- and microwave-safe food bowl that is wrapped in a Cluster-Pak® wrap style sleeve carton. The combined product then gets packed into easy-toopen, corrugated shelf-ready packaging. The CP eMerge Combo system consists of a delta robot pick and place, Cluster-Pak style machine and a wraparound case packer and offers a Connected Automation platform that securely communicates performance data and support to help optimize production lines. Made from recyclable paperboard in this case, the wraparound carton uses 30 to 40% less board than a fully enclosed box, resulting in cost savings. This is important to make the economics work since the fiber-based molded bowls are more expensive than the CPET bowls they intend to replace. “This particular package is significantly reduced in the amount of fiber there is in the wraparound pack,” Perkins says. “What that does is it enables brand owners to showcase the fiber-based bowl that they’ve

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING invested in, and it also gives significant savings in this type of design, which offsets the cost of going from a CPET bowl to a fiber bowl. In this approach, a CPG can be in a cost-neutral situation while making a great sustainability change.” The final station, a wraparound case packer, uses a shopper-ready corrugated shipper (retail-ready packaging, or RRP) that has labor reduction qualities for retailers while being more attractive for consumers, the company says.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

video of a Cluster-Pak demonstration at pwgo.to/7433. And finally, in the world of shrink film, Clysar, LLC introduced Clysar EVO-C opaque Confidential shrink film (11). The company says it’s the next solution in the family of recyclable shrink films that are pre-qualified for the “Store Drop-Off” label and category by the How2Recycle program, a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. This film boasts opaque security and shipping material offering UV-blocking properties. When compared to corrugated, the film can significantly reduce packaging volume and weight, decrease shipping voids, lower shipping costs system-wide, and help protect contents from leaks, pilfering, and light degradation, according to the company. Clysar EVO-C film improves reportable package recyclability, reduces shipping impacts, and can assist companies in meeting critical sustainability goals. The film provides a “drop-in” alternative to traditional non-recyclable shrink films and runs on existing shrink equipment

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without sacrificing performance. Clysar EVO-C film can be printed with brand graphics and recycling instructions. All Clysar EVO shrink films have been developed in collaboration with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and verified by third-party testing, ensuring they are safe and fully acceptable for “Store Drop-Off” recycling. Offering official letters of prequalification from the How2Recycle organization, Clysar EVO films offer a fast, actionable path for improving packaging sustainability. PW

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CONTROLS eliminates paper-chart deviation issues caused by paper jams, skips, dry ink, pen adjustments, paper replacement, and incorrect paper installation. The Allpax digital chart recorder is compatible with both batch and continuous retorts. This device records real-time data and graphically displays it in a user configurable format. Each input parameter can be displayed clearly and understandably. Custom definable ranges, scales, and chart graduations optimize legibility and adhere to the best practices described under 21 CFR Parts 113 and 114. The Allpax digital chart recorder stores electronic records in a secure Microsoft SQL server database. Password security with fingerprint traceability of all device interactions ensure data integrity. The device also offers customizable on-screen notifications and alarms with the ability to send these messages via e-mail.

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1 Retort manufacturer Allpax, A ProMach brand, saw PACK EXPO Las Vegas as an opportunity to debut a solid-state digital chart recorder (1) that offers data recording and data integrity benefits and eliminates deviations common to paper charts. “In a typical retort installation, the operators have lots of things to do. Even though standard control systems prompt them to do certain things, so many people are still printing out manual records—and each record for each process can be two or three pages—then they have to review it and sign, then it has to go to a quality assurance person to review and sign, and so this is one of the steps we’re taking to eliminate the paper trail and make everything all electronic, and still validated by the FDA, USDA, etc.,” a representative from Allpax told Packaging World at the booth in Las Vegas. This digital device offers safe and secure data storage, fully compliant with the regulatory requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic record keeping. When connected to a printer, the device can be setup to automatically print the process record trends to a paper report at the end of each batch period, thus allowing it to serve as the official Temperature Recording Device (TRD) in both electronic record keeping systems as well as legacy record printing systems. The presentation of the electronic data and the printed data is specifically designed to improve the record review process and thus reduce risk and increase efficiency in the review process. Additionally, the digital chart recorder eliminates the typical process deviations caused by print skipping, improper paper installation, and the other issues associated with mechanical chart recorders. Installation is easy—simply move the wires from the mechanical device to the new Allpax digital device. For those migrating toward electronic record keeping, the Allpax digital recorder can be installed alongside an existing pen-and-paper recorder and function as an electronic backup. This Allpax solution

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Featuring the industry’s first, patented bottom-bearing wear sensor, the Ashworth SmartSpiral monitoring system (2) takes the guesswork out of when an Ashworth spiral conveyor system will fail. It allows access to multiple spiral systems at multiple plant locations from a phone or tablet to continuously monitor temperature, belt tension, and cage power. Live data is collected and transferred via a proprietary application to a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer—without having to use an intranet system. The monitoring system helps prioritize maintenance costs, identify performance issues, prevent failures, and reduce repair costs to improve performance and efficiencies.

According to Ashworth Bros. Senior Product Engineer Chris Trinch, “We designed our SmartSpiral monitoring system to help users run their spiral systems correctly. We monitor data from five different locations in a spiral. We take that data, analyze the alarms, and store that information, which is then sent to our customer, giving them knowledge that makes a real impact.”

video of the Ashworth innovation at pwgo.to/7421.

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

CONTROLS Exhibiting for the first time at PACK EXPO, Llumin, an established participant in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) space, introduced a new software called Llumin for OEMs. Previously, offerings from Llumin like its Llumin CMMS Suite were aimed more at Consumer Packaged Goods companies and other manufacturers. Such cloud-based software, interfaced with a machine’s control system through OPC, MQTT, or Modbus, captures machine usage data, for

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example, to create periodic Preventive Maintenance schedules, which then automatically generate work orders in a streamlined process. “Llumin for OEMs is built on the same core architecture,” says Llumin CEO Ed Garibian. “But we’ve taken our years of experience in maintenance and predictive remediation and have built a product for the machine builder so they can monitor in a super effective way the machinery operating in their customers’ plants. They can also set rules for automatic spare parts replenishment or automatic service calls, and they can do a better job of analyzing how their machine is performing throughout their customer ecosystem.” Garibian adds that this new platform is a good fit for any packaging machinery OEMs who want to add a Machine as a Service (MaaS) option to their offerings. This use-based finance model, similar to SaaS (Software as a Service), is a flexible way to install automation on the factory floor without having to invest capital upfront. Instead, the machine user pays for a successful outcome based on a predetermined agreement around productivity. (For more on MaaS, visit pwgo.to/7422) Among the early adopters of Llumin for OEMs is Sleeve Seal, a maker of equipment that applies shrink sleeve labels.

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SERVO-PNEUMATICS Among the various automation and control trends apparent at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, the growing combination of pneumatic and electric automation, such as servo motion control, could be seen at the booths of both Emerson and Festo. Emerson showcased its smart pneumatics and servo motion systems that feature advanced analytics and edge computing to help users increase productivity and profitability as well as meet sustainability targets. Emerson refers to this combination of pneumatics and servo motion as servo-pneumatics, a technology mix used widely in packaging applications. Pneumatic positioning is preferred by many OEMs and consumer packaged goods manufacturers because of its budget friendliness and ability to reduce machine development time. A key aspect of Emerson’s servo-pneumatic approach begins with a filter regulator assembly, which is used for conditioning the air quality before it enters the servo-pneumatic system. The air pressure from the filter regulator unit then leads into proportional valves that enable the force, speed, and position of the actuator to be controlled. As pressure on both sides of the valve’s piston is regulated, digital pressure sensors in the system allow real time data from the proportional valves to be viewed. A hygienic, IP69K-compliant actuator with a built-in measurement sensor tracks the piston position, completing the closed-loop system back to the controller. Emerson’s Advanced Electron-

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CONTROLS ics System control unit allows for direct communication to a PLC via multiple fieldbus protocols. It also contains a PID module to control the proportional valves based on position or force commands from the PLC. The servo motion aspects of the system highlighted by Emerson showcase the combination of PLC and motion controller in one backplane, allowing for the motion controller to communicate with the PLC directly through the backplane. Because the backplane also powers the unit and handles communication, this creates an integrated system for servo-pneumatic applications. Each motion controller/PLC system can communicate with up to four axes and will automatically synchronize and communicate with additional systems as they are added to a line to control more axes as needed. From a motion control perspective, this system can handle a 1-millisecond path planning loop, a 500-microsecond position loop, and a 250-microsecond communication loop over EtherCAT regardless of how many axes are being controlled in the machine. The servo motion controller also allows for motion profiles to be changed onthe-fly as machine applications change. Emerson’s Aventics AF2 smart flow sensor (3) is used to identify when equipment is wasting energy and to prevent downtime. It mea-

INNOVATIONS REPORT

sures air flow and pressure, as well as energy being used with readings displayed on the AF2’s built-in OLED screen. Statistical data gathered by the sensor calculates the cost of air being used by the equipment. Alerts can also be sent when acceptable operating parameters are not met to avoid unplanned downtime. The sensor can be connected with an industrial or Power over Ethernet (PoE) M12 interface. The industrial version offers analog, frequency, switched, and IO-Link outputs, allowing users to capture data on a PLC or other industrial control3 ler. The Ethernet PoE version supports many of the open protocols being used in IIoT systems, such as MQTT and OPC UA, enabling connections to existing OEE (overall equipment efficiency) monitoring software or larger cloud systems. Data from the Ethernet PoE sensor can be viewed in real time on the device’s internal web server or via any computer or monitoring system connected to the same network. Warren Pruitt, vice president of Global Engineering Services at Colgate-Palmolive Company, says Emerson’s AF2 smart flow sensor technology is helping Colgate-Palmolive “achieve our energy goals by reducing wasted compressed air, which ultimately reduces our carbon footprint. The AF2 Smart flow sensor identifies wasted energy from our compressed air delivery system and its connectivity through OPC UA allows for seamless data streaming.”

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CONTROLS Meanwhile, Festo showcased its new Simplified Motion Series (SMS) all-in-one integrated-drive axes (4). The company says SMS represents an “engineering breakthrough” in that it combines pneumatics with electric automation. This breakthrough is based on how Festo’s SMS integrates ball screw axes, toothed belt axes, mini slides, electric cylinders, piston rod, and rotary actuators with an onboard servo drive.

SMS actuators are designed for use in positioning, indexing, clamping, feeding, and cut-to-length tasks. Because all SMS components are integrated into a single unit with a unique part number, this simplifies the ordering, inventory, and replacement of SMS units, which is especially important for OEMs. Units in the series include: ELGS-BS ball screw, ELGS-TB toothed belt axis, EGSS mini slide, EPCS electric cylinder, EPCE compact electric cylinder, ERMS rotary drive, and ELGE toothed belt axis. Electrical connection is accomplished via an M12 plug design with 4-pin power and 8-pin logic. Festo points out that no additional software is required to operate SMS, as commissioning is accomplished via onboard push buttons for two-position functionality. Key commissioning parameters include: • Speed for the extend (“out”) and retract (“in”) movement; • Force of the axis in the “out” position; • Setting the reference end position; • Teaching the position for the start of force-controlled movement; and • Demo mode, which can be used to test the movements from the keypad Digital I/O (DIO) and IO-Link control come standard with each SMS unit. With DIO control, two positions are available—home and a configurable end point. Festo says that when controlling SMS with IO-Link, positioning along the axis length is infinitely variable, which enables SMS axes to be used as a cost-effective alternative to traditionally higher-cost servo motion. Using IO-Link, technicians can remotely adjust movement parameters as well as copy and backup functions for parameter transfer and read functions of essential process parameters. This level of capability opens up more applications to electric motion, including conveyor material handling and mobile applications, according to Festo.

a video of Festo’s innovations at pwgo.to/7423. BRINGING THE SMARTPHONE PRINCIPLE TO INDUSTRIAL IT The ctrlX Store (5), an online application marketplace for Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX CORE automation control platform, was showcased at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021. The ctrlX Store features applications developed by Bosch Rexroth as well as by a growing number of third-party providers. According to the company, the primary goal of the marketplace is to help machine build-

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

ers, packagers, and other manufacturers speed time-to-market while maintaining the ability to customize their offerings and differentiate themselves from their competitors. By making an ecosystem of turnkey applications available, the challenges that come with configuration, programming, and design when setting up a line or engaging in product changeover can be greatly reduced. Moreover, to enable as much flexibility as possible, end users writing their own applications can do so via a variety of programming languages or utilize low-code methodologies such as Google’s Blockly visual programming environment. The shift toward low-code approaches has become increasingly common as software applications have increased in complexity. Whereas it once took thousands of labor hours to write the code for a software product line-by-line, doing so today is considered excessively costly and time consuming. Luckily, large, online libraries of pre-existing code have become commonly available as the software industry has matured, lowering the barrier to entry for developers. According to Dave Cameron, director of sales at Bosch Rexroth, as innovation increasingly occurs at the software level, platforms like the ctrlX Store will also enable companies to quickly install updates remotely, allowing them to keep their businesses competitive more easily than if physical upgrades to hardware assets were needed.

5 “I’ve seen examples where making a dashboard in a cloud environment that can be looked at anywhere in the world, whether you’re at home or talking to the controller directly, has been done in as little as 15 minutes,” Cameron says. “It’s just one more method to drive ease-ofuse and speed-to-market.” The open availability of schematic and configuration data the ctrlX Store offers also enables end users to begin programming applications for new equipment via a computer-aided design (CAD) simulation before machinery has even been put in place, further accelerating the production pipeline. The ultimate aim of the ctrlX Store is to bring a “smartphone principle” to the sharing of industrial software and applications. “Everybody understands the idea of a smartphone. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require an instruction manual, and is very updatable. In the industrial space, controllers increasingly also need to become more like

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CONTROLS that,” Cameron says. “To make all of these machines in the packaging space work together, you really need things to be done more efficiently than they have been in the past. That’s where the app-based approach comes in. Instead of writing code the traditional way, you can simply pull down an application and load it directly into the controller.”

a video demo of ctrlX Store at pwgo.to/7424. MOBILE DIMENSIONING SOFTWARE Without accurate data on parcel dimensions, efficiency in warehousing and shipping is impossible. After all, if an enterprise doesn’t have a constantly updated understanding of the dimensions of the corrugated cases moving through its systems, how can management hope to efficiently rack pallets full of those cases in its warehouses or efficiently cube out the trucks that take those cases through the distribution system? Because such data is so essential, various dimensioning technologies have been developed, some of them quite sophisticated. But one drawback to much of what is out there today is that the dimensioning devices tend to be stationary. In other words, operators must bring a case or parcel to the device in order to measure it and enter that data into the system, an approach that is inherently inefficient and unnecessarily time-consuming. xDIMTM Mobile Dimensioning Software (6) addresses that shortcoming, and its developer, MobileDemand, used PACK EXPO Las Vegas to introduce it.

Founded in 2003, MobileDemand is a supplier of rugged tablets and mobile computing solutions specializing in the design of integrated productivity tools for bar code scanning, point-of-sale magnetic stripe reading, PIN pad entry, dimension measurement, and mounting hardware for a wide variety of on-the-go applications. xDIM is powered by mobile visioning software from MobileDemand companion company 4DMobile, so it quickly and accurately captures measurements with a simple point-and-click—wherever the case is located. The innovative cloud-based application provides rich data via a user-friendly dashboard that integrates with a myriad of enterprise resource management systems for deeper business analytics. And having successfully completed the National Type Evaluation Program evaluation, xDIM is qualified as Legal for Trade, meaning it is legally approved for establishing cost for services or hire based on measurement. xDIM software uses Intel® RealSense™ depth camera technology attached to MobileDemand rugged tablets for intuitive point-and-capture dimensioning, producing measurements in seconds. The software gen-

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erates a 3D image of the parcel by performing eight billion scans per second. Data transfers directly to its intelligent cloud-based analytics dashboard, xDIM Insight. Reliable data is then put to work, significantly improving warehouse slotting, truck cubing, and pallet configuration processes, all of which preventing wasted space. The patented technology seamlessly integrates with existing product information management systems (PIMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning software (ERP), and other resource management platforms to efficiently store and manage product or SKU information. “xDIM combines an easy-to-use mobile device with modern 3D scanning and analytics, replacing costly and cumbersome stationary measurement equipment,” says Matt Miller, president and Chief Technology Officer of MobileDemand. “It gives the user freedom to go wherever the parcel resides and finish the scan in seconds.” “Intel® RealSense™ technology is used to develop products that enrich people’s lives by enabling machines and devices to perceive the world in 3D,” says Joel Hagberg, Head of Intel RealSense Product Management and Marketing. “We are excited to collaborate with MobileDemand to enhance business operations by quickly and accurately measuring parcel dimensions. The Intel RealSense LiDAR Camera L515 enables mobile tablets to capture parcel dimensions using our 3D depth sensing technology.”

video of xDIM in action at pwgo.to/7425. ALL ABOUT DRIVES Lenze, a specialist in motion centric automation, showcased its Smart Servo Axis set up (7), a scalable drive that uses Lenze’s latest technology achievement—an auto-tuning capability that will reduce the time it takes to do high-precision tuning of the control loop in a drive. On display at the Lenze booth at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, the Smart Servo Axis consists of the company’s i950 servo inverter, the m850 synchronous motor, and the g700 planetary gearbox with One Cable Technology. “The most important part is that the i950 drive itself comes with technology applications ready to go as part of the firmware of the drive,” says Daniel Repp, Lenze’s Business Development Manager, Automation Solutions. “That means that you only set parameters, you don’t have to program the drive.”

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The ready-to-go technology applications for speed control, positioning, winding, electronic gearing, etc., is part of the firmware of the drive. Lenze has engineering software, which can be downloaded for free, to connect to the drive and that’s where parameters are set. “You don’t have to be a super experienced engineer anymore because you just set parameters,” Repp says. In addition, the company just released an auto-tuning functionality for use when setting up a machine. Usually, application engineers tune the machine themselves, and the result depends on how experienced an engineer is. Often the engineer has to listen to how the motor behaves and adjust settings depending on what they hear. It can take hours to tune a machine, so Lenze came out with the auto-tuning functionality, which is embedded in the software. Just press a button and the software sets the setpoints to end up with an optimally tuned machine. “It takes a few minutes versus spending hours to have the same optimal results,” Repp says, noting the company developed algorithms that are based on what an engineer would do. “This is nothing really new, but we came up with an easy, simple-to-use functionality that delivers really outstanding results.” This procedure not only saves commissioning time, but also delivers reproducible ways to optimize machine performance. Errors that previously occurred due to model deviations, or during manual adjustment, are avoided. The Lenze auto-tuning function can be executed with the Lenze tools Easy Starter and PLC Designer. Auto-tuning can be performed with all i950 and i700 servo inverters sold after April 2021. Devices sold before then can be extended with the auto-tuning function via firmware update. Elsewhere in the drives sector, Nord Gear previewed its new DuoDrive and Nordac On and On+ variable frequency drive (VFD) systems. The firm says the DuoDrive integrated geared motor concept (8) features the latest generation permanent magnet synchronous motor integrated into a single-stage helical gear unit housing, with a power range from 0.5-2 hp and an output speed of up to 1,000 rpm. The DuoDrive has a maximum output torque of 700 lb.-in. and a speed ratio of 3.24-16.2. The company highlights the DuoDrive’s high efficiency (up to 92%) variant reduction through constant motor torque over a wide speed range, a compact wash-down design, industry-standard mounting dimensions, and quiet operation. By reducing the system’s variants, Nord Gear claims this minimizes administrative expenses for set up of lean manufacturing, logistics, storage, and service processes. Also, the motor can be operated worldwide and tailored to individual load ranges. In addition to the DuoDrive’s optional nsd TupH sealed surface conversion system—which features acid-, alkali-, and corrosion-resistance and an IP69K protection class—it offers a variety of motor connectivity options, such as HANQ8 and HAN10E plug connectors, round connectors, and direct wiring. As for the decentralized On and On+ drives (9) from Nord Gear, they’re built on one platform that features IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) connectivity, firmware that is updateable via Ethernet, and an integrated PLC (programmable logic controller). Nord Gear notes that these standardized VFDs feature plug-and-play capability for ease of internet-based networking and feature integrated industrial Ethernet interfaces that are switchable for use with Profinet, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP. Both VFDs can be wall- or motor-mounted and offer a compact footprint with integrated brake control and motor temperature sensor, as well as optional functional safety with safe torque off (STO) and optional internal braking resistors. The Nordac Access BT (Bluetooth) provides a diagnostic interface for parameterization of the VFDs. Key differences between the two VFDs are that the On+ is optimized for Nord IE5+ motors (permanent magnet synchronous motors) and features IP66 rated protection. The Nordac On VFD has IP55-rated protection.

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CONTROLS Both the On+ and DuoDrive products feature permanent magnet motors. The big advantage of the permanent magnet motors is that they maintain their energy efficiency across a broad speed range and load range, says Torsten Schultz, president of Nord Drive Systems. In applications where there is a lot of picking of product and seasonal fluctuations in demand, ranging from slow speeds with light loads to high-volume, high-speed operations, the motors’ efficiency stay constant. “That’s where permanent magnet motors, like these IE5+ motors, come into their own and save a lot of energy,” he says.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

a video of Nord Gear’s innovations at pwgo.to/7426. SAAS AND CYBERSECURITY Recently named a winner in the FDA’s Low- or No-Cost Food Traceability Challenge, Wiliot’s Sensing as a Service (SaaS) platform (10) consists of stamp-sized computers called IoT Pixels that can be affixed to any package to detect and understand various conditions including package location, temperature, tamper-detection, humidity, motion, fill rate, as well as product identification. In real time, the IoT Pixels are built to securely communicate the information to the Wiliot Cloud via Bluetooth from phones and nearly all WiFi access points, thus becoming the IoT Pixels’ infrastructure. From the Wiliot Cloud, information can be accessed and analyzed by brands, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to make more informed decisions along the supply chain. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021, Wiliot showcased its IoT Pixels applied

to reusable plastic containers (RPCs) such as product and parcel crates, pallets, and vaccine vials. From the show floor, data from these containers was fed to the Wiliot Cloud so attendees could view live updates, detailing the travels of the “smart” RPCs. “We enable the internet of things to scale from being the internet of expensive things to the internet of everyday things,” says Stephen Statler, SVP of Marketing, Wiliot. “We do that based on a tag we call Wiliot IoT Pixels that powers itself by harvesting radiofrequency energy. We’re in the Reusable Packaging Pavilion here at the show, and that’s

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CONTROLS doubly appropriate because we reuse the radio waves that surround us to power these tiny computers.” When companies can closely monitor the status of goods in Wiliotenabled RPCs, they can more accurately match supply and demand so they’re not over-producing but increase revenue; they can more efficiently deliver goods where they need to go, using fewer vehicles or shorter delivery routes to reduce emissions; and they can gain greater visibility into inventory to improve business performance and offer superior service to their customers. Wiliot’s platform works across many different packaging options for various industries, from auto parts and pharmaceuticals to food and beverages. We conclude this section of our Innovations Report with a look at a cybersecurity platform (11) from Siemens. As industrial companies connect plant-level software and devices to internet-connected enterprise systems, cybersecurity has become a critical operations issue for manufacturers of all sizes. While the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) greatly expands the efficiency of plant floor operations, it also introduces countless new vectors for potential cyberattacks. With more data flowing in and out of plants, the concern is that once localized networks will become more vulnerable. To address this growing concern, Siemens’ SiberProtect cybersecurity platform was on display at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021. In addition, the company was also exhibiting its real-time locating system (RTLS). SiberProtect is an operations technology (OT) threat-detection system that can isolate or quarantine plant and field assets upon credible identification of a cyber attack. According to Siemens, the system operates in real time—independent of the site network—and is capable of responding to a potential threat in mere milliseconds. Upon receiving a cybersecurity notification, SiberProtect initiates a pre-determined series of equipment management actions designed to protect high-value or mission-critical assets and initiate other desired responses. To achieve this latter goal, notifications are communicated to operators and other stakeholders via lights, sirens, emails, and text messages. The SiberProtect system is in line with a common cybersecurity trend. Whereas companies once relied on perimeter strategies that used fireVibFeedersAd.qxp_Layout 1 2/12/21 12:37 PMstrategies Page 1 to inspect and validate users walls and other network-based

entering and leaving the network, this approach has become increasingly untenable as digital transformation has mandated that plants connect more and more devices outside of the IT team’s control. As a result, defense-in-depth strategies that seek to use intentional redundancies at every layer of a system—down to the device level—help ensure that proper security measures are becoming more common. These technologies require individual machines on the plant-floor to possess security certificates and only send data via encrypted communications.

11 As for Siemens’ RTLS technology, it’s used to track the position of assets, containers, vehicles, and other materials in indoor and outdoor environments. To enable tracking, infrastructure devices are placed throughout a facility that function similarly to the satellites that are used to triangulate a GPS network. After the infrastructure devices are in place, transponders are attached to any assets or materials end-users would like to track. The tracking data can then be fed into an MES or other system. One potential application is to use the tracking data in conjunction with geofencing—a virtual perimeter around a real-world geographic area. Through the use of a geofence, alerts can be triggered when a tracked asset or material enters or exits a certain area. From there, an appropriate response can be initiated by a PLC or other controller.

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ROBOTICS What do you get when you mash up the words “sidekick” and “robot?” The answer was clear enough at Wyzo’s PACK EXPO Las Vegas booth, where the world’s first “sidebot” was on full display. Wyzo (1) is a high-speed delta-style pick-and-place robot capable of 90 picks/min that is designed to work safely beside people—i.e., a robot that is a sidekick, otherwise known as a sidebot. It relies on two laser scanners from SICK that constantly screen the environment around the machine and notify the controller which of three zones an operator is in. If the operator is in the farthest zone, the speed of the delta robot is reduced. If the operator is in the middle zone, speed is reduced further. And if the operator is in the zone closest to the robot, speed is reduced yet again. Should the operator be so close as to come in contact with the robot, all motion comes to a halt. Also making the Wyzo stand out is its use of the Genesis LiveDrive® LDD 1800 Series of actuators, a high-torque direct drive solution designed for robotics and automation in food, packaging, pharma, and the electronics industries. These actuators provide high enough torque that robots can now be created without the need for a gear box. That brings a number of benefits. First, it means no lubrication, and because a typical delta style robot has its gearbox mounted directly above the product being packaged, these new Genesis actuators mean no more leaking of oil onto product. It also means a maintenance-free drive train. And finally, it greatly reduces the amount of space a finished machine occupies (1a).

“The actuator is a complete package,” says David Lokhorst, Vice President of Technology at Genesis. “In it is a brushless DC electric motor, but the topology of the geometry is unique and it uses our live drive technology, which is a patented arrangement of the magnets within the motor to deliver that high torque density that we can achieve. It also includes two encoders for position sensing and safety, and a brake so that when the power’s off it holds in position. All of that is completely enclosed in a sealed enclosure that is rated IP67 for washdown purposes.” Governing the Wyzo are two PC-based controllers from Keba. According to Frank Souyris, Wyzo CEO, this deliberate redundancy means that “while one is doing, the other is checking.”

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video of the Wyzo robot and Genesis actuator at pwgo.to/7404. Another robotic format that is increasingly popular as manufacturers facing labor shortages need more flexible material-handling equipment to accelerate workflows is autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Vecna Robotics, a provider of pallet-handling AMRs, announced the release of its new Mark 3 software, which improves the speed and throughput of its robots’ pick-and-drop times while adhering to safety standards. “The last 18 months had driven huge demand for AMRs like autonomous forklifts, but adoption has been held up by both safety concerns and performance-driven ROI,” says Daniel Theobald, founder and chief innovation officer, Vecna Robotics. “This software release mitigates these concerns.” The Mark 3 release can be installed on-premises or in the cloud and provides critical updates, including: • Speed: Achieves a top speed of 3 m/s, 50% quicker interactions with pallet pickups, and better acceleration and deceleration times to improve average overall speed. • Free Space Reasoning: Introduces proprietary updates to path planning and obstacle avoidance to improve performance and handling in tight spaces. • Safety: Maintains the same rigorous safety standards as previous generations and complies with the American National Standards Institute B56.5 and Robotics Industries Association R15.08 safety standards. The new software results from Vecna Robotics’ ongoing work to improve vehicle performance using data collected over time through its proprietary orchestration engine, called Pivotal. Pivotal assigns work to

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ROBOTICS robot fleets based on real-time demand, resource availability, and proximity, and it collects performance metrics from the production floor. By using fleet data collected from performance sites over time, Vecna Robotics’ AMRs get smarter and faster over time, according to the company. “Now, in addition to Vecna Robotics’ AMRs being the only self-driving forklifts equipped with path planning and obstacle avoidance, they are also the only pallet-handling AMRs that can deploy cloud-driven updates for immediate in-field performance improvements,” Theobald says. Elsewhere in the robotics application space is the always popular category of case packing, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas exhibitors showed a number of examples. Among them was Brenton Engineering, a ProMach brand, which debuted a new model of the modularly designed RT1000 top-load robotic case packer system (2). Sam Weller, Business Segment Manger of Robotics and Systems, says the RT1000 brings a higher level of efficiency to established CPGs with growing demand who are looking for automation promising higher throughput with same or reduced labor. Specific target markets and applications for the RT1000 include consumer/commercial packaged foods, household chemicals, and personal care products, among others. Brands that intend to add products or add pack patterns within a defined range without change parts should benefit from this system.

2 Weller says the system provides the flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of products, and the ability to quickly program them into the system on the fly, without outside assistance. This is accomplished through a simple-to-use HMI that can be operated by staff with varied skill levels. The model demonstrated on the show floor used a Fanuc robot in the case setup area that picks corrugated blanks, opens them, folds the minor flaps, and introduces the erected cases to a flight system. Once the cases are moved into the load station, another Fanuc robot loads product from the infeed. “The RT1000 includes standardized main design, but the infeed side is what we’ll customize to your applications,” Weller says. “It could be tubs, cartons, jugs, whatever you need.” Once cases are loaded and need to be closed, the floor model used top and bottom Dekka tape heads, but the machine offers a hot melt glue-seal option as well. More generally, the system features a clean design with all cables and wires embedded into frame, and a modular component design that allows customers to use an existing case erector and sealer. Mechanical changeovers are automated and simple, and remote connectivity is available as well, with optional on-board cameras for remote support.

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Brenton summarizes the RT1000 as a flexible solution in a compact footprint that will be available in a rapid lead time at a competitive price. The single-skid design enables the machine to fit into a truck for easy transport and set-up.

video of the RT1000 at pwgo.to/7405. COBOTS APLENTY With unpredictable demand and mass customization pushing manufacturers to engage in less make-to-stock and more just-in-time manufacturing, flexible conveyance systems that allow for rapid changeover and batch sizes of one have grown in popularity. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021, B&R Automation showcased its Mini-Geo conveyance system as well as its ACOPOS 6D planar conveyance system, both of which seek to address these trends. The Mini-Geo is a modification of B&R’s ACOPOStrak shuttle transport system that is synchronized with an IRB 1200 robotic arm from ABB and several vision sensors. Check out an ACOPOStrak application on page 104. The ACOPOStrak uses independently controlled shuttles to transport products between processing stations as batches-of-one. Its design is particularly well-suited to the increasing demand for mass customization currently sweeping over many markets. By employing a series of looped tracks, ACOPOStrak is able to diverge and merge individual products into small, customized batches. Moreover, its set of looped tracks allows for parallel processing, meaning that multiple stations can perform the same process concurrently. If a piece of equipment—such as a bottle filler head—breaks down, remaining products can be redirected through a different route without ceasing production. The addition of the IRB 1200 allows the Mini-Geo to engage in automated changeover, and the vision sensors enable track and trace procedures. Like the ACOPOStrak, the ACOPOS 6D (3) consists of separate movers that allow individual products to be transported as batches of one. However, rather than using motor modules to move along a track, the system employs planar movers that magnetically levitate above a tiled surface. By allowing for entirely free-form movement unimpeded by the limitations of a set track, the ACOPOS 6D can facilitate more precise and flexible positioning of products, while also reducing wear and tear on the system itself. The planar movers can also perform several special functions such as swirling liquids in small canisters, thus allowing solutions to be mixed in pharmaceutical applications. All objects being shuttled can also be weighed, easing the process of both measurement and quality control.

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ROBOTICS March 21-23, 2022 Philadelphia, PA USA Booth 1906

According to Patrick McDermott, President of B&R Automation, both products seek to help end-users navigate as trends from the consumer market such as mass customization and increasing small batch orders trickle down to the industrial world. In addition, McDermott says that with smaller, more varied product runs becoming the norm, software changeover that allows for digital rather than physical line reconfiguration may become increasingly vital for companies struggling to keep up.

a video demo of Mini-Geo at pwgo.to/7406. Also featuring cobot solutions at its booth was Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., which debuted its ASSISTA collaborative robot during PACK EXPO Las Vegas. ASSISTA is designed to share its workplace with humans in a safe and efficient manner, and its unique internal wiring and piping reduces the risk of cables being caught or snagged, increasing uptime and decreasing the risk of needing repair, according to Jeff Brown, Senior Manager of New Business Development at Mitsubishi Electric Automation. “This is a solution for replacing labor,” Brown says. “For example, if you have labor that is picking fruit while also detecting anomalies and then placing the fruit in a certain orientation, to replace this labor, you need a specific robot, end-of-arm tooling, as well as a vision system that can detect different anomalies and determine what to do.” The ASSISTA also includes an H1 food-grade grease option for implementation in food processing facilities. For those customers with a focus on throughput and production, ASSISTA features accuracy that has been measured to be +/- 0.03 millimeters per cycle. Safety considerations include the elimination of hand and pinch points to protect hands and fingers of operators, and the robot reacts to its environment by going into a collaborative mode when operators approach it. Finally, ASSISTA can be programmed without a teach pendant to be more easily operated by those without prior industrial robot experience. While ASSISTA is still compatible with a teach pendant, it can also be operated by buttons on the robot body or by “hand guiding” it to various positions.

video of the ASSISTA at pwgo.to/7407. In line with the trend of smaller cobots expanding into higher speed, greater capacity, and heavier payload territory, Columbia/Okura LLC recently upgraded its miniPAL® with the enhanced UR10e cobot arm by Universal Robots. Displayed at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, the upgraded system (4) increased its payload to 12.5 kg (27.55 lb), accommodating 2.5-kg heavier cases than its 10-kg predecessor and affording new application possibilities with heavier payloads.

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ROBOTICS The new model also replaces pressure-sensitive safety mats with area safety scanners on all sides of the equipment footprint. Three area safety scanners detect human presence in the palletizing work envelope. This ensures safe operation in collaborative mode when in the presence of human workers, while allowing the miniPAL to operate at maximum rates while people are not within the palletizing work zone. The compact design also includes an automated lifting column for

INNOVATIONS REPORT

tall loads, dual stacking locations for continuous load building, built-in fork pockets for easy mobility, and intuitive pattern-building software for ease of use. The flexible miniPAL, with a total workspace footprint of 11 ft x 13 ft, can palletize at two pallet locations at once for optimized productivity. The robotic arm’s lift height accommodates 84-in. load heights from the ground. “This piece of equipment is totally movable,” says Jordan Huffman, Resident Service Tech, Columbia Okura. “Two inserts [on each side] of the footprint means you only need a pallet jack or a forklift to take the machine wherever it’s needed.” The system plugs into 110V AC wall power and can be set up in hours. A typical installation delivers an average payback in 8-10 months, depending on application and industry. “The latest upgrades to miniPAL® make an excellent mobile, collaborative palletizer even better,” says Brian Hutton, president of Columbia/Okura LLC. “In this environment of critical labor shortages in every industry, miniPAL® allows clients to quickly and cost effectively automate routine palletizing operations, and to redeploy existing resources to higher value activities.”

video of the new miniPAL 2.0 at pwgo.to/7408. PICKING, PACKING, FULFILLMENT A wide range of automation solutions for picking, packing, fulfillment, and palletizing were demonstrated at the Fanuc booth during PACK EXPO. Here we look at some of these solutions. Fanuc’s CRX cobot is an easy-to-use and flexible solution for a variety of applications, including palletizing, packing, inspection, and more. Built-in sensors on each axis can allow the CRX cobot to work safely alongside people without the need for expensive guarding. In addition, the CRX can operate for eight years maintenance-free, says Fanuc. At the show, a Fanuc CRX-10iA/L equipped with an iRVision 3DV/200 vision sensor demonstrated case palletizing. The CRX used the 3DV sensor to find a case, pick it up from one pallet, and place it on another pallet. The CRX collaborative robot offers the same level of performance. It supports several of Fanuc’s features including iRVision and is a perfect fit for any application where collaborative robots can help customers achieve higher efficiencies. Also, interactive programming enables users to teach the cobot what to do using hand guidance or a new tablet interface with dragand-drop icons. Also a highlight at the PACK EXPO booth was Fanuc’s DR-3iB/8L food-grade delta robot, which used 3DV iRVision and iRPickTool line tracking software to pick randomly oriented pieces of chicken from a continuous infeed conveyor. Equipped with a Soft Robotics gripper, the robot picked chicken breasts and

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ROBOTICS reoriented them onto an outfeed conveyor. The cell features high-speed picking with product re-orientation. The DR-3iB sets a new standard for robotic food handling in terms of payload, speed, reach, and sanitation. The DR-3iB delta robot is Fanuc’s latest solution for picking and packing primary and secondary food products. Rated IP69K, the robot meets the strictest food-handling regulations. Its design features corrosion-resistant materials, an unpainted finish, and a fully enclosed body allowing it to tolerate high pressure/temperature and sanitizer wash down environments. A powerful four-axis design and higher wrist inertia allows the DR3iB/8L to handle 8-kg payloads at very high speeds. Improved repeatability maximizes accuracy, and a hollow wrist design keeps all gripper wires and piping tucked inside. In addition, a large work envelope featuring a 1600-mm reach (500-mm height) is ideal for applications that require more range such as reaching into tall boxes or handling product on wide conveyors. The DR-3iB operates with Fanuc’s latest R-30iB Plus controller with integrated intelligent functions such as iRVision, Force Sensing, Robot Link, Collision Guard, and Zero Down Time (ZDT). Finally, an M-10iD/12 robot created random orders by picking from four homogenous totes, each with a 3DV/400 vision sensor mounted overhead. Each of the four sensors provided “best pick” locations from the homogenous totes, and then the robot picks parts to fill a customer order. Once the order is complete, the order tote will move to an LR Mate 200iD robot station also equipped with a fixed 3DV/400 to remove the parts from the bin for further order processing. The demonstration highlighted how the use of fully integrated robotic 3D Vision is an ideal solution for applications in the warehousing, logistics, and e-commerce markets. The 3DV/400 Vision Sensor is lightweight and can be used as a fixed or robot-mounted 3D Vision camera. The 3DV/400 offers single snap 3D image acquisition enabling faster bin picking and the ability to perform applications such as line tracking. Compared to conventional 3D vision sensors it provides better acquisition of shiny parts and offers a solution for glare caused by reflective parts. The 3DV/400 is part of Fanuc’s iRVision suite of fully integrated and complete machine vision products for robot guidance and inspection. Fanuc designs all of the hardware and software specifically for Fanuc robots.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

izing/depalletizing and piece/each picking in logistics to bin and container picking in manufacturing. Yaskawa Motoman’s robotic automation and Mujin’s patented 3D perception system with motion planning AI technology combine to highlight fast and precise picking of various shapes, materials, and packaging patterns. “This is a truly autonomous palletizing and de-palletizing application with [Mujin’s] 3D imaging creating a path for our robot,” says Chris Caldwell, a product manager at Yaskawa Motoman. “And you can eliminate the traditional robotic programming and just have their controller pick up your cases on the fly.”

video of the robot in action at pwgo.to/7410. Quest Industrial, a ProMach brand, used PACK EXPO Las Vegas to expand its robotic palletizing to more customers and markets. There it launched its new standardized Box Bot, the QB300 series (6). The Box Box, a space-saving robotic palletizer with a small footprint starting at just 8 ft x 10 ft, allows an operator to design and produce exact pallet patterns quickly and easily from bags to boxes and other product types. The new standardized version comes with the same features and benefits of the original Box Bot but is built for those customers who don’t require a lot of added customization in their machine.

video of Fanuc robotic solutions at pwgo.to/7409. PALLETIZING/DEPALLETIZING E-commerce boxes come in all shapes and sizes, which is impossible for a palletizing robot—programmed to pick and place specific items— to respond to. To deal with such challenging complex applications, Yaskawa Motoman partnered with Mujin Corp., a provider of intelligent robot control systems, allowing the Yaskawa robot (5) to sense different shapes and sizes of packages on the fly. During PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Yaskawa showed a palletizing and depalletizing robot integrated with Mujin’s 3D imaging that automatically creates a path for the robot. The Mujin controller utilizes real-time perception, motion planning, and universal control. The controller is completely teachless, which means no coding or teaching of waypoints and makes any robot intelligent, allowing for use in applications that were previously too difficult or impractical. Mujin controllers can automate any robot picking task from pallet-

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ROBOTICS “There are many customer applications that are relatively straightforward and ultimately don’t need something that’s extremely complex,” says Ryan Womble, Director of Sales at Quest. “We’ve standardized and pre-defined key configurations of the Box Bot, while not sacrificing capability or functionality. Our standardized version enables us to offer a more cost-effective palletizing solution to customers with shorter lead times.” Ideal applications for this new standardized version of the Box Bot include companies who rely on manual palletizing in industries such as food, beverage, consumer goods, and others. Implementing a robotic solution cuts down on labor costs, reduces risk of employee injury associated with manual palletizing, and increases predictability of a company’s production output. All models of the Box Bot QB300 series feature a Fanuc robot that provides higher stack patterns, which better maximize tractor-trailer loading for more efficient shipping. Creating patterns is accomplished though the QBox custom pallet-building HMI-based software, the most technologically intuitive operator interface available on the market. The ability to build your own patterns saves time and money by eliminating the need to have a service programmer onsite to perform the task. Allied Technology released a new performance series line of PicPac Palletizers, which doesn’t require any coding from the end user. The new line of palletizers is a welcome addition to their current Cobot Series PicPac Palletizer (featuring a UR10e) released in 2019, and continues to meet the end-of-line packaging industry’s need for a compact, mobile, and turnkey palletizing unit. The Performance Series PicPac Palletizers are designed to accommodate higher payloads and faster cycle times with little-to-no compromise to the machine’s footprint or mobility. The PicPac Palletizer requires no coding from the end user and makes pallet pattern building even easier with simple-to-use drag-and-drop software. This new line of palletizers is offered in two different models—the RS020n and RS050n—each equipped with an industrial robot arm from Kawasaki Robotics. The PicPac Palletizer will drastically increase pallet changeover rate, improve palletizing reliability, and consolidate valuable floor space. This also enables plant managers to reduce unnecessary risks involved with heavy lifting and reassign those employees to more valuable positions, thus strengthening the existing workforce.

video of Allied Technology’s palletizing technology at pwgo.to/7411.

March 21-23, 2022 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA USA

YOUR EAST COAST CONNECTION Interested in robotic packaging technology for your facility? Don’t miss PACK EXPO East to see a wide range of robotic packaging equipment in action.

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Depalletizing is a common manufacturing operation that has attracted a lot of attention over the past few years due to a variety of industrial labor issues, ranging from a shortage of available workers to efforts to reduce risk of worker injuries. To help address these issues around depalletizing operations, Honeywell has introduced its Smart Flexible Depalletizer, (7) which uses artificial intelligence to ease the implementation of robotic depalletizing technologies and minimize the need for manual labor to break down pallet loads.

Honeywell’s vision and perception technologies are used to guide the depalletizer’s robotic arm, allowing cases to be picked from a single- or mixed-SKU pallet in fixed or mobile locations. The company’s computer vision technology identifies the location of every case on the pallet, while its artificial intelligence-driven perception software automatically recognizes a variety of packaging formats. The machine learning and motion planning used in the Smart Flexible Depalletizer optimize the movements of the robotic arm to ensure maximum picking speed. The system’s control logic senses the weight of each item as the robot lifts it and automatically updates its gripping response to transfer each product securely. Because the system uses machine learning to operate, the more picks the robot performs, the more it learns and continues to improve in unloading pallets. According to Honeywell, the Smart Flexible Depalletizer robot can work in conjunction with pallet conveyance autonomous mobile robots. This combination of technologies enables continuous operation of the system while providing the flexibility to stage pallets and empty stacks virtually anywhere the mobile robot is capable of traveling. Dr. Thomas Evans, Chief Technology Officer of Honeywell Robotics, says, “Reliable depalletizing rates are of growing importance as consumer preferences continue to accelerate the rate of packing and the increasing product mix warehouses and distribution centers handle every day. With the labor constraints warehouses and distribution centers are seeing in filling these manual roles, this solution can be an ideal fit to help keep up with daily order volumes.” a video of the depalletizer at pwgo.to/7412. PW

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PHARMA & MEDICAL DEVICE Since medical marijuana represents a portion of the briskly growing cannabis market, we opted to include two innovative cannabis-related packaging technologies in this Pharmaceutical and Medical Device section of our PACK EXPO Innovations Report. A primary challenge with packaging cannabis is that the weight variance of the empty jar is often greater than the total weight of the product being packaged. A tare gross weighing system eliminates any inconsistencies by weighing the empty jar and then subtracting the weight of the empty jar from the gross weight of the filled jar to determine the actual net weight of product in each jar. Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery Inc. used PACK EXPO Las Vegas to unveil just such a system. It’s a fast, accurate cannabis filling system (1) that accounts for those tiny fluctuations in glass jar weight, thus eliminating problematic inaccuracy that wastes product.

evacuation, backflush, and lidding application station. When lidding is in place, the four-cavity tool rotates out of the sealing station, the operator removes the finished packs, and the cycle is repeated. While much of this is fairly routine MAP procedure, what makes this application notable from an innovation standpoint is that the thermoformed PET container has two notches left and right that are designed to fit into a slot in the paperboard carton into which the primary package is inserted. Children can’t read the package-opening instructions on the carton, and thanks to the notches left and right on the primary package, they won’t know how to pull the primary package out of the carton. There’s also a flap designed into the top of the pack to further impede a child’s access to the primary package.

video of the machine in action at pwgo.to/7413. INNOVATIVE CONTAINERS The system’s accuracy of 0.01 g reduces costly product loss for fill sizes from 3.5 to 7 g. Vibratory settling helps product flow into containers. The system rejects under and overweights. Integrated with a multi-head weigher, the system provides the fastest, most accurate fills of flower or ground cannabis on the market, according to the company. In terms of speeds, the system is able to operate more quickly than many producers will need. It accurately fills as many as 40 jars/min with a range of 1 g to 28 g of flower or ground cannabis per jar. In addition this new cannabis filling system features a simple design that enables thorough cleaning. A sanitary funnel and conveyor system ensures hygienic filling with quick changeover while a stainless-steel frame and open base eliminate harborage areas and allow for easy cleaning. Tool-less, quick-change star wheels and rails enable fast product changeovers. Orics introduced a new M10 machine (2) designed specifically for a special Child-Resistant package that holds CBD-infused candy bars. The intermittent-motion machine has two tools mounted on a rotary table. The operator loads thermoforms into the four cavities on one tool and then puts a candy bar in each. The operator then presses two buttons to activate the machine. The freshly loaded tool rotates into an

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An especially clever tablet and capsule container in the plastic category was shown by a company called R&D Leverage, which is primarily a tool maker for injection molding, blow molding, and injection stretch blow molding machinery. But it has now come up with a patent pending concept for an injection stretch blow molded bottle called DispensEZ (3) with a sort of a ramp on one inner sidewall where the shoulder meets the neck. So when you reach inside to pull out a tablet or capsule, it slides right out on the ramp rather than getting hung up on the inner shoulder. This is clearly aimed at the elderly and others whose dexterity makes pill and tablet dispensing challenging at best.

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PHARMA & MEDICAL DEVICE Senior Molding Expert Kent Bersuch at R&D Leverage is the one who came up with the idea after finding himself frustrated by vitamins and medications getting bunched up in the shoulder of the bottle. “I’d wind up dumping many more pills than I wanted, or the pills would bounce out of my hand and go down the drain,” says Bersuch. “Eventually I heated a bottle with a heat gun and molded the shoulder of a bottle to create a ramp.” And thus was born DispensEZ.

INNOVATIONS REPORT

R&D Leverage, remember, is a maker of tooling, so management has no plans for making bottles on a commercial basis. Instead, says CEO Mike Stiles, the firm is looking for a brand that would either purchase or license the Intellectual Property behind the concept. “We have multiple inquiries from prospects who are currently evaluating our patent documentation and considering options,” says Stiles. Stiles adds that while development work on the DispenseEZ packer bottle relied on using the two-stage reheat-and-stretchblow process, the convenient dispensing feature can also be incorporated in any of the following methods: • Single-stage ISBM in PET, PP, and (perhaps) HDPE • Injection blow in PP or HDPE • Extrusion-blow using a variety of resins. The feature is functional over a wide variety of finish sizes (33 mm and larger) and can be incorporated into containers with existing tamper-evident or childresistant requirements.

a descriptive video of this innovation at pwgo.to/7414. Safe sample transport is an important part of healthcare operations, but many portable carriers that protect temperature-sensitive samples are bulky and heavy. These can be burdensome for sales representatives to carry throughout a typical 8-hour workday. At Healthcare Packaging EXPO, CAVU Group introduced its prote-go: a lightweight sample transportation system (4) that protects temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and medical devices from the first meeting of the day through the last.

4 The company developed the system to transport a variety of content—pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other biomedical samples—with diverse temperature requirements in all seasons. Weighing less than eight pounds, the carrier is a lightweight product convenient for a salesperson to carry. The prote-go is a soft-sided, leak-proof tote that can be personalized. “With over 25 L of payload space, the tote has added room for a laptop or other accesso-

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PHARMA & MEDICAL DEVICE ries,” says CAVU Product Manager David Haan. “Best of all, the prote-go sample carrier does not require lengthy or complicated packing and conditioning processes. Because the system is engineered with phasechange material, the system resets by simply storing the tote overnight, open, and at room temperature.” Next we look at diagnostics, the demand for which has been soaring. Yet packaging diagnostic reagents can be challenging for a number of reasons: • Strong reagents can interact, or even attack, sealants used with traditional push-through foil options. • While providing strong barrier, the lidding should pierce easily. Devices require a high degree of repeatability. • There is a broad range of materials used to create the reagent wells, so lidding must accommodate the container while also being capable of hermetically sealing to narrow sealing surfaces. Paxxus’ AccuPierce pierceable foil lidding (5) is a composite material consisting of a highly controlled aluminum foil paired with Paxxus’ chemically resistant, high-barrier Exponent™ sealant—it allows for a clean, quick puncture by probes requiring low force in sensitive testing environments. Designed for accuracy in diagnostic applications, it can be used as lidding or as a component within the device itself. At PACK EXPO, Dwane Hahn explained one very large reason for the boom in diagnostics innovation. “COVID-19 has been for the diagnostic industry what NASA was for materials sciences. When we were trying to land someone on the moon, significant innovation and capital were

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needed to support the creation of mission critical materials simply because so many had not been invented yet.” While the emergence of COVID-19 is an undeniable tragedy, a byproduct of the pandemic has been the influx of innovation and investment. “With COVID-19, the need to scale at an unheard-of pace without sacrificing accuracy presented many challenges. Of course, to solve these challenges, new ideas and concepts were generated as the inherent by-product. When this phenomenon occurs, the investment community takes notice and capital becomes available for startups and large established players alike. The significant investment will undoubtedly change the landscape for diagnostics and in particular the companies that fill the new expectation from consumers for both speed and at-home testing capabilities,” says Hahn.

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

To meet these changing dynamics and market needs, Paxxus developed lidding that is suitable for use with many compounds including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reagents, organic solvents, ethanol, and isopropanol. The product is versatile in that it is heat sealable to the most common reagent well materials—polypropylene, polyethylene, and COC— and is compatible with multiple sterilization processes. It is suitable “for DNase, RNase, and human DNA applications,” the company reports. “This is not the case for the traditional push-through foil technology which is incompatible with some sterilization processes.”

SOLUTIONS WHERE VOLUME IS NOT SO HUGE Sometimes in the life sciences arena it’s the solutions that are suitable for small to mid-sized outputs that matter a whole lot. Several of these were on display at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, beginning with Antares Vision Group. The firm showcased its new standalone module (6) for manual case aggregation at Healthcare Packaging EXPO. Also capable of supporting post-lot reworking operations in warehouses and distribution centers, the system is a fit for those looking to meet upcoming DSCSA supply chain security requirements with small to mid-sized volume outputs that don’t require full automation.

Aggregating product is a necessary pre-requisite to sending aggregated data. The recent HDA Serialization Readiness Survey pointed out, “More than 50% of manufacturers were planning to aggregate by the end of 2019 and 2020; now a little less than half are currently aggregating

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and nearly 40% will do so by 2023. This number is up from a quarter last year, indicating companies have shifted their timelines.” Manufacturers will need to implement systems quickly to comply with regulations. Chris Collins, Sales Manager for Antares Vision Group, notes, “The Mini Manual Station was developed in consideration of the limited amount of real estate most packaging operations are dealing with. Antares wanted to offer a flexible and cost-effective solution to the market with a compact design.” Antares says that following the situation-specific recipe—for example, the number of cartons per case—the Mini Manual Station aggregation unit issues the upper level, “parent” container label once the pre-set quantity of items has been scanned into the system. As a manual system, the unit is designed ergonomically with easy, multi-point access and an always-on handheld scanner for fast, reliable code reading. The Mini Manual Station is currently operating in pharma, med device, and nutraceutical facilities. The four benchtop machines that make up groninger’s LABWORX Series (7) are designed to help pharmaceutical companies move from bench to market, as well as meet needs in R&D, clinical trials, and compounding pharmacies. The portfolio includes two liquid filling units—with peristaltic pump or rotary piston pump—and stopper placing and crimping systems for vials and syringes. Designed for “off-the-shelf” needs, the modules accommodate prefillable objects such as vials, syringes, and cartridges, and feature short lead times and groninger’s QuickConnect technology for fast turnaround times. As groninger’s Jochen Franke explained at the show, the systems meet market needs for modernized tabletop systems for several applications, including personalized medicines and cell therapies. Two-hand control of the systems means guarding is not necessary, while hygienic design makes cleaning fast and easy. They are built for laminar flow (LF) hoods and isolators and highly resistant to H2O2. “The machines are not cam-driven. They’re designed with servo motors, which are better for transferring to commercial production systems,” says Franke. He demonstrated changeover at the booth, which required less than one minute. Wireless control via tablet or laptop helps to eliminate extra personnel in cleanrooms while providing connectivity to one or multiple benchtop systems from a single handheld device. Data is more easily accessed for analysis and decision-making. The machines feature responsive HTML5-based HMI design and offer automated batch records as PDF files.

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Remarkably intelligent.

Introducing ResMark 5000, remarkable intelligence in marking and coding print systems. ResMark 5000 is the next generation standard for marking and coding. We have utilized our extensive industry knowledge and engineered an intelligent system focused on delivering simplicity, reliability, flexibility and most importantly, a lower cost of ownership over the life of the system. The intelligence starts with a Windows based interface which delivers an easier control system that quickly connects print systems and is fully compatible with existing messages. Innovative rapid replace print heads can be brought online quicker, reducing production line disturbances and repairs while minimizing downtime. The remarkable intelligence of the ResMark 5000 also accommodates the widest range of line speeds and configurations all while utilizing a repairable print engine to reduce maintenance costs with a robust print head swapping program. ResMark 5000 brings remarkable intelligence to the marking and coding industry with a system designed and engineered to optimize end-of-line manufacturing operations. For more information go to Diagraph.com or call 800.722.1125. ResMark 5000. Remarkably intelligent.

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Packworld USA debuted its new PW4214 remote sealer (8) for life sciences, incorporating a sealing head capable of accepting films up to approximately 13 in wide and a divorced control cabinet with a touchscreen HMI. According to Packworld’s Brandon Hoser, the machine developed from the need to fit a more compact sealing head into a glove box. “Having the seal head separate from the controls/HMI allows the operator control access outside of the glove box while reducing the machine footprint inside the glove box,” says Hoser. This compact seal head design is ideal for use within laminar flow cabinets. Easy cleaning surfaces complement biologics and tissue applications, while Packworld’s touchscreen interface allows for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. All Packworld machines are compliant with ISO 11607. The Pa.-based company notes that an important differentiating feature of Packworld’s heat sealers lies in the TOSS technology used— referred to as VRC (Variable Resistance Control)—which does not use thermocouples. Other heat sealers use thermocouples to measure and control the energy heating the seal bands, and a thermocouple’s inherently slow characteristics, singular point of measurement, and consumable nature can create consistency issues. TOSS VRC technology “instead measures the resistance of the heat seal band throughout its entire length and width,” says Packworld. “It knows what resistance the band needs to be in order to achieve the seal temperature,” resulting in quick, accurate, consistent heat seals critical for healthcare applications. RFID for product traceability continues to gain traction in both the life sciences and the consumer packaged goods arenas. Offerings are now touting high-speed applications that do not disrupt production output. At PACK EXPO Las Vegas, WLS, a ProMach brand, introduced its latest RFID labeling solutions (9). The company has adapted its high-speed pressure-sensitive label applicators and label printers to incorporate new RFID technology for vials, bottles, tubes, syringes, and devices. The offerings featured at the show can also be applied to industries beyond healthcare for authentication and inventory control. The RFID labels are dynamic in that they can lock in select variable data, while allowing other variable data to be updated through the life of the

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INNOVATIONS REPORT

product. While batch numbers and other identifiers remain static, manufacturers and health systems benefit from dynamic product tracking and updates such as dosages and expiration dates. As the company explains, “This simplifies inventory control for end users while providing product verification and authenticity for manufacturers.” Because customer needs vary from new labeler implementation to modular, off-line options, WLS is launching labelers, label application systems, and print stands: • RFID-Ready Labelers apply pressure-sensitive labels embedded with RFID inlays from the converter, while preserving the integrity to the RFID chips and antennas. “The RFID labels are read, written (encoded), locked or unlocked (as required), verified, applied to the product, and re-verified (as needed),” WLS reports. Variable data printing with vision inspection systems can be coupled with RFID-Ready Labelers. • For customers looking to keep their existing labels and incorporate RFID, WLS offers a flexible option in its RFID-Enabled Label Application Systems. The first label head releases a standard pressure-sensitive label onto the vacuum drum while the second label head releases the wet RFID tag, synchronized and centered, onto the standard pressure-sensitive label, enabling the vacuum drum to apply both the wet RFID tag with the standard pressure-sensitive label onto the product. Encoded and verified wet RFID tags are married to the standard label and applied to the product, with a re-verification option if needed. • For an off-line solution, RFID-Ready Print Stands are designed to print on pressure-sensitive labels embedded with RFID inlays from the converter. “Utilizing an off-line, stand-alone, on-demand RFID-Ready Print Stand allows WLS customers to adopt RFID labeling without altering or upgrading their existing labelers,” says the company. “The highspeed RFID-Ready Print Stands incorporate full-label vision inspection with rejected label removal and verification, verifying the printed label and the encoded RFID tag.” Says Peter Sarvey, Director of Business Development at WLS, “The adoption of RFID labels is being driven by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers that want to offer improved traceability and product authentication as well as end users who require products with a dynamic fingerprint to track dosages and inventories. RFID labels can be valuable to any industry interested in improving traceability and product authentication, not just hospitals and pharmacies.”

12/24/21 10:27 AM

sustainable packaging solutions

Flexibility for the Future. At ROVEMA, we are committed to sustainability and minimizing waste, which means engineering machinery that lasts. We don’t build machinery to be obsolete within a few years; we build flexible solutions with the ability to adapt to changing market conditions, and to be able to meet our customers' packaging needs both in the present and future.

Visit us at booth 906 at PACK EXPO East

The BVC Flex VFFS Machine was designed to adapt. With the ability to have tool-less changeovers from simple pillow bags to a RoPack® doy-style stand up pouch, this machine makes it easy for smaller companies to use the same packaging machine for multiple SKUs and for multinationals to support large scale testing of new package types. ROVEMA North America Inc. Norcross, GA 30093 T +1 404 640 5310 info@rovema-na.com www.rovema-na.com

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PHARMA & MEDICAL DEVICE A MIXER AND A CAPPER Rounding out our coverage of PACK EXPO innovations in the pharmaceutical and medical device space is a pair of machines, one for product processing and one for packaging. On the processing side we look at Marchesini Group’s TurboMek (10). It was introduced in 2017, but a new version of the TURBO-MEK 1000 vacuum turbo-emulsifier for processing liquid and cream products appeared at the show offering a more compact and eco-friendly design.

The global skincare market size alone was valued at over $129 billion in 2020 according to Grand View Research, and this is likely to be bolstered further by escalating demand for face creams, sunscreens, and body lotions across the globe. The TurboMek system is produced by Dumek, a Marchesini Group company that specializes in machinery for processing cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The new TURBO-MEK 1000 has been designed to accommodate hygiene and cleaning guidelines with energy and water savings during wash cycles. The system’s energy efficiency is thanks to Dumek’s patented SMART TC, an intelligent control system that offers energy savings during the heating and cooling stages, as well as more precise control of processing stages for greater repeatability. High efficiency sprayballs facilitate tank cleaning and a fully automatic clean-in-place (CIP) system allows optimization of wash water consumption. The turbo-emulsifier features a new touchscreen control panel designed to interface with mobile devices for monitoring and control of processing parameters. A large internal database allows for storage of production recipes. The new version can be easily integrated into a production environment with centralized management using MES/MOM systems. Which brings us to the final item in this section of our innovations review. It’s the beltorque® BT-ICL Lite Capper (11) from NJM, a ProMach brand. The continuous-motion system offers the same patented torque technology as the standard, high-speed beltorque, but at an entry level

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price point and at 150 bottles/min. Gentle handling for a variety of bottle shapes and sizes is attributed to two pairs of belts to gently rotate and tighten caps. The speed of the bottle is synchronized with the rotating speed of the closure, which “applies precise torque that eliminates damage to the closure and minimizes cap skew and slippage,” according to the company. “Many customers tell us that before they installed a new BT-ICL, their traditional disc or spindle cappers were finicky and required near constant supervision. Even during production shifts, their spindle cappers needed manual readjustment to ensure proper handling, which was very labor intensive,” says Omar Azam, inside sales manager at NJM. “The BT-ICL is entirely automated, offering repeatable performance without operator monitoring. Customers say the BT-ICL significantly increases their line performance and efficiency.” Suited to nutraceuticals (where systems have already been implemented), cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, foods, and more, the system handles round, oval, square, or rectangular bottles made of plastic or glass from 2 to 12 in (51 to 305 mm) in height and from 0.5 to 8 in (13 to 203 mm) in diameter. It can apply child-resistant, flip-top, screw, or snap caps made of plastic or metal in sizes up to 4.75 in (121 mm). A number of features help manufacturers accommodate a variety of container shapes: • A container spacing wheel or other spacing device can be added to accommodate various container shapes and sizes as well as product weights. • When running heavy bottles, dual spacing wheels are used to control container back pressure. • When running large bottles, fully adjustable dual container gripper belts hold the bottle steady during capping. • An optional cap inspection system identifies skewed caps, missing caps, missing foil, or fallen bottles and triggers an automatic, heavy-duty reject device. Torque monitoring is also an option. Seven feet in length, the capper has a compact footprint and can be mounted on standard bottle conveyor. Typical changeovers can be performed in 15 min without tools. PW

1/10/22 2:03 PM

READY TO BE

THE BEST SOLUTION

TOTALLY AMERICAN WITH AN ITALIAN HEART Ronchi America has started producing an 18 head EXACTA stand-alone ﬁller that can be easily integrated into new and existing lines. It is proudly and entirely built in Atlanta, Georgia and available in 12 weeks or less.

www.ronchipackaging.com

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12/30/21 6:47 AM

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PRESENTS

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. – Henry Ford

s we head into another new year the above quote is more relevant than ever, especially coming together and keeping together in our new normal. It has challenged companies more than ever and required unprecedented leadership. Welcome to Packaging World’s 2022 Leaders in Packaging (LIP) program. This is our thirteenth year of formally recognizing the many innovative companies that supply packaging machinery, materials, and services for successful packaging operations and initiatives. The pages that follow offer profiles of leading suppliers that have elected to participate in this program. While not a comprehensive list of all packaging suppliers, they represent a diverse range, and this is one of the largest LIP “classes” since introducing this unique program in 2010. Notably, you will find a prominent LIP area prominent on our homepage at www.packworld.com with a listing of the 200 participating companies by product category. As you click on any category, the participating suppliers will appear, and you can link to their special online profile page, complete with additional company information, videos, and content. The participating LIP companies’ profiles will also land in Google searches for enhanced SEO functionality. What’s more, there is a prominent link to each supplier’s website to make it easier to connect. And new in 2022 will be a LIP mini directory monthly in PW and PDF available with LIP participants by category. Our annual Leaders in Packaging program also is helping to build tomorrow’s packaging leaders. Like in previous years, each participating supplier in our LIP program is a named packaging education supporter of the “Future Leaders in Packaging” (FLIP) scholarship from Packaging World and the PMMI Foundation, which will be awarded in 2022. This scholarship is for students pursuing degrees that will prepare them for a career in packaging. To date, scholarships have been awarded to students at Clemson University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Cal Poly, Rutgers University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Jose State Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging, the University of Florida Packaging Program, and Purdue Northwest College of Technology. For 2022, we are pleased to announce the recipient is PMMI educational partner school, Alexandria Technical & Community College, Mechatronics program. The Mechatronics program is led by Todd Zarbok and is has been recognized as one of the leading technical programs in the country. The Alexandria Technical & Community College Mechatronics program emphasizes applied technology rather than theoretical. All courses are focused on lab-based learning with exposure to the advanced technology used in the field today and expected in the field tomorrow. Look for more information on the program in the February issue of Packaging World and at the Alexandria Technical & Community College Mechatronics’ webpage (pwgo.to/7438). For more information about the FLIP scholarship, please contact leaders@packworld.com or visit our LIP webpage (pwgo.to/7439). To be successful, it is imperative that all of us help develop our future packaging leaders, so we encourage you to get involved in your local packaging school, whether it’s a two-year or four-year program. Together, we can help create more leaders in packaging! We appreciate the many extraordinary packaging suppliers who share our vision. Thank you for your continued readership and participation in our Leaders in Packaging program. PW

Look for leaders all year long at: www.packworld.com/leaders

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COMPANY INDEX MACHINERY PAGE ADHESIVE APPLICATION Nordson Corporation Robatech USA Inc. The Reynolds Company Valco Melton Videojet Technologies Inc.

373 403 402 444 446

BAG & POUCH FILL/SEAL (PRE-MADE) All Packaging Machinery 261 ALLIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc. 265 Brother USA Machinery LLC 282 Busch Vacuum Solutions 284 BW Flexible Systems 286 ELPLAST America Inc. 309 Emerson Industrial Automation 310 Focke & Company 321 Formost Fuji Corporation 323 Mamata Enterprises, Inc. 353 Massman Automation Designs, LLC 355 Matrix Packaging Machinery, Inc. 357 nVenia, A Duravant Company 377 PAC Machinery 380 Plan IT Packaging Systems Inc. 387 Plexpack Corp. 388 Syntegon Packaging Technology 432 TDI Packsys 434 Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 441 Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc. 456

BLISTERS/CLAMSHELLS/ SKIN PACKAGING Klöckner Pentaplast Food Packaging Klöckner Pentaplast Pharma, Health & Specialties Point Five Shelf Life Solutions Starview Packaging Machinery

349 350 391 430

Dodge Mechanical Power Transmission 301 Exair Corporation 316 Haver & Boecker USA, Inc. 331 Ideal-Pak Massman LLC 338 Material Transfer & Storage, Inc. 356 National Bulk Equipment, Inc. (NBE) 369 PIAB 386 Specialty Equipment 427

CAPPING 262 322 371 406 413

CARTONING BluePrint Automation Brother USA Machinery LLC

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289 299 304 307 316 329 366 373 376 389 396 398 410 411 423 424 432 437 444 456

CASE ERECT/SEAL A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. 258 Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions 270 Dekka 298 Eastey 305 Econocorp, Inc. 307 318 Fallas Automation Inc. INSITE Packaging Automation 341 Intertape Polymer Group 342 Nordson Corporation 373 Packaging Distributors, Inc. 381 Pearson Packaging Systems 385 Shurtape Technologies 415 Signode 417 Sparck Technologies 426 Standard-Knapp, Inc. 429 Valco Melton 444 WestRock 450 Wexxar/BEL 451

CASE/TRAY PACKING

BULK HANDLING/ FILLING EQUIPMENT

All-Fill Inc. Fogg Filler Co. New England Machinery, Inc. Ronchi America LLC Shibuya Hoppmann Corp.

Cama North America Delkor Systems, Inc. Douglas Machine Inc. Econocorp, Inc. Exair Corporation Graphic Packaging International Mpac Group Nordson Corporation Nuspark Inc PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems Propack Processing and Packaging Systems R.A Jones Schubert North America Serpa Packaging Solutions Somic America, Inc. Sourcelink Solutions, LLC Syntegon Packaging Technology Triangle Package Machinery Company Valco Melton Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc.

279 282

A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. 258 259 Aagard 264 Allied Technology LLC AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 267 279 BluePrint Automation Brenton 280 BW Integrated Systems 287 289 Cama North America Delkor Systems, Inc. 299 Douglas Machine Inc. 304 Econocorp, Inc. 307 308 EDL Packaging Engineers, Inc. Fallas Automation Inc. 318 FANUC America Corporation 319 321 Focke & Company Heat and Control, Inc. 333 ITW Hartness 344 341 INSITE Packaging Automation Mpac Group 366 Markem-Imaje 354

Massman Automation Designs, LLC 355 376 Nuspark Inc ONExia Inc. 378 Packaging Distributors, Inc. 381 Pearson Packaging Systems 385 PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems 389 Propack Processing and Packaging Systems 396 Robatech USA Inc. 403 ROVEMA North America, Inc. 407 Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. 409 Schubert North America 410 Serpa Packaging Solutions 411 Sidel Inc. 416 Somic America, Inc. 423 Syntegon Packaging Technology 432 WestRock 450 Yamato Corporation 453 Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Division 455

CODING/MARKING BELL-MARK 274 Bestcode 276 285 Buskro Ltd. 292 Chase-Logeman Corporation Diagraph Marking & Coding, 300 An ITW Company Domino Amjet Inc 302 306 EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA 312 Encoder Products Company Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC 335 337 ID Technology Label-Aire 352 Markem-Imaje 354 Matthews Marking Systems 358 Nita Sentient Labeling Systems 372 Norwix Inc. 374 Squid Ink Manufacturing 428 Videojet Technologies Inc. 446

CONTROLS & MACHINE COMPONENTS Beckhoff Automation 273 Dodge Mechanical Power Transmission 301 Emerson Industrial Automation 310 Encoder Products Company 312 Fabco-Air 317 Nercon Conveyor Systems 370 Siko Products, Inc. 418 SMC Corporation of America 421 U.S. Tsubaki, Inc. 439 Van der Graaf 445 WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc. 452 Yaskawa America, Inc. 454

CONVERTING EQUIPMENT Exair Corporation Honeywell Intelligrated Sidel Inc. WEIMA America, Inc.

316 336 416 449

CONVEYING & ACCUMULATION Allied Technology LLC 264 AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 267 Arrowhead Systems Inc. 271 Beckhoff Automation 273 Dodge Mechanical Power Transmission 301 Dorner Mfg. Corp. 303 Eriez Magnetics 315 Fabco-Air 317 FlexLink Systems, Inc 320 GR-X Manufacturing 327 Garvey Corporation 325 Intralox 343 ITW Hartness 344 Kaufman Engineered Systems, Inc. 347 mk North America, Inc 362 Modular Conveyor Express 363 Multi-Conveyor 367 Nercon Conveyor Systems 370 Precision Automation Company, Inc. 392 Regal Rexnord 400 Ryson International Inc. 408 Ska Fabricating 419 Span Tech Conveyors 425 Specialty Equipment 427 U.S. Tsubaki, Inc. 439 Van der Graaf 445

DIGITAL PRINTING BELL-MARK 274 Bestcode 276 Buskro Ltd. 285 Michelman Inc. 361 Norwix Inc. 374 Squid Ink Manufacturing 428

FEEDING/INSERTING/ UNSCRAMBLING All-Fill Inc. Eriez Magnetics Garvey Corporation MFT Automation Morrison Container Handling Solutions New England Machinery, Inc. Regal Rexnord Ronchi America LLC Shibuya Hoppmann Corp. Syntegon Packaging Technology

262 315 325 360 365 371 400 406 413 432

FILLING/CAPPING, LIQUID & VISCOUS BellatRx Inc. 275 277 Bevcorp LLC Brother USA Machinery LLC 282 BW Packaging Systems 288 Chase-Logeman Corporation 292 Enercon Industries 313 Fogg Filler Co. 322 Haver & Boecker USA, Inc. 331 Ideal-Pak Massman LLC 338 Krones 351

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OPTIMA Machinery Corporation 379 Point Five Shelf Life Solutions 391 Pneumatic Scale Angelus 390 R.A Jones 398 Ronchi America LLC 406 Shibuya Hoppmann Corp. 413 Sidel Inc. 416 Specialty Equipment 427 Syntegon Packaging Technology 432 Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 441 WEIGHTPACK, Inc. 448

FILLING/CAPPING - DRY All-Fill Inc. All Packaging Machinery BellatRx Inc. Enercon Industries Matrix Packaging Machinery, Inc. OPTIMA Machinery Corporation Pneumatic Scale Angelus R.A Jones WEIGHTPACK, Inc.

262 261 275 313 357 379 390 398 448

FLOW WRAPPING BW Flexible Systems Formost Fuji Corporation Harpak-ULMA Packaging IMA FLX Plan IT Packaging Systems Inc. Schubert North America

286 323 330 339 387 410

FORM/FILL/SEAL VERTICAL All-Fill Inc. 262 ALLIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc. 265 BW Flexible Systems 286 333 Heat and Control, Inc. High Tek USA, Inc. 334 339 IMA FLX Matrix Packaging Machinery, Inc. 357 374 Norwix Inc. Plan IT Packaging Systems Inc. 387 ROVEMA North America, Inc. 407 Taisei Lamick USA, Inc. 433 Triangle Package Machinery Company 437 Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 441

FORM/FILL/SEAL HORIZONTAL ALLIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc. 265 BW Flexible Systems 286 Formost Fuji Corporation 323 339 IMA FLX Mamata Enterprises, Inc. 353 OPTIMA Machinery Corporation 379 R.A Jones 398 Reiser 401 TDI Packsys 434

INSPECT/VISION/TESTING/ CHECKWEIGH/X-RAY All-Fill Inc. 262 Anritsu Product Inspection 269 Bunting 283

CASSEL Inspection 290 Eriez Magnetics 315 Fortress Technology Inc. 324 High Tek USA, Inc. 334 Mettler Toledo Product Inspection 359 Nita Sentient Labeling Systems 372 Packaging Distributors, Inc. 381 TDI Packsys 434 Teledyne Taptone 435 WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc. 452 453 Yamato Corporation

LABELING All-Fill Inc. 262 American Film and Machinery 268 Axon 272 BellatRx Inc. 275 Buskro Ltd. 285 Chase-Logeman Corporation 292 CTM Labeling Systems 296 Diagraph Marking & Coding, An ITW Company 300 302 Domino Amjet Inc EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA 306 EPI Labelers 314 ID Technology 337 Krones 351 Label-Aire 352 360 MFT Automation Matthews Marking Systems 358 Nita Sentient Labeling Systems 372 Panther Industries, Inc. 383 384 PDC International Corp. Precision Automation 392 Company, Inc. Quadrel Labeling Systems 397 420 Sleeve Seal Squid Ink Manufacturing 428 438 TRIPACK, LLC Universal Labeling Systems, Inc. 442 Videojet Technologies Inc. 446 Weber Packaging Solutions 447 457 YUPO Corporation America

MATERIAL HANDLING Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions 270 Brooks Automation, Inc. 281 Bunting 283 Columbia/Okura 295 Dorner Mfg. Corp. 303 Garvey Corporation 325 Kaufman Engineered Systems, Inc. 347 Kawasaki Robotics 348 Material Transfer & Storage, Inc. 356 Mettler Toledo Product Inspection 359 Multi-Conveyor 367 National Bulk Equipment, Inc. (NBE) 369 New England Machinery, Inc. 371 PIAB 386 Pneumatic Scale Angelus 390 Robex LLC 405

MULTIPACKING/SHRINK BUNDLING/BANDING Alliance Rubber Company 263 AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 267 American Film and Machinery 268 Axon 272 Eastey 305 EDL Packaging Engineers, Inc. 308 Morrison Container Handling Solutions 365 PakTech 382 PDC International Corp. 384 Plexpack Corp. 388 R.A Jones 398 Roberts PolyPro 404 Standard-Knapp, Inc. 429

PALLETIZING/ DEPALLETIZING A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. 258 Aagard 259 Allied Technology LLC 264 AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 267 Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions 270 Arrowhead Systems Inc. 271 Brenton 280 BW Flexible Systems 286 BW Integrated Systems 287 Columbia Machine, Inc. 294 Columbia/Okura 295 Fabco-Air 317 319 FANUC America Corporation FlexLink Systems, Inc 320 Focke & Company 321 GR-X Manufacturing 327 Haver & Boecker USA, Inc. 331 Honeywell Intelligrated 336 Intralox 343 ITW Hartness 344 Kawasaki Robotics 348 Krones 351 Mpac Group 366 Massman Automation Designs, LLC 355 Multi-Conveyor 367 nVenia, A Duravant Company 377 Nuspark Inc 376 ONExia Inc. 378 Pearson Packaging Systems 385 Robex LLC 405 Ryson International Inc. 408 Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. 409 Ska Fabricating 419 Serpa Packaging Solutions 411 Sourcelink Solutions, LLC 424 TopTier Palletizers 436 Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Division 455

ROBOTICS Aagard 259 Arrowhead Systems Inc. 271 BluePrint Automation 279 Brenton 280

Brooks Automation, Inc. 281 Cama North America 289 Columbia Machine, Inc. 294 Encoder Products Company 312 Fallas Automation Inc. 318 FANUC America Corporation 319 FlexLink Systems, Inc 320 Haver & Boecker USA, Inc. 331 Honeywell Intelligrated 336 INSITE Packaging Automation 341 348 Kawasaki Robotics mk North America, Inc 362 PIAB 386 PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems 389 Precision Automation Company, Inc. 392 Propack Processing and Packaging Systems 396 405 Robex LLC Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. 409 410 Schubert North America Soft Robotics 422 426 Sparck Technologies TopTier Palletizers 436 454 Yaskawa America, Inc. Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Division 455 Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc. 456

SHRINK WRAPPING Eastey 305 EDL Packaging Engineers, Inc. 308 Douglas Machine Inc. 304 Multivac, Inc 368 PAC Machinery 380 388 Plexpack Corp. Standard-Knapp, Inc. 429 Uline 440

STRETCH WRAPPING/ PALLET LOAD CONTAINMENT Columbia Machine, Inc. 294 Kaufman Engineered Systems, Inc. 347 Signode 417 TopTier Palletizers 436 Uline 440

TAMPER-EVIDENT MACHINERY American Film and Machinery 268 Axon 272 Enercon Industries 313 Label-Aire 352 PDC International Corp. 384 Sleeve Seal 420

THERMOFORM/FILL/SEAL Busch Vacuum Solutions 284 Harpak-ULMA Packaging 330 Multivac, Inc 368 Reiser 401 Starview Packaging Machinery 430 U.S. Tsubaki, Inc. 439

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COMPANY INDEX continued TRAY LIDDING/SEALING Harpak-ULMA Packaging 330 Ideal-Pak Massman LLC 338 Multivac, Inc 368 Point Five Shelf Life Solutions 391 Reiser 401 Starview Packaging Machinery 430 Wexxar/BEL 451

WEIGHING/COMBINATION SCALES Anritsu Product Inspection 269 Heat and Control, Inc. 333 High Tek USA, Inc. 334 Mettler Toledo Product Inspection 359 Triangle Package Machinery Company 437 Yamato Corporation 453

MATERIALS

PAGE

ADDITIVES, COATINGS & INKS EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA Michelman Inc.

306 361

ADHESIVES/TAPE H.B. Fuller Company Intertape Polymer Group Shurtape Technologies The Reynolds Company

332 342 415 402

BLISTERS/CLAMSHELLS/ THERMOFORMING MATERIALS Profol Americas, Inc.

395

CARTONS AND BOXES Emirates Printing Press 311 Graphic Packaging International 329 Shemesh Automation 412 Uline 440 WEIMA America, Inc. 449 WestRock 450

CLOSURES ELPLAST America Inc. 309 Independent Can Co. 340 James Alexander Corp. 346 Mold-Rite Plastics 364 Novembal 375

CONTAINERS Alpek Polyester 266 Bevcorp LLC 277 Decade Products, LLC 297 328 GRA Services International Independent Can Co. 340 Jadex 345 James Alexander Corp. 346 Klöckner Pentaplast Food Packaging 349 364 Mold-Rite Plastics Novembal 375 Printpack 394

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WEIMA America, Inc. 449 WestRock 450 YUPO Corporation America 457

BUSINESS DRIVERS

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

CONTRACT PACKAGING

Alliance Rubber Company 263 BI-AX International Inc. 278 BW Packaging Systems 288 Charter Next Generation 291 Clysar LLC 293 ELPLAST America Inc. 309 Emirates Printing Press 311 Glenroy, Inc. 326 Mamata Enterprises, Inc. 353 Printpack 394 395 Profol Americas, Inc. Shemesh Automation 412 422 Soft Robotics 433 Taisei Lamick USA, Inc. 443 Vacuum Barrier Corporation

LABELS CTM Labeling Systems Diagraph Marking & Coding, An ITW Company Emirates Printing Press ID Technology Klöckner Pentaplast Pharma, Health & Specialties Shemesh Automation Sleeve Seal Universal Labeling Systems, Inc. Weber Packaging Solutions

296 300 311 337 350 412 420 442 447

MULTIPACKS/HANDLES/ CARRIERS GRA Services International 328 PakTech 382 Roberts PolyPro 404

PLASTICS/RESINS Alpek Polyester 266 BI-AX International Inc. 278 Jadex 345 Profol Americas, Inc. 395 WEIMA America, Inc. 449

PROTECTIVE/TRANSPORT PACKAGING Airguard Packaging 260 Charter Next Generation 291 Intertape Polymer Group 342 Jadex 345 Mold-Rite Plastics 364 Pregis LLC 393 Ranpak Corp. 399 Signode 417

RETAIL DISPLAY PACKAGING Somic America, Inc.

423

REUSABLE TRANSPORT PACKAGING BINS, CRATES, PALLETS, ETC.) Decade Products, LLC

297

PAGE

AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions Brooks Automation, Inc. Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC James Alexander Corp. mk North America, Inc Material Transfer & Storage, Inc. Nercon Conveyor Systems Quadrel Labeling Systems Shorr Packaging Span Tech Conveyors Taisei Lamick USA, Inc. Teledyne Taptone TRIPACK, LLC WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc.

267 281 335 346 362 356 370 397 414 425 433 435 438 452

E-COMMERCE Airguard Packaging 260 All Packaging Machinery 261 AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 267 BluePrint Automation 279 Clysar LLC 293 CTM Labeling Systems 296 Decade Products, LLC 297 Fallas Automation Inc. 318 Glenroy, Inc. 326 H.B. Fuller Company 332 Intralox 343 ITW Hartness 344 PAC Machinery 380 Panther Industries, Inc. 383 Pregis LLC 393 Ranpak Corp. 399 Ryson International Inc. 408 Schubert North America 410 Shorr Packaging 414 Shurtape Technologies 415 Span Tech Conveyors 425 426 Sparck Technologies WEIMA America, Inc. 449 WestRock 450 Wexxar/BEL 451

PACKAGE DESIGN Delkor Systems, Inc. GRA Services International Shorr Packaging

299 328 414

PACKAGING LINE INTEGRATION

National Bulk Equipment, Inc. (NBE) 369 ONExia Inc. 378 Quadrel Labeling Systems 397 Regal Rexnord 400 Signode 417 Soft Robotics 422 Sourcelink Solutions, LLC 424 Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 441

SOFTWARE Beckhoff Automation 273 Emerson Industrial Automation 310 Markem-Imaje 354 Matthews Marking Systems 358 Yaskawa America, Inc. 454

SUSTAINABILITY Airguard Packaging 260 Alliance Rubber Company 263 266 Alpek Polyester 278 BI-AX International Inc. Bestcode 276 284 Busch Vacuum Solutions 286 BW Flexible Systems 291 Charter Next Generation 293 Clysar LLC 326 Glenroy, Inc. Graphic Packaging International 329 332 H.B. Fuller Company 340 Independent Can Co. 344 ITW Hartness Klöckner Pentaplast 349 Food Packaging Klöckner Pentaplast 350 Pharma, Health & Specialties 361 Michelman Inc. Novembal 375 PakTech 382 393 Pregis LLC Printpack 394 R.A Jones 398 Robatech USA Inc. 403 404 Roberts PolyPro ROVEMA North America, Inc. 407 410 Schubert North America Sidel Inc. 416 Syntegon Packaging Technology 432 402 The Reynolds Company 443 Vacuum Barrier Corporation Van der Graaf 445 448 WEIGHTPACK, Inc. WEIMA America, Inc. 449 WestRock 450 457 YUPO Corporation America

BW Integrated Systems 287 BW Packaging Systems 288 Columbia/Okura 295 Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC 335 MFT Automation 360 Morrison Container Handling Solutions 365 nVenia, A Duravant Company 377

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Produced by:

YOUR EAST COAST CONNECTION FOR PACKAGING AND PROCESSING FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD At PACK EXPO East 2022, you can: Explore state-of-the-art packaging and processing technologies from 400+ exhibitors Discover innovative applications from other industries Expand your network and have one-on-one conversations with experts Attend with confidence and know what to expect onsite. Learn more at packexpoeast.com/packready

Gain new perspectives with engaging educational sessions Be there when the industry comes together again in 2022!

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A-B-C Packaging Machine Corporation 811 Live Oak Street, Tarpon Springs, Fl 34689 Phone: 727-937-5144 Email: abcwebleads@abcpackaging.com www.abcpackaging.com Since 1940, the A-B-C brand has represented quality, innovation, and service in packaging machinery. It’s this total package that makes a difference every day on our customers’ production lines around the world. We build robust machines, stand behind our products, and work diligently to help our customers achieve their packaging and product protection goals. We know packagers are challenged to do more with less, and we’re responding with new machines that combine ergonomic designs with intelligent control, built for long operating life with low cost of ownership. We’ve expanded our case erector and case sealer lines to offer more standard models for midrange and high speed lines. Our robotic packing and palletizing solutions combine A-B-C’s workhorse performance with ultimate versatility for changing packaging requirements. Best-in-class HMI automation is standard, giving our customers top performing machines that deliver user-friendly operation and offer top flexibility in their plant integration. A-B-C machines operate in many industries in plants around the world; case erecting, packing, sealing, palletizing, depalletizing, and decasing. Our customers rely on our factory-trained personnel who are dedicated to assisting them quickly whether inplant or via remote link. All A-B-C service technicians are PMMI Certified trainers who can provide hands-on instruction to increase employee proficiency and confidence. Packagers trust us for quality machines that stand the test of time, supported by comprehensive service and support for the life of their equipment.

All suppliers participating in our 2022 Leaders in Packaging (LIP) program are helping support packaging education. A portion of the proceeds from our LIP will be used to fund Packaging World’s Future Leaders in Packaging scholarship that will be awarded to a college packaging program. We encourage your company to get involved with a school in your area. For a list of packaging programs, connect to:

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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Aagard 3711 Iowa Street, Alexandria, MN 56308 Phone: 320.763.6043 Email: sales@aagard.com www.aagard.com Do you need more automation capability in a fraction of the space? We can help. By engineering your EXACT SOLUTION, we make every square inch count for Case/ Tray Packing, Cartoning, Palletizing, Variety Packing, Retail Ready, Sleeving, Robotics & Combination Machines. Our custom approach is a mix of inventive problem solving and a willingness to take on challenges. Check out a few of our innovative solutions: (scan code to watch) -Walk-Through Case Packer set up for lights out manufacturing -Fully Automated Variety Case Packing Including Retail Ready Packaging -Case Packer For Cartons and Bags, With Auto Change Over -Telescoping Conveyor, Accessibility Without Steps Or Draw Bridges -Flexible Top Load Case Packer for Bags With Auto Change Over Aagard is a leading engineering innovator of secondary packaging automation. TOTAL PROJECT SUCCESS happens with partnership and an iterative design process. We work together to understand the complete picture, creating an optimal solution that mitigates space, speed, and flexibility challenges to drive results. Since 1997, we have specialized in engineering and building customized integrated combination packaging systems that fit our customers’ specific needs and spaces. Our unique packaging machines can combine many solutions into a single turn-key system with one integrated control package using our proven innovative technologies. Whether your need is for a design solution with a small footprint or an agile system that can produce 1000s of product combinations, we will deliver THE AAGARD EXPERIENCE.

HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS WIN

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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Airguard Packaging 2005 108th St. Suite 504, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 USA Phone: 469.332.3051 Email: sales@airguardpackaging.com www.airguardpackaging.com Airguard Packaging is the Designer and Manufacturer of a highly Innovative and Automated 3D Air Cushion Solution aimed at protecting a wide range of products during shipping & handling.

Airguard specializes in one of a kind Protective Packaging solutions specifically suited to your product and package requirements.

Airguard HQ is located in Dallas, Texas where we Design & Manufacture for the North American market. We are truly MADE IN USA!!!

Airguard was established by industry veterans to provide solutions to age-old packaging dilemmas such as excessive storage and handling, labor, transportation, material cost, and environmental changes. Our 3D Custom Designed Air cushions are shipped uninflated to the customer thereby reducing the Shipping and Storage volume requirements by up to 90% when compared to traditional foam materials.

Airguard’s air cushions have superior IMPACT protection which in turn minimizes product returns, are more cost-effective, improving the customers reputation in the marketplace.

Don’t miss out!! Join the future of packaging & enjoy the many benefits of Airguard’s revolutionary system!

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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All Packaging Machinery Corp. 90 13th Avenue, Unit 11 • Ronkonkoma , NY 11779 Phone: 631/588-7310 Email: sales@allpackagingmachinery.com www.allpackagingmachinery.com Expert Engineering for Superior Performance All Packaging Machinery Corp. manufactures USDA-approved vertical and horizontal conveyorized band sealers for sealing pouches and bags. Our machinery is configured specifically for your unique packaging application. Every component is designed to run smoothly and require a minimum of maintenance. With over 70 years of successful packaging experience, our quality machinery is proudly made in the United States of America. Vertical Conveyorized Sealing Systems The ideal choice for products packaged in bags that can be sealed in an upright position. Model VCBSDM-1/8TX 6”x5’ includes a bag top trimmer, vacuum scrap removal, dual motor drive, and synchronized lower carry conveyor. Upgrade options and selective components are available such as a stainless steel frame or an embossing coder. Non-trim models are perfect for stand-up pouches! Model VBS-3/8DH-10-V is supplied with verification ports for process validation of pressure, speed, and temperature. Includes self-contained compressed air. Seals Tyvek® pouches at up to 40 feet per minute.

Horizontal Conveyorized Sealing Systems High speed production unequalled in the packaging industry! Model HCBS-1/8CT 12”x8’ includes a bag top trim feature with a vacuum scrap removal and is designed to support heavier or bulky packages. An optional overhead compression assembly is available for specific applications to remove air from the bag. Excellent for “lay-flat” packages such as tortillas, pizza, bakery, meat, poultry, and seafood.

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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All-Fill Inc. 418 Creamery Way, Exton, PA 19341 Phone: 610) 524-7350 Email: Info@All-Fill.com www.All-Fill.com All-Fill, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of packaging machinery, focusing on simple and effective designs to help our customers meet their increasing demands efficiently and accurately. Our line of machines are offered as standalone units or fully integrated systems that bring you the perfect blend of precision, speed and versatility. With a legacy spanning more than 50 years, All-Fill continues to engineer with our customer’s needs in mind by providing reliable equipment that requires minimal set-up, maintenance, or operator intervention By designing and manufacturing all machinery under one roof, All-Fill utilizes the highest quality materials and components to continuously improve overall performance. Our equipment offerings include auger fillers, vibratory fillers, cup fillers, piston fillers, checkweighers, vertical form fill & seal baggers, labelers, bottle unscramblers and capping machines. Our units feature simple-to-use designs that allow for minimal downtime during changeovers. We supply machines that enhance packaging efficiency for consumer products such as dry foods, snack foods, coffees & teas, cosmetics, fruits and nuts, grains and seeds, spices, pharmaceuticals, powdered foods, flours, cannabis, training & health supplements, household cleaners & detergents, dressings, sauces, and viscous foods, and many other applications. We also supply many solutions to large-scale industrial products, agricultural, building supplies & automotive industries. All-Fill recently established a satellite facility in Scottsdale, Arizona as a sales and service center to provide better support to our customers in the Western United States. We are committed more than ever to becoming the single source for all your packaging machinery solutions. From startups to fortune 500 companies, All-Fill Inc. is ready to discuss your needs. Reach out to learn more about how All-Fill can enhance your packaging processes, our team of experts and engineers are ready to discuss your needs. Please visit www.All-Fill.com to learn more about our equipment offerings.

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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ALLIANCE RUBBER COMPANY 210 Carpenter Dam Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: 800.626.5940 Email: sales@alliance-rubber.com www.RubberBand.com Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has focused on high-quality rubber products and packaging solutions. This commitment to quality is evident in everything we do, from the rubber products and packaging solutions we provide to the way we treat our customers. Alliance rubber bands are trusted in the paper and packaging industry for food service, healthcare, commercial fishing, and military applications, among others. FLEXIBLE PACKAGING - Our custom rubber bands are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They are ideal for use with automated systems and can also be used to incorporate tags. Other benefits include: Avoid product damage - By firmly, but gently, bundling and securing your products with our rubber bands, you can reduce the risk of product damage. Traceability - Print product numbers and other information directly on the band to increase the traceability of your products. Reduce costs - Rubber bands can be customized with lower rubber content to reduce overall costs. SUSTAINABILITY - When your business uses rubber bands, you’re using significantly less material. This reduces packaging footprint, improves your overall sustainability, and limits single use plastic waste. As your partner for custom bulk rubber bands, Alliance Rubber is committed to your satisfaction, offering quality American-made rubber products with quick turnaround times. AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS - Manufactured in the United States, the Banding Machine by Alliance Rubber Company automates banding previously done by hand. This machine provides consistent application which increases productivity and eliminates repetitive motion injuries in your daily operation. Alliance also offers rubber tubing for other automated banding machines. Our rubber tubing is designed to flow through automated banding equipment without frustrating jams and breakages. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes - including custom imprint.

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Allied Technology 2150 W 6th Ave, Suite P, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 3035027753 Email: sales@allied-technology.com www.allied-technology.com Since 1997, we design, develop, manufacture and integrate end-of-line packaging machinery. From robotic palletizing and cobot palletizing to case packing, our innovative designs are modular and scalable, giving you the flexibility to expand your packaging machinery as your production needs change. We believe operators and engineers should feel confident using their equipment. That’s why we make simple packaging machinery that is easy to operate, maintain and also expand upon in the future. Seamlessly integrate any of our systems into existing packaging lines to maximize floor space and efficiency. Future-proof your production lines with packaging automation that can keep up with the increasing demands of consumers.

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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ALLIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc 780 APEX ROAD Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: 941/923-1181 Email: dfc@alliedflex.com www.alliedflex.com ALLIEDFLEX® THE AUTHORITY in STAND UP POUCH PACKAGING ALLIEDFLEX® is a leading North American supplier of Global Standup Pouch Packaging Machinery and Turnkey System Provider. We also provide integrated systems for Pouch Processing (Pasteurization, Cooling) & Automated Packaging including Flow Wrap, Flow Pack, Robotic Flex Picker, Multipack Cartoning, Collating, and Case Packing Systems. ALLIEDFLEX® specializes in Pouch & Bag Packaging Machinery for Standup zipper or “slider” styles, retort pouch, spouted pouch, die cut shaped pouch, side gusseted, stick pack, stand-up pouch, standing pouch and aseptic pouch machinery. Intermittent and continuous motion vertical form fill seal VFFS machinery technologies from the most respected suppliers in the world. We offer: Fill Seal (pre-made), Fill through Spout, and Form Fill Seal (roll stock) HFFS Machinery Technologies, Horizontal Pouch Packaging, Vertical Pouch Packaging, Turnkey Robotic Automation for Pouch Processing and End Of Line Packaging, Semi & Automated Pouch Leak Detection Machinery to suit your present and future needs. Markets Served: Beverage, Applesauce, Baby Food, Candy, Snacks, Dried Fruit, Meal Kits, MRE, Wine, Sauces, Cereal, Detergent Pods, Pet Treats, Pet Food, Shredded Cheese, Bakery Products, Cookies, Croutons, Coffee, Health & Beauty, Oil, Granola, Rice, Pasta, Yogurt, Poultry, Dairy, Alcohol, Chemical, Chocolate, Protein Powder, Nutraceuticals, Spices, Pharmaceutical, Puree. Our Global Machinery Partners include: VELTEKO | BOSSAR | Sholle IPN | Aranow Stick Pack Machinery | iXAPACK Secondary Packaging Automation | Umbra Large Bag Machine | SURDRY Food Sterilizers | FENCO Food Processing Systems

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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Alpek Polyester/DAK Americas LLC 7621 Little Ave., Suite 500 Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 877-432-2766 Email: info.us@alpekpolyester.com www.dakamericas.com At Alpek Polyester, we are committed to fostering circular economies for PET and to meeting the needs of today’s leading branded consumer product companies for innovative and sustainable PET offerings. As the largest PET producer in the Americas, our commitment is reflected in our expanding PET and rPET production capacities. Globally this includes facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and the United Kingdom. PET is already the leading lowest carbon footprint packaging material and its environmental impact is being reduced even further with PET recycling. Alpek Polyester has made significant advancement towards its goal of increasing its PET bottle recycling capacity to 300 Ktons/year by 2025. Alpek Polyester is firmly positioned as the largest PET recycler in the Americas with three recycling facilities in the United States and one in Argentina. The addition of our newest PET recycling operation in Reading, PA and the expansion of our Richmond, IN facility have increased our offerings of food grade rPET to the market and demonstrate our focus on sustainable PET solutions. Our Laser+® family of PET Resins now includes recycle content offerings and solutions engineered for carbonated soft drink and water end uses, custom containers, sheet/thermoforming, strapping and carpet end-uses. We continue to focus our strategic positioning in relevant markets, state-of-theart technology, sustainability, growth, trade leadership, low-cost production and innovation. Alpek Polyester is a leading producer of PET Resins globally.

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AmbaFlex Spiral Conveyor Solutions 2301 E. Lamar Boulevard, Suite 100, TX 76006-7437 Arlington Phone: 877.800.1634 Email: info@ambaflex.com www.ambaflex.com AmbaFlex is the partner for customized material handling systems based on spiral conveying technology! Our unique SpiralVeyor is used in a wide range of markets and applications for vertical transportation, temporary storage and the accumulation of single goods and packed products. We are an independent global company that has developed, produces and also maintains the SpiralVeyor system to ensure that our customers receive the most cost effective solutions available today. Primary packages come in many shapes and sizes but their versatility and sensitivity make them prone to possible damage. Because AmbaFlex spiral conveyors are known for the level of quality they deliver and their versatile functionality, they are widely used in primary packing. This ranges from vertical transport between floors to creating portal passages, as well as the cooling and dynamic accumulating of products. Compared to the usual modular plastic conveyor belts, the AmbaFlex conveyor belt is much stronger due to its steel base chain which can be extended over a 100 metres of belt. The SpiralVeyor SV-series: Elevations as high as 30 metres or stacking up to unlimited heights. The possibility of combining up to four parallel independent conveyor belts in a single coil is in line with the trend towards parallel pack flows. The optional stainless steel configurations match the high demands of cleanability. The AccuVeyor AVh has been designed to overcome the disadvantages of traditional spiral accumulators. The AccuVeyor AVh does not touch the products in any way. Better still, the products do not even change tracks, but remain on the same portion of conveyor belt, inbetween the infeed and outfeed parts. So it is not the products, but the conveyor belt that changes direction! This unique, no-compromise, patented system was designed by AmbaFlex by combining our experience with spiral conveyors with our knowledge of dynamic accumulation. Suitable for goods: Primary packing like; cartons, candy bars, biscuits packs, personal care and pharmaceuticals Filled liquid containers like pouches, doypacks, bottles and cans. Delicate packs. Multiple products transported parallel.

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American Film & Machinery (AFM) 7041 Boone Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Phone: 714/974-9006 Email: info@afmsleeves.com www.afmsleeves.com American Film & Machinery is a leading manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty shrink sleeve labeling equipment, shrink tunnels, and shrink sleeve consumables. AFM’s shrink sleeve labeling equipment includes a complete line of shrink sleeve labelers, tamper-evident banding equipment, steam tunnels, electric tunnels, and infrared tunnels. AFM’s labelers range in performance from 50 to 500 products per minute, offering a product and price point no matter what the application demands. American Film & Machinery also offers a complete line of shrink sleeve consumables, including shrink labels and tamper-evident bands. AFM is supported by two of the largest film converting plants – one with 7 rotogravure presses and up to 9-color stations and compatible converting equipment, and another plant with an 8-color 32” central impression flexo press. With over 40 years of experience in the shrink labeling industry, rely on American Film & Machinery to provide the right solution to your product labeling needs. AFM products are sold through a network of authorized dealers, fully trained and capable to install, train and service our equipment. Contact us today for the name of your local reseller and find out how we can benefit your operation. AFM, Eastey, Squid Ink, and Cogent Technologies are a part of Engage Technologies Corporation. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper bands. Eastey (eastey.com) is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty shrink packaging equipment and automated case sealing systems for packaging applications. Squid Ink (squidink. com) is a manufacturer of coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability, providing superior quality inks and low-maintenance printing equipment. Cogent Technologies (cogent-tech.com) manufactures infrared drying systems used to dry ink in the industrial and graphics industries.

www.packworld.com/schools See all the Leaders in Packaging at www.packworld.com/leaders

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ANRITSU PRODUCT INSPECTION & DETECTION 710 Innovation Drive, Suite A, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: (847) 419-9729 Email: eva.bar@anritsu.com www.anritsu.com/infivis Protect Your Brand Against Recalls and Consumer Complaints Manufacturers worldwide rely on Anritsu’s contaminant detection and quality inspection equipment. We deliver a level of precision, reliability and support that truly advances the quality of your products and the efficiency of your operations. How much of your products do consumers inspect? 100% Reduce consumer complaints and product recalls with the world’s most installed food X-ray. Anritsu X-ray systems give producers the best combination of performance, reliability and low cost of ownership. The Anritsu X-ray Advantage Anritsu X-rays come standard with HD imaging that outperforms competitors in finding metal, bone, glass and stone contaminants. The fully-featured XR75 series offers long component life plus easy operation & maintenance. • #1 food x-ray supplier worldwide with over 12,000 installations • Industry-leading performance for both metal and low-density contaminants • Low TCO – Up to 300% longer tube and detector life • Reliability – Lowest warranty rate in the industry • U.S. assembly of popular models Discover What You’ve Been Missing. DETECTION PERFECTION™ About Anritsu An engineering-driven company, Anritsu has 150,000 inspection installations since 1964 with worldwide sales and service, and available CE and MID European standards. Anritsu’s full solution range includes X-ray, checkweigher, metal detector, and combination systems, backed by 24/7 technical help with available remote support.

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Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions Inc 4100A Sladeview Crescent Unit 4 Mississauga, ON L5L 5Z3 Phone: (905) 581-0630 Email: info@anubis3D.com www.anubis3d.com Anubis 3D is a global leader in Additive Manufacturing, specializing in rapid End of Arm Tooling “EOAT” and On-Demand short run 3D printed industrial components. With the introduction of Industry 4.0, Anubis has continued to drive key innovative areas, such as Robotic EOAT to influence and shape the future of factories. Introducing a line of modular EOAT products for gripping, picking, lifting, packing and quick change over processes, Anubis continues to accelerate economical efficiency and innovation for factory automation. Bottle Gripper Series: Anubis’s external mechanical grippers improve your Pick n Place bottle, jar and container needs. These systems are designed to be light weight, energy efficient, and uniquely combine 4 to 8 gear driven grippers that lock onto a bottle or container neck securing the product for packaging. Area Surface Grippers: Anubis’s Area Surface Grippers offer a wide range of light weight fully integrated surface grippers ready to pick boxes for all palletizing and depalletizing applications. Automatic Carton Erectors: Anubis’s lightweight Carton Erectors are designed to work with traditional or collaborative robots to pick and open flat cartons, all while holding the carton securely for conveyor placement. Designed to provide smooth corners with no pinch points, accuracy and consistent performance, these Carton Erectors are safe, reliably and easy to use. Quick Tool Changers: Anubis’s carefully designed quick manual changeover tools offer long term reliability and high-cycle accuracy.The tool includes 6 pneumatic port connections and the possibility of integrating pass through directly into a custom tooling. Robotic Accessories : Anubis’s robotics accessories also include 2D & 3D iRVISION Camera Mounts for FANUC CRX robots, in addition to Scara SR3, SR6 Bellow Cover kits that seal the operating parts by fully enclosing the robot components including the quill.

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Arrowhead Systems, LLC 3255 Medalist Drive Oshkosh, WI 54902 Phone: 844/686-5589 Email: inqury@arrowheadsystems.com www.arrowheadsystems.com With a 75-year history of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, the companies of Arrowhead Systems are leaders in providing material handling equipment, conveyor, palletizers and depalletizers solutions and service to the food and beverage industries. BUSSE/SJI the inventor of the original bulk palletizer and depalletizer continues to lead the industry in material handling equipment. In addition to the Busse/SJI machines, they manufacture PRIORITY ONE equipment—simple, yet sophisticated low-level depalletizers, high and low-level case palletizers, and multi-line central palletizing systems. ARROWHEAD CONVEYOR offers a complete selection of customized and standard conveyor systems. They offer a diversified lineup of table top, mat top, case conveyors and air conveyors, as well as an entire line of equipment for can manufacturing. With the addition of NEXTCONVEYOR, they manufacture wash down and sanitary conveyor lines. A & B ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC sends experienced field service engineers around the world to assist customers with all Arrowhead Systems equipment, as well as other major brands. Services include: • New machine start-up • Services/Upgrades • Preventative Maintenance • Safety Enhancement • Line Controls Integration • Technical Support • Machine Audits • Rebuilds • Retrofits & More!

Arrowhead Systems in now part of Regal Rexnord, a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, air moving products and specialty electrical components and systems, serving customers around the world. Through longstanding technology leadership and an intentional focus on producing more energy-efficient products and systems, Regal Rexnord helps create a better tomorrow — for its customers and for the planet.

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Axon 3080 Business Park Dr. Suite 103 Raleigh, NC 27610 Phone: 919-772-8383 Email: axon@promachbuilt.com www.axoncorp.com Axon, a ProMach product brand, is an industry leader in shrink sleeve, stretch sleeve, and tamper band labeling systems, offering dependable performance in key sleeving and tamper band applications including full and partial body sleeves, tamper evident bands, multipacks, and full body over-the-cap sleeves. Over 5,000 Axon systems are in operation worldwide, supported by an experienced team of engineers and service personnel. The flexibility to run shrink sleeve labels, tamper evident bands, and multipack sleeves on a single machine makes Axon applicators and systems the ideal solution for low-tohigh speed and high-performance applications in a wide range of industries including craft beer, wine and spirits, RTD beverages, food, condiments and sauces, ice cream and dairy, pharma and nutraceuticals, and more. Axon’s systems and standalone applicators are known to deliver dependable performance and unmatched flexibility that translates into higher productivity, more savings and dollars on the bottom line. Our Team Our success starts with listening to your needs, asking the right questions and conducting a thorough technical evaluation to deliver the right-fit solution for your business. Making use of over 50 years of shared experience in the labeling industry, our team of sales and application engineers offer guidance to ensure operational results are met, from the initial conversation through installation and day-to-day operations. Your internal teams can count on US based manufacturing of equipment and parts and local technical support provided by leading service experts that average 14 years of Axon experience.

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Beckhoff Automation 13130 Dakota Ave, Savage, MN 55378 Phone: (952) 890-0000 Email: beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com www.beckhoff.com/packaging Adaptive Automation Technology from Beckhoff Offers Unrivaled Flexibility and Throughput in Packaging Beckhoff Automation is a global provider of open and adaptive automation systems based on advanced PC Control technology. The “New Automation Technology” philosophy at Beckhoff represents universal and open automation solutions used in a wide spectrum of high-tech applications around the world. These applications range from control of machines and robots used in packaging, to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, to category-defining mechatronics solutions and much more. The world headquarters of Beckhoff Automation is in Verl, Germany while the U.S. headquarters office is in Savage, MN (Minneapolis area). A breakthrough in mechatronics technology for packaging machinery, the XPlanar flying motion solution from Beckhoff delivers adaptive manufacturing functionality for product and package handling. Planar motor tiles can be arranged flexibly to suit the application as a base that can levitate passive movers at speeds up to 2 m/s and up to 1 g acceleration. Individual XPlanar movers can support 0.4 - 4.2 kg with heavier payloads possible when movers are grouped together. Path planning and collision avoidance software produce extremely efficient and maintenance-free motion control for demanding packaging, inspection and material handling applications. Anti-sloshing functionality in TwinCAT 3 software optimizes XPlanar’s transport capabilities in applications involving liquids, such as filling of beverages, cosmetics and other goods. XPlanar offers wear-free movement and the ability to cover planar motor tiles with stainless steel, glass or other hygienic surfaces. XTS, the paradigm-shifting linear transport technology from Beckhoff, has been expanded with new hardware and software technology. XTS Hygienic, a stainless steel, IP69K version is ideal for wash-down environments in packaging, pharma, food and beverage production. In addition, Track Management functionality allows individual movers to transfer between multiple XTS systems, enabling further customization, quality inspection, automatic defect ejection and more. These features, along with the system’s high speeds, dynamics, small footprint, instant recipe changeovers and real-time integration with robotics, revolutionize product and material handling possibilities in packaging.

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BELL-MARK 331 Changebridge Road, Pine Brook, NJ 07058 Phone: 973-882-0202 Email: info@bell-mark.com www.bell-mark.com For over 60 years, BELL-MARK has been developing innovative solutions for package and carton printing applications in the medical device, pharmaceutical, prepared foods, meat, bakery, dairy, and poultry packaging industries. BELL-MARK offers many in-line printing technologies including, piezo inkjet, thermal inkjet, thermal transfer, flexographic, and ink coder. All of which satisfy requirements to print directly onto package and carton substrates. Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Packaging The accuracy of coding on your product package is crucial. Expiration dates must be clearly identifiable and easily human-readable. Bar codes must be verifiable and scannable. There are no exceptions. BELL-MARK addresses these needs with systems that provide the highest quality print available on medical paper, Tyvek, poly, and foil substrates. Meat, Poultry and Prepared Foods Packaging Eliminate costly labeling by printing directly onto your package. Sell-by dates and lot numbers are crucial to your customers’ safety and the reputation of your product. Typically, a printer on your packaging machine will have to meet specific wash-down expectations and will have the ability to print graphics, nutritional facts, bar codes, lot/ expiration dates, and safe handling instructions. Industry-Leading Reliability BELL-MARK’s in-line printing and coding equipment deliver industry-leading reliability and durability, time and time again. High-resolution print-quality consistently affords you peace of mind knowing that your codes will not fail. While other companies may claim it, BELL-MARK leads the way with the lowest cost of ownership and highest return on investment.

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BellatRx Inc. 20655 Industriel Blvd., Montreal, QC H9X 4B2 Canada Phone: 514/630-0939 Email: info@bellatrx.com www.bellatrx.com BellatRx is a leading manufacturer of complete packaging lines and equipment and your number one source for inventive, advanced, and automated packaging and filling solutions. Our expertise lies in the engineering and manufacturing innovative equipment designed to your specifications for a turnkey operation. We are a global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of Complete Packaging Lines, Filling, Capping, Labeling, Inspection, and Recovery systems focusing on Rigid Containers. We serve a broad range of industries including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, biotech, nutraceutical, chemical, cosmetics and personal care for solid products, liquids, and powders. Our packaging lines are designed to meet your packaging requirements ranging from small batch runs to large high-speed operation. We design our lines with speed, efficiency, flexibility, and ease of changeover in mind. Your packaging line will be modular with expansion capabilities built in to keep pace with your company’s growing demands. Our expert technical team, support customers throughout the process from kick-off to final commissioning, and beyond. At BellatRx, we live by an encompassing mindset to create “Beyond Expectation” experience for our customers. This experience is derived from our capabilities in application analysis, innovative engineering designs, product development, project management, on-time delivery, installation, start-up support, training, and ongoing aftermarket support. BellatRx continues to implement the latest automation technologies to manufacture packaging machines which become the benchmark in the industry due to their intuitive operation and easy setup. We are dedicated to expanding our product lines by ongoing investments in our people, R&D, and facilities to provide our customers with the best support, lead time and value. We strive to always deliver a Beyond Expectation experience for our customers.

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BestCode 3034 SE Loop 820 Fort Worth, TX 76140 Phone: 817/349-8555 Email: info@bestcode.co www.bestcode.co CODING AND MARKING SOLUTIONS BestCode designs and manufactures Industrial Coding and Marking Printing Systems. Systems print real-time “Best By”, “Lot Code”, “Sell By”, “Expiration Codes” and other identifying marks and codes on industrial and consumer goods to ensure product traceability. Products are designed and manufactured in the USA; FORT WORTH, TEXAS. For more than 25 years, the BestCode group continues to produce industry-changing, forward-thinking innovative industrial printing designs. Product designs are focused on ease of use, trouble-free operation, long-term reliability, and affordable cost of ownership with an emphasis on global market requirements. Systems print small and large character text, graphics and barcodes at high speed, non-contact, instantly dry on a wide range of substrates, including plastic, glass, paper and more - meeting the requirements for food, consumer good and industrial coding and marking applications. BestCode offers a complete range of marking and coding solutions (50+ model configurations) - entry level affordable options through mid-range capabilities and high end, specialized engineered solutions focusing on the highest speed, most sophisticated applications. BestCode systems minimize user interaction, limiting the hands-on time for typical coding system operations, extending the operation time between human interactions. Systems are the most efficient CIJ printers available, lowering overall coding costs. Systems are State-of-the-Art, Current Technology, Industrial, Built-to-Last and designed for the World Market, featuring more than 20 operating/printing languages.

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Bevcorp 37200 Research Drive Eastlake OH 44095 Phone: 440/954-3500 Email: sales@bevcorp.com www.bevcorp.com Bevcorp offers solutions for your filling, blending, container handling, and seamer packaging equipment, parts, and service needs. Our goal is to provide unparalleled service highlighted by our dedicated commitment to serving the food and beverage industries. We provide high speed rotary filling equipment including new and Bevcorp Certified can and bottle fillers. We manufacture both electronic volumetric and mechanical rotary filling equipment. Our Microblend Division manufactures the Micro2 Advantage Series Blender, in-line carbonator, CSD, hot fill and non-carbonated blenders, replacement parts, and provides 24-hour service and support. Our FCI Handling Division provides quick-change handling, conversions for all brands of equipment, parts carts & storage solutions, vent tubes/ball cages, base control and neck handling solutions. Our newest division, East Coast Seamers, provides rebuilds and overhaul services for Angelus, Continental and Canco can seamers, 24-hour emergency service, parts, oil and lubrication analysis, installations and training.

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BI-AX International Inc. 596 Cedar Avenue, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 CANADA Phone: 519-357-1818 Email: biax@biaxinc.com www.biaxinc.com www.evlonfilm.com BI-AX International has over 35 years of oriented film experience and is celebrating 20 years of producing EVLON® compostable film. BI-AX International was the first manufacturer in North America with the technology to convert NatureWorks® biopolymer resin into film. BI-AX manufactures its high quality packaging films from its 225,000 sq. ft. ISO certified operation, located in Canada. BI-AX has customers in over 20 countries throughout the world. Evlon® Compostable Packaging Film EVLON® is a crystal clear film manufactured from either NatureWorks® PLA (Polylactide) or from Total Corbion PLA. PLA is derived from plants, widely accessible, renewable, natural resources. EVLON® film can be used in many packaging applications - either plain or printed and laminated, for horizontal and vertical packaging machines. EVLON® products can be industrially composted, and the material will breakdown and revert to carbon dioxide and water in less than 90 days. High Stiffness, Superb Clarity, High Gloss, Wide Seal Range, Excellent Flavor & Aroma Barrier, Exceptional Twist Retention are all Key Characteristics of Evlon® Compostable Packaging Film but the major impact is that it is Compostable to ASTM D6400. Evlon® packaging film is an environmentally friendly, sustainable alternative to oilbased plastic packaging. The natural choice! Evlon can now be made with GMO-Free material! Recently, BI-AX International has also gained expertise with Total Corbion’s PLA. Total Corbion offers GMO-free bio-polymer. As packaging film specialists, BI-AX also maintains complete on-site lab and research facilities along with quality control for maximum product assurance.

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BluePrint Automation (BPA) 16037 Innovation Drive, South Chesterfield, VA 23834 USA Phone: 804/520-5400 Email: sales@blueprintautomation.com www.blueprintautomation.com BPA is a world leader in end of line packaging automation. With a diverse and innovative team of experts in consumer goods packaging, BPA designs, develops and manufactures packaging solutions for flexible and other tough-to-handle packages. • Primary Packaging: Vision guided robots picking individual packaged and unpackaged items for loading into your containers, wrappers or hffs machines; including Stacking and Loading, Variety Packs into Sack or Case, Dinner Tray Loading and Kit Assembly. • Secondary Packaging: Horizontal and vertical pack solutions for flexible and other packages; including wrap around case packing, end-load cartoning and retail ready solutions. BPA packs into various containers, including cases, trays, cartons, shelf ready, three-sided display, totes, bags and more! • Turnkey Packaging Systems: Taking total control of your packaging line from the end of processing through palletizing. Did you know Jongerius Hanco, a leading supplier of multipack bag-in-bag systems is now powered by BPA? With their wide range of bag-in-bag and seal-checking solutions, Jongerius Hanco is the perfect compliment to BPA’s end of line packaging solutions. Backed by thousands of successful installations in over 60 countries, BPA has four full-service manufacturing facilities in the USA and Europe, an additional facility in Hangzhou China and ten additional subsidiaries throughout the world for sales and service. BPA is all about innovation and know it is their reputation that makes them successful. Starting from initial contact through project management and commissioning, including service and support, BPA aims to please. Their sales and engineering teams work closely with you to develop the optimal solution for your specific packaging needs. They Ask. They Listen. They Partner.

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Brenton 4750 County Road 13 NE | Alexandria, MN 56308 USA Phone: 320.852.7705 Email: Brenton@ProMachBuilt.com www.BrentonEngineering.com Brenton designs and manufactures End of Line (EoL) packaging equipment including case packers, palletizers, integrated end of line systems and other robotic automation solutions. With expertise in conventional, hard automation as well as robotics, Brenton has the solution to fit the customer’s specific application requirements. Brenton’s case packers range from economical, slow-speed to efficient, high-speed case packers. Offering standard machines in industry leading lead-times, Brenton’s can meet compressed project timelines. Their palletizers are built on more than six decades of experience manufacturing heavy-duty, easy to use solutions and can handle simple single pick applications to full layer palletizing and depalletizing. As a FANUC Certified Servicing Integrator and Strategic Market Specialist, Brenton’s extensive knowledge in robotics continues to grow and drive additional robotic automation solutions to their portfolio. With proven robotic solutions in case and carton packing, palletizing, high-speed pick and place, material handling and customized robotic systems, Brenton provides their customers with a partnership deeply rooted in experience. In-house, factoryfloor system integration is a thing of the past. For over a decade, Brenton has offered complete EoL integration between Brenton and customer specified equipment. This includes staged Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) guaranteeing peak performance capability, quicker start-up, lower risk, increased system safety and one point of contact for all product lines, resulting in better communication between the pieces of equipment. Brenton’s partnership does not end after installation. With one of the longest running aftermarket programs in the industry, Brenton has a team of in-house aftermarket parts, service and machine retrofit experts providing 24/7 support, keeping customers up and running at peak capacity. Time to update your equipment? Whether it is a Brenton solution or the competition’s, Brenton can retrofit or rebuilding your existing application.

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Brooks Automation 15 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone: 978-262-2400 Email: appscollaborative@brooks.com www.brooks.com PreciseFlex collaborative robots are not traditional industrial robots that have been modified for safety – they have been designed as inherently safe from the beginning. Speed and safety work hand in hand. The result is an environment in which employees can work side-by-side with the robots without needing to slow down. Collaborative robots are key to a simplified future in automation. With a focus on built-in safety and ease of use, PreciseFlex™ robots can be deployed and operated by users in environments where space is limited and access to the work cell must be shared. To address a wide range of user knowledge, we offer the flexibility of both an easy-to-use web-based interface, as well as an optional advanced programming environment. PreciseFlex™ collaborative robots meet the ISO 15066 Standard on Collaborative Robots, which defines the robot’s maximum safe contact forces if it collides with a person. Our collaborative robots are the first robots that have been verified to limit forces within these guidelines. Brooks recently acquired Precise Automation, a team with over 35 years of experience and innovation in vision technology, precision motion, integrated controllers and direct drive motors with a track record of solving customer challenges in factory automation. Beginning with the development of the PUMA robot, continuing through the founding and growth of Adept Technology and the production of the first full line of industrial collaborative robots that are easy to use and integrate. Brooks is headquartered in Chelmsford, MA, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.brooks.com

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BROTHER USA MACHINERY 4423 Old Yale St. Houston TX 77018 Phone: 713-485 5858 Email: sales@usabrother.com www.usabrother.com For more than 25 years, Brother have been offering to the world, the most affordable and practical packaging solutions, helping new businesses start like a Pro and empowering existing ones reach their potential, with automated fully multifunctional lines. Complete Automatic Packaging Lines with Z Conveyor , Multihead Weigher-Scales, Vertical Packager or Doypack system, Finished Product Conveyor. - Vertical Packagers and Horizontals Flowpack Wrappers. - Fillers by Volume, Piston , Auger or Single/Multihead weighing systems that can be combined with a Packager or Doypack. - Thermal Shrink Packaging . - Tape Box Closer/ Carton Erector Lines. - Strapping Systems - MAP / Vacuum systems - Tray/Cup Fill Seal, - Blister- Skin, - Conveyors : Belt, Rollers, Chain , 90 degrees, Extendable - Printing: Hots Stamp, Hot Roll, Thermal Transfer, Ink Jet , - Robotic Spiders and Arms, and so on. Brother machines are designed to support and keep your business moving to the next level, with the best quality , service , parts, at affordable cost.

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Bunting 500 S. Spencer Rd., Newton, Kansas 67114 USA Phone: 800-835-2526 Email: newton@buntingmagnetics.com www.buntingmagnetics.com Bunting is an industry leader in the design, manufacture, and sales of cuttingedge magnetic equipment used in applications such as magnetic separation, metal detection, conveyor systems, and more. At Bunting, we serve many aspects of the processing and packaging industry, including dry bulk and granular processing, pneumatic conveying, and products designed for implementation in liquid, paste, and slurry applications. As new challenges present themselves, we are always ready to tackle them and present our customers with custom designed, industry tailored solutions. For example, our new Big Bag Metal Detector was designed to address metal contamination hidden within large bags of powder material, such as 100lb bags of flour. When inspecting 50-100lb bags of dry product, the Big Bag Metal Detector can detect 316 stainless steel as small as 2.0mm, and ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles as small as 1.5mm. This impressive detection capability means that even the tiniest metal particles will be sensed and rejected, protecting your product purity and upholding your brand reputation. We work with customers to determine their exact needs and develop custom-designed products that will perfectly suit the challenges of the industry they are working in and the materials they are handling, as well as being designed to fit within the existing layout of the customer’s facility. Removing all metal contaminants from your products ensures you provide your customers with the highest quality, highest purity goods. Our cutting-edge products provide comprehensive metal removal solutions you can trust. At Bunting, our greatest strength is our ability to approach complex applications and develop customized solutions to serve our customers. Our equipment is robust and high quality, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we provide long lasting, permanent solutions. We are supported by territory managers located across North America that are able to go out to a customer’s site and personally assess their application in order to provide them with the best possible equipment recommendations. From there, we can engage our engineering team to create a custom designed product, as well as offer the services of our new Customer Experience Center, which allows potential customers to test their product with our equipment in real time and see real results. We look forward to working with you on your next project.

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Busch Vacuum Solutions 516 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Phone: 757/463-7800 Email: info@buschusa.com www.buschusa.com VACUUM SOLUTIONS FOR THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY Busch Vacuum Solutions has an extensive product portfolio of individual vacuum pumps, blowers, compressors and custom vacuum systems. More than 50 years ago, Dr.-Ing. Karl and Ayhan Busch developed the ideal vacuum pump for the food packaging industry. Today, the family business is the market leader in all areas of industrial vacuum. Busch USA is home to engineers, product specialists, customer service professionals and manufacturing teams dedicated to quality and innovation. Our systems building department designs and builds standard and individual vacuum systems to meet our customers’ process needs. In addition to our production facilities, we offer quality service from our network of service centers around the country or at your location. Field Service Specialists are available for maintenance, on-site repairs or 24/7 breakdown support. Increase uptime, optimize safety and improve efficiency with our reliable service options. OUR PRODUCTS • Vacuum Pumps • Vacuum Systems • Blowers & Compressors • Spare Parts & Accessories • Measurement Equipment • Digital Condition Monitoring OUR SERVICES • Nationwide Field Service • Nationwide Service Centers • Vacuum Pump Exchange • Overhaul • Repairs • Maintenance Maximize your production output with vacuum by Busch.

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Buskro Ltd. 1738 Orangebrook Court, Unit Pickering, ON, Canada L1W 3G8 Phone: 905-839-6018 Email: sales@buskro.com www./buskro.com Buskro offers a variety of inkjet printing, labeling, RFID encoding, inspection, and data management solutions to help enhance your packaging and product personalization needs. Our extensive suite of inkjet printing solutions, developed since 1995, deliver uncompromising performance suited to your needs and budget. Buskro specializes in printing high speed variable data (text, barcodes, graphics) directly on virtually all packaging materials with real time data management and print inspection. Utilizing proprietary Workflow software, daily production schedules and all facets of your package personalization jobs are managed for rapid setup, waste reduction, and optimized production up-time. Working from a job docket that permits storage and recording of each job’s settings including: package dimensions and images, print image layout, system setup parameters, and batch sizes, operator job change-overs are easy, simple, and efficient, with minimal setup errors. Employing a modular design concept, Buskro’s equipment can be customized to meet your specific needs, capable of future expansion if needed. Inkjet printing, labeling (brand, security, content), RFID encoding, and inspection can all be added and combined to ensure all package personalization features are applied and inspected in a single pass. If you are looking for equipment that provides versatility and enhanced ROI, manages your jobs and costs efficiently, and delivers a high-quality output for all your package personalization needs, look no further than BUSKRO. Buskro can provide inkjet and personalization solutions for: Variable inkjet package printing Barcoding and Product Identification Attaching and Labelling Batch Branding Monochrome and CMYK Printing RFID Encoding Product Finishing Versioning Serialization Security Printing

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BW Flexible Systems 225 Spartangreen Blvd. Duncan, SC 29334 Phone: (864) 486-4000 Email: sales@bwflexiblesystems.com www.bwflexiblesystems.com BW Flexible Systems is a worldwide leader in flexible packaging systems with stateof-the-art technology and manufacturing centers in the United States, Italy, UK and the Netherlands and a global network of sales and support teams offering local, responsive service whenever and wherever needed. With over 100 years of packaging machinery experience, we partner with our customers to provide the right packaging solution, from entry-level machines to fully automated lines. Horizontal Flow Wrappers – Capable of handling a wide range of sizes and materials, our flow wrappers produce the best seals, wrapping and packaging across a broad spectrum of applications, including difficult-to-handle products. Brands: Hayssen, Rose Forgrove, Schib Vertical Form Fill Seal – Featuring an array of continuous and intermittent motion bag filling systems, our vertical baggers are capable of filling low, medium and high-speed packaging applications for a variety of products and industries in any packaging environment. Brands: Hayssen, Sandiacre, Simionato Big Bag Filling – Innovative and reliable solutions for weighing, mixing, blending, filling and packaging free and semi-free flowing products. Brands: Thiele, Symach Bag Palletizing –Advanced palletizing systems featuring a patented layer squaring and compression system that accurately and efficiently places, stacks, and wraps bags with exceptional pallet stability with no pallet overhang. Brand: Symach Feeders – Production automation – feeding, folding, collating, inserting and more- for the mailing, printing, graphics, and packaging industries. Brand: Streamfeeder BW Flexible Systems is part of the BW Packaging Systems family of companies. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational and purpose-driven strategies, Barry-Wehmiller has grown to become a recognized global leader with 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business and leadership to build a better world.

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BW Integrated Systems 1305 Lakeview Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446 Phone: 630/759-6800 Email: sales@bwintegratedsystems.com www.bwintegratedsystems.com BW Integrated Systems is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of end-ofline packaging equipment and robotic automation solutions, as well as the execution of integrated packaging systems. Our company attributes its decades of success to three simple principles: “People. Products. Performance.”

PEOPLE: Striking the appropriate balance between a people-centric culture where everybody matters and industry-leading performance is core to our business. As a member of the Barry-Wehmiller family, we strive to be the kind of company that enables its associates to return home each day with a true sense of fulfillment. Our mission is to be a company that people enjoy working for, doing business with, investing in, and having as part of their communities. PRODUCTS: Our diverse product portfolio consists of trusted legacy products (Ambec, Fleetwood, Goldco, Nigrelli, SWF, Tisma), innovative solutions and integrated packaging systems. Our service network provides global technical support and offers peace of mind for a diverse client base that operates in a variety of market segments including: Automotive, Beer & Beverage, Wine & Spirits, Container Manufacturing, Food, Household, Personal Care, Dairy, Paper, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial. PERFORMANCE: BW Integrated Systems’ has decades of application experience in packaging line design and integration, robotic automation, and the design and manufacture of innovative packaging equipment. We have packaging equipment and systems integration installations in over 50 countries around the world. With six manufacturing facilities and ~650 team members worldwide, BW Integrated Systems is a trusted global partner for our clients, which range from mid-size companies to multi-national corporations.

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BW Packaging Systems 8020 Forsyth Blvd. Clayton, MO 63105 Phone: 314/862-8000 Email: connect@bwpackagingsystems.com www.bwpackagingsystems.com BW Packaging Systems – a part of Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members worldwide – brings its expertise and wide range of packaging technologies to help identify the best solution for your packaging needs. Whether you need a single machine or a fully integrated line, our teams can help you scope and deliver your project. With parts and service teams positioned around the world, BW Packaging Systems and our leading packaging brands serve customers in the food, beverage, personal care, household, pharmaceutical and other industries. Our businesses include: Accraply is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and support of pressuresensitive (self-adhesive), roll-fed and shrink sleeve label application systems, as well as converting and finishing equipment, for the shrink sleeve and flexible packaging markets. BW Flexible Systems is a global manufacturer of packaging systems that fill and bag thousands of food and non-food products. Their range of machinery includes formfill-seal, feeding, bag filling and sealing, flow-wrap, reclosable packaging solutions, palletizing, stretch-wrapping and more. BW Integrated Systems is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of end-ofline packaging equipment solutions and packaging automation, as well as complete systems integration. Pneumatic Scale Angelus is a global supplier of wet and dry fillers, cappers, can seamers, labelers, centrifuges and change parts for the pharmaceutical, personal care, food, beverage, canning and household products industries. Synerlink is a trusted supplier of fillers for dairy products, and other food and beverages with a broad range of solutions through their complete packaging lines, including form-fill-seal lines and fill-seal machines (preformed cups and bottles), filling and dosing modules, and end-of-line robotic solutions, such as collating and overwrapping, picking, crating and palletizing.

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Cama North America 901 Corporate Grove Drive, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089 USA Phone: 847-607-8797 Email: cama-us@camagroup.com www.camagroup.com Looking to improve production and efficiency? Cama Group has 40 years’ experience designing and building innovative, automated secondary packaging solutions that are easy to operate, improve production and OEE, and run multiple products with quick and easy changeovers. A subsidiary of Cama Group, Cama North America is vertically integrated, providing complete sales, manufacturing and aftermarket support to North American customers, including engineering, parts and technical service. Cama’s expertise spans a wide range of applications, including various food markets, as well as Pet Food, Personal, Health, and Home Care. Our product line includes: • Case packers and case packing systems for RSC, wrap-around, and retail-ready / display ready cases (DRC), as well as forming, closing and lidding machines for boxes, trays and RSC cases; • Intermittent and continuous motion cartoners and carton sleeving machines; • Integrated decoupled and monoblock robotic loading units. Check out our new BreakThrough Generation of case packers, cartoners, and sleeving machines. BTG models feature high sanitation levels; quick and easy, tool-less changeovers; flexible configurations; and ease of maintenance and accessibility. They offer a monoblock design, no hollow body structure, and PLC-less, cabinet-free technology with non-proprietary electronics. In addition, they are TPM compliant and ready for the future with Industry 4.0 features. Offering flexibility and quick changeover in a compact footprint, our integrated, turnkey systems can accept flexible or rigid products in an oriented or random configuration, orient the packages based on the necessary pack pattern, end load or top load the products into a carton, and case pack into a display ready and/or conventional RSC or wraparound case. In addition, the Cama Packaging Department offers more than 30 years of experience in the design and testing of packaging cardboard, and can often help design more sustainable solutions that help our customers save material costs and reduce their impact on the environment. Learn how you can improve production and get more product to market with Cama’s cartoning, case packing, carton sleeving, and robotic loading systems. Visit www.camagroup.com for details.

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CASSEL Inspection 2440 W Corporate Preserve Drive Phone: +1-414-574-4220 Email: us.sales@cassel-inspection.com www.cassel-inspection.com Complete Protection Through Thoughtful Design Ultra-sensitive yet cost effective in-line foreign object detection systems designed to help producers exceed global product safety standards and regulations. CASSEL Inspection offers a broad range of solutions to find and reject the full spectrum of non-biological contaminants before they result in expensive rework, scrap or recalls. Detection technology and design are optimized for food, pharmaceutical, personal care, forestry, non-wovens, and other manufactured products. Metal Detection Instruments utilizing electromagnetic fields and advanced digital signal processing to find the smallest magnetic and conductive contaminants possible. Designed to operate reliably with minimal intervention in extremely harsh factory environments. X-Ray Inspection Systems that create X-Ray density images which are processed at high speed by a suite of image analysis algorithms. They can locate dense, sharp and other unexpected objects barely visible to the human eye. Complete operator safety is assured via compliance with local regulatory standards. To enhance value, CASSEL Inspection systems can be configured and even customized to meet specific customer requirements, assuring fast factory acceptance and operational efficiency. CASSEL Inspection also provides field repair service, regulatory validations and other support. Reliable protection, from the inside out.

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CHARTER NEXT GENERATION 1264 E High Street, Milton, WI, 53563 Phone: (608) 868-5757 Email: info@cnginc.com www.cnginc.com Charter Next Generation has quickly become North America’s leading independent producer of high-performance specialty film, flexible packaging solutions, and other end-use products that impact our local communities and beyond. We are committed to a sustainability-first approach that protects families, strengthens the global community, and facilitates a greener future for generations to come. Driven by a relentlessly green mindset, each of our thirteen facilities plays a vital role in the growth and innovation that has characterized our company since its beginnings. We pride ourselves on manufacturing the ultimate packaging protection — providing a sustainable solution without the sacrifice in performance. Our custom-engineered solutions keep food fresh longer, protect products better, and use cleaner processes to maintain the lowest carbon footprint of any major packaging supplier. Our unparalleled devotion to the environment also ensures our films allow for recyclability, compostability, and the use of post-consumer resin. As the leading producer of sustainable specialty film and flexible packaging solutions, we are dedicated to continuously working towards a more innovative and cleaner tomorrow.

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Chase-Logeman Corporation 303 Friendship Dr., Greensboro, NC 27409 USA Phone: 336-665-0754 Email: info@chaselogeman.com www.chaselogeman.com Chase-Logeman Corporation is a family-owned business, now in the fourth generation, that has been manufacturing monoblock style filling/finishing equipment for over 60 years. Our filling-finishing machines serve automotive, food, homeopathic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. With capabilities for filling aqueous and flammable products, Chase-Logeman equipment has proven to be a reliable backbone for our customers. Generally built for cGMP production, our monoblock filers perform in many environments, including clean-rooms and in isolators. With an eye toward innovation, Chase-Logeman has designed equipment that can incorporate desired features to make the liquid fill-finish process work for your situation. There are fill technologies to dispense liquids from microliters to 125ml. Viscous products can typically be dispensed if they are free flowing. Stoppering, plugging or tipping can be easily incorporated. The equipment can apply and torque many different types of closures, including flat, dropper bulb end Eurodropper caps. All machines are capable of processing either glass or plastic containers. Microtubes, round, oval and square bottles are filled without issue. Chase-Logeman can also integrate other processes such as bulk bottle unscrambling, check weighing, print and apply label application, and laser marking to create a complete processing line. Chase-Logeman also manufacturers automatic tray loading and unloading machines for bottles and vials at speeds up to 450 containers per minute. With a plethora of options available, there is a Chase-Logeman machine that can automate most liquid filling requirements. Contact us to learn more.

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Clysar, LLC 2505 Industrial Park Dr. Camanche, IA 52730 Phone: 888-425-9727 Email: marketing@clysar.com www.clysar.com Looking for a partner committed to help make your brand and business more sustainable? Seeking more “uptime” and less waste on your packaging lines? Want the confidence of reliable, U.S.-manufactured polyolefin films with 24/7 technical service? Connect with Clysar for today’s broadest selection of high-performance polyolefin shrink films. Clysar® shrink films are clear, strong and brilliant, produced responsibly and certified to critical standards. You’ll experience unmatched shrink application expertise, backed with live or remote technical service and support. We’ve got the right shrink film for your product application. Sustainability • Industry-leading Clysar® EVO™ recyclable shrink films prequalified by How2Recycle® for the Store Drop-Off label, including all purpose, high-speed and opaque shipping films • Support for right-gauging; package development/life cycle analysis • Industrial packaging recycling/re-use programs to reduce waste, cost E-Commerce & Contract Packaging • Durable Clysar® EVO-C™ Confidential opaque shrink films for secondary shipping, privacy and secure protection • Protective, durable films to bundle products; protect/contain scented, liquid and granular items Retail Display & Food • Sparkling clear or printed multi-pack films • Produce and specialty food films • High-speed films for trouble-free automated packaging • Low shrink force films for delicate or bendable products

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Columbia Machine 107 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360/694-1501 Email: pallsales@colmac.com www.palletizing.com Complete System Integration Columbia Machine manufactures conventional high-speed, high-level, floor-level, robotic palletizers, load transfer stations and provides complete system design and integration. With the most innovative and flexible palletizing solutions available, Columbia is the leading palletizer solutions provider in North America. Industry Leading Standard Safety Features Columbia’s standard safety package contains Category 3 electrical safety components, including dual circuit safety interlocks & full height light curtains. This safety package provides a fully guarded, Performance Level D palletizer to keep your employees safe while enhancing OEE and production demands. Flexible Product Handling Columbia’s conventional palletizers are the most flexible palletizing solutions available and handle virtually every package type, including shrink bundles with and without a pad, plastic totes, high CG, unwrapped trays, and more. Please ask us specifically about flexibility and how it relates to your palletizing application. High Performance AND Sustainability Columbia has a palletizing solution for virtually any application, each equipped with standard features designed to safely maximize OEE, throughput and uptime. Please ask us about features included to address the industry’s increasing demand for higher levels of sustainability.

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Columbia/Okura 301 Grove St, Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360/735-1952 Email: collcsales@colmac.com www.columbiaokura.com/products HOW WE DO IT Safety, flexibility, and performance are key deliverables in providing the right solution for the application. Our team is skilled at listening to client needs and objectives to deliver innovative solutions. With over a thousand of successful installations all over the world, we draw upon our years of experience and palletizing expertise for every project we touch. SAFETY We help our customers reduce overall operating costs by developing an ergonomically friendly system that will reduce labor intensive heavy-lifting and repetitive motion injuries. Our systems are also equipped with industry leading safety technology. FLEXIBILITY Our systems are designed to meet the flexible packaging and production needs our customers are seeking. PERFORMANCE Columbia/Okura LLC’s strength is providing high performance systems, accomplishing speeds and throughput not attainable by others. Columbia/Okura is able to provide you the right robotic palletizer for your factory needs. Whether you are in the need of an industrial robotic palletizer or a collaborative palletizer, we are able to provide a solution that works for you! WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSORMATIVE POWER OF AUTOMATION

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CTM Labeling Systems 1318 Quaker Circle, Salem, Ohio 44460 Phone: 330/332-1800 Email: ctmsales@ctmint.com www.ctmlabelingsystems.com From design and engineering through final system set-up and quality control, exceptional expertise and craftsmanship is built in at every level to create the finest labeling machines available on the market. Setting high standards is difficult, maintaining those standards is even tougher. The highest standard, that we consider our benchmark, is unsurpassed support “after the sale.” At CTM, supporting our customers before, during and after the sale is paramount. Our management team and dedicated support staffs are driven by some of the most experienced and well-respected professionals in the industry. From semi-automatic applications to the most demanding high-speed, high-accuracy labeling solutions, we understand your needs. More importantly, we understand how to convert your needs into successful production. To maintain unparalleled quality standards, every phase of our company is housed under one roof. When raw material leaves the rack, it travels through the most automated manufacturing facility in the industry. State-of-the-art equipment incorporating precise tolerances, coupled with true craftsmen at the controls, results in an impeccable product. Our promise to you — “You won’t find better quality, better service or better delivery anywhere else in the industry.” We welcome you to tour our facility and experience the “CTM Commitment to Excellence” firsthand. Products: • Tabletop Wrap Systems • Custom Labeling Systems • 360a Label Applicators • 3600a Printer Applicator • 3600ST Servo Tamp Printer Applicator • T-Base, H-Base Stands • Belt and Mattop Material Handling Conveyors Visit us online at www.ctmlabelingsystems.com for more information. If you would like to schedule a tour of our plant in Salem, Ohio, then please call us at 330-332-1800.

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Decade Products 3710 Sysco Ct SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Phone: (877) 999-6229 Email: info@decadeproducts.com www.decadeproducts.com Drawing on the expertise of parent companies Cascade Engineering and Dolav Plastic Products, Decade Products brings together knowledge, technology, innovation, and an unsurpassed focus on customer service to help people store and transport products better. People rely on us for well-engineered, extremely rugged, reusable plastic bins and pallets. Our bins and pallets are super-strong but lightweight, completely sanitary, and impact-resistant. They are weather-resistant and can stand up to a variety of extreme temperatures. Unlike wood bins, our plastic bins are rot-resistant and mold and mildew-resistant. At the end of their usable life, they are also completely recyclable. INNOVATION IS IN OUR DNA. We bring experience and innovation to solving customer challenges. When we say “standard is just the starting point”, we really mean it. Nowhere is that more apparent than in our ability to customize solutions—whether it’s custom sizing to fit a material handling system, custom colors to match your brand, casters to improve workflow, doors for better access and ergonomics, lids, latches, drains, or more. While we design and inventory the sizes, colors, options, and configurations most sought after by our customers, they’re often just the beginning. Our engineering capabilities allow us to offer virtually any size, color, embossing, configuration, runner design, and option our customers require. We understand that sometimes basic just isn’t good enough. Our handy custom configurator tool on our website allows you to virtually build the bin that fits YOUR requirements. Simply choose the features you want and we will provide you with a noobligation quote. It’s that easy! Our goal is to provide exactly the right bin or pallet for the application, without compromise. So when a standard product isn’t exactly right, we don’t ask you to accept good enough. We give you the flexibility to design custom solutions that are built specifically for your business. Try us - we love a challenge.

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Dekka 13471 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1K4 Phone: 604-930-9300 Email: Dekka@ProMachBuilt.com www.dekkaindustries.com Dekka is one of the only companies where the primary focus is on tape heads. Because of our dedication and focus, our team is not only more experienced and knowledgeable, but we care about every tape head that goes out the door. Our pride and passion lies in providing a consistent and reliable solution for every application for seamless integration and easy operation. We support every product because we put our customer’s reputation first. A key to Dekka’s success was our ability to grow and develop a wide distribution network across North America. With our own experienced technicians as well as knowledgeable distributors and packaging suppliers, Dekka and our partners compose of the strongest tape head support network in the industry that will listen, understand and solve your tape head issues. Dekka offers over 400 unique tape heads which fit on almost every case sealer, case erector and case former in the market. This versatility extends to the types of packaging tape and cases that our tape heads are able to handle as well including hot melt, acrylic, rubber, and other types of tapes for cases, boxes, recycled cartons and more. The wide range of products has been driven by the overwhelming demand for Dekka tape heads. Dekka customers understand the importance of the quality, reliability and service that comes with each Dekka tape head. Along with these tape heads, we also offer options and accessories on our tape heads such as the Tape Monitor Alert System and other retrofit packages. Dekka also offers a line of entry level machinery, bringing the same level of quality and reliability from tape heads to case sealing and erecting machinery. These machines have been designed and built to synergize with Dekka tape heads to bring the highest level of performance and reliability to our customers. Contact us if you are having trouble with your current tape head or if you are looking for some new equipment- we are happy to help.

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Delkor Systems, Inc. 4300 Round Lake Road West St. Paul, MN 55112 Phone: 800/328-5558 Email: info@delkorsystems.com www.delkorsystems.com ADVANCED ROBOTIC CASE PACKERS AND CARTONERS We are a leading manufacturer of advanced case packing and cartoning machinery. Our talented 250+ employees have proven to be one of the most inventive teams in the packaging industry. Delkor has changed the landscape of retail ready packaging and is now widely recognized for creating a new generation of cutting-edge machinery and fresh package concepts. RETAIL READY EXPERTISE Our team can help you comply with the latest retail-ready packaging (RRP) guidelines for major retailers including Walmart, Aldi, Kroger and others. All of Delkor’s case packers stand-alone by offering both retail ready case styles as well as the full range of club store display trays with only 8 minute change-over. Delkor’s popular patented Cabrio Case design is provided free of charge with the purchase of a case packer, which enables customers to source the Cabrio Case from any corrugated manufacturer. Currently over 500 million Cabrio Cases are in use across many product categories and on track to hit 1 billion Cabrio Cases in distribution by 2022! To see your product in a Cabrio Case, our in-house package lab can provide you with a physical sample with graphics within 48 hours. MAXIMIZE YOUR PACKING VERSATILITY Delkor’s robotic case packers and cartoning machines were designed for today’s diverse packaging environment. CASE AND CARTON FORMERS AND CLOSERS IN 6 TO 10 WEEKS We have prebuilt our most popular formers and closers to provide our customers the fastest delivery in the industry. Go from order to install in as little as 6 weeks!

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Diagraph Marking & Coding, an ITW Company 1 Missouri Research Park Drive St. Charles, Missouri 63304 Phone: 800.722.1125 Email: info@diagraph.com www.diagraph.com For over 125 years, Diagraph Marking & Coding has been providing identification solutions that make it easy for manufacturers throughout the world to make the perfect mark – print after print after print – from technology pairing to comprehensive service support and beyond. With the 1893 invention of the revolutionary stencil cutting machine all the way to today’s high-speed inkjet coders and all-electric automated labelers, Diagraph focuses on partnering with customers in every aspect of their coding and labeling operations, including warehouse automation and eCommerce – providing a holistic approach that maximizes efficiencies for customers and drives tangible value throughout a long-term partnership. Diagraph is the longest established business in the product identification industry and has been a trusted leading manufacturer and distributor of product identification solutions for over 100 years. Our solutions include: • The new ResMark 5000 is the next generation standard for marking & coding. Utilizing its extensive industry knowledge, Diagraph engineered this intelligent system to deliver simplicity, reliability, flexibility and a lower cost of ownership over the life of the system. This high-resolution industrial inkjet printer system offers the industry’s largest print area and greatest throw distance and sets the standard for durability and the lowest cost per mark. Innovative and patented rapid replace printheads can be brought online quicker, reducing production line disturbances and repairs while minimizing downtime. • Diagraph’s all-electric label print & apply systems and label applicators are simply the smartest, most efficient and reliable automated labeling systems in the industry. Industry-leading smart technology uses sensors to reduce label application complications and ensure a one-to-one label to product match. • Linx 8900 series of small character continuous inkjet printers lead the industry in durability and reliability with the longest intervals between printhead cleanings (up to 3 months). The simple user interface allows for quick message setup and intuitive daily operation. The sealed industrial printhead provides maximum print quality protection over longer periods of time.

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Dodge Industrial, Inc. 6040 Ponders Court, Greenville, SC 29615 Phone: 864.297.4800 Email: dodgeindustrial.com/contact www.dodgeindustrial.com Dodge Industrial, Inc. – an RBC Bearings company – is a leading manufacturer of mounted bearings, enclosed gearing, and power transmission components. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, Dodge is a trusted name in the industry known for its ongoing development of innovations and advanced technologies that help manufacturers improve output, decrease downtime, and monitor systems for efficiency and peak performance. At Dodge, we have decades of conveyor engineering experience plus an expansive portfolio of products to meet the wide variety of requirements in the packaging industry. From processing and handling material, to moving product into packages, to moving individual and bulk packages, each application has its set of unique challenges. Our team is available to work with each customer to fully understand their needs and provide individual components or complete conveyor packages. Our field engineers are available for onsite startup support, training, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Dodge is a single-source solution offering a complete range of mounted bearings, gearing, conveyor components, belted drives, bushings, hubs, and collars, each designed and manufactured for maximum reliability and improved productivity. We offer factory-assembled gearbox assemblies (gearbox, motor, and accessories) and conveyor pulley assemblies (pulley, bushing, shaft, and bearings), providing easy installation, reduced maintenance time, and minimized safety risks during installation. Our heavy-duty gearboxes double the bearing rating of most competitive designs, and our reducers and mounted bearings feature patented shaft attachment designs for faster installation and removal, plus industry-leading seal technology for maximum protection against contaminants. Manufactured in U.S.-based plants, Dodge products are built to stand the test of time and proven to withstand the most rugged environments and meet the most stringent specifications. With our complete bulk material handling packages, we deliver value through conveyor design, pre-assembled components, and project management by our experienced field sales engineers

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Domino North America 1290 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee, IL Phone: 800.444.4512 Email: solutions@domino-na.com www.domino-printing.com Since 1978, Domino’s coding, marking and labelling range is designed to satisfy the compliance and productivity requirements of global manufacturers. These are typically deployed for the application of variable and authentication data, bar codes, promotional and unique traceability codes onto products and packaging. Industry 4.0 is more than connecting things, and traceability codes are no exception. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environments, Industry 4.0 is becoming essential to uncovering inefficiencies. However, often key areas to leverage interconnectivity can be overlooked, such as variable printing coding, labeling and marking technology. Thankfully Domino are experts in bringing back that efficiency. Our customer’s crave simplicity in their work life. They want machinery that doesn’t break down. They want software that’s easy to learn. And they want to work with people who know what they’re talking about. At Domino, when we’re at our best we’re not just selling printing machinery and software….we’re selling our customers SIMPLICITY. We sell smart, integrated solutions that keep production lines running smoothly. We sell on-demand support from Domino team members who help solve problems quickly. And ultimately, we’re selling our customers a more simple work day, giving them the space to invest in what matters most to them—building a career they can be proud of. Less waste means more consistency. Less risk means more compliance. Less headaches mean more opportunity. Less...is More.

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Dorner 975 Cottonwood Ave., Hartland, WI 53029 Phone: 262/367-7600 Email: info@dorner.com www.dornerconveyors.com At Dorner, our mission is to Transform Conveyor Automation by providing cutting edge solutions with best-in-class support. It’s that commitment and history of proven excellence that has made the Dorner Brand a recognized leader in product and package handling for over 50 years. With our complete line of customizable stainless steel and aluminum conveyor automation systems, Dorner can provide solutions for almost any conveyor need. Dorner’s conveyors are designed to move product to the exact location, at the exact time and in the exact position it needs to be for the next phase of the production line. With benefits such as industry best product transfers and in-house belting capabilities, Dorner is leading the market in precision conveyance. This extremely accurate product control allows. Using Dorner’s Online Configurator, you can design and engineer simple or complex conveyors to meet your needs in minutes. The industry leading tool delivers a complete 3D CAD assembly model for instant validation of fit. Dorner conveyors to easily integrate with robots, workers and equipment. Dorner’s Engineered Solutions Group (ESG) is transforming product handling with innovative solutions that are custom designed to solve customers’ unique needs. This full service team can provide systems for applications such as: - Accumulation - Indexing & positioning - Merging, diverting and sorting - Product flow & control - Rejecting & depositing - Elevations & line egress Contact us today to tell us about your application.

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Douglas Machine 1705 34th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 Phone: 320/763-6587 Email: info@douglas-machine.com www.douglas-machine.com At Douglas, our mission is to enrich lives by providing differentiated packaging automation and services. It’s not just what we say, it’s who we are. As a 100% employee-owned company, you can be confident there’s an entire organization doing its best to ensure our partnership with you is something you can trust. Case & Tray Packers. Douglas offers a full line of case and tray packing options. Choose from horizontal-, top- or bottom-load, intermittent or continuous motion with varying speed capabilities. We deliver innovative design, cutting-edge technology and precise product control to create the most effective case packing/tray packing solution for your application. Shrink Wrap Systems. Douglas is an industry leader in shrink wrapping beverage, food and personal care products. From stand-along shrink wrappers to fully integrated systems including product collating and tray packing, our shrink solutions offer innovative features that maximize performance and simplicity. OPTX™ shrink solutions easily accommodate large size ranges and pack patterns and produce high quality packages. Cartoners, Sleevers & Multipackers. Douglas’ paperboard offerings are ideal for packaging bottles, trays, cups, cans, bags and more. Featuring servo technology and adaptable platforms, we deliver leading-edge solutions that result in greater throughput, less waste and enhanced production efficiency for a wide variety of product types and sizes. Variety Pack Systems. Prisma™ variety pack systems are designed and built to offer the most flexible, efficient solutions available to meet your most dynamic market demands. Cans or bottles in cartons, shrink bundles, cases and trays with varying speed capabilities - we build a system to match your production needs. Service & Support. Customer driven service and support - it’s who we are. Support after the sale is just as important - if not more important - than walking with you during your buying journey. In every aspect of your relationship with us, our friendly and skilled employee owners are 100% committed to collaborating with you to ensure innovative solutions, responsive support and more.

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Eastey 21480 147th Avenue North, Rogers, MN 55374 Phone: 763/428-4846 Email: info@eastey.com www.eastey.com Eastey is a leading manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty shrink packaging equipment, case erectors, case tapers, and other packaging equipment. Eastey’s shrink packaging products include a complete line of L-sealers, sleeve wrappers, shrink tunnels, and bundling equipment. Eastey also supplies a complete line of case erectors and case tapers, from entrylevel bottom and side-belt tapers, to fully automatic and random size case tapers. Eastey has been in business for over 30 years and has an installed base of over 15,000 packaging systems. Eastey products are sold through a global network of authorized dealers, fully trained and capable to install, train, and service our equipment. At our manufacturing facility in Rogers, Minnesota we take pride in manufacturing equipment that is First in Quality - Built to Last. We maintain an extensive inventory of replacement parts and offer prompt technical support when needed. Today, Eastey continues to focus on its core purpose to “help companies deliver products to the world.” An expanding line of integrated products and services reflect Eastey’s commitment to meet new needs and new challenges and ensure that customers have reliable solutions for their packaging application. Eastey operates as a subsidiary of Engage Technologies, parent company of Eastey, Squid Ink, AFM, and Cogent Technologies. Squid Ink (squidink.com) manufactures industrial inkjet printing equipment and high-quality inks for a variety of industrial coding and marking applications. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper bands. Cogent Technologies (cogent-tech. com) manufactures infrared drying systems used to dry ink in the industrial and graphics industries.

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EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA, Inc. 1840 Industrial Drive, Suite 200 Libertyville, IL Phone: 847-996-0739 Email: sales@ebs-inkjet.com www.ebs-inkjet-usa.com A leading manufacturer of innovative contact-free industrial ink-jet printers, printing systems, and supplies, EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA offers packaging industry customers efficient, accurate, and clean ways to mark, label, and code products. EBS Ink-Jet printers include wireless, portable, hand-held printers and continuous inline (large character and small-character) printers that: • print on virtually any package or product. • replace outdated and manual marking methods. EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA’s parent company, EBS Ink-Jet Systeme, has an over 40year history of ink-jet coding innovations and expertise. Founded in 1977, EBS Ink-Jet Systeme, Cologne, Germany, pioneered the development of “drop-on-demand” ink-jet coding. Since that time, EBS has continued to advance and improve ink-jet coding tech-nology. Today, they remain a leading name in ink-jet coding throughout Europe. Founded in 2008, EBS Ink-Jet USA is centrally located in Libertyville, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Serving the ink-jet coding needs of all North and Central America, EBS Ink-Jet USA prides themselves on consistently meeting four significant customer goals: • providing high-performance products • building products using superior materials and workmanship • delivering exceptional service and support • ensuring fair product pricing EBS Ink-Jet USA’s disruptive innovation uproots conventional thinking on existing product marking methods and creates “no longer status quo” bottom-line process improvements.

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Econocorp Inc. 72 PacellaPark Drive Randolph, MA 02368 Phone: 781/986-7500 Email: info@econocorp.com www.econocorp.com ECONOCORP, INC. has been a worldwide leader in supplying cartoning solutions worldwide since 1955. The company was truly one of the early pioneering spirits with regard to the overseas exporting of packaging machinery products from the United States. ECONOCORP continues to offer packaging solutions globally with a well established network of domestic and export sales/service agents. With the experience of supplying over 10,000 machines to more than 110 countries, ECONOCORP, INC. is well equipped to offer time proven cartoning solutions for a customer’s ever changing packaging demands. The complete line of trademarked ECONOSEAL equipment offers the full range of cartoning from table top semiautomatic carton sealers to completely automatic, integrated product handling and cartoning systems. All ECONOSEALS feature simplicity in design and a minimum of maintenance. ECONOSEAL cartoners are a productive fit from small, family operated businesses to large multinational corporations. Our goal is to uncomplicate your job by offering a cost effective solution that makes a better looking and stronger package while offering a quick return on your investment. ECONOSEAL equipment not only provides efficiency to the full spectrum of company sizes, but it is also used to carton products across all industries from food to household goods to industrial products to personal care. The list of applications is endless. Carton closure styles include hot melt glue, tuck closure, hot air activation, and pressure sensitive tape. The equipment can accommodate most materials including paperboard, corrugated, and PET/PVC styles. To learn more about how you can benefit from our experience with your particular product, telephone +1-781-9867500 or email info@econocorp.com

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EDL Packaging Engineers 1260 Parkview Road, Green Bay, WI 54304 Phone: 920/336-7744 Email: sales@edlpackaging.com www.edlpackaging.com At EDL Packaging Engineers, a Massman Company, we understand that secondary and end-of-line packaging decisions are driven by multiple factors – consumer demand, distribution requirements, cost reduction, and packaging design. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all packaging solution. Instead, we apply more than 50 years experience in the food, personal care, building supplies, carpet, dairy, grain, and pet food industries to manufacturer shrink bundling, multi-packaging, and tray wrapping equipment designed to meet customers unique requirements. Each project begins by listening and understanding product and packaging needs. From there we tailor our standard modular equipment to design and manufacture a solution that meets customers’ unique requirements. This holistic approach has made us the industry choice of many leading CPG and industrial manufacturers. Our systems are designed to collate and bundle consumer and industrial products for shipment in Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) film, a cost-effective means of unitizing and protecting products for transportation, storage, and retail purposes. EDL’s full line of equipment includes, shrink bundlers, forming shoe, tray forming, loading and wrapping, flight bars, single roll wrappers, roll wrappers, tight wrap shrink bundlers, semi-automatic shrink bundlers, continuous motion shrink bundlers and wrappers, shrink tunnels and heat tunnels. Our standard packaging equipment can accommodate film widths ranging from 16” to 144”. Other services include turn-key system integration, including line layout, controls engineering, process design and layout, after-sales support, and ancillary equipment integration. Learn more about EDL Packaging Engineers and see our complete line of secondary and end-of-line packaging equipment in action at edlpackaging.com.

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Elplast America 795 Enterprise Drive, Marion, IA 52302 USA Phone: 855/357-5278 Email: sales@elplastamerica.com www.elplastgroup.com Elplast Group is the leading manufacturer of the EL-ZIP® brand with production facilities in both Europe and the US. Our progressive and innovative face is supported by the production of nearly 4 billion feet of EL-ZIP® press to close zippers in 2020 alone, which would not have been possible without our constant commitment to developing new solutions for our customers. We currently supply EL-ZIP® press to close zippers to more than 1000 customers in over 70 countries on 6 continents. With over 40 years of experience in plastic processing, including both profile extrusion and injection molding, you can be confident in our ability to deliver one of the highest quality zipper products on the market today. EL-ZIP® brand zippers are available in over 250 different styles from 3 – 50 mm wide with sealing capability to PE, CPP, and OPP sealing layers and are suitable for use in the most commonly used packaging machines and processes in the industry today. Available functionalities and features include single profile, multiprofile, powder resistant, audible and tactile, compostable, colour, differential opening forces, child resistant, tamper evidence, linear tear, retort capabilities, and more. We manufacture our own extrusion dies providing a quick development cycle for custom zippers to meet even the most demanding customer requirements. A few of the advantages associated with using the EL-ZIP® brand of press to close zippers includes extended product freshness, improved consumer convenience and confidence, increased original package retention improving brand recognition, protection against accidental spills, infestation, and environmental extremes, and improved product security. Elplast press to close zippers are suitable for all products and can be found on packages containing coffee, tea, cappuccino, cocoa, spices, herbs, cheese, meat, dried fruits, nuts, snack mixes, cookies, chewing gum, rice, pasta, frozen seafood, pet food, tobacco products, lawn and garden products, cosmetics and accessories, household products, and more. The Elplast commitment: consistently high-quality products, exceptional service, competitive price, and technical assistance and advice. Our manufacturing processes adhere to ISO 22000:2018, FSCC200, ISO 14001:2015 and BRC Packaging Materials. Elplast certifies compliance with FDA food contact guidelines including the guidelines established in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and the USDA National Organic Program.

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Emerson 8000 West Florissant Avenue, P.O.Box 4100 St. Louis, MO 63136 Phone: 314/553-2000 Email: industrialautomation.com www.Emerson.com/Packaging Today’s packaging lines must accommodate an unprecedented level of product variety and package complexities, but responding to these demands with inflexible, outdated equipment and processes can mean higher operating costs, decreased production, and increased risk to operators. Emerson recognizes these challenges and is dedicated to helping your food and beverage packaging operations effectively meet market demands by leveraging innovative technologies. With Emerson as a partner, you’ll have access to powerful automation capabilities that help reduce material waste and scrappage; improve productivity through more efficient changeovers; and deliver quality products through a cost-effective approach that respects your capital limits. You’ll also be able to reduce losses on your production line and on the shelf by employing technologies that ensure the accuracy of critical measurements, increase machine availability, and improve machine health and performance. And because safety of your operations and personnel remains critically important, Emerson can equip you with the means to enable safer interactions between operators and machines through innovative approaches that don’t force operators to choose between meeting production demands and staying safe. It’s all part of our commitment to empowering you with the tools, technologies, and expertise necessary to ensure your packaging operations remain safe, competitive, and profitable. Emerson brands include: • ASCO Fluid Control • AVENTICS Pneumatics • Branson Ultra Sonic Cutting and Seam Welding • Cascade Gas Leak Detection • Emerson Machine Automation Solutions • Micro Motion Flow Measurement • Rosemount Package Leak Detection www.Emerson.com www.Emerson.com/Packaging www.Emerson.com/Food-Beverage

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EMIRATES PRINTING PRESS, DUBAI P.O Box 5106, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +(971 4) 5039999 Email: epp@eppdubai.com www.eppdubai.com Based and operating in Dubai since 1974, Emirates Printing Press (EPP) is the leading printer of the region and has been honored with numerous awards for excellence and innovation in printing both regionally and internationally, including the USA. EPP has 5 plants covering more than 750 000 Sq.ft and 800+ strong workforce, making us the largest printing company in UAE equipped with the latest technology in pre-press, press and post-press. With the state-of-the-art facilities and huge production capacity in Sheet & Web Offset, Sheet & Rotary Gravure, Flexographic presses available and every process taking place in-house, we assure our clients of our best services with a short turnaround time. We specialise in printing and producing high quality Flexible Laminates & Pouches, Self-adhesive & Wrap-around Labels, Folding Cartons & Rigid Set-up Boxes for Perfumes, Cosmetics, Confectionaries, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals and Tobacco customers around the world. EPP’s unparalleled programs ensure clients of high-quality products. Our international standards of business excellence and human resources are certified by its accreditations like ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 22000, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 14298, BRC, HACCP and member of SEDEX, PSO, FSC, PEFC certifications. Please visit our website www.eppdubai.com to know more about our services .

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Encoder Products Company 464276 Highway 95, Sagle, Idaho 83860 Phone: 800-366-5412 Email: sales@encoder.com www.encoder.com Encoder Products Company (EPC) specializes in motion feedback devices. Our AccuCoder™, Accu-CoderPro™, and Tru-Trac™ encoders come with an industry-leading three-year warranty. With faster delivery than most other encoder manufacturers, and same-day expedite options on many models, EPC will get you your encoders fast. EPC has been a leading designer and manufacturer of motion sensing devices for more than 50 years, and we understand that each industrial automation application is different, and that you need encoders that fit the needs of your applications. That’s why our encoders are highly configurable, offering a wide array of shaft or bore sizes, output types, connector types, mounting options, and resolutions as high as 65,536 CPR. Our encoders also offer: • Programmable encoder options, giving you the flexibility to program them to your exact specifications • Robust mechanical housings for your harshest environments • Magnetic-based multi-turn absolute encoders that operate in the absence of power, without the need for gear trains or batteries • Magnetic encoder modules with sealing to IP69K • Programmable and absolute linear measurement solutions • The all-in-one Tru-Trac™ family of linear measurement solution encoders, offering an integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and pivot arm in one unit EPC’s corporate headquarters is right here in the USA, housed in our verticallyintegrated, 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility. When you call EPC, you’ll talk to real engineers and encoder experts who can help you find the right motion feedback solution for your application. Call us today.

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Enercon Industries W140 N9572 Fountain Blvd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 USA Phone: 262/255-6070 Email: rschuelke@enerconmail.com www.enerconind.com/sealing Induction Cap Sealers for Product Freshness, Leak Prevention & Tamper Evidence Enercon is recognized as the global leader in induction cap sealing and surface treatment solutions. Induction cap sealers create hermetic seals to prevent leaks, provide tamper evidence, preserve freshness, extend shelf life and deter pilferage. Our unique induction sealing head technology maximizes productivity and flexibility for contract packagers and dedicated packaging lines. The Super Seal™ Touch and Super Seal™ Max are ideal for high line speeds and offer an intuitive touchscreen control that unleashes powerful induction cap sealing features such as recipe control, operator lockout and integrated troubleshooting information. Enercon application experts can provide you with advice on foil sealing child resistant (CRC), dispensing, and standard continuous threaded caps, as well as other unique foil seal applications. For the first time ever, our baseline induction sealer, the NEW Super Seal™, is the most equipped and full-featured system on the market. It offers integrated stalled bottle, container rejection control and a menu-driven interface that provides operators with a more informative display for system setup and fault information. Additionally, the new All-in-One sealing head offers tremendous flexibility, allowing operators to optimize the induction field for an entire production range. For labs and small production runs, the tabletop Super Seal™ Jr. is the industry workhorse. Whether you are new to induction sealing or a packaging industry veteran, you will appreciate the application expertise and support provided to Enercon customers around the world. We offer quick start guides, application infographics, free webinars, training, and of course 24/7 service. Enercon also offers a complete line of atmospheric plasma and flame surface treaters. These systems improve adhesive and ink adhesion on many packaging applications such as folding cartons, inkjet printing, labeling and much more.

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EPI 1145 East Wellspring Rd., New Freedom, PA 17349 United States Phone: 800-755-8344 Email: EPI@ProMachBuilt.com www.epilabelers.com ABOUT EPI: EPI, a ProMach Product Brand, has been providing simple and durable labeling equipment for the packaging industry since 1981. Engineered for ease of use and reliability, EPI’s labeling machinery is designed to integrate to your packaging process. We take the time to understand each application and listen to our customer’s needs. PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABEL APPLICATORS AND LABEL PRINTER APPLICATORS that apply primary, secondary, and reclosable labels to numerous types of packaging. Whether a standalone application or custom solution, these systems integrate easily with your new or existing equipment. LABELING FLEXIBLE PACKAGING is what we do. EPI works with all the major VFFS and HFFS manufacturers so you can be assured that your installation will have the same high performance and solid reliability that have made EPI the industry standard in flexible packaging labeling. FOR SHORT-TERM PROMOTIONAL NEEDS, EPI maintains an extensive inventory of rental labelers ready to be deployed in as little as three weeks. TRAINING is critical to a project’s success too, therefore, EPI’s PMMI certified trainers offer outstanding after-sale support and are always available to service your equipment. ALSO AVAILABLE: Integrated labeling systems for most packages and materials, including clamshells, boxes, cartons, bottles, tubs, and premade bags. Whether your product is produce, protein, bakery, confections or more, EPI can engineer an integrated system to handle your labeling needs. Designed to label a variety of packaging with simple adjustments and reliable label placement, our integrated systems simplify your packaging process. Read more about EPI’s innovation in Packaging World: www.packworld.com/companies/epi-labelers

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Eriez 2200 Asbury Road Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/835-6000 Email: eriez@eriez.com www.eriez.com Eriez’ equipment for the packaging industry includes metal detectors and magnetic separators for metal contaminant removal, as well as a full line of vibratory feeders, conveyors and screeners. Eriez’ compact Vibratory Feeders handle high-speed packaging, difficult products like flour, leafy and gummy products, and high material flow applications. These electromagnetic drives are energy efficient, low maintenance with no moving parts, and can be mated with a range of sanitary and non-sanitary trays. Eriez Xtreme Metal Detectors offer best-in-class performance to safeguard against both ferrous and nonferrous metal contaminants. This equipment is very effective for identifying and removing stainless steel fragments in conveyed, gravity flow and liquid line sanitary processing applications. Detectors are positioned at different locations throughout the process from bulk and raw material through final package inspection. There is no better solution to ensure your product is metal-free than using Eriez magnets for steel removal and using Eriez Xtreme® metal detectors to reject nonferrous metals like aluminum, brass, stainless steel and more. Visit Eriez.com for FREE downloadable guides packed with information to help you choose the equipment you need to fit your unique application. Eriez.com features more than 250 packaging solutions, from our best-in-class vibratory feeders, conveyors, screeners, and metal detectors, to our wide selection of magnetic plates, grates and traps. Many of Eriez’ most popular magnetic separators, vibratory feeders and controls are available for next day shipment.

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Exair Corporation 11510 Goldcoast Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45249 Phone: 513/671-3322 Email: techelp@exair.com www.exair.com/52/prod_home.htm EXAIR Corporation manufactures Intelligent Compressed Air® products that improve manufacturing processes which involve blowoff, drying, cooling, vacuum, lifting and static elimination. Since 1983, EXAIR products have been engineered to reduce compressed air use, reduce compressed air noise exposure and increase safety for personnel. Their staff of industrial process experts are familiar with a wide variety of manufacturing segments and offer help to individuals trying to find the most efficient and effective solution to their problem. EXAIR’s industrial housekeeping vacuums have been engineered to withstand the dust, dirt, chips and liquids common to industrial environments. Ours have no electric motors or other moving parts to clog or wear out. Our NEW EasySwitch® Wet-Dry Vac simplifies the filter change process when switching from vacuuming a dry material to a liquid or vice versa. The EasySwitch is a powerful pneumatic vac that is ideal for any application – wet, dry, light and heavy. Also available are the Reversible Drum Vac, Chip Vac, Chip Trapper, Heavy Duty Dry Vac and Heavy Duty HEPA Vac. Our Built to Last warranty gives you the peace of mind that your vacuum will always work and outlast electric vacuums. EXAIR’s Gen4 static eliminator products have undergone independent laboratory tests to certify they meet the rigorous safety, health and environmental standards of the USA, European Union and Canada that are required to attain the CE and UL marks. The patented Intellistat® Ion Air Gun is the newest innovation from EXAIR. It is a lightweight solution for static and particulate elimination in sensitive processes. A complete line of static eliminators also includes Super Ion Air Knives, Ion Air Guns, Super Ion Air Wipes, Ion Air Cannons and Ionizing bars. This product line is available from stock and includes products requiring compressed air or not requiring air. When static is a problem on moving webs, sheet stock, parts or extrusions, EXAIR has the solution. EXAIR products are made in Cincinnati, OH and can be modified to suit a specific application. All of the cataloged products have a 30 Day Unconditional Guarantee, a 5 Year Built to Last Warranty, and ship factory direct from stock.

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Fabco-Air, Inc. 3716 N.E. 49th Avenue Gainesville FL 32609 USA Phone: 352/373-3578 Email: service@fabco-air.com www.fabco-air.com FABCO-AIR, Inc . . . Delivering interchangeable air cylinders in 3 to 5-days Fabco-Air is a US supplier of a wide array of pneumatic components and solutions that has been in business for 60 years. Since then, we have developed a specialty in manufacturing of interchangeable air cylinders. Our Florida production facility allows for quick response times and flexibility to meet the industry’s ever-changing requirements Pancake® Air Cylinders out-perform the entire field of compact air cylinders. Rugged construction provides unequalled strength, rigidity, and piston rod support maintaining perpendicularity and concentricity for locating, mounting and making attachments to the rod. Heavy wall prevents damage to the bore. 8 bore sizes 1/2” to 4”; strokes to 4”. F Series & H Series Cylinders - Fabco has purchased the Humphrey Stainless Steel Disposable Cylinder line, adding to our existing F-Series products. Global Series™ Cylinders - Features hard anodized aluminum extrusions, oversized hard chrome plated stainless steel piston rods, and non-lube service to 150 psi and many more options Pancake® II Air Cylinders –High strength composite cylinder barrel is self-lubricating and impact resistant. Rod bearing, captive in cylinder head, has higher load capacity, lower friction, zero slip-stick and many more options. OEM-Priced NFPA Air Cylinders –Incorporate important no-cost options. Standard features: • Adjustable air cushions both ends • Magnetic pistons • 303 Hard chrome plated piston shaft • Stainless steel tie rods • Special rod bushings provide selflubrication of piston rods • Anodized aluminum end caps • Factory lubricated with Magnalube-G® • Shipping in 3 to 5 days.

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Fallas Automation 7000 Imperial Drive Waco Texas 76712 Phone: 254-772-9524 Email: sales@fallasautomation.com www.fallasautomation.com

Since 1979, Fallas Automation has produced simple, compact case packers and automation support equipment. Our goal is to provide our customers with stress-free automated case packing lines, so you can increase your production and improve your bottom line. Fallas Automation celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2019. Dedication to machine quality and customer service are key reasons Fallas has been successful for so long. Fallas started producing semi-automatic case packers in the 1980’s, then adapted to the rapidly changing technologies and expanded our catalog of machinery. Today, we provide fully-integrated end of line case packing solutions for a variety of products. Markets, machinery, and customer needs have changed. Our heritage of constructing machinery to the highest quality standards and providing the most value for our customers has stayed constant. Fallas Automation systems can accommodate a variety of plant layouts, products, and customer needs with modular units that provide a successful end of line packaging system. With case erectors, case packers, case sealers, and product handling solutions, we set up each purchased system in our factory in Waco, Texas, before we disassemble and ship to your facility. This allows you to have full confidence that your system works as expected, and provides training opportunities for your operators before the machine has arrived at your facility.

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FANUC America 3900 W. Hamlin Rd., Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309 Phone: (888) 326-8287 Email: Marketing.Contact@fanucamerica.com www.fanucamerica.com/packaging If you’re evaluating your production operations, now is the time to consider automation. FANUC America is the leading supplier of robotics and factory automation with over 25 million products installed globally. We have the largest variety of easy-to-use robot and cobot models to pick, pack, fulfill or palletize any product. FANUC’s robots are reliable, flexible and able to handle payloads from 0.5kg. to 2,300 kg., including: •CRX-10iA collaborative robot is a reliable, flexible and easy to use solution for palletizing, packing and much more. •Food-safe DR-3iB/8L delta robot ideal for primary and secondary food packaging, and a complete line of delta robots designed for high-speed handling. •Expanded SCARA robot family has six models including two environmental options rated IP65 to withstand dust and liquids. •The popular LR Mate series of tabletop robots has ten models including ISO Class 4 cleanroom and food-grade variants. •The M-20iB/25 robot with an enclosed design and IP67 rating to withstand harsh environments. •Long-standing M-410iC series of high-speed palletizing robots. We offer application software for packaging and palletizing, integrated iRVision® and tracking features, ROBOGUIDE simulation, Dual Check Safety (DCS), and Zero Down Time (ZDT) designed to help customers monitor and manage their automation. FANUC and our team of Authorized System Integrators are ready to help you find the most efficient solution for your plant or fulfillment center. Let’s discuss how we can help you overcome production, supply chain and labor challenges by improving your OEE, flexibility, sanitation and safety. Also, we are committed to “Service First” providing customers parts and support for the life of their FANUC products. Discover the benefits of our robotic solutions! Read more about FANUC America Corporation’s innovations in Packaging World.

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FlexLink Systems, Inc. 6580 Snowdrift Road, Allentown, PA, 18106 Phone: 610/973-8200 Email: info.us@flexlink.com www.flexlink.com Factory automation solutions from FlexLink increase the overall efficiency of production by minimizing throughput time and non-value-added operations. Our standardized solutions have a strong impact on factory performance and capability to meet future demands. Our solutions are reconfigurable, reusable and requires minimal maintenance with low power consumption. FlexLink serves a wide customer base, from local producers to global corporations, and from end-users to machine manufacturers. Our customers are lead players within the food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and electronics industries. Global support is provided by our operating units in 30 countries and network of Strategic Partners. Our partner network is an important strategic element for FlexLink’s business model since our start in 1980, enabling us to enhance efficiency at factories in more than 60 countries. We invest in long-term relationships with customers and partners to develop and refine value adding products and solutions, geared for low cost of ownership. For more information about FlexLink visit www.flexlink.com.

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FOCKE & CO 5730 Millstream Road, Whitsett, NC 27377 Phone: 336/449-7200 Email: sales@fockegso.com www.focke.com The portfolio of FOCKE & CO is assigned to provide customized packaging solutions. The company activities are concentrated in two divisions, Tobacco and General Packaging for hygiene & tissue as well as food & consumer. The Tobacco division delivers ultra-high speed packaging machines for the tobacco industry and holds a unique market position. The General Packaging division provides customized packaging solutions for different products for the hygiene & tissue as well as for the food & consumer industry. For those, FOCKE & CO is specialized on tailor-made end-of-line packaging solutions, featuring for example gentle product handling for delicate products, such as snack food and bakery products. Additionally, FOCKE & CO serves the hygiene industry with high-speed packaging lines for packing products such as sanitary napkins, pads and diapers are packed into bags or cartons. In addition to the headquarter and divisions in Germany, the family-owned enterprise operates sales and service branches on all continents. Since the foundation in 1955, FOCKE & CO has delivered more than 21,000 machines to more than 70 countries. FOCKE & CO General Packaging equipment offerings range from: -

Stacking, bagging and cartoning machines for hygiene products Sideload and topload case packers Wrap around / tray case packer Bundling and palletizing equipment

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Fogg Filler 3455 John F. Donnelly Dr. Holland, MI 49424 Phone: 616/786-3644 Email: fogg@promachbuilt.com www.foggfiller.com Fogg is a market leader in the design and manufacture of rotary liquid filling systems including rinsers, fillers, cappers, sorters, and sanitizers. Fogg offers tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of companies in the dairy, juice, water, spirits, pharmaceutical, chemical, and other consumer packaged goods markets. Dedicated to superior craftmanship and service worldwide, Fogg continually finds ways to enhance filling performance in all situations, including extended shelf-life applications and assuring optimum production rates. Fogg offers air, water, and chemical bottle rinsing solutions. You have the option of one or two turrets depending on dwell time and chemical combinations required. Fogg also offers a new, near aseptic rinsing technology called Ultrazone 04® Fogg offers fillers ranging in size from 2 ft bowl diameters to 12 ft bowl diameters with speed capabilities ranging anywhere from 30 bottles to 1200 bottles per minute. Machine offerings can accommodate full ESL needs including class 100 HEPA air filtration, bottle and cap sanitizers, CIP trough systems, and full enclosure wash options, all the way down to “LT” models which highlight simple electronics, small footprints, and are ideal for lower production rates. Fogg cappers come in many types and sizes and have the capabilities to accommodate nearly any cap. Fogg offers a Standard Capper, ideal for snap and screw caps on square and rectangle bottles, and a 700 Series capper, capable of the previous mentioned caps as well as sport caps. Fogg’s Pick-n-Place Capper is great for increasing speeds on the previously mentioned caps and the Articulating Jaw Capper can accommodate nearly any shape or cap type ranging from screw caps to T-corks, to ROPP caps while maintaining high efficiencies. Sorters are also available to elevate and orientate your caps on their way to the capper. Fogg offers chemical and UV sanitizing solutions for both bottles and caps. Bottle sanitizers come in both inline and rotary to best accommodate your application needs. Fogg is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Filling business line, Fogg helps our packaging customers protect their reputation and grow the trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package.

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Formost Fuji Corporation 19211 144th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 Phone: 425-483-9090 Email: sales@formostfuji.com www.formostfuji.com What is involved in providing a packaging line that is efficient, reliable, and sustainable? Equipment efficiency is the result of many different features. Formost Fuji provides standard features such as a vision system that controls registration and makes for a faster film change, as well as an operation panel with a tablet-like, intuitive user interface. The Alpha 8 flow wrapper center seals are designed with induction heat technology that provides fast and consistent sealing, which in turn increases output and saves energy. These are just a few of many standard features that improve your packaging line’s efficiency. Reliability has been proven time and time again with our bagging and wrapping machines. Formost Fuji equipment is designed and built for years of dependable operation. In house dedication to the design and manufacturing of our equipment has positioned Formost Fuji as a leader in quality horizontal flow wrapping and bagging machines as well as automation systems that remain the most reliable in the industry. Formost Fuji is a leader in providing sustainable packaging lines for our customers. With eco-friendly materials continually improving, we provide free testing in our lab with your product and new films. This allows you to determine if the materials you are looking at will be in line with your product, package integrity, and marketing efforts. Other innovative solutions, such as eliminating foam trays within flow wrapping and working directly with film suppliers to test recyclable materials. You can count on your partnership with Formost Fuji to provide you with excellent customer service from the beginning of the sales cycle, through the build and delivery, and continuing with support, training, and onsite service for years to come.

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Fortress Technology Inc. 51 Grand Marshall Drive, Toronto, Ontario M1B 5N6, Canada. Phone: (888) 220-8737 Email: sales@FortressTechnology.com www.fortresstechnology.com Fortress Technology is proud to introduce their first fully integrated checkweigher, the RAPTOR. It is designed to take on the most demanding of checkweighing applications in a variety of production environments. Placed at any stage of your process, the RAPTOR promises precise inspection weighing packs up to 8kg while rejecting noncompliant products. The sleek, modular design has fewer components, allowing for a variety of reject systems to be installed, such as air blast, pneumatic pusher, and more. RAPTOR Checkweighers accurately remove non-compliant products while minimizing product waste, preventing costly recalls that may harm your brand identity. Manufactured with ease of maintenance in mind, this next evolution checkweigher features lift out conveyor belts that can be easily removed for sanitizing within seconds and without the use of tools. The hygienic design helps support sanitation processes with sloped surfaces to promote water runoff, while maintaining its ability to withstand harsh food production environments. RAPTOR Checkweighers are current with Industry 4.0 standards, offering the best in digitization and reporting. The intuitive 18.5” full colour touchscreen HMI allows the operator to efficiently select product changeovers. Operating the machine from this user-friendly interface reduces training time and increases operational awareness. The RAPTOR is available in a range of equipment including single frame standalone checkweighers, caseweighing for heavy bags and cases, and combination metal detection systems. Connect with us today to learn more about RAPTOR checkweighing solutions or find out more about how our customized metal detection solutions will enhance your food safety programs.

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Garvey 208 South Route 73 Hammonton, NJ 08037 Phone: 844/746-0492 Email: marketing@garvey.com www.garvey.com Maximize your line efficiency. Minimize your downtime. Whatever your product, Garvey can handle it. If you’re looking for ways to improve your throughput and increase efficiency, Garvey’s patented accumulation and conveyor solutions will help do just that. No matter your industry, Garvey has solutions to help you boost your throughputs by up to 30%. So whether you’re in beverage, food, household goods, personal care, or pharmaceutical processing contact us to learn how you can get more throughput/sq ft. “The Garvey team came in and assessed what was going on, ran some numbers based on theoretical run rates, and designed a system to help us reach our goals... We’ve been able to increase efficiency by about 30% in pounds per man-hour coming off the backside of the line. We also decreased our direct labor footprint. On a weekly basis, we’ve shaved off about 1,000 hours in direct labor costs associated with the packoff process.” - Josh Kosmala, Senior Director of Operations, Good Foods At the heart of all Garvey solutions is the Garvey Line Analysis. Here’s what we do: - Visit your facility to conduct a complimentary evaluation of your production and packaging lines (virtual options available) - Calculate each individual machine efficiency and net output - Find the total line efficiency - Recommend solutions for increasing your throughput

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Glenroy, Inc® W158N9332 Norxway Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: (800) 824-1482 Email: info@glenroy.com www.glenroy.com The TruRenu sustainable flexible packaging portfolio from Glenroy® features recyclable pouches & film laminations, post-consumer recycled (PCR) pouches & film laminations, the award winning premade STANDCAP Pouch in a PCR format & the new recycle-ready premade STANDCAP Pouch, an innovative 100% Polyethylene structure. As part of our TruRenu sustainable flexible packaging portfolio, the recycle-ready premade STANDCAP Pouch is a major win for the environment, consumers, retailers & food safety. Environmental benefits of the recycle-ready premade STANDCAP Pouch result in 44% less plastic (by weight), 42% less fossil fuel consumption, 52% less greenhouse gas emissions, 70% less water usage & 32% less landfill waste (after factoring in recycling rates). To help our customers achieve their sustainability goals, the TruRenu sustainable flexible packaging portfolio offers store drop-off recyclable pouches & film laminations that qualify for the How2Recycle® label program. Further reinforcing Glenroy’s commitment to sustainability, our TruRenu stand-up pouch has been certified for recycling through the NexTrex™ Recycling Program, a Trex initiative focused on sourcing, collecting & qualifying polyethylene film materials for use in the making of Trex’s world-famous composite decking. One of the first companies to adopt the TruRenu packaging was Walex Products Company. The pouch houses biodegradable septic tank treatment pods that pose no risk of contamination to the recyclability of the packaging material, thereby qualifying it for the NexTrex™ label. TruRenu press-to-close stand up pouches, film laminations & premade STANDCAP pouches are made with up to 53% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Our PCR packaging solutions are manufactured with resin that has been sourced from various plastic formats like milk jugs & water bottles. Poised to enable the circular economy, the TruRenu sustainable flexible packaging portfolio provides another step in the right direction to significantly reduce plastic waste. This portfolio is suitable for most industries including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutritional, pet food & treats, personal care & household products.

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GR-X Manufacturing 3800 36th Street SE, Suite 107, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 USA Phone: 616-570-0832 Email: sales@grxmfg.com www.grxmfg.com Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, GR-X Manufacturing designs and builds equipment that handles lightweight plastic, glass, or aluminum containers. Our popular line of palletizing and depalletizing equipment is a proven solution for loading and unloading full and half-height pallets. Our philosophy is “Equipment built well – Sales made simple.” We are a team of individuals that take great pride in going beyond the spec to understand the application, so we can ensure that the equipment we offer is the right one for the job. DEPALLETIZING EQUIPMENT GR-X depalletizers are an economical and efficient means to unload empty aluminum, glass or plastic containers from bulk layered pallets. Our depalletizers are robustly constructed, utilize quality components, and are designed with easy operation, reliable performance, and a compact footprint in mind. Discharge conveyors, decline conveyors, roller/chain conveyors, pallet stacker, and other options are available. PALLETIZING EQUIPMENT GR-X offers two options for palletizing your lightweight containers or cans. The manual tilt palletizer features easily operated controls for raising, lowering and manual pallet forming operation. The automated palletizer feeds your containers or cans onto a dual side load table top conveyor and automatically sweeps the cans or containers into the palletizer. Infeed conveyors, incline conveyors, roller/chain conveyors, automatic slipsheet placement, pallet dispensers, and other options are available.

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GRA Services International 5540 NE 2nd St.Oklahoma City, OK 73013 Phone: 405-672-8885 Email: info@graservices.com www.graservices.com GRA Services International, LLC is a privately owned, US-based company which specializes in the development of products and systems created to extend the useful life of various assets in the utility industry. GRA Services’ best known products are Secure Set, Secure Set Spray Foam, TimberBond, CPR, FRS and PE Fusion. GRA Services International was founded in 1994, and has provided the electric utility and telecommunication industries with solutions to repair, restore and extend the useful life of utility structures weakened by environmental conditions and/or human interaction. In the past ten years, the use of GRA’s unique products has expanded beyond the utility and telecom industries. Secure Set, which is a high-density, closed cell, expanding structural foam which is used as an alternative to concrete, provides end users such as municipalities the ability to rapidly install traffic signage; telecom companies to safely set satellite dishes and fence companies to erect or repair fences in a single day. Secure Set, as with other GRA products, provides end users with a competitive edge of increased productivity and profitability. GRA Services International, in addition to producing its own products, has created unique and innovative packaging solutions for the delivery and ease of application for its products. GRA Services now offers these same unique packaging solutions to all industries facing similar shipping and packaging challenges. GRA Services which is centrally located in the USA advantageously can ship its standard products and now its unique packaging solutions to companies throughout the nation. East and west coast customers at times can expect deliveries in as little as three days. GRA Services International’s goal in the development of all of its offerings, in everything from Secure Set to TimberBond, whether used to set fence posts or to repair utility structures, has always been to save companies and individuals time and money. Through its innovative packaging solutions, GRA furthers its efforts toward the same goal, offering to companies a greater step toward success that comes through hassle-free and easy-to-use packaging.

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Graphic Packaging International 1500 Riveredge Pkwy, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA Phone: 770-240-7200 Email: https://www.graphicpkg.com/contact-us/se add www.graphicpkg.com Graphic Packaging International offers industry and market-specific expertise and innovative thinking to create sustainable packaging that stands out in the highly competitive retail marketplace. As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of paperboard, folding cartons, microwave packaging, machinery solutions and foodservice containers, we continue to set new industry standards. Our top priority is to solve our customers’ packaging challenges and enable them to achieve their sustainability goals, while providing greater efficiency, which ultimately leads to boosting sales. The world’s most well-known and emerging brands rely on our paperboard and related paper-based materials derived from renewable resources to add value through increased sustainability and recyclability. We deliver the right paperboard for virtually any carton application including automotive, beverage, food, electronics, pharmaceuticals, health and beauty, e-commerce and many others. Graphic Packaging offers a complete line of innovative and reliable machinery systems that improve production line efficiencies and automate manual operations. Our packaging systems include multipackers for an extended range of beverage containers and secondary packaging machinery for many other products. Check out QuikFlex™ for fully enclosed cartons, Marksman™ for wrap cartons, Autoflex™ for beverage basket carriers, KeelClip™ for can multipacks and Cap-It™ G3 for PET bottles with neck rings. Our specialty machinery includes pick-and-place machinery, paperboard sleevers and cartoners, carton formers, neck-tag applicators, robotic solutions, and specialty machinery. Learn more at www.graphicpkg.com or contact us at https://www.graphicpkg.com/ contact-us/

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Harpak-ULMA Packaging, LLC 85 Independence Drive, Taunton, MA 02780 USA Phone: 508/884-2500 Email: info@harpak-ulma.com www.harpak-ulma.com Looking for the lowest total cost of ownership and highest quality packaging automation solutions available for food, medical devices, and other non-food products? We can help you navigate today’s complex, rapidly changing packaging landscape. We help balance costs and functionality with innovative and emerging processes, materials, and advanced technologies, and enhance your profitability and improve the performance of your primary and secondary packaging operations. Our full-service solutions address installation, training, spare parts, service and customer support. Our capabilities span robotics and automation, thermoforming, tray sealing, ﬁlling, ﬂow wrapping, stretch, blister, skin pack, and vacuum. Every smart, connected G. Mondini and ULMA packaging platform utilizes Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture to reduce solution complexity and maintenance costs, while realizing better quality, capacity, and throughput. We also partner with PTC to incorporate Augmented Reality tools. It all lets us leverage data to enhance your operation and realize greater productivity and efficiency. We are focused on the environment, aiming to help you meet demand while meeting your sustainability initiatives. Our sustainable packaging options include less plastic use, thinner gauge films, optimized package sizes, reduced film scrap, and alternative packaging materials. Our customers rely on us to help them optimize their overall packaging investment, from start to finish. We offer package design and prototyping services, and can help solve production concerns with comprehensive flexible and efficient systems. We help strategize how to tackle today’s most complex packaging challenges, such as sustainability, eCommerce, robotics and digital transformation. We focus on lowering your TCO and offering the most reliable systems available. With consistent, professional and timely customer and technical service, our partnership extends well beyond your purchase.

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HAVER & BOECKER USA 460 GEES MILL BUSINESS CT NE, Phone: 770/7601130 Email: info@haverusa.com www.haverusa.com Haver & Boecker USA is the global leader in bagging, filling and palletizing equipment and material handling solutions. Our portfolio includes silos, mixers, lump crushers, flow control gates, valve bag packers, form-fill-seal baggers, FIBC fillers, drum and tote fillers, can and pail fillers, conventional and robotic palletizers, and complete automation services. We strive to provide the best service experience through on-site and hands-on training, spare part availability and technical support. We serve all markets from start to finish. Technology Solutions: Storage Silos Material Handling Components Valve Bag Packers Form-Fill-Seal Baggers FIBC baggers Drum/Pallet Liquid Fillers IBC/Tote Fillers Pail/Canister Fillers Low/High Level and Robotic Palletizers Are you experiencing performance issues with your bags? Let us help analyze your bags and come up with a plan to increase your production and reduce product loss.

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H.B. Fuller Company 1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, P.O. Box 64683, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0683 Phone: 651/236-5900 Email: inquiry@hbfuller.com www.hbfuller.com H.B. Fuller is a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants, and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives. Our product line includes hot melt, water-based, starch, solvent-based, and solventless adhesives in addition to adhesive coated tapes, primers, and coatings to meet the needs of rigid and flexible packaging applications. At H.B. Fuller, we understand our customers’ evolving business needs and challenges, leading us to create innovative adhesive solutions that enable new packaging applications and product packaging solutions for a variety of different situations. While our products are virtually invisible, they play a vital role in ensuring the quality and convenience of modern life. With a sharp focus on a circular economy model, H.B. Fuller is committed to sustainability and we are tackling these issues by creating products that reduce energy usage, minimize waste, and more. As consumers’ priorities continue to evolve around composability, recyclability, and reusability, H.B. Fuller consistently works to create solutions that help customers stay on-trend and meet their sustainability goals. As a certified member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network, H.B. Fuller uses our e-commerce expertise to manufacture adhesives, starch additives, and patented adhesive coated tapes and equipment designed specifically for the e-commerce industry. We offer sustainable e-commerce solutions that are tamperevident, enable easy opening and returns, and use the least amount of packaging material possible. With this approach, online retailers lower their environmental impact and differentiate themselves in the market. At H.B. Fuller, we know that the right solution for your business is more than the adhesive product. We are pleased to be a knowledgeable resource that offers complete solutions to optimize your capabilities for rigid and flexible packaging. Our team of sales and technical professionals partner directly with our customers’ technologists and engineers who lead and drive the decisions to bring their innovations to market. From demonstrations in our Packaging Center of Excellence or on our commercial sized in-house laminator, to full qualifications of our adhesives, we have the solutions to address the rapid growth and rigorous requirements of your industry.

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Heat and Control, Inc. 21121 Cabot Boulevard Hayward, CA 94545 USA Phone: (510) 259-0500 Email: info@heatandcontrol.com www.heatandcontrol.com Heat and Control®, a world-leading equipment manufacturer, offers the latest technology and the highest quality equipment for processing, coating and seasoning, conveying, weighing, packaging, inspection, and controls and information systems, and develops innovative solutions for production challenges. Established in 1950, Heat and Control is a privately-owned company and has 11 manufacturing facilities, 12 testing centers, and more than 30 offices around the world. Heat and Control has partnered with other global manufacturing leaders, including Ishida (weighing packaging and inspection) and CEIA® (metal detection), and their brands include FastBack® (horizontal motion conveyors and on machine seasoning), Mastermatic (fryers), and Spray Dynamics® (coating and seasoning application systems). Heat and Control can offer a single machine or can integrate several components into a complete system and assume single-source responsibility. Heat and Control is also able to assist manufacturers with equipment for all types of food, pharmaceutical, and non-food products, as well as provide pre- and post-sale technical support, including applications assistance, engineering, installation, parts, service, and training to maintain peak efficiency. Heat and Control has built an extensive knowledge bank and developed a wealth of experience and expertise with access to production and technical support from a network of engineers, food technicians, field service technicians, skilled tradespeople, and support teams to provide food and non-food manufacturers with the ability to achieve their production goals. Contact us to visit one of our demonstration centers to test products on the latest equipment.

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High Tek USA 12420 Gold Flake Court Phone: 800-504-7120 Email: sales@hightekusa.com www.hightekusa.com Since 2004 High Tek USA has been providing superior service work to the food packaging industry. We have evolved to making the High Tek Combination Weigher and many additional line packaging enhancements. Our Family of Equipment includes: Combination Scales, Platforms, Conveyor Systems, Metal Detectors, Check Weighers, Jarring Equipment, Bagging Equipment and Capping Systems High Tek offers a two year Equipment Parts Warranty and is backed with Superior Services Packages that can be customized to the customer. Our technitians are also experts in the Ishida Branded Scale. Our motto is simple. With this philosophy, you will win. Experience Performance Support Success

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Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America 2730 Greenleaf Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847-956-6600 Email: Marking.Info@hitachi-iesa.com www.hitachi-iesa.com/marking Hitachi’s Continuous inkjet printers feature up to 6-Lines of printing capability on a multitude of porous and non-porous packaging materials. The UX Series builds upon an impressive history of continuous inkjet printer manufacturing, resulting in hundreds of thousands of printer installations. • Reliability – Hitachi’s UX Series provides the ability to run longer with less intervention – less need to clean the print head, and less need to change filters resulting in higher production numbers for you. Quite simply, Hitachi builds the most reliable continuous inkjet printers in the world today. • Ease of Use – Hitachi UX Series features an intuitive 10.4” color TFT LCD touch panel for easy message creation and management. The UX Series also allows operators to easily change filters without tools, in less than 5 minutes. Our flexible umbilical design enables traditional or ’90 degree’ mounting, all within the unique tapered print head. Our easy “one Button” shutdown feature, including automatic print head cleaning, allows operators to reduce time associated with end of production maintenance, while ensuring an easy startup for the next production run. • Efficiency – Hitachi brand products have always been known for their efficiency, designed to lower your total cost of ownership. Building on 35 years of experience, our UX Series offers even more ways to save including the best fluids management system available. Our innovative ink return system ‘pulsates’ the ink return stream, effectively reducing air exposure with ink. Hitachi has developed a vision system specifically able to isolate each character in the dot matrix inkjet printing while most vision systems on the market today are limited in their ability to read dot matrix printing found on primary packaging. This provides some key benefits to manufacturing companies: • Specifically developed to accurately read inkjet codes regardless of the printer brand being used • Isolation of each character to detect code degradation • Threshold grading system individually set for your application By designing a vision system specifically for inkjet printers, any code that is readable by the human eye can also be passed by the vision system, getting more production out the door.

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Honeywell Intelligrated 7901 Innovation Way Mason, OH 45040 Phone: 866/936-7300 Email: info@intelligrated.com www.intelligrated.com Honeywell Intelligrated designs, manufactures, integrates and installs complete material handling automation solutions, including conveyor, IntelliSort® sortation, Alvey® palletizers, Honeywell Robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems, and voice- and light-directed picking technologies — all managed by advanced machine controls and our best-in-class Momentum software (WES, WMS, LMS, eSIM, MC4, MCBL). By drawing on an ever-expanding portfolio and deep industry expertise, we provide best-fit, scalable, integrated solutions to help businesses optimize and manage their entire fulfillment processes, from receiving to shipping — and everything in between. In addition, our solutions enable customers to leverage data from machine-level sensors to provide real-time equipment monitoring, diagnostics and asset-level insights to boost reliability, throughput and performance. By analyzing real-time and historic data, users can detect equipment conditions that could impact performance and provide real-time alerts to help resolve critical issues before they affect the entire operation.

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ID Technology 5051 N. Sylvania Ave., Ste. 405, Fort Worth, TX 76137 Phone: 888-438-3242 Email: IDT@ProMachBuilt.com www.idtechnology.com Along with EPI, Panther, Greydon, and Code Tech, ID Technology is part of ProMach’s Labeling & Coding business line. We integrate industry-leading solutions for labeling automation, product coding and label converting within the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, household, and industrial goods industries. Along with the labeling products ID Technology manufactures, we also distribute coding solutions made by our select team of business partners. LABEL PRINTER APPLICATORS (PRINT AND APPLY LABELING SYSTEMS: ID Technology builds the best-selling range of print and apply labeling systems in North America. These systems are designed specifically for on-demand printing of barcodes, shipping information and other data onto your secondary packaging and pallets. Each system can accommodate a variety of applicators, depending on your needs. From a straight tamp, to corner wrap, to multiple panel applications, our printer applicator systems are designed for your specific requirements. LABELS AND TAGS: As a leading label converter, ID Technology operates multiple label converting plants in the US and Canada. With major investments in technology and people, ID Technology is your national label company with local manufacturing and support. SHIPPING CASE CODING: ID Technology’s high-resolution case coders can add variable information such as barcodes, text and graphics to your corrugated shipping cases – often replacing the need for pre-printed boxes. PRODUCT CODING: With multiple technologies, including continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, laser coders and thermal transfer overprinters, ID Technology can handle just about every product coding application. SERVICE, SUPPORT AND TRAINING: With service technicians located across the US and Canada, ID Technology always has local support available. In addition, our technicians are graduates of the PMMI Certified Trainer program, ensuring your maintenance staff and operators get the best training possible.

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1/4/22 5:34 AM

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Ideal-Pak/PASE Group 4607 Dovetail Dr, Madison, WI 53704 Phone: 608/241-1118 Email: sales@ideal-pak.com www.idealpakpase.com The Ideal-Pak/PASE Group is a leading provider of high accuracy filling and packaging solutions to the paint & coatings, chemical, lubricant and food & beverage industries for over 50 years. Our customized liquid filling and packaging machinery and integrated liquid filling & packaging lines provide our customers with cost-effective, flexible, and reliable production capacity. Our lifetime machine service and spare part offerings have made us a leader in providing liquid filling and packaging machine solutions to companies large and small. Liquid Filling Solutions Ideal-Pak/PASE Group has liquid filling machine solutions for most products, container sizes, batch sizes, fill speeds and budgets. Including net-weight, volumetric flow meter, overflow, piston, and gear pump offerings. Semi-automated portable filling machines to fully automated in-line fillers that fill any product in containers ranging from small bottles, pails, drums & totes. Container Handling Ideal-Pak/PASE Group has an array of container handling solutions including a Semi-Automatic Depalletizer that assists operator by sweeping empty containers from a pallet to the filling line. An Automatic Pail Denester that continuously feeds empty pails into your filling line without the need for an operator to pull pails apart and our Automatic Depallitizer. Lid Placing, Closing & Automatic Sealing Ideal-Pak/PASE Group has closing machines that seal friction and press-on lids in a wide range of container sizes and lid types. Ideal-Pak® closer assemblies are easy to setup and integrate with many systems. Our lid placing machines are highperformance container handling solutions for a variety of applications from half pint to 5-gallon containers. Reduce labor costs by fully automating your in-line filling operation with an automated lid placer system. Integrated Filling Lines Ideal-Pak/PASE Group has solutions for fully integrated paint/coating, specialty chemical, lubricant, food and beverage and personal care liquid filling and packaging lines. Depalletizing, Liquid Filling, Lid placing and Closing, Capping, Labeling, Palletizing, Case Packing and Custom Conveyor Designs are included in our solutions.

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IMA FLX 105 Pheasant Run - Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 215/579 2900 Email: info.flxhub@ima.it www.ima.it/en/flexible-packaging-hub IMA FLX. The One Stop Supplier For Flexible Packaging. The new IMA FLEXIBLE PACKAGING HUB is where the production of all machines in the flexible packaging chain converge. Everything needed to process all types of flexible packaging for the Food, Pharma, Wet Wipes and Pet markets is right here. The full array of leading technologies brought together in one facility, where a onestop supplier drives the quest for excellence, sustainability, constantly researching innovative solutions and new eco-compatible materials. IMA FLX HUB, taking advantage of synergies and integrations with IMA Group companies and thanks to proven expertise gained in food & non-food industries’ key applications, offers fully engineered solutions delivering highly ecient flexible packaging lines to maximise your line’s OEE, with real time operator-specific production and diagnostics data. From automatic loading systems to cartoning, from product feeding and handling to single and multiple flow wrapping. Weighing solutions coupled with vertical baggers and end of line equipment. IMA FLX HUB is your perfect partner for delivering turn-key horizontal and vertical solutions. Its high-speed flexible automation systems are capable of the highest production throughput requirements. The portfolio includes also systems for modified atmosphere applications (M.A.P.) and vacuum, as well as machines for 4 side seals multi-lane and sticks, fold pack and sandwiching. The HUB also offers counting solutions, dosing devices and complete, fully automated Doy pouch lines.

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Independent Can Company 1300 Brass Mill Road, Belcamp, MD 21017 Phone: 410-272-0090 Email: contact@independentcan.com www.independentcan.com Excellence in Metal Packaging Independent Can Company has been manufacturing specialty metal packaging in the USA since 1929! The company has grown from a single location in Baltimore, Maryland, to six strategically located facilities nationwide. Our portfolio of specialty cans is the largest in North America. Continuous Improvement: We are the leader in state-of-the-art metal decorating with continuous investment strategies. Our lean manufacturing practices are constantly being evaluated and improved. We have skilled and experienced packaging experts throughout our operations. We remain customer, market and improvement driven. Products: Steel packaging promotes, protects and is 100% infinitely recyclable. Our product line includes a breadth of decorative promotional cans for snacks and confections, as well as hermetic food cans. Our portfolio also features hermetic cans for industrial applications including chemical containment and welding electrodes, a broad array of high quality seamless, candle and wax tins as well as metal closures. Food Safety: Our facilities are SQF (Safe Quality Food Institute) Certified. We have been audited and approved by national companies such as Target, Kraft-Heinz, Zippo, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and many others. Programs: Independent Can features a year-round stock decorative tin program – the only one in the USA. We offer custom lithography, special finishes, embossing, and more. We partner with companies to build their brands with tailored packaging solutions. We’d love to discuss your project.

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INSITE Packaging Automation 1705 34th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 Phone: 320/762-7830 Email: InfoConnect@insitepackaging.com www.insitepackaging.com Packaging automation from a new perspective. YOURS. At INSITE, our focus is case erectors and case sealers. We’re passionate about leveraging packaging automation technology to make our machines simpler and smarter. Our case formers and sealers have been designed by some of the market’s best engineers and product specialists. They’re built with your vital resources - your time, your budget and your operators’ safety - top of mind. We do this by packing our fully automated packaging machines with features and benefits we know you’ll appreciate. Case Erectors. INSITE Case Erectors utilize robotic technology to enable next-level simplicity and reliability. They’re designed for effortless setups, quick and easy changeovers in three steps, consistently square cases and more - all while boasting 40-50% fewer parts and less maintenance. Case Sealers. INSITE’s sealers combine a smart, clean, simple design with proven packaging automation technologies for an efficient, consistent, clean top seal. They’re safe, simple, accessible and packed with function, all while maintaining operational efficiency and effortless maintenance. INSITE has been built upon the time-tested foundation of Douglas Machine. For over 55 years, Douglas has earned its reputation as an industry-leading problem solver for the toughest packaging issues. INSITE harnessed that seasoned creativity, knowledge and commitment to bring you this streamlined approach to standardized packaging equipment. Superior Service. Our customer support begins well before any purchase. We take a decades-long legacy of superior customer service and apply it to all our interactions with you. Our aim is to be your partner in smart packaging equipment for decades to come. We’re here, ready to help. Straight. Forward. INSITE.

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IPG (Intertape Polymer Group) 100 Paramount Drive, Suite 300 Sarasota, FL 34232 Phone: 800/474-8273 Email: info@itape.com www.itape.com Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (IPG) is a recognized leader in the packaging industry. Leveraging its advanced manufacturing technologies, extensive research and development capabilities and a comprehensive strategic acquisition program, IPG has assembled the broadest and deepest range of products in the industry. IPG’s product offering includes carton sealing and industrial tapes (masking, filament, duct/cloth, double coated, flatback, foil and electrical), stretch and shrink film, protective packaging products and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. IPG also specializes in high performance tape products engineered for demanding aerospace, marine, automotive and industrial applications. The comprehensive product offering and market specialization uniquely positions IPG as the supplier of choice for leading packaging and industrial distributors and large end users across a diverse cross section of industries. IPG employs approximately 3,800 employees with operations in 32 locations, including 21 manufacturing facilities in North America, five in Asia and one in Europe

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Intralox 301 Plantation Drive, Harahan, Louisiana Phone: 888-427-2358 Email: CustomerService.MatlHandling@Intralox.com www.intralox.com Intralox is the leading conveyance solutions provider helping move the world’s most critical products. Our extensive portfolio of technologies and services enhances food safety, powers e-commerce, and solves challenges for industries ranging from food processing to industrial manufacturing to logistics and material handling. Our business model relies on direct collaborative partnerships rather than distributors. Serving and supplying directly provides you with distinct advantages, including: - Extraordinary customer service - Industry-specific expertise - Faster innovation and implementation cycles Our Packer to Palletizer consists of three core facets: Expertise, Service, and Technology. Our approach helps you fully integrate these areas in order to realize the best possible results, both now and in the future. By partnering with us at the start of your next project, you can achieve key objectives, including: - Increased productivity - Improved total cost of ownership (TCO) - Less floor space required - Future ready, flexible lines By working with Intralox early in your project, you can achieve this and more with the right components and the right services before, during, and after installation— delivered on time, every time.

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ITW Hartness 50 Beechtree Blvd, Greenville, SC 29605 Phone: (864) 297-1200 Email: info@hartness.com www.hartness.com ITW Hartness, a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), is the first choice in secondary packaging solutions. Our product portfolio includes high-quality accumulation, packing and palletizing equipment that deliver unprecedented OEE, and lead the industry in using IIoT technology to maximize customer value. ACCUMULATION—Recognized as the global leader in first-in, first-out, pressure-free accumulation, our proprietary DYNAC portfolio includes single-file, mass flow and floor level models to fit any application. With a small footprint flexible enough to handle a wide variety of packaging types, our products are relied on by leading consumer goods companies to prevent micro stops and increase uptime – saving you money. PACKING—No matter how complex the package, our innovative packing solutions deliver speed, flexibility, and cost savings. Top load drop packing, shrink, tray, wraparound, and robotic case packing solutions make up our diverse portfolio. We work with customers to provide the solution best equipped to meet the unique needs of your product mix and operation. PALLETIZING/DEPALLETIZING—With more than 500 robots installed and long-tenured experience on our team, ITW Hartness leads the industry with our proven palletizing and depalletizing equipment. Built to handle a wide range of products and packaging formats with no expensive change parts and fully automated changeover, customers see ROI in as little as 18 months or less. AFTERMARKET—Downtime is expensive. That’s why our experienced customer support team is available 24/7. From onsite service and machine rebuilds to training and equipment updates, customers rely on ITW Hartness to provide unmatched expertise and support. And with HartnessPARTS, ordering parts is now as easy as the click of a button. We’re proud to offer HartnessCONNECT and HartnessCARE. These industry-leading programs allow you to take control of your equipment’s health and longevity while getting real-time support from our experts when you need it most. SYSTEMS INTEGRATION—Using a DYNAC-centric line design philosophy and best-inclass approach to machine center selection, our expert integration team helps select customers maximize end-of-line efficiency. Projects are validated using simulation software to assess performance, allowing customers to understand their investment and ROI even before the install. With proven experience helping customers increase throughout and lower cost of ownership, our equipment portfolio adds reliability and flexibility to any line. Count on ITW Hartness to help you pack it better and faster. That’s all we’ve been doing for our customers since 1940.

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Jadex Inc. 1303 S. Batesville Road, Greer, SC 29650 USA Phone: 864/879-8100 Email: info@jadexinc.com www.jadexinc.com We help people make a material difference every day. Jadex Inc. is a US-based manufacturing and material science company utilizing innovation and technology to develop sustainable products that serve the medical, industrial and consumer markets. The range of products includes custom-designed plastic components, engineered nylon resins and monofilaments, zinc products, and temperature-controlled products that solve both medical and consumer challenges. Jadex Inc. operates out of 19 facilities across the US, UK and Puerto Rico and has approximately 1,800 employees. Inventors of the world’s first foam ice chest, Lifoam™ has been a pioneer in thermal protective products for both industrial and consumer use for nearly 60 years. Now, Lifoam™ works with companies who are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of their cold-chain shipping operations by providing leading-edge sustainable solutions marketed under their Envirocooler™ product line. Envirocooler™ EVG utilizes an additive-infused expanded polystyrene (EPS) that breaks down in a landfill in less than four years while maintaining the thermal and material properties of traditional EPS. Made from 100% biobased materials, Envirocooler™ with Bioffex™ technology allows for landfill degradation in less than four months without leaving microplastics behind. For nearly 50 years, Alltrista™ has been striving to positively impact people’s lives with their products. Experts in the design and manufacture of rigid packaging and custom molded solutions, Alltrista™ specializes in innovative, high-volume, precision manufacturing for the medical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, specialty, and high-end consumer markets. By incorporating new technologies, such as Compression Blow Forming (CBF), Alltrista™ can offer reduced base material, light-weight packaging that minimizes impact on the environment while maximizing cost and efficiency. Forever pushing the limits of polymer science, our Shakespeare® division is dedicated to creating innovative material solutions for the challenging needs of today’s marketplace. Shakespeare’s engineered nylon resins are custom developed for a broad range of flexible and rigid packaging applications requiring high-barrier properties. Their NOVADYN™ brand offers high transparency and gloss while providing improved gas and aroma barrier and excellent abrasion resistance.

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James Alexander Corp. 845 Route 94 Blairstown, NJ 07825 Phone: 908/362-9266 Email: info@james-alexander.com www.james-alexander.com Located in northern New Jersey, James Alexander Corporation (JAC) is a leading contract manufacturer and custom filler of single-use crushable glass and plastic ampoules. Its manufacturing facility features unique, company-designed equipment and produces its patented plastic ampoules, among other product offerings. Stemming from an uptick in demand, James Alexander Corp. is currently adding manufacturing space. Scheduled for completion in Q2 2021, the expansion will provide more capacity for servicing key markets including pharmaceutical (OTC & Rx), medical devices, health & beauty products, first aid and diagnostics. JAC’s patented single-use plastic ampoules, which have undergone various enhancements since their initial market introduction, are available in a variety of colors and with an array of applicators, offering singlehanded activation in a customizable format. Meanwhile, the company’s glass ampoules can be filled and assembled in single-use swab or dropper packages. JAC also recently introduced a winged device, THE ACTIVATOR™, which provides easier activation for these glass formats. Other services include autoclave sterilization for glass ampoules, blister packaging and formula compounding. Plastic Unit-Dose Dispensing Systems James Alexander Corp.’s revolutionary plastic ampoule combines style and ease of use through single-handed activation. With just a gentle squeeze, the inner membrane ruptures, allowing the contents to be dispensed by the user. The plastic ampoule is available in sizes up to 5ml, as well as a range of colors and applicators. Unit-Dose Glass Swabs James Alexander Corp.’s unit-dose swabs offer the stability of glass in one- or two-part systems allowing for convenient application of pharmaceuticals and health aids. JAC also produces single-use glass ampoules for inhalation and dropper tip assemblies for the dispensing of liquids.

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Kaufman Engineered Systems, Inc. 1260 Waterville-Monclova Rd. Waterville, OH Phone: 419-878-9727 Email: Info@KES-USA.com www.KES-USA.com Kaufman Engineered Systems is designated as a Level IV Authorized Systems Integrator for FANUC Robotics, their highest level of attainment. We apply FANUC robot technology to provide customers with complete end of line system solutions. The solution may be as simple as a dedicated palletizing cell, or as complex as a multi-line handling and palletizing system. No matter how big or small, Kaufman Engineered Systems addresses each project and customer with the same integrity and professional response. Kaufman Is Your Single Source For Complete Line Automation Some of our product offerings include: Robotic Palletizing and Depalletizing High Speed Picking and Placing Case and Tray Packing Robotic Load Labeling Fully Automatic Stretch Wrapping Automatic Machine Loading Material Handling Conveyor Systems Service And Support: Kaufman has over 75 years of experience and our reputation as a premier supplier of the most reliable and robust-built end of line automation equipment stands alone as a leader in the industry. Each end of line system is accompanied by Kaufman Engineered Systems impeccable service and support commitment. Kaufman is a partner you can rely on to respond quickly and efficiently when having a service need. Your end of line system will have service options to choose from including quarterly, semi-annual, or annual maintenance support with one of our Qualified Kaufman Technicians.

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Kawasaki Robotics (USA), Inc. 28140 Lakeview Drive, Wixom, MI 48393 Phone: 248-446-4100 Email: info@kri-us.com KawasakiRobotics.com AT KAWASAKI ROBOTICS, WE USE HUMAN INGENUITY TO DEVELOP DIFFERENCE MAKING ROBOTICS. What does that mean? It means that the people of Kawasaki Robotics are what separates us from the rest. We promise to deliver excellent robotic solutions while being there every step of the way ensuring you get the service and support you need from project inception to commissioning with no hidden costs. As a leading supplier of industrial robots and automation systems, Kawasaki Robotics leverage years of experience and innovation to design complete solutions for highspeed palletizing and packaging applications. These proven solutions take the guess work out of automation and eliminates risks, lower costs and quickens implementation. In addition, Kawasaki robots are built for reliability, ease of maintenance, while offering a superior working range, payload and speed for maximum flexibility. Our suite of software programs simplifies the integration and installation process and combined with our energy savings features, open source simulation and offline programming software, users have an impressive lineup that is the very essence of human ingenuity. Let us show you how we meet the demand for smart and flexible manufacturing, minimize production costs, all while being your trusted automation partner.

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Klöckner Pentaplast Food Packaging 3585 Klöckner Road Gordonsville, VA 22942 Phone: +01.540.832.3600 Email: kpinfo@kpfilms.com www.kpfilms.com In the kp Food Packaging division, the sustainable protection of everyday needs is very important to us. Our aim is to ensure you get the most sustainable total food packaging solutions that not only protect your food products while extending shelflife and reducing food waste, but that can also be recycled. We operate across a vast range of fresh food categories, supplying thermoformed trays, rigid films for form, fill and seal applications as well as flexible barrier and stretch films to protect your products. With 20 manufacturing and distribution facilities across 14 countries worldwide, we maximise the value we deliver to our customers while understanding and meeting local needs. Market Knowledge Supplying solutions for the food packaging starts by understanding market and consumer trends and anticipating their needs. kp works with top brands and retailers to understand and develop unique solutions to make them innovators in their markets. Global Leader in Recycled Content Our inhouse PET flake cleaning process allows us to use up to 100% post-consumer recycled PET to further support your sustainability goals and optimize the carbon footprint throughout the entire value chain. Product Management and Design With over half a century of experience supporting the food market, kp is uniquely positioned to offer market knowledge, in-house design capabilities and a complete solution to support our customers’ growth opportunities.

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Klöckner Pentaplast - PHD 3585 Klöckner Rd Gordonsville, VA 22942 Phone: 540/832-3600 Email: kpainfo@kpfilms.com www.kpfilms.com Focused on delivering its vision: The Sustainable Protection of Everyday Needs, kp is a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging, and specialty film solutions, serving the pharmaceutical, medical device, label film, consumer packaging, cards/graphics, and home building and construction markets. With a broad and innovative portfolio of packaging and product films and services, kp plays an integral role in the customer value chain by safeguarding product integrity, protecting brand reputation and improving sustainability. kp’s “Investing in Better” sustainability strategy solidifies its commitment to achieving ten clear targets for long-term improvement by increasing recycling and recyclability of products, cutting carbon emissions and continuous improvement in employee engagement, safety, and diversity, equity and inclusion. kp has earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings, putting kp in the top 3% of companies rated in the manufacturing of plastics products sector. Founded in 1965 kp has 31 plants in 18 countries and employs over 5,900 people committed to serving customers worldwide in over 60 locations. Collaboration is integral with each opportunity. With a cooperative approach, kp’s expert technicians visit you on-site to consult, troubleshoot, train, and provide all the necessary solutions to help optimize film performance. You can also work together with a designated team at the kp i.center, designed specifically, to serve the pharmaceutical, nutritional supplement and thermoforming industries. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and expert staff, kp is dedicated to help you improve current packaging and create new sustainable solutions.

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Krones, Inc. 9600 South 58th Street Franklin, WI 53132-6241 Phone: 414-409-4000 Email: sales@kronesusa.com www.kronesusa.com Every day, millions of bottles, cans, and PET containers run through a Krones line. As a supplier for complete systems, Krones provides breweries, beverage bottlers, food producers and CPGs all over the world with both individual machines and complete turnkey production lines. Our technology offerings are comprehensive and everexpanding, with solutions from process technology, filling, and packaging all the way through material flow, IT, automation, and container recycling. With our comprehensive Lifecycle Service (LCS) aftermarket support program, Krones further provides full engineering and manufacturing support for implemented production solutions – up to 24 hours, 7 days-a-week. The robust online platform Krones.shop provides a user-friendly experience to not only order spare parts, but also manage substitution lists, maintain customized stockkeeping, track upgrades, overhauls, and more. You can even access training from our Krones Academy for your team on the site to fully maximize your equipment investment. The combined power of Krones German-based engineering coupled with the expertise of our North American-based subsidiaries – Trans-Market, Process Data & Automation, Javlyn Process Systems, System Logistics/Vertique, MHT, and W.M. Sprinkman – provides this market with some of the most comprehensive solutions available. In October 2020, Krones launched the Krones Process Group North America to provide a more cohesive offering to the beverage, dairy, and food industries across the region. Krones Inc. is headquartered in Franklin, Wis. and is the North American subsidiary of Krones AG based in Neutraubling, Germany. For more information visit www.kronesusa.com

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Label-Aire, Inc. 550 Burning Tree Rd. Fullerton, CA 92833 Phone: 888-664-8111 Email: info@label-aire.com www.label-aire.com Label-Aire is the worldwide leading manufacturer of pressure-sensitive labeling machinery. Over 50 years ago, Label-Aire introduced a revolutionary new method for applying pressure-sensitive labels. The patented “air-blow” concept provided the packaging industry with labeling machines. This new preferred method of label application eliminated the need for additional product handling. Our pioneering technique has gained complete acceptance. The widespread growth of pressure-sensitive labels in existing and new markets worldwide resulted. Labeling Made Easy When our customers asked for a labeling machine that was easy-to-use and production-tough, we took plenty of notes. Our advanced Primary Applicator line of labeling equipment delivers top-notch performance on even the most difficult applications. Our labeling systems and labeling equipment are loaded with features: Making operating labeling systems simple and virtually maintenance-free, automatic setup, user-friendly control panel & display, stepper motor technology, and Zero Downtime labeling capabilities. And it’s all backed by the industry’s most experienced and responsive labeling systems distributor network. Focus On Innovation and Saving Customers Money Since our inception, Label-Aire’s focus has always been on providing customers with the most inventive, intelligent, and reliable pressure-sensitive labeling machines. The result? Over 50 years of satisfied customers with lower operating costs and higher productivity than our competitors.

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Mamata Enterprises, Inc. 3210 59th Dr E Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 United States Phone: (941) 205 0227 Email: sales@mamatausa.com www.mamata.com Just think about this! Increasing productivity is at the core of everything you do to achieve OEE targets. That’s why, speed and change-over processes are game changers in the manufacturing world today! Mamata introduces a conventional, yet unconventional option, M 200 Ultra, a simplex HFFS roll stock machine that delivers up to 120 ppm without sacrificing changeover times and footprint. The machine is based on conventional servo technology, which gives you comparable outputs to a duplex or machines based on complex linear servo technology. It offers OEE of 95% or higher & the format changeover under 30-minutes including filling section increases uptime & efficiency. It has SS corrosion resistant machine frame with the option of 316 L. Carousel design for filling section makes changeovers quick and easy The excellent servo web tension control system & Independent seal time & seal pressure control delivers pre-made pouch quality seals. It offers flexibility to package pouch sizes from 80 – 200 mm. 2 Filling stations giving you flexibility to either package more than one product in a pouch or use 2 fillers on same machine. We also offer large format HFFS Machines. Our Premade Pouch filling systems can fill pouch sizes from 125-300 mm at upto 50 PPM. This takes care of 99% of the single-serve to club size pouches. It can handle 3SS Pouches, reclosable SUP & Flat bottom pouches with terminated gussets and zippers. Mamata serves the plastics and packaging industry for over 30 years offering equipment for film extrusion, converting, and packaging. Globally, our footprint expands to over 90 countries with more than 5000 converting machines working in the field. In North America, we have over 450 installations and growing rapidly. For your pre-sales and after-sales support, our Florida location is at your service with spare-parts, local technical support, and sales consulting. For more information, visit our website www.mamata.com or Contact us today!

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Markem-Imaje Country100 Chastain Center Blvd., Suite 165 • Kennesaw, GA 30144 Phone: 770-421-7700 Email: marketing@markem-imaje.com www.markem-imaje.us Creating value for our customers around the world through innovation, customer intimacy, and a unique experience Markem-Imaje is a trusted global manufacturer of product identification and traceability solutions. Our connected solutions help manufacturers to reduce waste, increase efficiency, achieve compliance and protect their brand. We offer the most complete range of market-leading marking and coding systems along with software, services and consumable solutions so you can streamline all your printing needs from one supplier. For decades we have defined the possibilities of coding with superior technology, implementation, and services. With the technical leadership in coding hardware and software implementation and the most extensive global network coverage in the industry, we can meet any needs from local producers to global corporations, and from end-users to system integrators. Why choose Markem-Imaje All businesses, from an entrepreneur with a growing brand to a large firm with an established global presence, are looking to optimize operations, increase customer satisfaction and comply with obligatory regulations. At Markem-Imaje, our unique range of coding solutions will help you build a smarter, better-integrated business. Whether you need data control software solutions, fully inclusive pallet tracking, permanent codes or food grade inks, our proven expertise in advanced coding technologies will maximize the efficiency of your packaging line, strengthen your digital supply chain, and support the future growth of your business.

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Massman Automation Designs 1010 Lake St, Villard, MN 56385 Phone: 320/554-3611 Email: sales@massmanllc.com www.massmanllc.com Massman Automation Designs has been supplying packaging equipment to the food and beverage, dairy, poultry, consumer goods, paint & chemical, and building trades for over 40 years. Whether you need a single packaging machine or an entire end-ofline solution, Massman can design and build the packaging equipment to maximize your packaging efficiency and reduce your packaging costs. Over the years, Massman has built a heritage of rugged, reliable machines that are easy to use, easy to service and stand up to the harshest environments. Case Packing Solutions Massman has case packing solutions for every application, from small footprint, lowspeed applications to large high speed continuous motion case packers. Our case packers handle wraparound, RSC knock down, display ready cases, harness style, and tray blanks. Flexible Pouch Packaging Massman pouch fill and seal equipment handles virtually all types and sizes of pouches including stand-up resealable pouches (SURPs), which have become very popular due to their low weight and on-the-shelf advantages. Palletizing Massman offers a small footprint, low-cost gantry palletizing solution, a high-entry palletizing solution, and robotic palletizing solution capable of handling multiple conveyor lines. Case Erect and Seal Massman case erectors and sealers incorporate its proven case handling and sealing technologies (hot melt adhesive or tape) into a standalone machine allowing for case erecting or sealing applications that do not require an all-in-one case packaging system.

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1/4/22 7:14 AM

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Material Transfer & Storage, Inc. 1214 Lincoln Rd, Allegan, MI 49010 Phone: 269-673-2125 Email: sales@materialtransfer.com www.materialtransfer.com Material Transfer & Storage (MTS) is an industry leader in the custom design and manufacture of bulk bag filling, conditioning and discharging systems for dry powders and bulk solids. Focused on serving the customer well, all of our equipment is built the way it should be built: robust in design, elegant in operation, simple to use and easy to maintain. This guiding principle has fueled our growth for more than 30 years. EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS The Power-Fill® Bulk Bag Fillers offer a complete range of filling solutions, from a simple durable unit for low volume filling, to a highly sophisticated, automated system for high-volume production. Well-designed and solidly built with rich feature sets, they are easy to use and maintain. A broad range of options make custom-designing solutions for specific applications easier and more cost-effective than ever before. The newly enhanced Material Master® Bulk Bag Conditioner leverages our patented design and unique feature set to bring customers the most advanced conditioning technologies at reduced price points. Flexible programming and touch-screen operator interfaces ensure consistent material conditioning, eliminate unnecessary labor, and reduce costs associated with bag breakage, production bottlenecks and compromised employee safety. The Material Master™ Bulk Bag Discharger features patented technology for clean, dust-tight discharge of your materials. Container & Drum Dischargers are also available to discharge any size container at heights to 40’. These products are supported by the highest standards of excellence in service. Our service doesn’t end when our products ship. From operator training to equipment evaluations, service contracts, remote equipment monitoring and more, our teams are focused on doing what’s right for each of our customers: keeping their equipment up and running efficiently and safely.

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Matrix Packaging Machinery 650 N. Dekora Woods Blvd. Saukville, WI 53080 Phone: 262) 268-8300 Email: Matrix.Info@ProMachBuilt.com www.MatrixPM.com World Class Flexible Packaging Solutions Matrix, a leader in vertical form fill seal packaging equipment, delivers rugged, wellengineered, easy-to-use packaging systems backed by a large world-class service and parts teams. Our VFFS machines can produce a variety of bag styles, such as pillow, gusseted, flat bottom, quad, and modified doy. We have the ability, knowledge, and commitment to tailor highly efficient and profitable packaging systems for our customers on a global scale. We work collaboratively, as part of a team with our customers to assess and determine their needs to customize a world class packaging solution specific to their project. Our customers find packaging success in a variety of markets, including bakery, candy, coffee, tea, disinfectants & sanitizers, dressings, sauces, cold chain, dried/frozen meats, IQF, fruits & vegetables, liquid products, pet foods/treats, nutraceuticals, snack foods, and non-food products. As a ProMach brand, Matrix is in the unique position to provide customers with a wealth of knowledge throughout their entire packing system. And we can facilitate integrating packaging and processing products and solutions for diverse companies throughout the world. Matrix partners with INVpack, and Pacraft (formerly Toyo Jidoki), to provide a comprehensive flexible packaging solution. INVpack, a leading provider of high quality stickpack/sachet systems for flexible packaging applications. INVpack was the first form-fill-seal company specializing on the stickpack format. Technologies continually evolve to follow rigorous security and hygienic rules including Ultra Clean format. Pacraft (formerly Toyo Jidoki), a leader of high quality automated pre-made pouch packaging systems efficiently load, open, fill and cap pouches. Suitable for liquid and non-liquid applications producing a precise dependable seal. Matrix supports a complete flexible packaging product, providing solutions you need, when you need them. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. To learn more about the Matrix difference visit us @ MatrixPM.com

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Matthews Marking Systems 3159 Unionville Rd, Suite 500, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 Phone: 1-800-775-7775 Email: info@matw.com www.matthewsmarking.com Matthews Marking Systems is a global supplier of marking and coding solutions for product identification, branding, and traceability. We solve your industrial or consumer packaged goods marking and coding challenges throughout your whole production line, from out-of-the-box products to custom engineered systems. You can count on us for effective solutions that add value to your product line – we’ve got you covered. When you work with us, you get high-quality marking and coding systems for your production line. We pair printing and coding systems with innovative software and quality inks to give you the best codes, graphics, and text on a wide variety of packaging and substrates. Our goal is to enhance your marking and coding systems so your production line has fewer interruptions, faster changeovers, easier integration and better results. We are who you want to partner with when reliability and quality can’t be compromised. From thermal inkjet printers and drop-on-demand systems to labelers and lasers – we have the equipment and expertise to solve your most difficult marking and coding challenges. Looking for customized ink, OEM equipment or custom engineered systems? We do that too.

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METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection 1571 Northpointe Parkway Phone: 813/ 889-9500 www.mt.com/pi

Email: pi.marketing@mt.com

METTLER TOLEDO is the world’s largest manufacturer of product inspection equipment, delivering a wide range of solutions for foreign body protection, regulatory compliance, and improved profits. Systems range from economical to state-of-the-art with customized material handling solutions. Safeline metal detectors automatically reject every type of metal contaminant in all types of bulk and packaged products, Safeline x-ray inspection systems use highperformance image processing to detect and reject all types of dense physical contaminants, as well as measure mass, check for missing or broken product, and confirm fill levels to guarantee product and package integrity. CI-Vision machine vision systems verify label content and integrity to prevent recalls. The use of these systems in your food safety program can help you prove due diligence, pass regulatory audits, and protect your brand. Hi-Speed checkweighers are offered in a wide range of sizes and configurations to handle nearly any package type or design at high speeds to ensure accurate product delivery, reduced giveaway, and an optimized production processes. Patented weighing technology and a vast amount of package handling expertise ensures repeatable performance from the first to the last package weighed maintaining tight production tolerances. PCE provides comprehensive solutions for Track & Trace programs with serialization and aggregation software, hardware and product handling using stations or integrated kits for existing packaging machinery. As a member of OMAC, METTLER TOLEDO is committed to connectivity and data storage and retrieval to help meet regulatory requirements. Inspection systems can be connected using a variety of methods, including our own ProdX data collection and management software.

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MFT Automation 4821 White Bear Parkway, St. Paul, MN, 55110 Phone: 651-407-3100 Email: sales@mftautomation.com www.mftautomation.com MFT Automation provides high-performance packaging systems, robotic integration, friction feeding, labeling solutions throughout the world. With state-of-the-art control technology and robust mechanics, our products feed, label, insert, place, and package quicker and and more accurately to provide a greater value of return. All MFT equipment and accessories can easily be integrated with other machines to provide a total system solution for any application. MFT Automation’s process is engineering-oriented and customer-driven. We have a methodical design approach that delivers solutions for any application. We work with you to understand your machine specifications and develop a reliable solution. From our first meeting discussing your project to the final testing and delivery of your machine, we are committed to providing you with the highest customer support and best quality product. MFT Automation was founded in 1996 as Multifeeder Technology by the Nordling family. In 2021, Multifeeder was renamed MFT Automation to fully encapsulate the growth, capabilities, and expansion of product lines. In our 25 years of existence, we have grown to a company of over 60 employees with equipment installations throughout the world. Recently, MFT enhanced capabilities by partnering with Mitsubishi Electric Automation as a Diamond Partner to provide a robotic, end-of- arm tooling option for a wide variety of packaging solutions. Our robotic capabilities range from simple pick-andplace applications to more complex packaging needs. Robotic integration brings many benefits to any packaging line, and is the perfect piece to finish off a fully integrated system. Robots are available in ISO3 clean room, IP20, IP65, food grade, and chemical resistant versions. Payloads range from 1 kg to 20 kg with 150 mm to 1000 mm reaches. From the simple to complex, MFT Automation has a solution for your packaging challenges

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Michelman 9080 Shell Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 Phone: 513-793-7766 Email: info@michelman.com www.michelman.com THE ROLE OF FLEXIBLE PACKAGING IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD As brand owners work to create packaging that engages and connects with consumers, flexible packaging offers the ability to balance sustainability, protection, and the convenience that consumers demand. Flexible packaging addresses these key industry drivers through material and resource efficiency, increased shelf life that prevents food waste, high product-to-packaging ratio, transportation benefits due to light-weighting, and reduced materials to landfill. DESIGNING WITH THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN MIND Michelman experts develop new materials and coatings with a “sustainability first” approach, prioritizing health & safety during use, and recyclability after use. Our next generation primers, barrier coatings, topcoats, and heat seal coatings offer increased functionality while maintaining a sustainable package, with opportunities to reduce waste, provide product protection, and use fewer raw materials. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS FOR ORIENTED FILM, FOIL, AND PAPER SUBSTRATES Michelman’s water-based Michem® Flex packaging family is a complete system of enabling technologies that allow for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions. Our coatings are developed to work together, but also flexible enough to work independently with existing coating systems to create superior packaging for food, medical, and consumer goods applications.

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mk North America, Inc. 105 Highland Park Drive, Bloomfield, CT 06002, USA Phone: 860/769-5500 Email: info@mknorthamerica.com www.mknorthamerica.com Since 1988, mk North America, Inc. has been engineering and manufacturing a wide variety of packaging and factory automation solutions. mk offers what no other conveyor company or aluminum extrusion company can offer – complete conveyor and aluminum extrusion lines. mk’s aluminum frame conveyors are built out of mk’s t-slotted aluminum extrusion, which means they can be easily added to or have additional accessories mounted to them. This also means that mk conveyors are fully compatible with mk’s aluminum extrusion and vice versa. mk’s conveyor offering includes: • • • • • • • •

Belt conveyors Plastic modular belt conveyors Timing belt conveyors Chain conveyors Roller conveyors Flexible flat top chain conveyors Pallet-handling systems Specialty conveyors

mk’s aluminum extrusion offering includes: • T-slot profiles in four different families to meet application specific demands • Close sided profiles for cleanrooms and laboratories • A complete offering of accessories from angles to hinges, braces and floor supports, closure strips and end cap • Guarding with doors, windows, and a wide variety of paneling options • Workstations that can standalone or mount to conveyors • Machine bases for all types of equipment • Carts, racks, planning boards and so much more • Items can be ordered as raw stock, cut to length of assembled When you work with mk, you are working with a leader in mechanical industrial automation equipment. mk provides the best possible experience from concept,

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Modular Conveyor Express - MCE 600 S. Commercial St., Neenah, WI 54956 Phone: 844-293-2816 Email: jpesicek@modularconveyor.com www.modularconveyor.co Partner for Your Success Modular Conveyor Express (MCE) is the dedicated distributor network of Nercon. Selling exclusively through MCE Distributor Partners, MCE complete conveyor systems are designed by Nercon engineers and backed by Nercon quality standards. This network includes distributors located across the United States who are fully supported by an MCE team of conveyor experts able to understand and respond to the specific operational needs of the MCE distributor network on an individual basis. Conveyor Designed by Nercon Built to maximize productivity, MCE complete conveyor systems provide a significant competitive advantage to MCE distributors. Developed and designed by highly skilled Nercon engineers over countless hours of analysis and testing, MCE conveyors skip the costly start-up of a custom process and begin with a core of proven equipment making your projects more cost-effective and MCE’s turnaround time an advantage — 4 weeks! MCE’s conveyor systems are manufactured at Nercon’s production facility in Oconto, Wis., where Lean Manufacturing practices are employed to increase quality, identify any wasteful operations, and reduce unnecessary costs. As an industry leader in manufacturing conveyor systems and equipment, we are proud of the advanced technology and unparalleled quality our distributors can count on. Contact us at (844) 293-2816 to learn more about becoming a distributor of MCE. www.modularconveyor.com

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Mold-Rite Plastics 2300 Highland Road Twinsburg, OH 44087 Phone: 518/561-1812 Email: marketing@mrpcap.com www.mrpcap.com Mold-Rite Plastics is the leading provider of high-quality jars and closures used every day by millions of consumers around the globe. Providing the unique combination of innovative design solutions and quality products at industry-leading customer experience levels, you can depend on Mold-Rite to deliver safety, compliance, shelf impact and consumer satisfaction. Count on the experts at Mold-Rite Plastics to support your nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, personal care, household chemical and automotive packaging projects. Innovative. Reliable. Responsive. It’s all part of our package. Among the company’s complete line of products: • A vast CT Closure selection • Child Resistant Closures • Jars, Vials and Fitments Dispensing Closures including: Back and top-hinged disc tops, flip tops, Twist-open, Strap cap Our promise to our customers is to provide an unmatched experience in delivery performance, order flexibility and lead times. It is our daily commitment to deliver exceptional products and service that help our customers and distribution partners realize their value potential by making them more competitive and more profitable. From fast order shipping of a wide range of stock components to developing custom product solutions with our in-house innovation team, Mold-Rite is a trusted supplier to leading distributors and manufacturers who understand that closures are a small, but important part of how people experience their brands.

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Morrison Container Handling Solutions 335 W. 194th Street Glenwood, IL 60425 Phone: 708-756-6660 Email: info@morrison-chs.com www.morrison-chs.com Morrison Container Handling Solutions Designs Innovative Packaging Solutions – That Solve Your Unique Container Handling Challenges. Innovation in pursuit of greater line efficiencies has kept Morrison Container Handling Solutions the leading manufacturer of custom container handling equipment for over 50 years. Utilizing a variety of our product lines to create a custom system for our customers’ unique container handling needs; we continue to manufacture timing screws (feed screws), drive units, change parts (stars and guides), can openers, down bottle rejects, auto adjust rails, and custom solutions to address any line related efficiency issues. With PMMI Certified Trainers on staff, we fully back our customers with Support Built In®. From design to manufacturing and installation, our team backs your team with support and assistance at any time every step of the way, even if you need it years down the line. Do you need to fill, cap, code, date, weigh, inspect, orient, stack, variety, denest, divide, combine, or label containers? If you do, Morrison designs innovative solutions to these challenges that reduce changeover time, increase throughput, eliminate operator interventions, reduce labor demands, and so much more. Timing screws, change parts, and custom solutions don’t just meter, they are great for: FEEDING • TURNING • GROUPING • TWISTING • INVERTING • COMBINING • DIVIDING Morrison’s one clear objective is to supply you with the best custom solution to move your container where it needs to go, perfectly, every single time. No two containers are the same, so your handling systems should be as unique as your container. Before arriving at your facility, Morrison tests and approves each custom designed solution so you’re ready for installation. Leading the industry in fast service and expert follow-up, our experienced engineers often make “house calls,” working alongside your team to: • Diagnose problems • Design and install solutions • Ensure smooth operation.

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Mpac Group 6500 Kitimat Road, Unit 1 - Mississauga, ON L5N 2B8 Phone: 905-670-7200 Email: sales.americas@mpac-group.com www.mpac-group.com We’ve been helping businesses evolve to meet new challenges for over 100 years. Most companies sell automation machines - we create Automation Ecosystems to develop and optimize your manufacturing process. Using ingenious and limitless thinking; we are leaders in cutting edge packaging automation and transformational technologies; working across the Pharmaceutical, Health & Personal Care, Food & Beverage and Consumer Goods sectors helping world-class companies to adapt and grow. Our Global Whole Line Integration capabilities include: Product Assembly, Filling and Dosing, Product Handling & Infeed, Cartoning, Case Packing, Tray Forming and Palletizing. And we know that consistent uptime is critical for sustained success, so with Mpac; installation is just the start. Combining in-person essentials with innovative new digital tools, our Mpac Cube is the service engine that will propel your business towards production goals through Connectivity, Productivity and Sustainability. Our solutions span; Advanced Engineering, Information Management, Connected Services, Machine Insight, Core Services and Training. As your whole life service partner, Mpac gives you the confidence you need - today and tomorrow. With operating sites in the UK, Canada, USA and the Netherlands, plus sales & service locations in Singapore and Thailand; our global teams can support you, wherever you are in the world.

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Multi-Conveyor 25 Windustrial Road, P O Box 10 Winneconne, WI 54986 Phone: 800-236-7960 Email: info@multi-conv.com www.multi-conveyor.com We are a custom and standard conveyor manufacturer. Our products are multiple and unique. No one product defines Multi-Conveyor. We’ve designed and engineered some of the most simplistic to most revered conveyor solutions ever manufactured. The goal is to provide a more functional, affordable conveyor while maximizing productivity or saving essential floor space in the process. Our Designers and Engineers factor in safety, ease of use, maintenance, longevity, sanitation and agency compliance (as required) and quality components, making sure to meet or exceed your requirements. We bring technology driven operator-to-controls communications encompassing functional engineering designs; HMI interface and servos that provide faster, more efficient changeovers to feed various line packaging, case packing and pallet forming configurations. Flexibility in product shapes, weights and sizes are matched for increased throughput and future expansion. If this research is not done up front and a system is purchased on lowest initial cost, a poorly performing conveyor and extremely expensive retrofit could have you scrambling with interrupted production and a major headache in the process. When comparing conveyor systems, make sure they’re apples-to-apples. Don’t settle for anything less. Take the Multi-Conveyor challenge. Even if you’re satisfied with your existing conveyor supplier, let us quote your next project. Chances are, we’ve already built a system that’s similar to the project you’re working on right now - or made one pretty dang close.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

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MULTIVAC, Inc 11021 N Pomona Avenue Kansas City, MO 64153 Phone: 800/800-8552 Email: muinc@multivac.com www.us.multivac.com MULTIVAC is passionately committed to creating value-added packaging solutions that enable our customers to grow, innovate, and succeed. We pride ourselves on setting the industry standard in technology, efficiency, and reliability through our expertly engineered products. With the most experienced team in the industry, we help you develop the perfect package suited to your product, your brand, and your objectives for profitability. Our extensive product portfolio is as diverse as the technology and standards, which we have developed for a wide range of applications and products. We systematically direct our view to our customers’ needs- developing and implementing solutions, which above all, create added value. This applies to resource efficiency, process reliability, and operating safety, hygiene, and reproducibility. Our commitment begins with the first consultation and continues through comprehensive worldwide technical service and support for as long as you own your MULTIVAC equipment. To provide customers with a single source supply network, MULTIVAC offers thermoforming, traysealing, and chamber packaging machines along with portioning, labeling, printing, inspection, and automation equipment solutions. In addition, MULTIVAC Certified Films are designed and tested for optimal performance on MULTIVAC packaging equipment.

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National Bulk Equipment, Inc. 12838 Stainless Drive, Holland, MI 49424, USA Phone: 616.344.5887 Email: sales@nbe-inc.com www.nbe-inc.com National Bulk Equipment (NBE) designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, and commissions equipment, systems, and fullstream projects for packaging and processing of dry and liquid bulk materials. NBE bulk material handling applications include: discharging, filling, conveying, mixing, storage, packaged-product reclamation, and material infeed. The extensive portfolio of NBE equipment resources and project delivery capabilities is applied across the full scope of packaging and processing operations. The NBE fullstream advantage provides upstream raw material discharge and storage systems, midstream raw material conveying and processing systems, and downstream finished product packaging and reclamation systems. CPG project owners, contract packagers, contract manufacturers, AECs, and OEMs leverage the NBE engineer-toapplication (ETA) project delivery experience to move their bulk material packaging and processing projects beyond the constraints of build-to-order or engineeredto-order machine manufacturing. ETA project delivery brings mutually defined expectations, tangible performance benefits, and project confidence to bulk material packaging and processing projects delivered by NBE. See how NBE will advance your project delivery experience and improve your total process performance. View product feature demos, schedule a livestream test of your material, or request a rep visit at: nbe-inc.com or, call: 616.344.5887. National Bulk Equipment is a portfolio company of NBE Holdings Company, based in Holland, Michigan.

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Nercon Conveyor Systems 600 S. Commercial St, Neenah, WI 54956 Phone: 844-293-2814 Email: sanklam@nercon.com www.nerconconveyors.com Nercon is a conveyor systems manufacturer, providing solutions to the food, beverage, health, beauty and pharmaceutical packaging industries since 1976. An essential part of any production line, Nercon’s conveyor systems are operating in nationwide consumer packaged goods manufacturing facilities, where uptime is critical in the efficiency of operations. Designed with a Purpose® Our ProCore® brand serves a unique purpose in the Nercon conveyor product line. Developed by highly skilled engineers over countless hours of analysis and testing, ProCore® conveyors skip the costly start-up of a custom process and begin with a core of proven equipment making your projects more cost-effective and our turnaround time faster. The ProCore® conveyor family maximizes performance and minimizes downtime. Conveyor designs range from MatTop, belt and TableTop, moving a variety of packaging. Keep It Clean Built to maximize productivity, HydroCore® is our sanitary and washdown conveyor systems designed to withstand rigorous sanitation practices and daily hygienic procedures. HydroCore’s® hygienic designs disassemble, washdown, sanitize, and reassemble easily. Our uniquely innovative sanitary design is known for its versatility and durability, adding value across all product operations. Nercon’s conveyor systems are manufactured in Oconto, Wis., where Lean Manufacturing practices are employed to increase quality, identify any wasteful operations, and reduce unnecessary costs. As an industry leader in manufacturing conveyor systems and equipment, we are proud of the advanced technology and unparalleled quality our customers can count on. Contact us at (844) 293-2814 to partner on your next project. www.nerconconveyors.com

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New England Machinery 2820 62nd Avenue E. Phone: 941-755-5550 www.neminc.com

Email: info@neminc.com

OUR STORY New England Machinery was founded in 1974 by a group of innovative packaging engineers. Today we have thousands of machines worldwide on every continent. OUR EQUIPMENT NEM specializes in Unscramblers, Cappers, Orienters, Lidders, Pluggers, Pump Placers, Scoop Feeders and much more. As opposed to outsourcing we in-source, giving us unparalleled control over the lead time, cost and quality of our equipment. Machinery is designed by our in-house engineering team and is born of raw material that travels through our machine shop, welding, fabrication, assembly, tuning, and quality control to become your state-of-the-art container handling machine. OUR SERVICE We are committed to building lasting relationships with our customers. This is the reason every machine we have built since our inception is still supported 24/7 by NEM experts on our dedicated service team. OUR ACHIEVEMENTS New England Machinery is a Certified Woman Owned Business and is proud to have received the: Export Achievement Award from the US Commercial Service; the Florida Governor’s Business Diversification Award for Export Excellence; and Sterling Finalist Award for Manufacturing and Business Excellence. Even more impressive is our company-wide commitment to safety, achieving over 4 years without injuries or incidents. OUR NAME We frequently get asked where the ‘New England’ part of our name comes from when people find out we are located in Bradenton, Florida. Though we have been located here since 1989, NEM was founded in the New England region of the United States in 1974, specifically Stamford, Connecticut.

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Nita Sentient Labeling Systems 1051 Du Viger Street, Terrebonne Phone: 855/668-NITA (6482) Email: Sales@Nita.ca www.NitaLabeling.com Nita is beyond anything you have ever seen. Welcome to Labeling 4.0! Imagine a suite of software with tools designed simply to ENSURE YOU ARE RUNNING. All the time. The Nita 4.0 Sentient Labeling system does just that. Every Nita comes with: 100% speed synchronized, all-Servo technology engineered with off-the-shelf, nonproprietary electronics and software. No PLC’s. No micro-processor boards. Just Servo Technology! Ultra-fast, total-replication product changeover system where all physical changeover points on the labeler are clearly identified by innovative alphanumeric, color-coded scales that relate to a map in the HMI. A self-diagnosing system that actually identifies possible issues and suggests fixes or when parts need changing or servicing. A Wi-Fi enabled Panel PC HMI running Windows 10 IoT Software. Parts ordering directly from the machine via built-in 3D drawings that scale down to your specific required item. Daily Preventative Maintenance schedules and video tutorials with tiered level tasks. A powerful SCADA platform providing real time O.E.E. and other performance data. NitaCare lifetime no-charge live tech support built right in your screen at the push of a button. Yep. Nita builds the best labeling machines you can buy. This is the brand that PROMISES to do anything and everything required to make your labeling life as easy and productive as it can be. It is why we exist. Come learn more at www.nitalabeling.com or call us any time! We cannot wait to meet you. For the love of labeling! Your Nita Team

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Nordson Corporation 11475 Lakefield Drive Duluth, GA 30097 Phone: 1800/683-2314 Email: adhesiveleads@nordson.com www.nordsonadhesive.com Nordson is recognized as the world leader in hot melt adhesive dispensing systems for the packaging industry, with comprehensive product lines that include tankless dispensing systems, adhesive melters, applicators, nozzles, hoses and pattern controls as well as tracking and verification systems. Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated in extensive research and product development. As a result, all Nordson systems and components are designed and built for precise, reliable and repeatable adhesive dispensing. We help automate your packaging operations with products and solutions with a low total cost of ownership. Our adhesive systems help customers achieve a lower cost per package and reduce adhesive usage. Our solutions maximum package integrity and provide flexibility to meet changing market demands. Because one solution does not fit all applications, we offer a variety of systems to fit a wide range of needs. Our ProBlue® Flex melter is advanced technology that adapts to any operation with ease and simplicity. It brings together all of Nordson’s most intelligent adhesive application technology for data-driven precision that is honed to meet your unique requirements. This ensures consistency in the correct amount of adhesive all of the time. The ProBlue Flex melter is complemented by Nordson’s new BBconn Controls, which allows for remote operation, more visibility, real-time oversight, and the data and analytics needed for continuous improvement. We offer a range of adhesive applicators, including both pneumatic and electric options, that can be programmed to produce stitched beads or dots of adhesive. The MiniBlue® II applicator packs high performance, high speeds and long-term reliability in a compact size. When paired with the EcoBead™ Inspect, no programming is needed. The EcoBead Inspect automatically learns your glue pattern and implements stitching without compromising accuracy or bond strength. Plus, this intelligent device can verify adhesive placement to ensure the integrity of every package and can gather data for continuous improvement.

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Norwix Marking Systems 31 Clinton Avenue, Norwich CT 06360. USA Phone: 860-823-3090 Email: sales@norwix.com www.norwix.com Norwix supplies Marking and Coding solutions for the industrial marketplace that have a low cost of Ownership, total reliability, and the only real Lifetime warranty in the industry. With design, development and manufacturing based wholly in the USA at the Connecticut based HQ, Norwix provides rugged and effective variable data printing equipment and solutions to OEMs and integrators in the commercial packaging, graphics and mailing markets throughout the world. New Products are constantly being developed with our dedicated team of in-house software, hardware and firmware engineers based on specific customer and market needs. From new software features to meet the needs of changing demands and regulations, to working with our sales partners to grow opportunities and revenues. Existing turnkey Norwix products can be private labeled to meet existing corporate look and colors - from specific anodized colors to graphics on the product itself. At a much deeper level, just the essential products that enable the creation of individual printing solutions can be supplied, using Print Controller boards, print driver boards and print stalls. Even inks can be private labeled to guarantee an ongoing revenue stream. In the packaging market, Norwix has developed the innovative and highly configurable iSP, which provides a versatile, cost-effective and solid solution to meet variable coding needs in a range of Vertical Form Fill Sealers For High-Speed, high-resolution applications, the UV Curable, piezo based iM2 printer is perfect for the packaging market. With a small footprint, higher throughput, lower costs and proven technologies, it is proven as a solid performer. Its clean design, simple to operate interface and low maintenance process ensure a short learning curve and rapid implementation of any new installation. For more information go to www.norwix.com

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Novembal 8606 W Ludlow Drive, Peoria, AZ 85381, USA Phone: 623-334-7928 Email: contact@novembal.com www.novembal.com Turnkey solutions for your business For over 60 years, Novembal has been a leader in plastic cap design and injection. Our extensive knowledge of the markets, our experience and our commitment to continuous quality improvement, place us among the industry leaders. By offering our customers innovative solutions, we help them maintain and build their competitive position in the market. We support our customers in each step of the process, from the conceptualization of the closure designs through industrialization and beyond: Design Services Our experts help customers turn their ideas into reality by providing innovative designs that make their products stand out on the shelves. Once the concept is validated through pilot tooling, an industrial solution will be provided. Production Services We emphasize unique solutions that offer quality, convenience and innovation to meet any need that your business may have. If a completely new or different design is required, we can tailor a closure to the needs of our customer. We also offer tolling options. By combining an existing customers’ mold and our resources, we can produce, finish, inspect and package your product. After Sales Support The after-sales team provides reactive and proactive technical support to troubleshoot issues, minimize downtime and optimize your production equipment. Our goal is to help you achieve your goals in production and line efficiency. Explore more at novembal.com

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Nuspark Inc. 400 Steeprock Dr., Toronto, Ontario M3J 2X1 Canada Phone: 416 663-7071 Email: Sales@nuspark.com www.nuspark.com Nuspark provides turn-key packaging machinery solutions for high-speed product collation, cartoning, case/tray packing, and palletizing. We focus on exceeding customers’ expectations through our commitment to our customers’ needs. Before every system design, we listen carefully to your specific challenges and parameters, your timeline, and your production process’. We offer solutions that optimize your output, reduce your downtime, and increase efficiency. Nuspark’s management team is comprised of gifted, highly-educated engineers with over 100 combined years of engineering/robotics experience and 30+ patents to our name. We dedicate this experience to servicing our markets; food, pharmaceutical, personal care, consumer good and automotive. We value our reputation for creative innovation. We maintain this reputation through constant analysis of new and emerging technologies, ensuring that our customers benefit from state-of-the-art-design and construction. All Nuspark equipment is proudly built and manufactured in our Canadian facility located in Toronto, Ontario; giving us complete control over the quality of our product. Our commitment from proposal to installation: attention to detail and precise execution to deliver complete turn-key solutions; capitalizing on our experienced mechanical design group, electrical/control engineers, in-house manufacturing facilities, and dedicated after sales service team. Nuspark offer solutions for all your end of line packaging needs – from standalone machine to highly complex, automated, fully integrated packaging lines.

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nVenia 750 Wood Dale Road Wood Dale, IL 60191 Phone: 800-253-5103 Email: info@nVenia.com www.nVenia.com nVenia leverages the strengths of the ARPAC, HAMER, FISCHBEIN, and OHLSON product brands as a leading equipment designer, manufacturer, and integrator for primary, secondary, and end-of-line packaging solutions. ARPAC Brand equipment includes shrink wrappers, shrink tunnels and shrink bundlers, tray and case formers, case packers, robotic and conventional palletizers, and pallet stretch wrapper systems and is renowned for integrated fit-for-purpose production lines. FISCHBEIN Brand equipment is the trusted name in open-mouth bag sewing and sealing systems. Sew systems encompass plain and tape sew models, with sealers purpose-fit for all shapes and sizes of flexible packaging. HAMER Brand equipment leads the market in large format bagging and automation equipment in some of the harshest production environments. HAMER Brand horizontal form, fill & seal systems are ideally suited for large scale bag filling automation. HAMER Brand Open Mouth Bagging Machines are the industry standard for filling premade bags, and robotic palletizing systems are also ideally suited to stacking large bags. OHLSON Brand equipment is an economic solution for automating weighing and counting operations. Core product lines for the OHLSON Brand include multi-head weighers, linear weighers, vertical form, fill & seal (VFFS) bagging machines, and premade pouch filling machines. Combined, these trusted brands together deliver next-level performance through the consultative design of integrated fit-for-purpose production lines to meet the needs of a variety of industries. Our expertise as integrated packaging systems manufacturer is born from decades of building packaging equipment and answering to the diverse requirements of our clients to package products within a single production line. Backed by more than 300 years of experience across our brands, together we have one focus: our customers and what they need to solve.

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ONExia Inc. 750 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341 Phone: 800-242-3332 Email: info@onexia.com www.onexia.com An alternative to traditional packaging machinery! Located in Pennsylvania, ONExia is a custom machine builder, robotics integrator, and industrial distributor. Focusing specifically on packaging, ONExia Robotics is a division our engineering staff serving our customer base, ranging from local producers to international corporations the solutions needed to automate their end of line packaging operations. By using collaborative robots, our systems are modular, require no physical guarding to operate, and can be added to existing lines without disrupting conveyor configurations or floor plans. Collaborative solutions include: TURN-KEY ROBOTIC PACKAGING LINES Our specialty is turn-key! Custom designed for each application; every packaging line we integrate meets the production goals of today with the flexibility to adapt as demands change. ROBOTIC CASE ERECTORS Featuring a fully collaborative design, our robotic case erectors offer the flexibility to adjust box sizes during line changeover with no programming needed. ROBOTIC CASE PACKERS Operated from a touchscreen interface, every robotic case packer comes with custom end-of-arm tooling designed specific to each application. We also offer portable solutions that can be moved between lines where labor shortages are a concern. COLLABORATIVE PALLETIZERS Turn-key automation for your end of line operations. By using collaborative robots, our palletizers are a flexible alternative to standard industrial systems. Featuring a sturdy base capable of stacking pallets over 90 inches in height, every palletizer requires no guarding or programming to operate and can be added to existing lines in under an hour. To learn more about ONExia and our collaborative robotic packaging solutions, contact us today.

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Optima Machinery Corporation 1330 Contract Drive Phone: +1 920 339-2222 Email: info-usa@optima-packaging.com www.optima-packaging.com/en-us Filling, closing, packaging – with state-of-the-art technology. Cutting edge machine solutions for the entire packaging world – that is our commitment. Optima Machinery Corporation was the first international subsidiary of the Optima Group and was incorporated in 1985 with one employee in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Over the next 35+ years, the business has grown to over 70 employees based in the United States. Originally established as the North American sales and service point for all Optima Group divisions, we provide OEM spare parts, service, support, calibration services, CG membrane repairs, multi-pack bagging machine solutions, and direct machine sales for all Optima machines delivered to the U.S. and Canada. We also represent Rianta Packaging Systems with sales and support for machines in the bakery industry. The Optima Group supports companies worldwide with flexible and customerspecific filling and packaging machines for pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, paper hygiene and medical devices markets. As a provider of solutions and systems, Optima accompanies these companies from the product idea through to successful production and throughout the entire machine life cycle. More than 2,650 experts around the globe contribute to Optima’s success. 19 locations in Germany and abroad ensure the worldwide availability of services.

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PAC Machinery 25 Tiburon Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: (800) 985-9570 Email: sales@pacmachinery.com www.pacmachinery.com As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over six decades, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses who want more from their packaging. From global consumer product companies to pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to fulfillment houses, online retailers, and more, PAC Machinery has transformed the packaging operations of some of the world’s greatest companies and most promising small but growing businesses. PAC’s customized packaging systems immediately improve ROI with versatile: • Poly bagging • Shrink wrapping • Bag sealing • Vacuum packaging • Flow wrapping systems PAC Machinery equipment provides our customers with a competitive advantage to increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging equipment need. Our globally recognized brands known for long-lasting, flexible packaging equipment include Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, Rollbag® and Converting Technology. PAC is Headquartered in San Rafael, California and has manufacturing facilities near Cleveland, OH and Milwaukee, WI. PAC Machinery is a multi-generational family owned and operated business and is an American manufacturing success story with products proudly designed and produced in the USA and shipped globally. The talented people that work at PAC take pride in their innovative packaging solutions, craftsmanship, and helping customers better package their products to scale up for future growth. If you want a competitive edge for explosive growth with automated packaging solutions, contact us soon to discuss your packaging story!

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Packaging Distributors, Inc. 1136 Church Rd.McGregor, TX 76657 Phone: 254/848-8123 Email: rjf@pdimachinery.com www.pdimachinery.com Packaging Distributors, Incorporated, headquartered in McGregor, Texas, manufactures check weighing, bulk packing, and infeed systems for the packaging industry. Our philosophy is to develop packaging line equipment that will perform under harsh conditions and continuous three shift operation, occupy a minimum amount of plant floorspace, and use standard industry controls. We are driven to find the best solution, not the easiest! We take pride in the quality and craftsmanship of every machine that we manufacture. Each of our machines undergoes thorough testing before shipping to ensure reliability and minimize installation downtime. All of our equipment is completely documented and we use standard industry parts and suppliers to simplify spare parts procurement.

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PakTech 1680 Irving Road, Eugene, OR 97402 Phone: 541.541.6762 Email: handlesales@paktech-opi.com www.paktech-opi.com PakTech is the leading producer of 100% recycled and recyclable secondary packaging. Founded in 1991, they are a family-owned and operated business and headquartered in Eugene, Oregon. PakTech’s commitment to quality is paralleled by their commitment to the environment. They are dedicated to bringing the highest quality packaging to the market with the least environmental impact. PakTech handles are made with 100% recycled HDPE resin such as recycled milk jugs and similar unpigmented containers. Second life PakTech handles are also reusable and 100% recyclable. When PakTech handles are recycled, they often see a third life as composite lumber, flower pots, park benches, new PakTech handles and more. PakTech focuses on a sustainable approach by applying the reduce, reuse and recycle concept across every business decision. This means that sustainability is not merely a guiding principle but truly underpins the whole production cycle of PakTech’s packaging solutions. PakTech carriers feature a minimalistic design using the least amount of material. While other secondary packaging options wrap and surround product, PakTech carriers snap at the top letting the product shine for itself. PakTech also offers automated application versatility. You can apply the handles by hand or utilize their automated applicators ranging in speed fit for any job. PakTech applicators are efficient, reliable, versatile and the smart multipack packaging solution. From design to final handle application PakTech’s responsiveness, rapid turn-around time, and comprehensive product offerings separate them from their competition. Tremendous value is what they offer and deliver.

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Panther Industries 8990 Barrons Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 United States Phone: 800-530-6018 Email: Panther.Info@ProMachBuilt.com www.pantherlabel.com Along with ID technology, EPI, Greydon, and Code Tech, Panther is part of ProMach’s Labeling & Coding business line. Logistics runs on barcodes and no matter what you’re labeling – products, packages, pallets, polybags, or produce – Panther Industries features effective and integrated labeling automation solutions for your business. Designed and built in our plant in Highlands Ranch Colorado, Panther print and apply labeling systems are usually found printing and applying labels to secondary packaging in warehouses, in e-commerce operations, in fulfillment centers, and in manufacturing plants. ALL-ELECTRIC LABELING SYSTEMS: Panther’s flagship product is the Predator allelectric servo driven system. The Predator comes in two versions, one a servo-tamp applicator, usually used to apply labels to the top face of variable height products. In addition, the Predator can be equipped with a servo-driven swing tamp – this version is used to print and apply labels to shipping cases and pallets. Where pallets need to have labels applied at varying heights, Panther’s Servo Stand is the solution. Communicating with your control software, the Servo Stand raises or lowers the labeling system automatically to ensure your label is applied in just the right position. SHIPPING AND PACK SLIP SOLUTIONS: Panther offers two solutions for applying a packing slip to the package along with the shipping label. One uses two Predator machines in tandem, one for the pack slip and one for the label in a high-speed solution. A second option, NEXTStep uses a single label that is folded over to produce the combined item. OTHER PANTHER SOLUTIONS: As well as solutions for warehousing and logistics, Panther designs and builds a range of labeling solutions for manufacturing, pharmacies and many more industries – all supported by our nationwide service team.

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PDC International Corp. 8 Sheehan Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854 Phone: 203/853-1516 Email: sales@pdc-corp.com www.pdc-corp.com PDC International, founded in 1968, leads the industry in Shrink Sleeve Labeling technology. Our mission: to engineer, build and install the most robust, and most efficient, shrink sleeve labeling systems, as well as Tamper Evident Banding Equipment and high-performing shrink tunnels, for market-leading companies worldwide. PDC offers consumer products companies, and leading contract packers, a Total Sleeving Solution. Programs begin with package analysis and material recommendations, followed by testing and prototyping, system layout and integration, and documentation. PDC’s technical support team has been praised by some of the most prominent names in consumer products. (Go to www.pdc-corp.com/customers to read 25 of them!) PDC is known worldwide for its full body shrink sleeve labelers, which conform to every container curve, enabling decoration of the widest range of shapes – from top to bottom and 360 degrees. Our sister company, PDC Europe, headquartered in Montdidier, France, manufactures similar systems, as well as stretch sleeve applicators. All PDC machines use a unique blade system that is proprietary to PDC. PDC Blades last Months, not Days. This rugged, heavy-service assembly is a longer-lived alternative to the “spinning knives” that are standard in competitors’ equipment. PDC is totally vertically integrated, including engineering, machining, sheet metal, welding, and programming, . By managing every facet of manufacturing, we deliver the combination of responsiveness, quality, and agility our customers need to execute successful roll outs, produce high volumes on schedule, and maintain their competitive advantage. We machine all components in Connecticut, and use off-the-shelf, readily available replacement parts, to maximize uptime and provide ultimate productivity. From Concept to Production, PDC machinery empowers your brand - and optimizes

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Pearson Packaging Systems 8120 W Sunset Hwy Spokane, WA 99224 Phone: 800.732.7766 Email: LetsTalk@Pearsonpkg.com www.PearsonPkg.com With its portfolio of case erectors, robotic top-loaders, sealers and robotic palletizers, Pearson Packaging Systems specializes in secondary packaging automation solutions to help customers overcome labor cost and supply, safety, quality and throughput challenges. The OEM offers a single source supplier experience that enables its customers to enjoy uniform machine interfaces, standardized machine features, industry-leading delivery times and a single point of accountability. Equipment and services are optimized around the needs of high-volume 24/7 operations, including standard remote access capability to the machines and free remote support to maximize uptime and reduce costly service trips. To provide flexible and scalable solutions and minimize total cost of ownership, Pearson Packaging Systems is dedicated to the application of advanced technologies and a user-centric design. Since its inception more than 65 years ago, a diverse set of high-volume manufacturers and distributors in the food, beverage, personal care, chemical and online commerce industries has relied on Pearson’s products and services to meet their growth and profitability objectives. To date, Pearson has deployed over 21,000 machines, servicing the erect, pack, seal and palletize marketplace. Products at a Glance: ERECT: Case and Bliss Formers PACK: Robotic Top Load Case Packers, Robotic Partition Inserters, Bulk Pack and Bag-in-Box Solutions SEAL: Case and Bliss Sealers PALLETIZE: Robotic Palletizers and Depalletizers

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PIAB USA Inc. 65 Sharp Street Hingham, MA 02043 Phone: 800/321-7422 Email: info-usa@piab.com www.piab.com Piab designs innovative vacuum solutions that improve the energy-efficiency, productivity, and working environments of vacuum users around the world. A reliable partner to many of the world’s largest manufacturers for a variety of automated material handling and factory automation processes. Within the packaging industry, Piab products are found in applications involving carton forming, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP), labeling, pick and place, robotic tooling, slip sheet feeding, bag opening, vacuum packaging, palletizing, handling sacks, bags, boxes, etc.Piab is a worldwide organization with subsidiaries and distributors in almost 70 countries. Vacuum Automation/Robotic Gripping Piab vacuum pumps/vacuum generators are predominately based on the patented energy efficient COAX® technology for flexible, modular vacuum systems. State-ofthe-art suction cups from Piab are designed to speed up automated vacuum-based packaging lines all the way from empty bag to full pallet. Large area vacuum grippers designed and optimized to be used in various applications e.g. packaging, food etc Powder and Bulk Handling Vacuum is used with great advantage in conveying dry powder products through dedicated pipe systems. Piab’s vacuum conveying systems are built of high quality material. When producing food, pharmaceuticals and chemical products there are demands on the highest possible degree of safety as to hygiene and operation Lifting Automation Solutions Providing the most innovative lifting equipment based on vacuum technology on the market and supply solutions that operators are happy to use. Working with ease is our focus all times —before, during and after your purchase. Our goal is to make your work physically easier – focusing on efficiency, ergonomics and safety.

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Plan IT Packaging Systems Inc 2395 Drew Road Unit 2 & 3 Mississauga L5S1T2 Ontario Canada Phone: 1(866) 339-3407 Email: sales@planitpackaging.com www.planitpackaging.com Our team’s extensive experience in the packaging industry assures you have a proven partner for fulfilling your packaging automation requirements and building a longlasting partnership. Let us help you plan your packaging process from start to finish while working with one of the Managing Partners of the company. When you trust Plan IT Packaging to meet the packaging needs of your business, you gain technical knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience directly at work for you. From designing and planning your packaging solution, to training and ongoing support, our technical packaging expertise is at your service. Plan IT Packaging specializes on providing high quality end to end packaging system solutions for small to fortune 500 companies. Our mission is to help you be more productive and profitable by packing your products quickly and efficiently within your budget. Plan IT Packaging offers solutions of a wide range of packaging equipment from start to finish such as flow wrapper (flow wrapping, flow pack, flow wrap machine), premade pouch machines (stand-up machine / doy pack machine), vertical form fill & seal (VFFS), horizontal form fill & seal (HFFS), stick pack machine, sachet machine, thermoforming, tray sealers, multi-head weigher (multi-head scale), shrink wrapping, bundling machine and end of the line solutions such as case erecting, cartoning, case packing, palletizing. At Plan IT Packaging, we take our customer care program very seriously to ensure you fully benefit from our full-service approach to packaging solutions. Without successful and satisfied customers, we wouldn’t be here. Contact our packaging specialists at our USA and Canada locations today! #Therightmachine #Therightresults #Therightpartnership #Weplanitwithyou

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Plexpack Corp. 1160 Birchmount Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M1P 2B8 Canada The Emplex ACS series is Email: info@plexpack.com www.plexpack.com Plexpack Corporation delivers flexible packaging machinery solutions and certain results for customers worldwide. For nearly 50 years, we have used modular, innovative designs, making our systems easy to install, maintain, and expand. Our Emplex Bag & Pouch Sealers, Damark Shrink & Bundle Systems, and VacPack Vacuum Sealers are made to order with your unique needs, reputation and budget in mind. They provide line and product flexibility and ensure your packaging operations perform to the highest standards—yours. Emplex Bag & Pouch Sealers include Standard, Validatable, Automatic, SemiAutomatic, Heavy-Duty/High-Speed, Tabletop, Vacuum/Gas Flush, and Washdown Continuous Band Sealers. Damark Shrinkwrap & Bundling Systems include Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic L Bar Sealers and Sleeve Wrappers, Heat Shrink Tunnels, Shrink Bundlers and Tray Wrappers. VacPack Vacuum and Gas Flush Sealers include Vacuum and Gas Flush Impulse Sealers Tabletop Models, Floor Stand Models, Washdown and Validatable Equipment. Every Plexpack solution is backed by our knowledgeable and diverse team. With experience in an expansive number of applications, we bring unmatched expertise to every project. We offer multilingual support and service from our offices in Canada, the US and Mexico, and with our international distribution partners. You can be certain that Plexpack will provide personal attention to your flexible packaging needs from first contact through the entire product lifecycle.

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PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems 850 Pratt Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847/437-1427 Email: sales@pmikyoto.com www.pmikyoto.com A HISTORY BUILT ON CUSTOMER TRUST Based in Chicagoland since 1993, PMI has continued to expand our operations and product offerings as customer demand increased. We have worked to ensure our customers have been satisfied with the quality machines built, installed and continuously supported by our team of qualified engineers and technical professionals. Our headquarters in Elk Grove Village, IL, houses our engineering, manufacturing, parts, customer service and support teams, plus a 150,000-squarefoot manufacturing, engineering and testing facility next door. Our parent company is committed to the advancement, support and service of the global packaging industry with best-in-class products and service offerings. Backed by an experienced team of 400 engineers from Kyoto Seisakusho, our engineering team will continue to advance our product lines and our tradition of well-built packaging equipment, including: Horizontal Cartoners Vertical Cartoners Case Packers Robotic Systems Integrated Systems PACKAGING MACHINES BUILT TO PERFORM We take pride and go the extra mile to make sure that your machine exceeds your expectations. Our philosophy of designing rugged, well-crafted machines will assure your highest efficiencies with minimum cost of ownership while your machine runs for many decades. It is common to find PMI machines running at high efficiencies for 20 years after installation.

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Pneumatic Scale Angelus 4485 Allen Road, Stow, OH 44224 United States Phone: 800/992-0491 Email: sales@psangelus.com www.psangelus.com Pneumatic Scale Angelus is a global supplier of packaging machinery for filling, capping, can seaming, labeling, and centrifugation applications. Since 1895, our solutions have set the standard in the Food, Beverage, Craft Beverage, Dairy, Pharmaceutical, Household and Personal Care industries, and are supported by a global Service and Aftermarket network with the most robust offering of change parts and pre-owned/rebuilt solutions in the industry. Each of our 700 team members is committed to helping you maximize your investment in the machines that keep your operations running. INNOVATION & EXPERTISE As one of five Barry-Wehmiller businesses of BW Packaging Systems, and through our diverse but complementary capabilities, PSA and our sister companies provide everything from standalone machines to fully-integrated packaging lines. We serve as trusted advisors to our customers, offering products with leading-edge technology, backed by expert service technicians capable of supporting every machine manufactured since our inception. FLAGSHIP BRANDS PSA has earned its reputation as a leader in the design and manufacture of packaging machinery by leveraging the strengths of the most trusted and innovative brands: Angelus, Burt, CARR Centritech, Consolidated, Continental / Closetech, Mateer, MultiTech Systems, OnTrack, and Zepf Solutions. CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP As a member of the Barry-Wehmiller family, PSA strives to send our associates home each day with a sense of fulfillment. We strive to be a company people enjoy working for, doing business with, investing in, and having as part of their communities. As our Chairman Bob Chapman says, “We measure success by the way we touch the lives of people.”

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Point Five Packaging, LLC 1158 Tower Lane, Bensenville, IL 60106, USA Phone: 847-678-5016 Email: info@p5pkg.com www.p5pkg.com Established in 2010 as a manufacturer of basic modified atmosphere packaging tray sealers, Point Five Packaging, LLC has quickly grown into a full-service packaging system and material supplier with an intense focus on the food industry. Whether it is entry level semi-automatics or fully automated production lines, Point Five machines can be found every day packing products such as meat, seafood, poultry, home delivery meals, dairy products, snacks, salads, sandwiches, deli items, dips, dressings, produce, and more. Point Five systems are easily configured to fit into your specific production footprint and to include tray denesters, extended infeeds, integrated filling, depositing, and weighing systems, date and lot coders, as well as metal detectors, check weighers, and x-ray inspection systems. Centrally located in the Chicagoland area, the packaging professionals at Point Five are adept at designing shelf-life extending solutions using advanced Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) technologies for any food product. With the assistance of an extensive supplier network, Point Five boasts an enormous stock packaging program for thermoformed and injection molded food packaging supplies, including microwave safe PP, crystal clear APET or RPET, and aluminum containers. Above all, Point Five is an industry leader in the supply of CPET, dual ovenable containers and products. Low-cost tooling allows for a lower barrier of entry for smaller, start-up companies and small volume runs. Point Five’s stock inventory program can be customized to each customer’s delivery needs. Point Five offers the fastest concept to market capability in the country with in-house tray designers that bring your packaging ideas to life. With an ever-increasing installation base, more and more food processors are finding out that Point Five delivers effective shelf-life solutions that cut cost, improve productivity, and drive revenues at the highest possible velocity to market.

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Precision Automation Company, Inc. 1841 Old Cuthbert Rd, Cherry Hill NJ 08034 Phone: (856) 428-7400 Email: sales@precisionautomationinc.com www.precisionautomationinc.com Precision Automation® Company, Inc. provides high quality automation systems, contract machine work, fabrication, controls, and related services that maximize productivity for our customers. 2021 marked our 75th anniversary, and that cumulative experience- combined with our 45,000 sq. ft. facility- enable us to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for a variety of industries. The capabilities, resources, and proficiency allow our team to provide complete line integration services and processing & packaging automation solutions for various applications. Our labeling & laser marking systems combine maximum simplicity with traditional merits of industrial strength, quality, and competitive pricing. From simple “end of line” labeling to print & apply machinery and more sophisticated systems, Precision Automation® has the competencies for all your processing, labeling, and packaging needs. With a wide array of production equipment and machine shop capabilities, Precision Automation® custom manufactures parts, subassemblies, and machinery for our clients’ specific needs. Through CNC contract machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly services, our team follows strict ISO 9001 standards to provide the perfect solution(s) for each individual customer. Precision Automation® also offers turnkey conveyor solutions for material handling and packaging applications. We utilize decades of conveyor experience along with innovative robotic systems to design & integrate the right solution for your operation. Our proficient engineers and project managers present a one-stop shop to tailor complete product handling solutions for applications of all sizes. Since 1946, Precision Automation® Company has been driven by the needs of our customers to improve their manufacturing processes. Through a detailed, strategic approach, our experience and tradition has enabled us to provide cost-effective automation machinery to boost efficiency and save costs. Contact us today to find out more!

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Pregis, LLC 1650 Lake Cook Road, Suite 400 Phone: 877/692-6163 Email: protectivesales@pregis.com www.pregis.com Pregis is a leading global provider of protective packaging materials and automated systems. Pregis designs, develops and delivers packaging solutions for virtually every industry and application. As a company, we partner with customers to determine the right protective material and system for their specific product, application and requirements - damage reduction, lowering shipping (DIM weight) costs, improving labor efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. To find optimal solutions, Pregis takes a consultative approach to every protective packaging situation. Our dedicated sales professionals do a thorough audit to uncover opportunities for improvement. And the breadth of our portfolio allows for a material neutral approach. That means decisions are driven by customer needs, not a vested interest in selling one material over another. The Pregis IQ – Innovation Headquarters – is a customer-focused training, design and ISTA certified testing hub that deploys a variety of package engineering tools to achieve performance-oriented, cost-effective packaging solutions. Pregis also has a dedicated applications engineering team who is responsible for integrating automated or custom packaging systems into customer operations. Pregis takes a holistic approach to support our customers and the environment. We protect our customers’ products to minimize the monetary and environmental impact of replacement shipments. We preserve the environment by creating packaging for the circular economy, using less raw materials and maximizing recycled content. And we strive to lnspyre™ our employees, customers, and consumers to think more sustainably, educate proper recycling methods and give back.

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Printpack 2800 Overlook Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 USA Phone: 404-460-7000 Email: info@printpack.com www.printpack.com What could a relationship with Printpack mean for your brand? Best-In-Class Customer Service At Printpack, we develop a true understanding of the customer, as an organization, and as individuals, building a plan for delivering exceptional experiences. We know that every brand has a unique vision and unique challenges they’re facing. That’s why we bring to the table a range of innovative services and superior products that can be delivered at the rapid pace you need to succeed. We’re experts at connecting insights from the market to specific packaging formats, concepts, and innovations. By identifying key trends and the impact they have on consumers, we help brands deliver leading-edge packing designs that stand out on the shelf. We can help you settle on a new format or packaging solution for your product. After that, we’ll guide you through our best-in-class onboarding experience, designed to bring your new concepts to life and scale flawlessly up to commercial production. Powerful Supply Chain Expertise We’ll partner with you to design a customer-centric order and inventory management program. The result will be direct visibility through our reporting and self-service (X-ccelerator) platforms, as well as unique insights into your supply chain through our demand analytics platform. In the meantime, you’ll have direct access to a coordinated team who are experts in both our business and yours. And we won’t stop once you’re up and running. Our approach to continuous excellence ensures you’ll have ongoing access to new and evolving recommendations to improve your packaging and your supply chain. Throughout your partnership with Printpack, we’ll offer you fresh insights and innovations, packaging format improvements, and process enhancements — all designed to deliver more value to your business.

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Profol Americas, Inc. 4333 C St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Phone: 319.731.3329 Email: afuhlman@profol.com www.profol.com Profol is a global supplier of film products for a wide variety of applications, particularly food packaging. From our first cast films produced in 1980, Profol quickly established a reputation for excellent product performance and personalized customer service. We have a passion for creating custom solutions that solve realworld problems. The result – we have expanded to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of polypropylene cast films used in an ever-increasing list of commercial products – from flexible packaging to printed banners and household furniture. With locations in Europe, the Americas and Asia, Profol operates some of the most advanced cast extrusion facilities in the world. We produce 100,000 metric tons of film and sheet products each year on 26 state-of-the-art, multi-layer production lines. Profol’s packaging line of cast film and sheet is used for both food and non-food items. Applications include flexible packaging films for the manufacture of pouch structures (CPPouch™); peelable solutions including lidding and anti-fog film (CPPeel®); CPVac® breathable film; and SBB Synthetic Bacon Board® sustainable L-board film. Sustainability, printability and durability are all features of Profol films. Profol’s quality CPP films are widely used in food packaging due to both quality and our SQF certification. You can be sure that our films meet the highest food packaging standards.

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Propack Processing & Packaging Systems Inc. 4902 Union Rd., Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B4 Canada Phone: 905/563-9400 Email: info@propack.ca www.propack.ca Propack Processing & Packaging Systems Inc. is an industry leader in robotics and innovation, manufacturing and supplying high-performance processing and packaging machinery for the global market. At Propack, we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with clients to build strong relationships and ensure the best solutions are developed to meet their unique needs. Packaging For over 25 years, Propack has been designing custom pick and place packaging systems for a variety of markets and applications. With the highest quality machinery, built in North America, Propack has earned a reputation for outstanding food-industry automation, specializing in handling snack bar, bakery/snack cake, prepared foods and frozen products, along with many more wrapped and unwrapped products. Processing We provide world-class sanitary design machinery including slab formers, slitters, spreaders, and ultrasonic guillotines. We understand our customers’ challenges and pride ourselves on being able to respond with flexible processing solutions. Integrated Solutions With extensive integrated systems knowledge and experience providing turnkey solutions, our experienced team will design and deliver complete packaging line solutions and seamless integration for primary and secondary packaging operations. Parts, Service and Support Propack’s knowledgeable support team is customer focused and our engineers possess world-class technical skills. We recognize that our service and support is key to our customers’ success and our long-term partnerships.

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QUADREL LABELING SYSTEMS 7670 Jenther Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-602-4700 Email: labeling@quadrel.com www.quadrel.com Quadrel Labeling Systems is a world leader in the design and manufacture of pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve label application equipment. We serve a wide variety of industries including packagers of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, automotive chemicals, beverages and food. Quadrel offers an extensive product line ranging from simple economically priced systems, up to sophisticated inline and rotary systems that include vision, validation, PLC control, servo drives and remote access for troubleshooting assistance. Labeling and Sleeve application requirements can vary widely. Many companies have labeling projects that do not fit into a standard product offering. Our experienced and professional engineering staff addresses these needs with a willingness to design complete custom one-of-a-kind labeling systems. We offer custom controls and documentation required by most Fortune 100 companies. Providing a comprehensive, capable and elegant solution for our customers often requires we work with suppliers of products such as scanners, vision systems and printers. Quadrel is proud to partner with the most respected and recognized suppliers of this technology in our industry. Responsive and professional technical support is vital to maintaining the productivity of machinery in the field. Quadrel keeps this commitment by providing technical assistance to install and maintain the equipment and train operating personnel.

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R.A JONES, a Coesia company 2701 CRESCENT SPRINGS RD, COVINGTON, KY 41017 Phone: 1.800.216.4499 Email: info@rajones.com www.rajones.com AEROSOL FILLING & CRIMPING MACHINES Our KP-Aerofill portfolio includes aerosol and rotary liquid fill systems, rotary base crimpers, gasser/shakers, propellant and liquid fillers, BOV, air powered TTV technology, and more. CARTONING MACHINES Our extensive portfolio includes end-load and customized top-load cartoners. These can range from hand-load vertical, to end-load, to fully automated systems running at 600 cartons per minute. CHUB PACKAGING EQUIPMENT Our KartridgPak equipment is the workhorse chub solution for the food & mining industries and are much more cost effective than preformed clip solutions. CUP FILLING & SEALING MACHINES Our Autoprod & Holmatic cup systems fill, seal, and overcap straight or tapered-walled cups, tubs, or trays for a variety of viscous and dry products. MULTIPACKING MACHINES Whether single tier or double tier, 4 pack to 48 pack, our machines can handle multiple package configurations and styles including E-Flute & B-Flute cartons. POUCHING MACHINES Our Pouch King high speed pouch-filling machine fills 3-sided, 4-sided, gusseted, and stand-up gusseted pouch styles up to 7,000 linear inches of web per minute. OUR EXPERIENCE PROVIDES QUALITY SOLUTIONS We have engineered and manufactured over 9,000 machines across 7 different technologies. Our 80+ in-house engineers bring a collected confidence to all projects regardless of scope. OUR SERVICE CAPABILITIES GUARANTEES OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY Our in-house service, parts, and modernization teams are on call 24/7/365 providing remote assistance, on-site service, certified parts, training, and machine audits.

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Ranpak 7990 Auburn Rd, Painesville, OH 44077 Phone: 440 354 4445 Email: inquiries@ranpak.com www.ranpak.com Ranpak is the leader of environmentally sustainable in-the-box paper-based protective packaging systems and materials worldwide. The name Ranpak stands for “random packaging,” which describes how Ranpak’s products can be used for any packaging application or requirement. Ranpak’s customers are typically OEM’s and distributors operating in a wide array of industries, including industrial, automotive, medical, consumer products and technology. What we do: Ranpak designs and manufactures a suite of secondary packaging systems Our secondary packaging systems convert our paper consumables into secondary packaging material and/or automatically size boxes for shipping. We sell the majority of our packaging products indirectly through our worldwide network of approximately 250 distributors, as well as to some end-user customers directly. Our packaging systems are used in some of the most demanding warehouse environments in the world, including many 24/7/365 e-commerce fulfillment centers. All our systems are highly customized and can be configured to meet the scale, speed, and complexity of any end-of-line fulfillment process. What we believe: Ranpak has always believed in the power of paper. Since 1972, we have become experts in the paper packaging industry, delivering the highest quality of protective packaging while preserving our commitment to sustainability. All of our natural packaging solutions are 100% recyclable, renewable and biodegradable. Most of Ranpak paper packaging consists of either entirely or partially recycled content. Our solutions reduce packing time and materials, resulting in significant cost savings.

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Regal Rexnord 200 State St, Beloit, WI 53511 Phone: 800-626-2120 Email: CustomerService.PTSolutions@regalrexnord.com www.regalrexnord.com At Regal Rexnord, we can help you make the complex simple. At your fulfilment warehouse, would you like to increase automation, reduce costs, and decrease the need to manually handle packages? The System Plast® ModSort® module is a low-noise, low voltage modular transfer/diverter station that can move everything from tiny polybags to boxes. This suite of products can easily integrate with new or existing systems, eliminating the need for a lift, pneumatics, or Z-direction position feedback devices. Integration of the ModSort module’s run-on-demand technology into existing conveyor systems has saved some customers as much as $90,000 annually in labor costs alone, while increasing conveyor speed from 50 to 90ft/minute and eliminating the need for totes. Additional end-of-line, adaptable systems are available, such as the ModSort Mobile Flats sorter for expanding capacity, and the ModSort Trident mobile three-way sorter with a four-zone infeed that gaps a product, reads the package, then diverts left, right or straight on a 30-degree spur-curve to one of three sorting locations. To learn more about the ModSort suite of products, visit modsort.com. For washdown environments, Regal Rexnord’s many IP69K-rated products will help you meet CIP standards. Sealmaster® PN Gold™ mounted ball bearings with high performance triple lip seals, and USRB PN Gold mounted spherical roller bearings with double lip seals offer excellent protection against contaminant ingress. Hub City® Stainless Steel HERA® gear drives are built for sanitary operation with easy cleanability and polished stainless steel housings. HERA gear drives are 90% efficient, and can reduce and consolidate storeroom inventory with less SKUs - four models of HERA can replace 12 sizes of worm gear drives! Grove Gear® all-stainless steel worm gear reducers feature food grade synthetic lubricant with single-reduction ratios up to 100:1. To learn more, visit regalrexnord.com/IP69K.

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Reiser 725 Dedham Street, Canton, MA 02021, USA Phone: (781) 821-1290 Email: sales@reiser.com www.reiser.com Since 1959, Reiser has been a leading supplier of food processing and packaging machinery. During that time, the company has gained recognition for its high-quality equipment, innovative engineering, and outstanding service and support. Today, this expertise—along with their total commitment to customers—positions Reiser as the one supplier that processors can trust for better, smarter solutions. Reiser supplies a wide range of packaging machines and model sizes, allowing customers to choose the best packaging solution for their application and budget. Reiser horizontal form/fill/seal packaging systems produce vacuum, modified atmosphere and vacuum skin packages from flexible and semi-rigid materials. Compact configurations are available for lower production requirements, as well as high-performance machines capable of the industry’s fastest production speeds. Ross tray sealers produce modified atmosphere, vacuum skin and lid-only packages from preformed trays. They package fresh, refrigerated and frozen food products at a full range of output rates. Ross tray sealers produce attractive packages with superior seal integrity and extended shelf life. Fabbri stretch wrappers use stretch film to package fresh food in preformed trays, providing a “just packed” appearance. Fabbri stretch wrappers employ four-way stretch technology to produce tight, over-the-flange, wrinkle-free packages with securely sealed bottoms and superb case presentation. Supervac is the technology leader in automatic belt vacuum chamber packaging machines, shrink tanks, chill tanks and dryers. Supervac packaging machines produce reliable packages that feature two seals to eliminate leakers, rework and returns. JLS Automation is a leading supplier of robotic packaging solutions to the food industry. JLS develops customized solutions for primary and secondary food packaging with a focus on robotic pick and place systems, tray loaders, and case packers. Talk with our team of Packaging Specialists to determine which solution is best for your application.

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The Reynolds Company 10 Gates Street Greenville, South Carolina 29611 Phone: 864-252-9183 Email: bonds@reynoldsglue.com www.reynoldsglue.com The Reynolds Company is ISO 9001:2015 Certified for the manufacture of hot melt, water based, and dry blend adhesives and coatings. Reynolds product formulation uses high-quality raw materials produced by the leading chemical companies servicing the adhesive industry. Our customers who have known the challenges of extreme conditions like heat and humidity have been pleased when using Reynolds’ custom formulation. Packaging with Reynolds’ adhesives proves to be successful in reducing production slowdowns, downtime, and pop-opens. The Reynolds’ technology can be used in a multitude of applications and operations ranging from converting applications to most all packaging applications. Our Reynco Metallocene product line, high-performance hot melt adhesives, provides a balance of hot and cold, offering excellent performance in blast freezers and IOPP testing. The large ambient temperature ranges from -40°F to 160°F is exceptional for cold storage performance. The product line offers fast setting and water-white color, making these products ideal for a variety of packaging applications When anticipating temperature extremes, Reynolds can ensure packaged goods will arrive at your customers with no failures. We have over 25 years of proven history with zero heat stress failures. With our CA 270 series adhesives, we can provide no open cases after storage in hot warehouses or shipment in hot trailers. If your business receives customer complaints or returns, let The Reynolds Company help your ROI. Since our founding in 1978, Reynolds has maintained a philosophy of treating customers as we would like to be treated in delivering quality products at fair prices, on time, every time. Known to offer service that set us apart, we deal ethically with our customers, vendors, and employees, and are forward-thinking in product innovations and modifications and uphold industry tenets by always doing the right thing. For 40+ years our success has bolstered our customer’s ROI. Give us a call and let our team of experts assist you in an adhesive compound that will yield exceptional results.

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Robatech USA Inc. 1005 Alderman Drive Ste 108 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 770/663-8380 Email: info@robatechusa.com www.robatechusa.com Robatech designs and manufactures sustainable solutions for industrial gluing processes that are reliable, safe, economical, straightforward, and green. Robatech’s experienced sales and service teams get gluing projects up and running and ensure smooth operation of adhesive systems all around the globe. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR A NEW DIMENSION IN GLUING Robatech’s innovations save resources and thus downsize your operating costs. The smart Vision melter (pictured on the bottom right) not only melts the adhesive gently and with great reliability, but it does so with the industry’s best energy efficiency. And the performance of the Performa heated hose is an excellent match. It reduces energy consumption up to 45% compared to conventional hoses. And to make the system complete, there’s the SpeedStar Compact application head that is not only fast, durable and intelligent, but it saves you up to 40% of adhesive when used for stitching. PRECISE AND FAST GLUING OF PRIMARY PACKAGING Primary packaging of food and medicines puts high demands on the gluing process. Robatech offers you reliable system components that allow you to glue small packages precisely and safely even at high speeds. You can expect a consistently high-precision adhesive application with a clean cut-off, safely and cleanly bonded products, high process reliability, high production speeds, and low energy consumption. ECONOMICAL AND RELIABLE GLUING OF SECONDARY PACKAGING Do you want to glue secondary packaging efficiently and yet sustainably? Whether you put primarily packaged products into secondary packaging through standard toploading or horizontal cartoning, or whether you use on-demand packaging machines, the adhesive process is essentially the same. Robatech’s adhesive application systems apply hot melt adhesives economically and still glue secondary packaging reliably. Maximum system availability increases your production by reducing downtime, while industry-leading energy efficiency saves resources and reduces operating costs. More about Robatech Gluing Solutions at www.robatechusa.com.

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Roberts PolyPro 5416 Wyoming Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: 800-269-7409 Email: RobertsPolyPro.CustomerService@promachbuilt.com www.robertspolypro.com Roberts PolyPro, a ProMach product brand, has over 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing container handling systems and handle applicators for the consumer goods, food and beverage industries. Our success has been based on our commitment to listen to customer needs in developing the cost-effective solutions that make their bottles and cans stand out in the marketplace. As an end-to-end supplier, Roberts PolyPro partners with customers to identify the solution that offers the functionality, convenience, and aesthetic their cans or bottles require, whether that means matching a specific color, customizing a solution, or engineering a new solution for their unique requirements. Our Solutions Roberts PolyPro’s extensive product line includes 100% recyclable container handles and applicators for aluminum cans as well as PET and glass bottles. Our applicators are available for manual, semi-automatic and fully automated applications, offering customers the flexibility to adjust to business requirements on-demand. Can Handles Our lines of can carriers, Craft-Pak™ and Grip-Pak™, offer four and six pack handles for 8.4 oz slim cans, 12 oz. sleek cans, and 12 oz. & 16 oz. standard cans in 32 standard colors, with color matching available upon request. The HDPE #2 handles feature an open top design to prevent moisture accumulation between the can top and handle. Bottle Handles Available in configurations from single bottles up to 8 packs, our EasyLift bottle handles are 100% recyclable and utilize up 35% less resin that injection molded products, while maintaining dependable performance. All types of bottle handles can be supplied in any PMS color.

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- BEX LLC Ro 8600 S. Wilkinson Way Perrysburg, OH 43551 Phone: 419-270-0770 Email: automation@robex.us www.robex.us Have a need to improve the safety, efficiency, and productivity of your manufacturing & warehousing facility? Look no further than the team of experts at Ro-BEX… Ro-BEX integrates the most advanced industrial robots with your process & workforce to safely optimize your production. We strive to be the world’s most desired automation company for customers seeking innovation excellence. As Certified Systems Integrators, we design custom robotic systems bringing Industrial & Collaborative Robots together with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and advanced robotic vision systems to improve your overall production while reducing costs. Our customers in food, beverage, packaging, household products, warehousing, and beyond rely on us to improve their production by automating: • Palletizing • Depalletizing • Pick & Place • Material Handling • Case Packing • Machine Tending • Custom Robotic Systems In addition to our incredible robotic automation capabilities, we offer responsive inplant maintenance, repairs, turnkey design, engineering, and installation of industrial equipment and control systems giving you a customized full-service experience through one skilled integrator. Get to know our people, experience and capabilities and you’ll make Ro-BEX your preferred automation partner. To find out more about how Ro-BEX can help you, contact us today by visiting our website: www.robex.us or email us: automation@robex.us

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1/3/22 1:56 PM

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Ronchi America LLC 63 Duncan Circle, Hiram, GA 30141-3237, USA Phone: 678/398-7413 Email: sales@ronchiamerica.com www.ronchiamerica.com Ronchi America, Ronchi Mario’s American branch, was founded in 1997 and its headquarters is located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. We design and manufacture advanced fillers, cappers, unscramblers and orienters for liquid products including detergents, cosmetics, food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Ronchi America’s mission is to support the U.S. and Canadian market with sales, and after-sales activities, including the installation of machines, onsite support and training, and ensuring availability of spare parts domestically. In 2013, to further strengthen our position in the North American market, we started producing an 18 head EXACTA stand-alone filler. This filler utilizes flow meter filling technology and Allen-Bradley controls. It can be easily integrated into new and existing lines, and can be available in 12 weeks or less. The Ronchi robotic bottle unscrambling system is designed to pick up and orient either symmetrical or non-symmetrical containers and place them into a programmable magnetic transport system or conventional pucks at output speeds of up to 300 plus bottles per minute. The Ronchi filling and capping Monoblocks are designed for flexibility, agility, and accuracy. The filling technology of the filler is based on flowmeter technology, which is extremely accurate. The capper uses a series of servo motors to create a programmable cam profile, and torque application and orientation control. With the electronic cam it is possible to run caps, pumps and triggers on the same capping turret with tool-less change over.

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ROVEMA North America, Inc. 4366 Shackleford Rd Ste A, Norcross, GA 30093, USA Phone: 404-640-5310 Email: sales@rovema-na.com www.rovema-na.com ROVEMA is a global packaging leader specializing in vertical form/fill/seal and secondary packaging machinery. Based in Fernwald, Germany, and founded in 1957, over 60 years of innovation have brought many “firsts” to the packaging world that are still commonplace today: The first to engineer a continuous motion VFFS machine, to use draw-down belts on the forming set, and the first to develop the four corner seal (Stabilo®) bag. But today’s technical capabilities of our packaging equipment aren’t about us as much as they are about our customers. Each innovation, patent, and feature has a story and common genesis- a customer or industry faced a challenge and needed a packaging partner to solve for the solution. Focusing on our customers and the future has brought what we believe to be the highest quality sealing, bag quality, and seal jaw product detection, and other VFFS technologies to CPG companies around the world. Based in metro Atlanta, Georgia, ROVEMA North America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ROVEMA GmbH and serves as the North American sales and service presence for our wide range of filling, VFFS, and end-of-line packaging solutions. Our team in Norcross combines German quality and engineering with American market awareness, responsiveness, and pride in what we do. We’re structured to support customers at the harried pace of North American business with the responsiveness you expect. The expertise of our team means that we do so with the precision and efficiency you require. As a trusted partner to both single-facility operations and multinational organizations, our solutions-based approach has helped get their products to the market safely and efficiently for decades. If you have a packaging challenge, whether it’s a technical problem or a marketing/customer requirement, we’ve likely seen it before. If more product or industry-specific information would be helpful, we offer several guides, case studies, and other resources that you can find on our website that can help. Maybe you’re evaluating a feasible sustainable packaging strategy or looking to make a dazzling stand up pouch that wows your customers? We should chat.

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1/4/22 9:12 AM

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Ryson International, Inc, 300 Newsome Drive | Yorktown, VA 23692 Phone: 757-898-1530 Email: sales@ryson.com www.ryson.com Ryson is the Number One Manufacturer of Spiral Conveyors in the USA. We offer sales, service and support worldwide. Ryson makes a full line of spiral conveyors that can satisfy most vertical conveying needs. Ryson Spirals need less floor space than conventional conveyors and are faster and more reliable than any elevator or lift. Unit Load Spirals convey cases, totes and packaged goods smoothly on our slat style belts and come in 9 standard slat widths ranging from 6” to 30”. Available in powder coated carbon steel, stainless steel, washdown and freezer versions. Mass Flow Spirals handle full and empty bottles, cans and jars in mass up to 2000 units per minute. Available in 4 different slat widths ranging from 6” to 20”. Narrow Trak Spirals are super compact and designed to handle your smaller loads. Our new 6” and 9” wide nesting slats can end-transfer small cartons and packages or side-transfer small bottles and containers in a single file or in mass at speeds in excess of 200 FPM. High Capacity Spirals are in response to our customers need to go higher and handle more weight. They can handle double the weight capacity of our regular spirals at speeds up to 200 FPM. Our Wide Track Model comes in a slat width of 30” and 36” and can provide an elevation change of up to 35 feet with only one drive. Multiple Entry and Exit Spirals allow loads to enter or exit the High Capacity Spirals at intermediate elevations. New special induction and divert conveyors have individually adjustable conveying surfaces to match the spiral pitch, assuring a smooth and reliable operation. Ryson’s Bucket Elevators combine vertical and horizontal transportation of bulk materials in one integral unit and represent a unique and highly effective solution to your bulk material conveyor needs. Quality and service come first at Ryson. For application assistance or more information, give us a call or visit www.ryson.com.

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Schneider Packaging Equipment, A Pacteon Company 5370 Guy Young Road, Brewerton, New York 13029 Phone: 315/676-3035 Email: sales@schneiderequip.com sales@schneiderequip.com Schneider has been designing world-class automation solutions for over 50 years. The unmatched commitment to problem-solving coupled with proven designs has made us a leading manufacturer in end of line automation. We take pride knowing our relationships with our customers are not only just about completing a project, but creating a mutually beneficial partnership that will last for years. How are we leading in end-of-line automation? We incorporate new technologies and provide proven concepts by building flexible, world-class solutions that are efficient and reliable. Imagine optimizing pallet configuration right from the HMI, seeing visual alerts with task-based lighting, or saving time and money with automatic changeovers. Intelligent Illumination™, ProAdjust® and OptiStak make all this a reality. While others rely on external computer solutions, we equip our machines with proprietary software that contributes to efficiently increasing your productivity. Optistak is a seamless and simple palletizing software solution. Operators can change patterns on the fly, optimize pallet configurations quickly—directly from the HMI. Intelligent Illumination™ proactively cues operators where attention is needed with tasked-based lighting, allowing them clear visibility to issues without consulting the HMI. ProAdjust® is an automated machine adjustment system featuring an easy-to-use hand-held interface driving the adjustment power modules. Learn how our technologies decrease your total cost of ownership, simplify programming, and proactively monitor your operating efficiency at www. schneiderequip.com.

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1/3/22 2:38 PM

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Schubert North America LLC 8848 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite H, Charlotte, NC USA 28217 Phone: 980/244-3140 Email: sales@schubert-na.com www.schubert.group The Schubert Group, with its international headquarters in Crailsheim, Germany, is one of the global leaders in the field of modular, intelligent top-loading packaging systems. Since more than 50 years, Schubert has played a decisive role in the development of automated packaging solutions and fully integrated packaging processes. Innovations include the vision control system, the transport robot Transmodul or the recently introduced flowwrapping machine Flowmodul with its patented sealing technology. Schubert provides customers with future-proof solutions that are easy to use, flexible in terms of format changeovers and stable in operation, while delivering exceptionally high performance. At regular intervals, Schubert introduces breakthrough innovations that enable customers in a wide range of industries to master demanding packaging tasks with a high level of overall system efficiency over a long service life. With the new Schubert lightline machine series, customers can master standardized packaging tasks with great efficiency and high quality – at attractive purchase costs. The series consists of packaging machines with preconfigured machine modules. This enables quick planning and assembly processes. A key benefit is that the packaging machines from the Schubert lightline product family are ready for use within a very short time. And all machines are delivered in the high Schubert quality you expect. Today, the group is run by a second generation of owners and it employs 1,300 people. From the company’s North American headquarters and customer training center in Charlotte, and with its Canadian office in Mississauga, Schubert North America serves the US and Canadian markets.

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Serpa 7020 W Sunnyview Ave, Visalia CA 93291 Phone: 559/651-2339 Email: serpa.info@promachbuilt.com www.serpapackaging.com/ Serpa designs and manufactures a complete range of cartoning systems for the pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, food, cosmetics, and personal care markets. For more than 35 years, companies across the globe have looked to us to handle their most demanding secondary packaging challenges. We provide horizontal, vertical, and top load cartoners that can accommodate both hand load and automatic load applications, designing systems capable of nearly any speed for the desired application. We also provide a broad range of end of line packaging solutions, including case and tray packers, robotic palletizers, literature feeders, paperboard sleeve wrappers, and robotic product handling systems. Additionally, Serpa provides line integration and validation services, designing turnkey integrated end of line packaging systems from start to finish with single source responsibility. Serpa machines are designed to meet the needs of demanding production environments, featuring ease of maintenance, user-friendly operation, and rapid, repeatable changeover technology. Our high-performance systems can be designed to meet sanitary and FDA validation requirements and are backed by our strong customer support program including a wide range of repair, preventative maintenance, and training options plus rapid service to quickly resolve issues that may arise.

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1/4/22 9:17 AM

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Shemesh USA Inc. 40 Centennial St. Green Bay, WI 54304 Phone: 920 325 0050 Email: sa@shemeshautomation.com www.shemeshautomation.com Established in 1990, Shemesh Automation is a family-owned and operated business, with over 30 years of experience in delivering automated packaging solutions to major manufacturers around the world. With a focus on linear and rotary filling machines, capping machines, sealing machines and labelling machines, our solutions are used across a wide range of industries including food & beverage, pharma & biotech, cosmetics and chemicals. In addition, we offer particular expertise in packaging for liquids and viscous fluids using either rigid or flexible packaging containers. Shemesh Automation is based strategically across the globe with offices in the USA, Israel, France and the UK as well as sales and support teams in Europe, the Americas and the Far East. This combination has enabled us to develop an impressive range of packaging solutions and systems to meet requirements of the highest standards while delivering a compelling, consistent ROI to our clients. Partnering with Shemesh Automation, experts in automated packaging systems, our customers don’t simply get a machine but engage in a meaningful, longterm relationship through which they can build their business on our experience, knowledge, reliability, and, most importantly, integrity. Alongside this, for the last 20 years, Shemesh Automation has also focused its considerable resources into pioneering downstream packaging solutions for the nonwovens sector through our sister company Shemesh Automation Wet Wipes (www. sawetwipes.com). This investment in design and manufacture has established us at the forefront of the nonwovens industry as one of the leading providers of packaging solutions in the sector. From single machines through to complete turnkey production lines we deliver solutions individually tailored to our customer’s specific needs.

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Shibuya Hoppmann 7849 Coppermine Drive Manassas, Virginia 20109 USA Phone: 800/368-3582 Email: sales@shibuyahoppmann.com www.shibuyahoppmann.com Shibuya Hoppmann manufactures quality and durability you can trust. Our systems handle everyday products that are used in everyday life. We have handled a wide variety of applications over the years. This means we have the tools, the world-leading technology, and the expertise to handle your product. Our engineers are skilled in different manufacturing styles, and will work with you to optimize the method that best meets your project’s requirements. We design and manufacture: Aseptic Fillers • Beverage Fillers and Cappers • Centrifugal Feeder Systems • Continuous Motion Assembly Systems • E-Beam Aseptic Filling Systems • Indexing & Placement Systems • Prefeeders & Conveyors • Spare Parts Industries Served: Beverage & Dairy • Food & Nutrition • Household • Personal Care • Industrial • Pharmaceutical • Healthcare Our unique products have proven essential in the exploration of COVID-19 solutions. Trust in industry leaders like Shibuya Hoppmann to diligently provide the highest quality manufacturing equipment. Send us your part - We can handle it!

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1/4/22 9:20 AM

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Shorr Packaging Corp. 4000 Ferry Road, Aurora, IL 60502 Phone: 888-885-0055 Email: info@shorr.com www.shorr.com Shorr Packaging is an industry-leading, award-winning distributor of packaging products, equipment, and services. We represent the best-known packaging product manufacturers and brands in the industry and are one of the largest independent packaging distributors in the nation. Founded in 1922, we are an established, employee-owned company with a long history and success record, all attributed to one simple principle - listen to the customer. There are many reasons Shorr has become the obvious partner for our customers’ packaging, supply chain, and logistics needs. We take the time to understand each business’s unique challenges and goals. And, we have the specialized knowledge and resources to propose innovative solutions that make them a reality. Products: Our extensive portfolio of packaging products and nationwide network of well-stocked warehouses makes us uniquely equipped to accommodate your product needs quickly and efficiently. We also offer custom design for customers facing packaging challenges and those that want unique packaging to differentiate their brand. Equipment & Support: We identify the equipment that meets your specific business needs and develop integrated, customized solutions that help you manage you day-to-day packaging and automate your operations. Each of our professional service technicians are certified and factory trained to assist with setup and installation, operator training, machine evaluations, and performance optimization. We also offer a complete parts program and maintenance plans to keep your equipment running at peak performance. Strategic Customized Solutions: We’re also a suite of strategic solutions. With expertise in warehousing, logistics, transportation and contract packaging, we streamline operations and create efficiencies in every part of the supply chain. Our experts tailor recommendations to ensure strategic growth, innovation, and ROI. Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, we are strategically positioned from coast-to-coast with sites across the U.S. Our geographic locations allow us to access a network of national resources, while delivering local support and service to our customers.

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Shurtape Technologies, LLC 1712 8th Street Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602 Phone: (888) 442-8273 Email: custservice@shurtape.com www.shurtape.com/direct Established in North Carolina as Shurtape Technologies, LLC, we’re a privately owned, global company proudly serving a variety of markets, including packaging, building and construction, HVAC and industrial/MRO. Our success is built on our passion: for our products, for complete customer satisfaction, and for the markets we serve. And we seek to continually remain engaged with our markets and the customers and craftsmen who use our tape so we can deliver what they need – to the absolute highest standards. At Shurtape, we craft our packaging solutions to one simple standard. Yours. We know every sealing situation is unique. And we understand that keeping your lines running at peak production is a priority. This is what guides and inspires our team to develop purpose-built packaging solutions that address commons case sealing issues – downtime, material waste, personal injuries, product damage – and deliver the consistent, reliable seals you demand, every time. In our Packaging Solutions portfolio, we offer a variety of hot melt and acrylic packaging tapes for manual and automated case sealing applications, including HP Series packaging tapes, which have the highest holding power to fiberboard in the industry and perform reliably down to the core, resulting in less unnecessary downtime due to changeover frequency and more efficient tape consumption. To enhance your packaging lines, we also offer a variety of manual and automated case sealing solutions, including ShurSEAL®, which combines our HP Series packaging tape with innovative tape application technology to produce secure, tamper-evident case seals, while maximizing packaging line performance. For the efficient way you do business, we deliver Secure Seals, Every Time™

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1/4/22 9:27 AM

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Sidel Inc. 5600 Sun Court, Norcross GA 30092 Phone: 678/221-3000 Email: contact_americas@sidel.com www.sidel.com People all over the world consume products packaged by Sidel Group solutions every day. Each of those packaging solutions is developed according to our goal to deliver the highest quality standards to consumers. We are a leading provider of equipment, services and complete solutions for packaging liquids, foods, home and personal care products in PET, can, glass, brick, carton, pouch and other materials. There are close to 40,000 Sidel Group machines in operation in over 190 countries today. Every one of them is the result of over 170 years of proven experience and innovation. We continually focus on providing our partners with proven expertise in blowing, filling, labelling, material-handling, end-of-line and line-engineering solutions, including an innovative focus on the factory of tomorrow. Delivering this level of performance requires that we stay flexible. We continuously ensure we understand our customers’ changing challenges and commit to meeting their unique performance and sustainability goals. We do this through dialogue and by understanding the needs of their markets, production and value chains. In turn, we apply our solid technical knowledge and smart data analytics to ensure lifetime productivity reaches its full potential. We call it Performance through Understanding.

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Signode 14025 Riveredge Dr, Tampa, FL 33637 Phone: 800.323.2464 Email: marketing@signode.com www.signode.com Signode is a leading manufacturer of a broad spectrum of transit packaging consumables, tools, software, and equipment that optimize end-of-line packaging operations and protect products in transit. With over $2B in revenue, 80+ manufacturing facilities across 6 continents and over 7,000 employees worldwide, Signode brings this extensive product portfolio together under hundreds of trusted brands to offer complete transit packaging solutions to its customers. Our company is a pioneer in the industrial packaging sector with a long history of customer-focused innovations in materials, processes and automation technology that have revolutionized the sector. We produce strap, stretch and protective packaging, as well as manufacture packaging tools and equipment used to apply the bulk packaging materials. These commercial packaging products are used to pack, bundle, unitize, protect and secure goods during warehousing and transit. We are proud to be the Transit Packaging Division of Crown Holdings, Inc. We are excited to go to market as Signode and to share the portfolio of products, services and capabilities that make us the world’s premier end-of-line packaging company.

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1/4/22 10:07 AM

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SIKO 2155 Bishop Circle East Phone: (734) 426-3476 Email: sales.us@siko-global.com www.siko-global.com For over 50 years SIKO has been developing and producing rotating and linear measuring systems, actuators and individually programmable displays for the entire field of machine construction. With its precision and innovative power, the company sets global standards in terms of quality and reliability. SIKO has been characterized by innovative ideas and quality without compromise for our customers. Our motivated and experienced staff is the cornerstone of our success. Many years of experience in distance and angle measuring technology as well as input from our customers have created a basis for solutions for both the present and the future. SIKO for your Quick Size Changeover needs. Three solutions, one supplier for effective size changeovers 1. Mechanical indicators for low cost, reliable axis positioning. 2. Electronic indicators that monitor changeovers for verification, accuracy, safety and speed. Offered with IO-Link, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, PowerLINK, RS485 and CANopen interfaces. 3. Compact fieldbus actuators for precise fully automated positioning to shorten size changeover times. Also, offered with the above mentioned interfaces.

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Ska Fabricating 545 Turner Dr a, Durango, CO 81303 Phone: 970-403-8562 Email: sales@skafabricating.com www.skafabricating.com Ska Fab has provided over 1,000 businesses with depalletizers and other specialized packaging line equipment in all 50 states, 7 provinces, and 23 countries. Far beyond the confines of craft beer, Ska Fab serves many additional markets to include coffee, tea, kombucha, water, pharmaceuticals, spice containers, soda, orange juice, and many others. Here’s what our customers have to say about working with us: “This is why we love the Ska equipment, it’s just super easy to use, super intuitive, it’s all mechanical… after you see how all of it works, there is a lot of simplicity to the design. They do not overthink things, and that is exactly the Hart Print mentality - we don’t overthink things. We are just hard workers, just like the Ska team, and we saw a lot of ourselves in them and that’s why we ended up choosing to do business with them. They’re just great people, a great team to work with.” - JP Paradis, Managing Director of Hart Print in Montreal, Canada “When we made the decision to move our business to a bigger site and start filling cans, the Ska depal we bought integrated perfectly with the can filler and we’ve been able to grow the business substantially. We aren’t planning on changing too much with the packaging line we’ve got at the moment because it’s future-proofed. We can grow substantially with the equipment we’ve got now. The customer service has been great - any time we’ve needed any spare parts or service parts, they’ve been easy to get a hold of. We do all of the maintenance ourselves because it’s quite an easy machine to maintain.” - Stuart Ross, Head Brewer at Magic Rock Brewing in Huddersfield “Ska Fab out of Durango Colorado has been in the canning game for a long time now, and it shows. Their depalletizers are built like a tank and don’t miss a beat during short or long production runs. That’s why they were the logical choice for our pre-fill automation. Fully automated depalletizing and slip sheet removal decreases labor costs and a twist rinse prior to the canning line makes sure that your cans are clean and ready for product before they enter the line.” -Nathan Ofstad, Operator at Tinman Mobile Canning

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Sleeve Seal Shrink Labeling Solutions 14000 Dinneen Drive Little Rock, AR 72206 Phone: 501-492-3893 Email: ales@sleeveseal.com www.sleeveseal.com High Speed Shrink Sleeve Labelers Sleeve Seal is focused on a new era of repeatable labeling performance. Built-tolast American manufacturing expertise and modern engineering are combined to produce speeds from 25 to 1600 CPM on robust machines equipped with intelligent Allen Bradley controls. Heavy weight construction and the fastest, most durable drive train in the industry provide high efficiency runs for countless hours. Sleeve Seal machines are engineered to provide quality labeling performance with simple, toolless changeovers between container formats. Ten-color shrink label printing The Sleeve Seal 10 color rotogravure printing press allows us to print the highest quality, most vibrantly colored labels available in the labeling industry. Our ten-color printing offers quality colors and custom finishes for a variety of looks. CMYK plus PMS spot colors, with gloss, matte or pearl finishes can be combined in a single run to create the most striking labels on the shelf. Our start to finish manufacturing and printing processes allow complete quality control at the most competitive prices available. Large Format Shrink Labeling Automated, oversized labeling just got easy. Our new SSL-100L labeler handles containers up to 215mm (8.5”) in diameter with extra-long label cut lengths. Sleeve Seal’s “all day long, all day strong” reliability has been applied to an extra strength drive train to accommodate your large format labels. The modular design allows for easy adaptation to existing conveyance systems. The drive train of the SSL-100L utilizes the same synchronized adjustments system as the faster labelers in Sleeve Seal’s line of labelers for fast, tool-less changeovers.

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SMC Corporation of America 10100 SMC Boulevard Noblesville, IN 46060 USA Phone: 800-762-7621 Email: sales@smcusa.com www.smcusa.com SMC offers technology in pneumatic components such as actuators; cylinders; directional control valves; airline preparation equipment; chillers and dryers; vacuum components; static elimination products; fittings and tubing; electric actuators; grippers; pressure switches high purity chemical valves and fittings as well as process gas equipment. Automation is changing rapidly due to the continual demand for increased sophistication and simplifi cation placed on its various components. Thus, the Research and Development groups at SMC are directed towards keeping up with this trend. Smaller, faster, multi-functional components are a high priority as are the application of electronics and sensing to pneumatics and other devices. With SMC, you get the innovation of over 150 engineers driving performance up and cost-of-ownership down.

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1/4/22 10:17 AM

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Soft Robotics Inc. 32 Crosby Drive, Suite 101, Bedford, MA 01730 USA Phone: 1-617-391-0612 Email: Support@SoftRoboticsInc.com www.softroboticsinc.com Soft Robotics is an industry-leading and award-winning technology company that designs and builds automated picking solutions using proprietary soft robotic grippers, 3D machine perception, and mGripAI™ artificial intelligence. The company’s transformational robotic automation solutions enable machine builders to solve the hardest piece picking problems in the food and beverage industry. We are dedicated to constant innovation and collaboration and are proud to be the face of the rapidly growing food automation industry. Soft Robotics offers revolutionary food-grade robotic automation solutions that solve the many challenges in the food processing industry. Our mGrip and mGripAI solutions are easy-to-integrate enabling the deployment of robots in food processing, previously reliant on human labor. The mGrip modular gripping system is a suite of configurable soft grippers and controller products that enables reliable, high-speed picking of traditionally hard-tograsp items in the food processing industry. mGrip’s proven soft gripper technology allows robots to safely and efficiently pick and pack products while also increasing throughput and efficiency. In September 2021, Soft Robotics announced mGripAI. mGripAI is an easy-tointegrate solution of 3D vision, soft grasping, and artificial intelligence (AI) software enabling the deployment of robots in food processing applications previously reliant on human labor. This technology layers 3D vision and artificial intelligence technologies on top of Soft Robotics’ patented and proven, IP69K-rated, soft grasping to give industrial robots the hand-eye coordination of human workers. This unprecedented combination of robotic “hands,” “eyes” and “brains” enables, for the first time ever, the automation of bulk picking processes (e.g. bin picking) in the food supply chain.

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SOMIC Packaging, Inc. 500 Lone Oak Road, Suite #200 Eagan, MN 55121 Phone: 847/915-9872 Email: p.fox@somic.us www.somic.us SOMIC Packaging, Inc. continues to experience many new developments with its high performance, retail ready case packaging systems. After designing custom built wraparounds, tray and display ready, cover applicators for trays and closing machines and others for over 45 years, SOMIC is achieving new levels of success by automating the packaging process for a variety of new market segments. The flexibility of SOMIC machines is evidenced by what has happened in the past year. With consumers changing their behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, SOMIC introduced a bar packaging machine for the rapid growth snack bar market. Marketers seized the moment, recognizing the overwhelming positives the SSL 800 bar machine delivered with speeds up to 800 per minute. At the 2020 PACK Expo Las Vegas, the newest version of ReadyPack debuted by running stand-up pouches of GOYA Food products. They plan to install a slightly larger wraparound casepacker in the first half of 2022 that can also run cartons. The majority of SOMIC’s user-friendly equipment is configured to process stand-up pouches, flow packs and other flexible material packages, but the flexibility of the proprietary 424 system means it can be adapted for any situation. That’s an important consideration given the current shortage of qualified workers. The right automated end-of-line packaging machine will reduce time and labor consuming processes and increase cost efficiencies. Learn more about these machines by visiting the SOMIC YouTube channel and watching the SOMIC Virtual Show Case Packer and High Speed Bar Packaging Machine videos. Or you can call SOMIC to determine what end-of-line packaging equipment is best for your operation.

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Somic.indd 423

1/4/22 10:19 AM

424 PW JAN2022

Sourcelink Solutions, LLC 240 Stanley St. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 773.276.4748 Email: sales@sourcelinkcorp.net www.sourcelinkcorp.net Sourcelink Solutions, LLC, founded in 2002, has evolved into a full-service provider of end-of-line packaging automation across a wide spectrum of industries. We are centrally based near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with an experienced team of professionals in the packaging automation industry - covering all aspects of the business from sales, engineering design, electrical controls, fabrication, and service. CORE COMPETENCIES: Cartoners • Compact Vertical/Horizontal Cartoner with our RVC series • High-Speed Vertical Cartoner with our SVC series for a wide range of industries – confectionery, pasta, rice, nutraceuticals, etc • Custom infeed systems and collations Palletizing • Mobile robotic palletizers • Robotic and layer forming palletizers for cases, trays, containers, and more • Custom palletizing solutions Robotic Take-Outs and Pack Systems • Custom engineered solutions specifically tailored for the plastic injection and blow molding industries System Integration • Our team has the capability to provide our customers with complete packaging line solutions, from the conveyance of raw materials to the moving of finished pallets by AGV.

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Span Tech Conveyors 1115 Cleveland Ave. Glasgow KY, 42142 Phone: 270.651.9166 Email: info@spantechllc.com www.spantechconveyors.com Span Tech leads the industry as an innovative material handling company. We are known throughout the world for our quality, reliability, and excellent customer service. Today we are recognized as a global leader in developing unique and customizable solutions for conveying applications. Our customized solutions ensure that your products get where they need to be when they need to be there and with countless number of chain configurations the possibilities are endless. From changing elevation while curving to transferring, our conveyor solutions have been proven effective time and time again. Need to integrate? No problem. Span Tech conveyors can be designed to integrate with almost any type of machinery, work station, or robotics. We do not shy away from your challenges, we embrace them. If solutions do not exist yet, we create them. Our Core Industries Include: • Food & Beverage Production, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Distribution, E-Commerce, Cosmetics, +More. Through product evolution and innovation, we provide our customers with the lowest total cost of ownership, as well as the longest service life available. Contact us and let us show you how together we can Outlast, Outperform and Outdeliver the competition. We are committed to building the best conveyor systems possible. It’s more than a goal. –It’s how we do business.

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1/4/22 10:20 AM

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Sparck Technologies 228 E 45th St Ste 9E, New York, NY 10017 USA Phone: 678-819-1599 Email: sales.packaging@sparcktechnologies.com www.sparcktechnologies.com/us Sparck Technologies (formerly Packaging by Quadient) is a leading provider of automated packaging solutions that optimize all steps of package fulfillment. Its two models, CVP Impack and CVP Everest, offer savings on shipping, transportation, and material costs, decrease labor constraints, and aid in sustainability efforts. These auto-boxing systems measure, construct, seal, weigh, and label each variable dimension single- or multi-item order of either hard or soft goods in a custom fit-tosize box. The CVP Impack packs up to 500 parcels per hour with one or two operators, while the CVP Everest packs up to 1,100 parcels per hour using two operators. These solutions offer up to 50% reduction in shipping volume and an average of 88% reduction in packing labor as they can replace up to 20 manual packing stations. They help you operate lean, use less materials and void fill, and ship parcels efficiently. In fact, customers see a full return on investment in as little as six to 18 months depending on parcel volume. Benefits of the CVP Automated Packaging Solutions: • Combats labor issues: By only requiring one or two operators, the CVP helps manage labor fluctuations, the increasing yearly peak seasons, and the lack of labor reliability. • Reduces shipping and transportation costs: The CVP creates a fit-to-size box with no extra air or void fill, lowering shipping costs and DIM weight charges. • Lowers materials spend: By creating the smallest parcel necessary, less material is used. This allows for a more environmentally friendly parcel and material cost savings. Contact a Packaging by Quadient expert today to discuss how the CVP Automated Packaging Solutions can help you get more orders out the door quicker with a smaller footprint, all while solving today’s biggest packing and shipping struggles.

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Specialty Equipment 1221 Adkins, Houston, TX 77055 Phone: (833) 467-3432 Email: info@specialtyequipment.com www.specialtyequipment.com Since 1969, Specialty Equipment Corporation has positioned itself as the lead manufacturer of American-made packaging systems. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we have built our reputation on manufacturing high-end packaging machinery and material handling systems including. - Liquid fillers for Pails, Drums, and Totes - Drum and Pallet Conveyors - Palletizers - Solids Fillers for Pails, Drums, and Super Sacks - IIoT software Over our 50 years in business, we have developed a full product line of automatic and semi-automatic liquid filling machines and conveyors for industries like; agriculture, chemical, cleaners, coatings, flavors, food, food additives, lubricants, and sealant manufacturers. The products we fill and convey include; drums, pails, bins, totes, pallets, and rubber bales, a customized product We continue to provide high-quality packaging systems to fortune 500 companies and have developed an intuitive software to improve the filling operations for companies of all sizes. Are you interested in learning more? Contact us now.

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Speciality Equipment.indd 427

1/4/22 10:26 AM

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Squid Ink 7041 Boone Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 Phone: 800-877-5658 Email: info@squidink.com www.squidink.com Squid Ink is a manufacturer of coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability, providing superior quality inks and low maintenance printing equipment. Squid Ink began in 1991, supplying high-quality replacement inkjet fluids. Since then, the company has grown and expanded to include a complete line of hi-res piezo printing systems, CIJ (continuous inkjet) printing systems, TIJ (thermal inkjet) printing systems, DOD (drop-on-demand) printing systems, laser coders, and a full library of inks and inkjet fluids. Our printers and ink are designed to print the highest quality bar codes, batch numbers, date codes, logos, and large or small character text, directly onto corrugated cases, plastics, metals, glass, wood, and other substrates. And Squid Ink continues to design new products that are reliable, easy to use, and cost-effective. One of our latest examples is the CoPilot Max Turbo, a feature-rich printing system that offers 360 dpi print resolution from multiple printheads, 2.8” print height, full-color touchscreen, and the option to run from a wireless tablet. The CoPilot Max Turbo offers users clean and reliable printing of bar codes, logos, and razor-sharp small character text. Today, Squid Ink continues to focus on its core purpose to “help companies deliver products to the world.” An expanding line of integrated products and services reflect Squid Ink’s commitment to meet new needs and challenges and ensure that customers have reliable systems for their packaging application. Squid Ink, Eastey, American Film & Machinery (AFM), and Cogent Technologies are a part of Engage Technologies Corporation. Squid Ink (squidink.com) is a manufacturer of coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability. Eastey (eastey. com) is a leading manufacturer of shrink packaging equipment and automated case sealing systems. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper bands. Cogent Technologies (cogent-tech.com) manufactures infrared drying systems used to dry ink in the industrial graphics industries.

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Standard-Knapp 63 Pickering Street, Portland, CT 06480 U.S.A. Phone: (860) 342-1100 Email: info@standard-knapp.com www.standard-knapp.com For over 125 years, Standard-Knapp has led the way in case, tray, and shrink packaging machinery. Decades of innovation in packaging automation technology have emerged from Standard-Knapp’s home base in Portland, Connecticut. As a key member of international industrial group EOL Packaging Experts, Standard-Knapp now delivers and supports packaging state-of-the-art machinery from its sister companies A&F Automation and BMS across North America. It is no secret that case packing is Standard-Knapp’s specialty, and our flagship model is the 939S Versatron™ Soft Catch Servo Case Packer. Patented Soft Catch technology allow for the packing of lightweight glass into partitionless cases, without breakage. Standard-Knapp’s robotic Pic-N-Place Case Packer offers a high-speed “soft-place” solution for precise, gentle handling of product with a proprietary technology that eliminates glass breakage. Highly reliable, lightweight, and robust, this adaptable solution is engineered to handle high-volume product, 24/7/365. Advances in tray/shrink technology continue on with Standard-Knapp’s exciting new TriWraptor™ line of multipackers, shrink wrappers and the new TriWraptor™ TSUP (Tray/Shrink/Unsupported/Pad) Packer. The TSUP features unsurpassed flexibility as it accommodates multiple pack patterns and quickly adapts to different product shapes and sizes. The TriWraptor’s innovative high-speed Robo-Wand™ wrapping module provides consistent, tight, wrinkle-free wrapping of a wide range of product sizes. Standard-Knapp pioneered the field of automatic packaging equipment and is continuing to solve problems challenging the industry today. This constant effort is what keeps Standard-Knapp a leader.

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1/4/22 10:28 AM

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Starview Packaging Machinery 1840 St. Regis Blvd.Dorval, QC H9P 1H6 Canada Phone: 888/278-5555 Email: sales@starviewpackaging.com www.starviewpackaging.com Starview Packaging Machinery, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of packaging machinery for high-visibility packaging and medical device packaging with over 25 years of providing standard and custom packaging systems to our customers and distributors. We engineer, design, and manufacture a comprehensive line of manual, semiautomatic, and automatic sealing machines. Available in shuttle, rotary, carousel, and inline configurations, with a variety of standard and custom sealing areas to meet exact requirements and maximize productivity. Machines are configured to suit specific applications such as retail-carded packages, sterile medical device packages, pharmaceutical wallet packages, OTC pharmaceutical packages and food tray packaging. Starview offers many value-added features for our machines such as: marking / printing systems, vision verification systems , robotic product loading, product detection / sensing, automatic packaging materials loading, automatic inline fold-over, finished package unloading with reject feature for non-compliant packages, RFID tooling identification and hydro-pneumatic cold seal presses. Machines are offered worldwide through a network of Authorized Distributors who provide sales and service as well as the packaging materials used in conjunction with our machines. Leading the industry with the most complete and innovative packaging machines for: Blister & Clamshell Packaging, Medical & Pharmaceutical Packaging, Systems with Automation & Integration, Food Tray Packaging, Skin Packaging & Die Cutting, Stretch Pak Packaging, Thermoforming Equipment, Customized Packaging Equipment

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Sullair, LLC 1 Sullair Way, Michigan City, IN 46360 Phone: 1-800-SULLAIR Email: Sullairsolutions@sullair.com www.sullair.com Sullair understands compressed air is critical to your operation. Built on the pillars of Reliability, Durability and Performance, Sullair offers a wide range of solutions fit for the demands of the packaging industry. As you look around your facilities you already know – a steady supply of compressed air is critical for your operations. Built on the pillars of Reliability, Durability and Performance, Sullair air compressors provide ultimate peace of mind. Reliability means your compressor shows up every day, ready to work as hard as you do. It means not worrying about compressed air, but knowing it’s keeping your operation running smoothly. Plus, the intangibles that make all the difference—the support and expertise of Sullair every step of the way. Durability means our compressors are bulletproof—built to last. However you spin it, Sullair compressors are ready for the long haul. Driven by the design of our legendary air end, you will find Sullair compressors all over the world standing the test of time and running just like they did on day one. Performance means ease of operation, energy savings and all the innovations you need to optimize your compressed air system. Sullair provides both oil free and oil flooded compressors in a range of sizes to meet your air quality needs, as well as a full complement of air treatment and premium aftermarket parts and fluids. Sullair air solutions are more than just production equipment. They come with full access to our global network of Sullair Authorized Distributors. Sullair Distributors are true compressor experts fully equipped to provide local service and maintenance quickly and easily. Sullair understands how essential compressed air is to your processes. From the equipment itself to the support in the field and everything in between, you can count on Sullair no matter the process. To learn more about Sullair compressed air solutions, visit Sullair.com.

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1/4/22 10:31 AM

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Syntegon Packaging Technology 5224 Snapfinger Woods Dr., Decatur, GA 30035 USA Phone: (770) 981-5200 Email: connectwithus@syntegon.com www.syntegon.com Syntegon is a leading single-source supplier of processing, packaging, and automation technology to the food and pharma industries. Our product portfolio ranges from standalone, entry-level machines to fully integrated systems. Our mission is to support customers in creating sustainable solutions with market-leading technologies. Syntegon’s technology is built by some of the most iconic names in packaging. Doboy, Elematic, Kliklok, Osgood, Sigpack, and Woodman are just several in the group. Their legacies of quality, reliability, service, and dedication to the customer embody Syntegon’s core philosophies. From mixing raw ingredients to end-of-line case packers, our portfolio for the food industry includes confectionery and bar processing equipment; product distribution, collation, and loading systems; horizontal flow-wrappers; vertical bagmakers; topload, endload and wraparound cartoners; case packers; filling and sealing systems for cups and bottles; thermoforming, filling, and sealing systems; bag sealers; checkweighing systems; and sustainable packaging solutions. Fields of application in the pharmaceutical industry are the production, processing, filling, inspection and packaging of liquid and solid pharmaceuticals (e.g. syringes and capsules). Based in Waiblingen, Germany, and employing some 6000 associates, at 30 locations in more than 15 countries worldwide, a highly-qualified workforce develops and produces complete solutions for the pharmaceutical, food, and confectionery industries. These solutions are complemented by a comprehensive after-sales service portfolio. A global service and sales network provides customers with local points of contact, including several locations in North America

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1/4/22 10:32 AM

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Taisei Lamick USA, Inc. 2416 Estes Ave Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Phone: 847.258.3283 Email: info@lamick.biz www.taiseilamick.com Taisei Lamick USA, established in 2011 provides high speed equipment and materials to produce quality liquid pouches. Our advantage maximizes performance and profit for customers by creating a one stop solution for VFFS machinery and flexible film. Revolutionary machine flexibility creates new opportunities for your production planning and future business potential. Taisei Lamick Products Dangan machine : Extremely flexible high-speed liquid pouch machine Dangan film : Specifically optimized for maximum performance on the Dangan machine Locations Dangan demo room, sales, service and support offices. • Chicago Head Office 2416 Estes Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 • Los Angeles Branch 20775 S. Western Avenue, #103, Torrance, CA 90501 • NJ Branch 145 Industrial Avenue, # N & O, Little Ferry, NJ 07463 Demos for potential customers: Free testing of your products at our one of 3 Dangan Demo Rooms WWW.taiseilamick.com info@lamick.biz 847-258-3283

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1/4/22 10:33 AM

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TDI Packsys 974 Corporate Woods Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Phone: 877/834-6750 Email: sales@tdipacksys.com www.tdipacksys.com No same-old here! At TDI Packsys, we go beyond the expected to provide inspection and automated packaging equipment solutions that deliver the results you need, and more. Our strict quality control means each one of our machines is built to superior standards. And it’s all backed by exceptional support augmented by years of experience and extensive industry expertise. Turn to TDI Packsys for the finest equipment, and high-quality service that makes a difference. TDI Packsys delivers top-of-the-line automation and inspection systems that ensure safe and efficient operation. Take advantage of our extensive expertise and resources to both improve performance and manage rising costs. As a food processor or packaging distributor, your challenges are significant – TDI Packsys keeps an eye on all your needs, for now and for the future, to keep your business running smoothly and safely. Our “whatever it takes” philosophy means we prioritize service and support, ensuring our machines deliver both exceptional value and uncompromising performance. TDI Packsys offers a full range of product inspection and packaging systems. Our x-rays are unmatched in their sensitivity, delivering the absolute best in foreign material detection. With our customized approach to the inspection process, TDI Packsys focuses on our customers’ unique needs, utilizing best-in-class technology from around the world to provide tailored, high-performance solutions for every application. By partnering with industry leaders, we have been able to develop new inspection solutions for even the oldest of pain points. Thanks to TDI Packsys XR-Series X-Ray Inspection Systems, finding bones in beef, fish, and poultry below 2.0mm in size, or even inspecting 40lbs blocks of cheese for metal 1.0mm and smaller is now possible! By using the latest in x-ray inspection technology, such as our time-delay-integration detectors and advanced self-learning AI software, x-rays from TDI Packsys take your inspection a step further, giving you the confidence in the quality and safety of your products that we know you expect. With free, no-obligation validation testing, we will consult on all inspection options, and provide full testing reports showing performance of our systems with your very own product.

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Teledyne TapTone 49 Edgerton Drive, North Falmouth, MA 02556 Phone: 508/563-1000 Email: NFInsideSales@Teledyne.com www.TapTone.com Teledyne TapTone provides a wide range of innovative and patented package inspection systems for the liquid filling industry. Our versatile and cost-effective technologies can be deployed for leak detection, vacuum and pressure, and fill level analysis to cover a wide array of project needs. TapTone’s pioneering systems allow for maximum flexibility and rapid product changeover to accommodate the ever-evolving requirements of the consumer packaged-goods sector. Our user interface is capable of operating multiple sensor systems simultaneously, while requiring only a small amount of floor space and virtually no alterations to clients’ current on-site infrastructure, making them well suited for easy integration into existing production lines. TapTone’s package inspection technologies and product rejection solutions ensure that clients can be provided with the most suitable system for their respective container types, line configuration and budgetary requirements. Reliable leak sensors for the packaging industry, TapTone supplies a wide variety of dependable leak, vacuum and pressure sensor systems that have been specially developed to analyze both rigid and flexible packaging formats, including plastic, metal and glass containers. These solutions incorporate a broad range of technologies to reliably test the relative vacuum or pressure level within users’ packaging, while also being ideal for leak detection purposes. Our innovative leak detection systems are used in conjunction with our functional and easy-to-operate user interface, which can be supplied in two different variants depending on the customers’ intended application and budget goals. With more than 50 years of experience in the packaging industry and having introduced a number of patented technologies, TapTone provides solutions that enable clients to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market climate. User interface platforms for packaging sensor systems TapTone provides two versions

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1/4/22 10:35 AM

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TopTier 10315 SE Jennifer St Portland OR, 97015 USA Phone: 503/217-6457 Email: salesteam@toptier.com www.toptier.com TopTier is the #1 selling line of palletizers in North America... mission-critical components of automated end-of-line packaging operations for food, beverage and consumer packaged goods manufacturers. TopTier is the leader in innovation and value — providing palletizing solutions with speed, flexibility, and dependability for 24/7 operations. Complete Capabilities TopTier palletizers provide cost-effective palletizing solutions for applications across all industries: • All Product Types: cases, bags, bundles, trays, trayless, display pack, and more • Both conventional row-form and robotic technologies • Rates: to 5 layers per minute • The global leader in integrated stretch wrap • Sheets, pallet handling, and comprehensive options • Advanced safety: controlled entry EN ISO 13849-1 Category 3 PL d • Upper and floor level infeed • Smallest full-featured footprint • EasyStack® programming and machine control

Modular Engineering TopTier’s modern layer build technology is more advanced than generic robots and legacy palletizers. Modular engineering and construction provides for all options and accessories in one compact integrated unit, achieving quality control and complete configuration flexibility. Live Demos Personal interactive Zoom demos are available at your convenience. Schedule a demo with TopTier sales engineers combining 36 years of exclusive palletizing experience. Simple. By design.®

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Triangle Package Machinery Company 6655 West Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA Phone: 773/889-0200 Email: info@trianglepackage.com www.trianglepackage.com Since 1923, Triangle has built a legacy of designing and building sanitary packaging equipment that has stood both the test of time and harsh washdown environments. We’re still servicing machines that have been running in the field since the 1950s. Today the family’s third generation carries on that tradition with superior engineering, a world-class manufacturing facility in Chicago, IL (USA) and unparalleled customer support. VFFS BAGGERS Our vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) baggers are designed with sanitation and ease-of-use in mind while meeting USDA/3A and FSMA standards. All models come with an open, accessible design, sanitary forming tubes, tool-less change parts and sloped surfaces for easy run-off during washdown. PREMADE POUCH FILLER/SEALER Our rotary pouch machine is designed to run various styles of pre-made pouches, including Doy bags, and can store up to 48 recipes on the HMI. INLINE WEIGHERS Our family of inline combination weighers offers unmatched accuracy and speed, providing even product distribution, leading to fewer missed cycles than traditional circular multihead weighers. Mount directly on top of VFFS baggers to save valuable floor space and eliminate the need for costly mezzanines. HORIZONTAL CARTONING SYSTEMS Our Flex 1 cartoning solution is ideal for bag-in-box applications such as cereal, rice, cake mix and more. Key features include quick and simple 3D changeover, single- or twin-pack bag capability, servo drives and a compact footprint. Pair with a Triangle weigher and VFFS bagger for an integrated bag-in-box system. SUPERIOR SERVICE & SUPPORT Your relationship with Triangle starts when your machine is installed. Field service is available out of our Chicago headquarters and regionally throughout the US. Our 22 service technicians offer an average tenure of 18 years. Spare parts are manufactured in-house and are typically shipped the same business day.

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1/4/22 10:36 AM

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Tripack Equipment Division | 1300 US-50 | Milford, OH 45150 - CoPack Division | 401 Milford Parkway | Milford, OH 45150 Phone: (513) 248-1255 Email: info@tripack.net www.tripack.net Tripack is an industry leader in the manufacturing and integration of shrink sleeve application systems for shrink labeling, tamper-evident banding, and multi-pack applications. Family-owned since 2003, Tripack provides packaging solutions and services that are backed by a 3-year warranty program – unmatched in our industry! Shrink Sleeve Systems: Our custom engineered shrink sleeve systems are designed for simple setup and quick changeovers to maximize uptime. We have shrink sleeve solutions for a wide range of production requirements, from entry-level speeds of 50 ppm up to fully integrated high-speed systems capable of 800 ppm. These solutions can be supplied as individual machines or complete turn-key systems, which include applicators, shrink tunnels, conveyors, and special product handling components. Contract Packaging: Complimentary to our equipment/systems manufacturing, we also provide contract shrink sleeve packaging and fulfillment services. Our highly automated packaging center features a series of production lines capable of a wide variety of applications. Our expertise in the design and manufacturing of these specialty systems provides us with a unique and competitive advantage in also offering 3rd party packaging services. These services include: • Shrink Label Decoration (Aluminum Cans, Glass Bottles, Plastic Containers, etc.) • Seasonal Shrink Sleeve Packaging Initiatives • Multi-Pack Applications • Variety Packs • Quick-to-Market Projects Craft Beverages: The Craft Beverages Division has become a proven, extremely successful Go-toMarket choice for craft beverage producers of all types. High-level customization, both in brand identity and product offering, has become the name of the game in the craft marketplace. We believe innovative design execution leads to a strong presence on the shelf, resulting in brand growth. Additionally, our Make-to-Order process frees up both physical inventory space and business cash flow, removing two very common challenges that craft producers face.

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U.S. Tsubaki, Power Transmission, LLC 301 E. Marquardt Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: 847/459-9500 Email: sales@ustsubaki.com www.ustsubaki.com U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of stateof-the-art power transmission and motion control products and is a global leader in roller and conveyor chain production. U.S. Tsubaki is the largest global subsidiary of Japan’s Tsubakimoto Chain Company which was founded in 1917. Today, Tsubaki’s products are marketed in over 70 countries. Its corporate headquarter and main distribution warehouse are just outside of Chicago in Wheeling, IL and it has full manufacturing facilities in Holyoke, MA, Sandusky, OH and Milwaukee, WI. In addition to this it has service centers strategically located in Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA and Anoka, MN. The TSUBAKI name is synonymous with excellence in quality, dependability and customer service. An intense focus on research and development, along with constant modernization of its production facilities are among the key components in Tsubaki’s ability to successfully meet the ever-changing needs of the marketplace. Tsubaki has a wide variety of standard roller chains and attachment chains that cater to the Packaging Industry applications. It also offers a multitude of specialty chains such as corrosion resistant Neptune® chain, lube-free Lambda® chain, vacuum wrapper chain, thermoforming chain, Gripper® chain and Titan® series chain for highspeed operations. Tsubaki’s Made-to-Order capabilities allow for custom engineering of chains and attachments specific to your operation to ensure optimal performance.

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Uline 12575 Uline Drive Pleasant Prairie, WI Phone: 262/612-4200 Email: customer.service@uline.com www.ULINE.com Uline, a family-owned business, is the leading distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout North America. For over 40 years, we’ve stayed committed to providing the highest levels of service and quality products to our customers. Our easy-to-use, 800+ page catalog contains over 40,000 packaging, shipping, industrial and janitorial products. Order by 6 PM and your order ships the same day! 99.5% of our orders ship the same day, with no backorders. Twelve locations across North America speed delivery and minimize shipping costs. You get what you need, when you need it, at the lowest cost. Depend on Uline to help build your business – we won’t let you down.

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Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 510 Thompson Dr. Unit 12, Cambridge, Ontario, N1T 2K8, Canada Phone: 1-866-369-4181 Email: info@unifiedflex.com www.unifiedflex.com Tired of expensive proprietary parts with lengthy delivery times for your Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines? Unified Flex Packaging Technologies manufactures user-friendly, robust & reliable VFFS machines using Allen Bradley controls & premium quality non-proprietary parts available online. Our success is built upon providing tailor made solutions to fit each customers’ unique application needs. Over the past 15 years with our combined 50 years of packaging and automation experience we have designed and manufactured superior quality Flexible Packaging systems for a wide variety of applications. Our expertise can be measured by the depth of the product lines we manufacture within the VFFS technologies, which include stick pack, 3 or 4 side sachet, spouted pouch, washdown pillow pack, gusseted bag, and quad-seal bag machines. We offer solutions for liquid, nutraceutical, snack food, produce, protein, industrial products, bakery, and confectionary applications for companies such as Tyson Foods and Emerson Industrial. We add value by empowering our customers by: • Engineering simple and robust equipment for 24/7 operation • Commitment to quality control and precision manufacturing ensuring reliability and maximum uptime • Utilizing non-proprietary parts reducing lifetime maintenance costs of the equipment • Service technicians in US and Canada to provide installation, training, and on-going support as needed. • Online Service portal and knowledge base providing access for all stake holders to documentation and service history of the equipment. We invite you to book a 3D walk around of our machines via email or call us for a complimentary consultation. Proudly Canadian Built! Sold and serviced by our United States branch: Unified Flex Packaging Technologies LLC.

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1/4/22 11:01 AM

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Universal Labeling Systems, Inc. 3501 8th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: 727/327-2123 Email: sales@universal1.com www.universal1.com Welcome to Universal Labeling Systems! We are a leader in pressure sensitive labeling machinery. Since 1984, no one has designed and built more custom, madeto-order labeling systems than Universal. Labeling is all we do and we do a lot of it. ULS ships over a 1,000 labeling machines and systems per year. All machines are designed and built in the USA at our St. Petersburg, Florida manufacturing facility. Everything we are goes into everything we do. Your Universal Labeling machine is sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized distributors, and backed up by the expertise of our technical staff. Universal’s product manuals include specifications, bill of materials, set-up and operational details, and machine maintenance. Universal Labeling Systems offers the most complete line of pressure sensitive labeling machines. From low volume table top models to high volume zero down time systems, our machines are designed, manufactured, and tested with one purpose in mind…you and your labeling needs. And at Universal, we do more than talk as our Performance Guarantee states: “All equipment manufactured by Universal Labeling Systems carries a 30-day performance guarantee. If your labeling machinery does not perform as stated, we will take your machine back and reimburse you in full.” Since 1984, we continue to honor this pledge.

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Vacuum Barrier Corporation 4 Barten Lane, Woburn MA 01801 Phone: 781-933-3570 Email: sales@vacuumbarrier.com www.vacuumbarrier.com Vacuum Barrier designs, engineers and fabricates liquid nitrogen dosing and piping systems for Food, Beverage, Semiconductor, MBE, Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Beer, Wine, Coffee, and Cannabis industries. We provide custom and standard solutions for all liquid nitrogen handling applications to position ourselves as your one-source for a complete system. Liquid Nitrogen Dosing Vacuum Barrier’s NITRODOSE liquid nitrogen dosing systems pressurize thin-wall packages or displace oxygen to extend product shelf-life. A precise droplet of liquid nitrogen is dispensed into the package vaporizes and expands to fill the headspace forcing nitrogen into the solution and pressurizing the bottle. To inert headspace the vapor is allowed to expand, before sealing, pushing out oxygen and extending shelflife. Liquid Nitrogen Piping Vacuum Barrier’s SEMIFLEX vacuum jacketed sealed and dynamic liquid nitrogen pipe delivers liquid nitrogen at bulk tank pressure in two-phase condition for on-demand supply. Combine with SEMIFLEX Triax liquid nitrogen pipe eliminates two-phase flow to all use points. Vacuum Barrier is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has a highly trained worldwide staff to assist you with all your liquid nitrogen handling applications.

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1/4/22 11:04 AM

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Valco Melton 497 Circle Freeway Drive, Ste 490 Cincinnati, OH 45246 Phone: 513/874-6550 Email: ask@valcomelton.com www.valcomelton.com Valco Melton is a world-leading manufacturer of adhesive dispensing equipment and quality assurance systems with 60+ years of technical experience. From case and carton sealing, to sift-proof closures and pallet stabilization, Valco Melton offers a comprehensive range of hot melt and cold glue equipment, and industry compatible spare parts, which set the standard for precision and reliability in adhesive application. The company has been leading research and development efforts of all-electric dispensing systems with its EcoStitchTM hot melt gluing solution. By reducing adhesive usage by up to 75%, and eliminating consumable parts, downtime and compressed air, EcoStitch has been helping customers across the packaging industry to improve their OEE and reduce TCO by decreasing packaging costs and carbon footprints. Valco Melton has made its electric technology available in melt on demand format for food & beverage packagers with the introduction of the Electric KubeTM. Extending quality inspection to the packaging process, Valco Melton’s award winning PackChekTM System provides real time hot melt inspection for end-of-line packaging. If your customers are complaining about pop-opens, missed glue application, or outof-line flaps, PackChek solves all three by combining thermal and visual imaging to inspect every package and guarantees proper hot melt application. Valco Melton is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, with seven large manufacturing facilities across the world. Our direct service support in 96 locations offers knowledgeable sales and service teams committed to providing technical assistance when and where you need it. Contact one of our product specialists to learn more at ask@valcomelton.com Download our Packaging Brochure at: www.valcomelton.com/solutions-by-market/ packaging

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VDG (Van der Graaf) 13771 Cavaliere Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315 Phone: 888/326-1476 Email: info@vandergraaf.com www.vandergraaf.com Designing and manufacturing drum motors for belt conveyor applications in USA and Canada since 1985, utilizing cutting-edge production technology and automation, VDG ensures product quality, fast delivery, and superior customer support. The VDG Drum Motor houses all drive components including motor and gearbox inside the drum, for a safer, more efficient, and space optimized belt conveyor drive solution. All components are designed for 80,000 hours of continuous operation before maintenance, minimizing downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing production. The patented IronGrip™ lagging option on the VDG Drum Motor extends the life of the lagging and the belt. The IronGrip™ system is composed of steel bars welded symmetrically on the drum with hot-bond vulcanized lagging inserts between the bars, eliminating lagging delamination, reducing wear of the belt and lagging, and extending the lifespan of the conveyor system. With up to 40% more traction than standard rubber lagging, the IronGrip™ allows for less pre-tensioning while providing higher belt-pull. The USDA approved SSV Sanitary Series drum motor with the belt profile machined directly onto the 316 stainless steel drum, drives modular, wire mesh, and monolithic thermoplastic conveyor belts without the use of sprockets. Featuring IP69K sealing system that withstands up to 3,000 psi washdown pressure, the sprocketless drum motor eliminates foreign material contamination and areas prone to food by-product buildup, cutting washdown time and water consumption by 50%. The new permanent magnet IntelliDrive™ drum motor delivers over 40% increased electrical efficiency and performance, with much wider belt speed selection without loss of torque, compared to a conveyor drive with a standard induction motor. With all drive components housed internally, the IntelliDrive™ achieves 96% mechanical efficiency, further decreasing energy consumption and cost.

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1/4/22 11:06 AM

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Videojet Technologies 1500 Mittel Blvd., Wood Dale, IL 60191 Phone: 800/843-3610 Email: info@videojet.com www.videojet.com Videojet Technologies is a world leader in the product identification market, providing in-line printing, coding, and marking solutions, application-specific fluids, and product life cycle services. Videojet partners with customers in the consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, and industrial goods industries to improve their productivity, to protect and grow their brands, and to stay ahead of industry trends and regulations. With customer application experts and technology leadership in continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), laser marking, thermal transfer overprinting (TTO), case coding and labeling, and wide array printing, Videojet has more than 345,000 printers installed worldwide. Customers rely on Videojet products to print on over ten billion products daily. Taking advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT), VideojetConnect™ allows customers to leverage the Videojet equipment already on their lines to gain visibility into their packaging line operations. VideojetConnect software can gather finished goods data, packaging line production rates and line stops, quantities produced and time frames, and more. Millions of hours of real-world printer data informed the Videojet 1880 continuous inkjet printer’s design, resulting in the company’s easiest to use and maintain printer. To help deliver superior levels of uptime, the Videojet 1880 continuously monitors and tracks printer parameters so the user can proactively address potential printer issues and help ensure that the production line operates without interruption. The 1880 printhead incorporates a unique sensor to enable the detection of buildup in the printhead, alerting the user to potential print quality issues. Line integration and code management capabilities help to both reduce the potential for human error and ensure that the right code is printed at the right quality, every time. Videojet redefined fiber laser technology and integration with the Videojet 7340 (20Watt) and 7440 (30-Watt) fiber laser marking systems. They are the first fiber lasers to feature the Lightfoot™ marking head, the smallest in the industry and IP69 rated for use in washdown and harsh environments. The Videojet 7340 and 7440 lasers are designed to deliver high-quality, permanent codes for a wide range of marking applications. The lasers are an ideal choice for many food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers.

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Weber Packaging Solutions 711 West Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA Phone: 800/843-4242 Email: info@weberpackaging.com www.weberpackaging.com When you need mission-critical labeling systems that will be reliable, cost-effective, and easy to use, you need a partner that you can trust. Weber Packaging Solutions is a family-owned labeling company that has been helping customers look their best for 90 years. We provide turn-key labels and labeling solutions that, whether locally or globally, can change labeling nightmares into labeling dreams. With experience in just about every industry, we make sure you succeed in getting your product labeled correctly. Weber Packaging has been printing labels for thousands of companies, large and small, since the advent of pressure-sensitive labels. And over that time we have realized that the most important part of the label creation process is the team behind it. Label pre-press experts, press operators, quality inspectors, packers and more. Your label is an extension of your brand and a representative of your product. Weber can bring your label to life with creative solutions like eye-catching finishes, new special-purpose materials and amazing colors. We can partner with you to get you labeling requirements under control with new economical materials and production practices. And to apply your labels, Weber designs, fabricates and assembles a wide selection of standard and customized label applicators and label printer-applicators. These systems feature high-speed, precise label placement along with unsurpassed reliability. Our labeling systems have a proven track record with e-commerce order fulfillment, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, medical, life sciences, and the cannabis industry. Contact us to talk to one of our local representatives and see how we can ensure your next project is successful.

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1/4/22 11:08 AM

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Weightpack, Inc. PO Box 27 - 3490 Anderson Hwy - Powhatan, VA 23139 Phone: (804) 598-4512 Email: Leaders@Weightpack.com www.weightpack.com GIVEAWAY? Only when you’re feeling generous. Your product is precious, and that’s why your customers love it. So, when you are feeling generous you may want to give away just a bit more than what the label says. But most days your bottom line will best be served by counting every drop and every granule going to the dock. You can count on Weightpack to help you reliably serve up just the right amount of your high value liquid or powder merchandise to your loyal consumers. Family owned Weightpack is the first name in net weight fillers for your products. For over 45 years our team has invested in perfecting the most accurate means possible for measuring out and delivering top quality liquids and powders into containers. Measuring the precise quantity of product put inside the primary package—at the destination—means what you weigh is what you get. The primary package is completed with our integrated closure systems. Direct Drive servo cappers, pump dispenser and trigger sprayer applicators, as well as custom sealers are integrated into unified packaging machines. CPG producers across a wide spectrum benefit from Weightpack precision: cosmetics, OTC pharmaceuticals, dairy and juices, edible oils, sauces and condiments, peanut butter—even coffee and nutritional powders and more benefit from the easily sanitized sensor-free product delivery path. Sanitary containments and packaging treatment are available for up to 5-LOG reduction. Home care and personal care, chemicals, paints, automotive; stiff and foaming, corrosive and flammable liquids; production rates from 30 to 800 parts per minute and containers from 1 oz. to 35 lbs. all find the perfect solution in Weightpack machines. Our Virginia based team serves our North American customers with a well-stocked spare parts store, dedicated service technicians, reliability maintenance programs, project management and training, and in-house fabrication for container and cap change parts as well as emergency parts manufacture.

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WEIMA America, Inc. 3678 Centre Circle, Fort Mill, SC 29715 USA Phone: 888.440.7170 Email: info.us@weima.com www.weima.com WEIMA offers a variety of industrial machinery to recycle packaging where it’s produced! WEIMA shredders and compression machinery offer packaging manufacturers full control over how their scrap is recycled or reintegrated. With over 40 years in the recycling industry, WEIMA is no stranger to the plastics, paper, corrugate, aluminum, and canning sectors. What do these industries have in common? All these packaging materials are necessary for transporting various products effectively, and all of them create waste streams with unique requirements for recycling. Industrial shredders from WEIMA are easily integrated into production lines, making size reduction a manageable process for all packaging manufacturers. These shredders are ideal for the paper and corrugated industries, as well as for processing plastic film packaging and hard plastic scrap. With a variety of rotor widths and cutting geometries, WEIMA knows what it takes to effectively size reduce specific waste streams with ease. Whether empty and dry or filled and wet – WEIMA has the right pressing solution for recycling packaging waste. With hydraulic PUEHLER presses, all common packaging and containers can be drained and compacted. These include soft packaging, plastic bags, tinplate or aluminum cans, foil-wrapped cardboard, plastic cups, plastic bottles and mixed food waste. Packaging that is no longer usable is occasionally still filled with fluids. These filled items, require proper separation, if only for reasons of volume reduction and costeffective disposal. Due to their complete stainless-steel construction, they are appreciated not only by breweries, dairies, soft drink producers and bottling plants, but also by operators of biogas plants, plastic processors and food manufacturers. Hygienic ReWork capabilities are available for reprocessing and reusing the drained contents, where possible. No matter the type of packaging you manufacture, WEIMA wants to help your operation Destroy Responsibly™!

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1/4/22 11:09 AM

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WestRock 1000 Abernathy Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30328 Phone: 407) 843-1300 Email: aps@westrock.com www.westrock.com/automation In a time of urgent and accelerated business challenges, companies are looking for innovative solutions. WestRock is using its extensive expertise in automation and secondary and tertiary packaging to create new-to-the-market holistic solutions that help our customers improve efficiency, increase flexibility, and reduce labor cost. As a global, vertically integrated manufacturer of corrugated and consumer packaging with an in-house machinery manufacturing and service division, WestRock provides a broad range of differentiated packaging design to automation solutions that protect, ship, promote and display your products. Change is constant. Innovation should be too. Through a consultative approach, we work to fully understand the issues and challenges that our customers face daily. It is this simple act of listening to our customers that inspires us to innovate. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in our automation platform. This commitment stems from a deep desire to help our customers solve their most difficult challenges. We strive to develop packaging and automated solutions that meet their operational needs as well as the needs of the end consumer. Sustainability WestRock is committed to a more sustainable future for all, and consistently innovates to provide customers with unique fiber-based packaging and efficient automation to help achieve this goal.

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Wexxar Bel 13471 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1K4 Phone: 1-888-565-3219 Email: Wexxar@ProMachBuilt.com www.wexxar.com Wexxar Bel is a leading manufacturer of fully and semi-automatic case and tray forming and sealing solutions. From small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, we provide a wide array of reliable machinery focusing on advanced technologies, easy to operate equipment and a top tier service network. Wexxar Bel’s dedication to quality means you can take pride in the quality of your purchase and peace of mind in the reliability and performance of our machines. Many Wexxar Bel customers are excited to show-off their new purchase to visitors and stakeholders while other more long-term customers still feel that pride when they show off their nearly 40 year old still running Wexxar Bel machines. You will always feel supported by the industry’s best performing and best-serviced case/tray formers and sealers in every step that your company takes With a wide distribution and service network across North America, customers are always fully serviced and supported quickly and reliably. Whether you decide to work with our certified partners or our own experienced technicians, Wexxar Bel and our partners will listen, understand and solve your packaging problems and issues. Wexxar Bel is also a technological leader in the field by pushing the boundaries of innovation. The company was built on the reliable patented “Pin & Dome” system and continues to incorporate new technologies in our products to create innovative and ultra-reliable packaging machinery. This obsession with reliability has also transitioned to our IPAK product line with the utilization of servo-drives to ensure complete tray blank control at all times for precision accurate forming. Our dedication to pushing boundaries have also put a focus on providing sustainably made and efficient machines. Our manufacturing facility in Vancouver is powered 100% by renewable energy and we also implemented sustainable practices in our manufacturing facility. Furthermore, we constantly push our machines to be more energy and maintenance efficient, reducing overall energy consumption, redundant parts and increasing overall product life.

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1/4/22 11:10 AM

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Wipotec-OCS 825 Marathon Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone: (678) 344-8300 Email: info.usa@wipotec.com www.wipotec-ocs.com/us Do you have an in-motion product weighing challenge? Then Wipotec is your answer. Our checkweighers deliver precision, accuracy, and repeatability in robust product and package weighing applications. Our X-Ray scanners and vision systems ensure that foods are free of foreign body contamination while maximizing package integrity, and product labeling accuracy. Wipotec’s TQS modular serialization and aggregation machines guard against counterfeit products entering the global supply chain. Wipotec manufacturing takes place in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The Atlanta metro area is home to the company’s North American operations. The metro Atlanta facility includes training rooms, a product showroom, application engineering labs, and an expansive spare parts warehouse.

Checkweighers Checkweighers prevent under filling and overfilling of product, resulting in brand protection and cost reduction due to less product giveaway. Wipotec checkweighers use EMFR weigh cells to deliver the fastest and most accurate product weights possible at throughputs up to 650 ppm. The modular design of these machines enables support for a wide variety of machine options including metal detectors.

X-Ray Scanners and Vision Systems Our X-Ray scanners and vision systems prevent expensive product recalls. These machines maximize product safety and packaging integrity. X-Ray scanners are ideal for foreign body contaminant detection, package completeness, and fill-level checks. Vision systems do a great job verifying product label contents and correct placement on your packages.

TQS Serialization and Aggregation Machines These modular machines got their start in the pharmaceutical industry ensuring end-to-end tracking of medications in order to keep counterfeit products out of the supply chain. Driven by global compliance regulations, these machines employ open interfaces and software that delivers the flexibility needed to meet each country’s track and trace requirements. These machines are now finding use in various industries such as cosmetics, medical devices, cannabis, and personal care products.

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Yamato Corporation 1272 Dakota Dr. Grafton, WI 53024 Phone: 1-262-236-0000 Email: info@yamatoamericas.com www.YamatoAmericas.com Always the best way to weigh. Yamato Corporation is the leading provider of automatic, commercial, and industrial weighing solutions in North, Central, and South America. Our industry strengths include cheese, poultry, snack foods, confectionery, prepared meals, fresh produce, and more. Whether your product is dry and free-flowing, wet and sticky, or frozen and a little difficult to run, a Yamato scale can weigh it for packaging. Yamato scales offer supreme accuracy and support a wide variety of markets. Our combination weighers, checkweighers, and depositors can address virtually any packaging application. Our commercial scales offer convenient weighing for a variety of retail markets, and our industrial solutions are ideal for very high target weights. We promise you the Yamato Difference. As Yamato – not a distributor or agent – we’re easily accessible and available to offer you direct advice and support. We understand that you need maximum uptime and non-stop performance. We promise you’ll get that from our scales, and from us. That’s the Yamato Difference. Yamato Corporation is a subsidiary of Yamato Scale Co., Ltd., headquartered in Akashi, Japan. Founded in 1920, Yamato Scale Co. is celebrating over 100 years of providing innovative, high-quality weighing equipment and systems to customers around the world. Learn more and find your scale at YamatoAmericas.com

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1/6/22 7:55 AM

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Yaskawa America, Inc. 2121 Norman Drive South, Waukegan, IL 60085 Phone: 1-800-YASKAWA Email: info@yaskawa.com www.yaskawa.com At Yaskawa, we help you explore what’s possible, and open new doors to opportunity. Rather than accepting the status quo, we invite you to wonder, “What if …?” And then we make it possible. That dedication to innovation is what makes us different. Experience is often the difference between solving a problem the right way and settling for “good enough.” Our global expertise is unmatched and unquestioned, with 100+ Years of manufacturing excellence, 30 countries with sales, service, and manufacturing locations, and $4.0 billion in global sales per year. We provide both standard products and tailor-made solutions, all backed by proven quality and reliability. We continuously work to save you money, time, and energy, because we believe your machine can always run faster, smoother and more productively. It’s about making the correct diagnoses, creating the right automation machinery, and implementing it in the best way possible. From case packing to labeling, filling to palletizing, Yaskawa can increase pack rates, improve throughput, and simplify motion and robotic control to maximize the performance of your machine. Yaskawa AC Servo Systems come to a precise position with a speed and consistency that is unmatched in the industry. Connect our rotary, linear, and direct drive motors to an advanced Yaskawa machine controller to achieve SINGULAR CONTROL: the ability to manage robots, servos and drives with a single controller and familiar IEC 61131-3 programming. Over 500,000 Yaskawa Robots are at work worldwide, with 150+ models to choose from and the strength of decades of packaging application expertise. Yaskawa’s Motoman robots are successfully picking, packing and palletizing a wide variety of food, beverage and consumer products for global CPG leaders. Yaskawa low and medium voltage AC Variable Frequency Drives cover every automation application need in the industrial plant, with power ranges from fractional HP to 16,000 HP and a legendary reputation for reliability and advanced technology.

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Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Division 100 Automation Way, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Phone: 937/847-6200 Email: info@motoman.com www.motoman.com Yaskawa is dedicated to the development of advanced motion control technologies and robotic solutions that help deliver transformative results for complex challenges. We serve leading companies and system integrators in diverse industries with over 500,000 robots, 18 million servos and 27 million inverter drives installed worldwide. From primary packaging to end-of-line palletizing, our robots provide game-changing benefits that can improve quality, efficiency, flexibility and performance. Our easy-to-use industrial robots bring exceptional speed and precision to handle products in food and beverage, snacks and confectionary, health and beauty care, pharmaceutical and other applications. Collaborative robots, like the HC10DTP and HC20DTP, optimize production and safety in sanitary environments, with the latter enabling the palletizing of full 80-inch pallets without requiring an elevator or lift mechanism. Yaskawa is the leading provider in motion automation with a single software package that operates robots, servos and variable speed drives. This unprecedented capability is built on controllers, servo motors and SERVOPACK amplifiers, setting the standard for performance and dependability. Our MLX300 programming portal, enables both control and programming of Yaskawa robots entirely from a PLC or Yaskawa motion controller, and our Smart Pendant simplifies programming for fast implementation. Yaskawa is a proven partner with a bold vision to meet challenging demands every step of the way. Our comprehensive support services maximize ROI and improve OEE. Explore the impact automation can have on your operations at yaskawa-motoman. com.

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Yeaman Machine Technology 28495 N. Ballard Dr., Lake Forest, IL 60045 Phone: (847)-758-0500 Email: info@yeamanmachine.com www.yeamanmachine.com Your packaging equipment mentor and manufacturer of convertible cartoners, premade pouch fill and seal machines, case packers, robotic automation, and more. We focus on building simple equipment that is easy to use and easy to maintain and is designed to conveniently adapt for your needs today, tomorrow and the future.

We Truly Love Our Machines, But We Believe in People Here at Yeaman we know that every business has its own group dynamic. A unique formula that yields a successful operation. It’s not our frame of mind to disrupt this dynamic, but to enhance it, and allow your company to preserve the spirit of your business. Together we can develop both long- and short-term planning to develop your operational flows and improve your line efficiency so you may readily attain your production targets. Our goal is to get you to that next milestone. We have vast experience with an array of people and products through all stages of the manufacturing business life cycle. While sharing that knowledge we can assess your plant’s current capabilities, strengths and needs to provide advice on how to increase production capacities. By developing your available resources and people we’ll get you through current hurdles so you can focus on your next step. We strive for your growth.

Yeaman Theory of Design Our design team holds a clear and simple approach to creating the most suitable and economical automated equipment for your packaging needs. This vision yields machines that are more efficient, of a smaller footprint, and are easier to operate than most others. This design culture we’ve carried from the beginning lets us meet the regulations and expectations required of manufacturing facilities today. Peak performance coupled with our untold knowledge of product handling creates optimal packaging equipment that can handle a large range of products. The construction theorem we employ gives us the means to provide you with the systems that satisfy your needs today and can adapt for the opportunities of tomorrow.

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Yupo Corporation America 800 Yupo Court Chesapeake, VA 23320 Phone: 888-873-9876 Email: info@yupo.com www.yupousa.com YUPO is the recyclable, waterproof, tree-free Synthetic Paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of marketing, design, packaging and labeling needs. Located in Chesapeake, VA, Yupo is the largest manufacturer of synthetic papers in the western hemisphere. YUPO Synthetic Papers are extruded from polypropylene pellets. YUPO IML for blow-molded packaging offers a perfect solution for a brand item that is scratchproof, won’t scuff, tear or flag, and eliminates the need for adhesive backing. YUPO IML offers eye-popping color and graphics, plus an enhanced tactile touch appeal. Specs the substrate chosen by more designers, printers and brand leaders.

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By Shayne Tilley, Contributing Editor

How to Leverage 2022’s Biggest Packaging Design Trends looking to break the mold. If you want to incorporate it yourself, start by looking at any illustrations or imagery used on your packaging and then remove them! If you feel they are integral to communicating your product, consider how you could use type instead. What other words are available for you to work with in your design? Don’t be confined to just letting your brand name take center stage—look at your product name, any supplementary copy, even your ingredients list, and see where you can bend traditional hierarchy rules to focus on another part of the text. From there, look to your brand colors and see whether you can inject any contrasting hues to give your label a boost of energy!

2021 wasn’t exactly the breath of fresh air many of us had hoped for, but there’s a certain air of optimism as we look toward 2022 that is already having an impact on design trends for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to evolve your packaging in order to better serve your consumers’ needs or you just want to give your brand and products a totally new look in a bid to leave 2021 where it belongs (far behind us), here’s how you can leverage three of the biggest design styles set to shape packaging in the year ahead.

1. Eccentric text-centric design It can be easy to forget that type design is an intricate artform in itself. While its main role is communication, typography is not always just meant to be read. From conveying emotion to demonstrating a brand’s personality, clever typography serves multiple purposes, and in one of the biggest packaging trends for 2022, we’re seeing it used in more unconventional ways than ever before.

2. Y2K aesthetic reigns supreme

Image credit: 2DADS

Image credit: Packaging design by goopanic on 99designs

Forgoing photography and illustrations, eccentric text-centric design instead balances white and negative space with playful typefaces in even more playful colors. In some cases, readability is even left second to aesthetics as experimentations in line thickness and text hierarchy focus on the letters as the artform. This design style leans into an overarching anti-design movement we’re seeing in graphic design in 2022, so it’s perfect for brands

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Interestingly, a large number of this year’s design trends are rooted in nostalgia. Not only that, but they also take inspiration from some of the louder, maybe even polarizing, design styles of decades like the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. One in particular that is seeping back into all facets of popular culture is the Y2K aesthetic. Synonymous with the turn of the century, this 90’s take on cyberpunk merged the grunge style popular at the time with a world that was obsessed with technology and cyber culture, brimming with millennium-inspired optimism. Although this style was ubiquitous in its time, its novelty became old and tired quickly. Until now, it has remained quite firmly in the decade it was born. However, such is the cyclical nature of trends and after another truly challenging year, consumers and brands alike continue to seek comfort in the design styles of the past. While the Y2K style is gaudy, a little bit tacky, and experimental, there’s also something comforting and attractive in its appealing familiarity. Whether your target market is a younger demographic or you’re just looking to inject some youth and playfulness into your packaging,

Image credit: Chubby Snacks

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Image credit: BelliWelli

March 21-23, 2022 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA USA

YOUR EAST COAST CONNECTION Interested in the latest packaging design trends? Don’t miss PACK EXPO East, where a wide range of cutting-edge packaging material and container options will be on display.

REGISTER TODAY packexpoeast.com this could be the way to go. To incorporate a little ’00s bling into your packaging, look to metallics and frosty hues like icy blues and silvers, white, and pale neons, sometimes emphasized using color gradients and mists. Go one step further by experimenting with materials popular with this cyber-inspired style, such as holographic or glossy finishes and even transparent materials like plastics and PVC. While this aesthetic has been growing in popularity with the Gen Z market for some time now, 2022 will see it catapulted into the mainstream. This younger cohort makes up a large portion of consumers, and the resurgence of Y2K is a great example of how their preferences can quickly become the driver of broader consumer taste changes. However, while it doesn’t look set to go anywhere any time soon, if you’re a more traditional brand, or you don’t plan on making any large branding changes for a while, approach this style with a little caution. Its kitschy, millennium charm is alluring to many, but there’s no telling how long it will stick around.

likely be familiar with classic characters like Felix the Cat, Betty Boop, and Popeye, which were made famous by the likes of Walt Disney and Bill Nolan in 1920’s animation. Now, these charming, jaunty characters are strolling back into packaging design with a vengeance. Full of whimsy, energy, and humor, these vintage-style mascots are certain to make your customers smile with their playful expressions. Built from basic blocks and shapes, they may be simple in design, but their signature rubber-hose limbs create the illusion of wacky movement and animation in static 2D drawings.

3. The reign of rubber hose characters The restrictions, stress, and lasting unease of the last two years have left us all dreaming of what a post-pandemic period could look like. This yearning for frivolity, escape, and hedonism coupled with prolific social change has sparked talk of another Roaring Twenties era occurring. Known as “années folles” in France, meaning “crazy years,” this seems apt considering the revival of a certain type of cartoon— rubber hose characters! If you’re not familiar with the term, you’ll

Image credit: Wally’s Vegan, packaging design by Anastasia S. on 99 designs

Image credit: Creature Coffee Co.

If one of your goals is to strengthen the emotional connections you make with your customers, making a mascot the face of your brand is a smart move. Packed with humor and personality, a mascot can be the perfect way to convey your brand story and personality. Just because these characters are cartoon-like, doesn’t mean they’re just for children’s brands. 2022’s contemporary take on these characters sees plenty of sports caps, sneakers, and tattoos giving them an edge and seeing them crop up everywhere, from street wear brands to pizzerias. So, if you’re looking to create a friendly face for your customers to connect and resonate with, why not consider one of these friendly fellows to help your brand take on a life of its own. After another somber year, it’s really not surprising that society is seeking to inject positivity and lightheartedness into the day to day in any way possible. By leveraging the biggest and most beautiful design trends across your packaging, your brand can play a small but vital role in delivering some much-needed excitement directly to their doors—ultimately building a strong relationship with them that lasts long after the pandemic. PW

Shayne Tilley is Head of Marketing at 99designs, the global creative platform by Vista.

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INDUSTRY WATCH

Companies O N E I N T E G R AT E D MODULE COULD E A S I LY D I V E R T, TRANSFER AND S O R T M U LT I P L E PA C K A G E T Y P E S ?

Intralox announced a $60 million operations expansion at its Hammond, La., location. Regal Rexnord’s strategic acquisition of Arrowhead Systems will expand its conveyor offerings into subsystems, palletizing. Formost Fuji formed a partnership with Capper-McCall where CapperMcCall will represent Formost Fuji in the Southeast region covering Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Schubert North America plans to build a new headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. TricorBraun entered into an agreement to acquire France-based glass packaging manufacturer Vetroelite. The acquisition will strengthen TricorBraun’s European presence and continues its global expansion. Ranpak Holdings Corp. will build an 80,000-sq-ft innovation and automation center in Shelton, Conn.

March 21-23, 2022 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA USA

YOUR EAST COAST CONNECTION Very small packs? Polybags? Not a problem for ModSort® divert and transfer conveyor modules! The ModSort module can do left and right sorting on the fly for a wide range of package types and sizes weighing up to 50 pounds. It is safe, quiet, versatile and saves energy. In addition to integration with existing systems, the ModSort Trident and Mobile Flats systems offer modular, scaleable, and mobile end of line sortation for your operational needs. Retrofitting an existing conveyor with ModSort modules has saved some customers as much as $90k annually in reduced manual labor alone! To learn more and schedule time with a ModSort specialist, visit:

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Need packaging or processing solutions for your facility? Don’t miss PACK EXPO East to see the latest innovations in packaging and processing technology first hand.

People Shibuya Corp. appointed Hidetoshi Shibuya as President and Mitsutoshi Shibuya as Chairman. Chris Gallagher was appointed VP of Sales for Pearson Packaging. Christina Caccamo was appointed Business Development Manager for NCC Automated Systems. Michael Small was named Director of Operations for Triangle Package Machinery Co. Peter Fox was promoted to CEO at SOMIC Packaging responsible for managing U.S. operations. Pharmaworks and WLS appointed Michael Mora Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States, and Western Canada.

In Memoriam Regal Rexnord, ModSort, Creating a Better Tomorrow and System Plast are trademarks of Regal Rexnord Corporation or one of its aﬃliated companies.

International Packaging Press Organization (IPPO) founder Åke E Andersson was a notable figure in Swedish (and international) packaging history, having made invaluable contributions to the packaging industry at large.

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TOTAL SYSTEM SOLUTION

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Visit the link below each item for more info.

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TECHNOLOGY

CIJ Printer

Checkweigher for Liquid Pharmaceuticals

Squid Ink introduces the JetStream Sonic CIJ printing system designed to print small characters on a variety of substrates, including porous, non-porous, smooth, textured, curved, concave, and more.

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Front/Back Labeling System Label-Aire’s Inline 6200-TS front/back labeling system applies labels to the front and back sides of product containers at high speeds.

Mettler-Toledo’s StarWeigh™ checkweigher is designed to provide laboratory accuracy of fill levels at production throughputs for small, unstable, or lightweight products, such as glass and plastic bottles, vials, and ampules.

Mettler-Toledo pwgo.to/7361

Label-Aire pwgo.to/7359

Bone Fragment Detector Technology Rotary Piston Filling Machine

Eagle Product Inspection launches Performance X-ray Technology (PXT™) detector technology designed to identify bone fragments down to 1 mm in size in fresh, frozen, and refrigerated poultry products as well as in bulk flow and retail poultry portions.

Shemesh Automation launches Asterra, a 4.0-ready positive displacement rotary piston filling machine that offers a filling tolerance of +/- 2 mL and speeds to 300 containers/min (higher throughputs available depending on the number of filling stations).

Shemesh Automation pwgo.to/7362

Eagle Product Inspection pwgo.to/7360

Recyclable Vacuum Bag allfo’s VAC 95+ recyclable vacuum bag is made of a thin, high-barrier material that consists of more than 95% PP. It is suitable for use in food and packaging applications.

allfo GmbH & Co. KG pwgo.to/7364

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Robot for Warehousing/ Logistics Applications Fanuc America introduces the LR-10iA/10 robot designed for machine tending and a variety of picking applications found in the warehousing and logistics markets.

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12/24/21 10:17 AM

PERFORMANCE, PACKAGED

Best-In-Class Labeling and Coding Solutions ID Technology, along with EPI, Panther, Greydon, and Code Tech, are part of ProMach’s Labeling & Coding business line. We integrate industry-leading solutions for labeling automation, coding, marking, and label converting within the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries.

Offering a diverse line of products that include label printers, label printer applicators, laser coding & marking systems, thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, continuous inkjet printers (CIJ), and thermal transfer overprinters (TTO).

ID Technology also manufactures and supplies flexographic, digital, blank, and shell labels. Supported by our multiple regional converting facilities across the United States and Canada, we’re close to ensure you operate at peak efficiency.

Pressure-sensitive label applicators and label printer applicators that apply primary, secondary, and reclosable labels to numerous types of packaging. Whether a standalone application or custom solution, these systems integrate easily with your new or existing equipment.

Print-and-apply labeling automation solutions especially tailored to meet the demanding needs of e-commerce and other fast-moving industries that utilize warehouse, distribution, fulfillment centers, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

High quality printing of content directly onto medical devices or pharmaceutical products and packaging. Digital printers, flexographic rotary printers, thermal transfer printers, thermal inkjet printers, and wet ink reciprocating imprinters – in standard or custom options.

Specializing in thermal inkjet (TIJ) printing, Code Tech provides date coding, track and trace, serialization, and anticounterfeiting solutions for the medical device, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, protein, building materials, and consumer product industries.

Let’s collaborate to boost your throughput and improve your bottom line. Visit idtechnology.com or contact a representative at IDT@ProMachBuilt.com today.

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AD INDEX

Search Packworld.com for additional information on any of the advertisers listed or visit their website directly ADVERTISER WEBSITE PAGE

A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp. www.abcpackaging.com Aagard Group, LLC www.aagard.com AirGuard Packaging www.airguardpackaging.com All Packaging Machinery www.allpackagingmachinery.com All-Fill Inc. www.all-fill.com Alliance Rubber Company www.rubberband.com Allied Technology LLC www.allied-technology.com ALLIEDFLEX Technologies, Inc www.alliedflex.com Alpek Polyester www.dakamericas.com AmbaFlex Inc. www.ambaflex.com American Film and Machinery www.afmsleeves.com ANRITSU INFIVIS INC www.anritsu.com/infivis Arrowhead Systems Inc. www.arrowheadsystems.com Anubis 3D Industrial Solutions www. anubis3d.com Axon Corporation www.promachbuilt.com/product-brands/axon Beckhoff Automation www.beckhoff.com BELL-MARK www.bell-mark.com BellatRx Inc. www.bellatrx.com BestCode www.bestcode.co Bevcorp LLC www.bevcorp.com BI-AX International Inc. www.biaxinc.com BluePrint Automation www.blueprintautomation.com Brenton www.brentonengineering.com Brooks Automation, Inc. www.brooks.com Brother USA Machinery LLC www.usabrother.com Bunting www.buntingmagnetics.com Busch Vacuum Solutions www.buschvacuum.com Buskro Ltd. www.buskro.com BW Flexible Systems www.bwflexiblesystems.com BW Integrated Systems www.bwintegratedsystems.com BW Packaging Systems www.barrywehmiller.com Cama North America www.camagroup.com CASSEL Inspection www.cassel-inspection.com Charter Next Generation www.cnginc.com Chase-Logeman Corporation www.chaselogeman.com Clysar LLC www.clysar.com Columbia Machine, Inc. www.palletizing.com Columbia/Okura www.columbiaokura.com CTM Labeling Systems www.ctmlabelingsystems.com Decade Products, LLC www.decadeproducts.com Dekka www.dekkaindustries.com Delkor Systems, Inc. www.delkorsystems.com Diagraph Marking & Coding, An ITW Company www.diagraph.com Dodge Industrial www.dodge.com Domino Amjet Inc. www.domino-na.com Dorner Mfg. Corp. www.dornerconveyors.com Douglas Machine Inc. www.douglas-machine.com Econocorp, Inc. www.econocorp.com EDL Packaging Engineers, Inc. www.edlpackaging.com Eastey www.eastey.com EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA www.ebs-inkjet-usa.com

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164, 258 55, 259 260, IBC 59, 261 125, 262 22, 263 264 17, 265 199, 266 8, 267 157, 268 173, 269 165, 271 229, 270 172, 272 5, 273 180, 274 183, 275 127, 276 150, 277 99, 278 216, 279 242, 280 239, 281 227, 282 45, 283 179, 284 7, 285 175, 286 221, 287 53, 288 232, 289 145, 290 233, 291 19, 292 237, 293 214, 294 244, 295 234, 296 171, 297 48, 298 67, 299 247, 300 11, 301 223, 302 51, 303 31, 304 162, 307 64, 308 103, 305 143, 306

ADVERTISER WEBSITE PAGE

Elplast America Inc. www.elplastamerica.com 122, 309 Emerson Industrial Automation www.emerson.com 225, 310 Emirates Printing Press www.eppdubai.com 33, 311 Encoder Products Company www.encoder.com 42, 312 Enercon Industries www.enerconind.com 188, 313 EPI Labelers www.epilabelers.com 89, 314 Eriez Magnetics www.eriez.com 226, 315 Exair Corporation www.exair.com 41, 316 Fabco-Air www.fabco-air.com 190, 317 Fallas Automation Inc. www.fallasautomation.com 169, 318 FANUC America www.fanucamerica.com 252, 319 FlexLink Systems, Inc www.flexlink.com 176, 320 Focke & Company www.focke.com 196, 321 Fogg Filler Co. www.foggfiller.com 43, 322 Formost Fuji Corporation. www.formostfuji.com 100, 323 Fortress Technology Inc. www.fortresstechnology.com 224, 324 Garvey Corporation www.garvey.com 210, 325 Glenroy, Inc. www.glenroy.com 101, 326 GR-X Manufacturing www.grxmfg.com 327, 459 GRA Services International www.graservices.com 328 61, 329 Graphic Packaging International www.graphicpkg.com Harpak-ULMA Packaging LLC www.harpak-ulma.com 149, 330 H.B. Fuller Company www.hbfuller.com 84, 332 Haver & Boecker USA, Inc. www.haverusa.com 155, 331 Heat and Control, Inc. www.heatandcontrol.com 37, 333 High Tek USA, Inc. www.hightekusa.com 167, 334 Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC. www.hitachi-iesa.com 49, 335 Honeywell Intelligrated www.intelligrated.com 137, 336 ID Technology www.idtechnology.com 337, 465 Ideal-Pak Massman LLC www.idealpakpase.com 338 47, 339 IMA FLX www.iima.it Independent Can Co. www.independentcan.com 243, 340 INSITE Packaging Automation www.insitepackaging.com 111, 341 Institute of Packaging Professionals www.iopp.org 117 Intertape Polymer Group www.itape.com 108, 342 Intralox www.intralox.com 343 ITW Hartness www.hartness.com 105, 344 Jadex www.jadexinc.com 87, 345 James Alexander Corp. www.james-alexander.com 52, 346 Kaufman Engineered Systems, Inc. www.kes-usa.com 82, 347 Kawasaki Robotics www.kawasakirobotics.com 141, 348 Klöckner Pentaplast, Food Packaging www.kpfilms.com 349 Klöckner Pentaplast PHD www.kpfilms.com 350 Krones www.kronesusa.com 133, 351 Label-Aire, Inc. www.label-aire.com 54, 352, OBC Mamata Enterprises, Inc. www.mamata.com 25, 353 Markem-Imaje www.markem-imaje.us 151, 354 Massman Automation Designs, LLC www.massmanllc.com 241, 355 Material Transfer & Storage, Inc. www.materialtransfer.com 90, 356 Matrix Packaging Machinery www.matrixpm.com 39, 357 Matthews Marking Systems www.matthewsmarking.com 209, 358

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Connect with a Leaders in Packaging supplier and support packaging education!

www.packworld.com/leaders

ADVERTISER WEBSITE PAGE

Mettler Toledo North America www.mt.com/pi 128, 359 MFT Automation www.mftautomation.com 152, 360 Michelman Inc. www.michelman.com 44, 361 mk North America www.mknorthamerica.com 35, 362 Modular Conveyor Express www.modularconveyor.com 222, 363 Mold-Rite Plastics www.mrpcap.com 219, 364 Morrison Container Handling Solutions www.morrison-chs.com 62, 365 Mpac Group www.mpac-group.com 147, 366 Multi-Conveyor www.multi-conveyor.com 23, 367 Multivac Inc. www.multivac.com 75, 368 National Bulk Equipment, Inc. (NBE) www.nbe-inc.com 115, 369 Nercon Conveyor Systems www.nerconconveyors.com 20, 370 New England Machinery, Inc. www.neminc.com 102, 371 Nita Sentient Labeling Systems www.nitalabeling.com 107, 372 Nordson Corporation www.nordson.com 131, 373 Norwix Inc. www.norwix.com 129, 374 Novembal www.novembal.com 50, 375 Nuspark Inc. www.nuspark.com 205, 376 nVenia www.nvenia.com 29, 377 ONExia Inc. www.onexia.com 81, 378 OPTIMA Machinery Corporation www.optima-packaging.us 203, 379 PAC Machinery www.pacmachinery.com 80, 380 Packaging Distributors, Inc. www.pdimachinery.com 68, 381 Paktech www.paktech-opi.com 70, 382 Panther Industries, Inc. www.print-n-apply.com 95, 383 PDC International www.pdc-corp.com 215, 384 Pearson Packaging Systems www.pearsonpkg.com 119, 385 PIAB www.piab.com 27, 386 Plan IT Packaging Systems Inc. www.planitpackaging.com 83, 387 Plexpack Corp. www.plexpack.com 217, 388 Point Five Shelf Life Solutions www.p5pkg.com 109, 391 PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems www.pmikyoto.com 9, 389 Pneumatic Scale Angelus www.psangelus.com 146, 390 PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies www.pmmi.org 207,257 Precision Automation Company, Inc. www.precisionautomationinc.com 123, 392 Pregis www.pregis.com 135, 393 Printpack www.printpack.com 63, 394 Profol Americas, Inc. www.profol.com 91, 395 Propack Processing & Packaging Systems, Inc. www.www.propack.ca 245, 396 Quadrel Labeling Systems www.quadrel.com 213, 397 R.A Jones www.rajones.com 57, 398 Ranpak Corp. www.ranpak.com 144, 399 Regal Rexnord www.regalrexnord.com 400, 462 Reiser www.reiser.com 73, 401 The Reynolds Company www.reynoldsglue.com 97, 402 Robatech USA Inc. www.robatechusa.com 3, 403 Roberts PolyPro www.robertspolypro.com 120, 404 RoBEX LLC www.robex.com 153, 405 Ronchi America www.ronchiamerica.com 251, 406 ROVEMA North America, Inc. www.www.rovema-na.com 249, 407

Ryson International Inc. www.ryson.com 69, 408 Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc. www.schneiderequip..com 163, 409 Schubert North America LLC www.schubert.group.com 113, 410 Serpa Packaging Solutions www.serpapackaging.com 112, 411 Shemesh Automation www.shemeshautomation.com 13, 412 Shibuya Hoppmann Corp. www.shibuyahoppmann.com 211, 413 Shorr Packaging www.shorr.com 93, 414 Shurtape Technologies www.shurtape.com 79, 415 Sidel Inc. www.sidel.com 88, 416 Signode www.signode.com 66, 417 SMC Corporation of America www.smcusa.com 159, 421 Siko Products, Inc. www.siko-global.com 24, 418 SKA Fabricating www.skafabricating.com 74, 419 Sleeve Seal www.sleeveseal.com 106, 420 Soft Robotics www.softroboticsinc.com 231, 422 Somic America, Inc. www.somicamerica.com 195, 423 Sourcelink Solutions, LLC www.sourcelinkcorp.net 121, 424 Span Tech LLC www.spantechconveyors.com 189, 425 Sparck Technologies www.sparcktechnologies.com 85, 426 Specialty Equipment www.specialtyequipment.com 34, 427 Squid Ink Manufacturing www.squidink.com 197, 428 Standard-Knapp www.standard-knapp.com 21, 429 Starview Packaging Machinery www.starviewpackaging.com 191, 430 Sullair A Hitachi Group Company www.sullair.com 110, 431 Syntegon Packaging Technology www.syntegon.com 1, 432 Taisei Lamick USA, Inc. www.taiseilamick.com 185, 433 TDI Packsys LLC www.tdipacksys.com 161, 434 Teledyne Taptone www.taptone.com 71, 435 TopTier Palletizers www.toptier.com 187, 436 Triangle Packaging Machinery www.trianglepackage.com 437 94, 438 TRIPACK, LLC www.tripack.net. U.S. Tsubaki, Inc. www.ustsubaki.com 118, 439 Uline www.uline.com 96, 440 Unified Flex Packaging Technologies www.unifiedflex.com 15, 441 Universal Labeling Systems, Inc. www.universal1.com 116, 442 Vacuum Barrier Corporation www.vacuumbarrier.com 65, 443 Valcro Melton www.valcromelton.com 136, 444 Videojet Technologies Inc. www.videojet.com 181, 446 Van der Graaf www.vandergraaf.com 24a, 445 Weber Packaging Solutions www.weberpackaging.com 177, 447 WEIGHTPACK, Inc. www.weightpack.com 193, 448 WEIMA America, Inc. www.weima.com 132, 449 Westrock www.westrock.com IFC, OFC, 450 Wexxar/BEL www.wexxar.com 58, 451 WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc. www.wipotec-ocs.com 452, 461 Yamato Corporation www.yamatoamericas.com 134, 453 Yaskawa America, Inc. www.yaskawa.com 454, 463 Yaskawa America, Inc., Motoman Robotics Division www.motoman.com 235, 455 Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc. www.yeamanmachine.com 77, 456 YUPO Corporation America www.yupo.com 201, 457

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PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

By Tom Seymour, CPP

Sustainability Success Must Address the Entire Storybook Critical to solving waste issues is ensuring that we are focused Over the past few years, the topic of on the right offender. Food waste is the biggest contributor to sustainability as it relates to packaging has greenhouse gases. Food is disposed of in a landfill, and it rots and been expanding, developing, and becoming increasingly important. A becomes a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse partnership between the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the United gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Nations Environment Program has challenged companies and brands Packaging is intended to protect food and extend its usable life. We to change the factors that lead to plastic packaging pollution with an need to be careful to select the right options when making choices aggressive goal date of 2025. It is an opportunity at giving a common about packaging. Sometimes, conventional materials are the best vision for how we advance solutions in this space. method to avoiding unwanted food waste. There are alternative waste There are many different options that brands, and their suppliers, stream management systems available, such as TerraCycle, to address are implementing to reduce waste and drive circularity into the conventional materials. They are also part supply chain. Consumer education and of the storybook referenced earlier. changing human behavior linked to the Many times, we neglect to way we interface with refuse is critical. gather the data from the total The system we have in place today to handle recycling could use a facelift and supply chain, the pages before At the heart of the matter is the Earth. educational campaign to assist consumers Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging and after that capture a very with better understanding of their part need to be more than a marketing important part of the story. and how it works in its entirety. Public campaign to appease public opinion. To willingness and participation are present. protect it, we need to educate and change But non-uniform practices, the lack of information, and insufficient human behavior. We need to make sure that we are focused on telling guidance has created an expensive path to landfills, and has driven the entire story as it relates to sustainability statements. We need mistrust for our system within U.S. homes. to focus on the top offenders and ensure we are selecting the most Engineering and providing alternatives only work if humans sensible options to make the largest impact. understand how to handle those materials and keep them within the There are many options available and new technologies are intended system. Programs like How2Recycle are leading the way but still emerging. Working together, we will succeed in meeting our more effort is needed to teach brands and consumers. environmental goals. PW

Go beyond the marketing

Consider the total supply chain We need to ensure that sustainability expands beyond the bounds of engineering a solution on the backend, and incorporates the efforts made throughout the entire supply chain to reduce our carbon footprint. Think of a large storybook as an analogy for sustainability. Often, we simply flip to the middle of the book and pick a page, in this case the engineering option for a particular material or package. Many times, we neglect to gather the data from the total supply chain, the pages before and after that capture a very important part of the story. Most manufacturers have implemented energy-, water-, and waste-saving programs to protect the environment and enhance their operations. This is all usable in a sustainability statement made by a brand. Additionally, there are some inherent eco-friendly statements that can be made about different conventional materials selected by brand owners. There are also different choices for how waste is handled. Finally, recycling, composting, biodegradation, and upcycling all have potential.

The author, Tom Seymour, is Business Development Specialist at Bison Bag Company and an IoPP Certified Packaging Professional. Tom also serves as Vice Chair on the IoPP Board of Directors. For more information on IoPP, please visit www.iopp.org.

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Packaging World January 2022

Articles inside

Professional Perspective

The Big Picture

Advertiser Index

Shelf Impact

First Person

The Legal Side

Technology

Industry Watch

Quotables/By the Numbers