Packaging World November/December 2023 by PMMIMediaGroup

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2023

NOV/DEC packworld.com

The Glenlivet’s RTD Cocktails Come Courtesy of Cap & Closure 24

Compostable Packaging: Framing Future Expectations 38

Pork Rind Line Blends Processing & Packaging 42

Tropicana Pack Design Balances Needs of Kids, Parents 48

Packaging Pro Revisits 2020 COVID-19 Impact Predictions

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VOL30

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A unique cap and closure system from The Glenlivet contains a nitrogen-pressurized tank or cartridge of cocktail mix ingredients. Since this liquid mix is stored separately from the high-proof spirits in the bottle below, and avoids both oxidation and UV light, they also avoid degradation. The mixer is dispensed into the whisky at the point of opening by the consumer, resulting in a freshly mixed cocktail.

DEPARTMENTS COLUMNS

5 Lead Off 18 The Big Picture 20 Looking Forward 22 Sustainable Packaging 42 Shelf Impact! 48 Professional Perspective NEWS/EVENTS

6 News 14 Quotables/By the Numbers 44 Industry Watch INTERVIEW

16 First Person

FEATURES 24 Compostable Packaging: ‘A Solution, Not Every Solution’ At Clemson University’s FRESH 2023 conference, predictions of compostable packaging becoming the leading material over the next decade are tempered with a discussion of obstacles to its widespread use.

32 Cap and Closure Star in Twist, Mix, and Pour Cocktail System COVER STORY

Pernod Ricard and Chivas Brothers’ prestige whisky brand The Glenlivet unveils a pair of instant mix, ready-to-serve cocktails that consumers prepare simply by opening the bottle. A twist of the aluminum shell cap releases pressurized cocktail mix ingredients that are kept separate from the high-proof spirits, as well as oxygen and UV light, right up until the point of use.

38 AUTOMATION Baggers Add Flexibility to Automated Pork Rind System The lines between processing and packaging operations are increasingly blurring, and an optimized handshake between the two promises efficiency gains. This full pork rind line represents a seamless transformation from raw ingredient at the infeed of the line to fully packaged finished product at the end.

PRODUCTS

46 Technology ADVERTISING

47 Advertiser Index

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Aladin Alkhawam Supply Chain Security Director, Endo International plc Jan Brücklmeier Technical Application Group Packaging Technology Expert, Nestlé M. Shawn French Director – Innovation & Packaging Engineering (Beverage), Danone North America Patrick Keenan R&D Packaging Engineer, General Mills/Annie’s Organic Snacks Mike Marcinkowski Global R&D Officer, GPA Global & Hub Folding Box Co. David Smith, PhD Principal, David S. Smith & Associates Brian Stepowany Packaging R&D, Senior Manager, B&G Foods, Inc. Jasmine Sutherland President, Texas Food Solutions; Vice President, Perfect Fit Meals

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 2023 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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CONTENT

Matt Reynolds Chief Editor Anne Marie Mohan Senior Editor Iris Zavala Managing Editor Sean Riley Senior News Director Pat Reynolds, Sterling Anthony, Eric F. Greenberg, Ben Miyares Contributing Editors David Bacho Creative Director

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John Schrei Vice President, Sales jschrei@pmmimediagroup.com Lara Krieger Senior Manager, Print Operations lkrieger@pmmimediagroup.com Janet Fabiano Financial Services Manager jfabiano@pmmimediagroup.com Questions about your subscription or wish to renew? Contact circulation@pmmimediagroup.com.

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David Newcorn President Elizabeth Kachoris Vice President, Digital Kelly Greeby Senior Director, Client Success & Media Operations Jen Krepelka Director, Digital Media Trey Smith Senior Director, Events Sharon Taylor Director, Marketing Joseph Angel Founding Partner and Executive Vice President, Industry Outreach, PMMI Lloyd Ferguson Founding Partner

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LEAD OFF

Unlocking Circularity Hours after our inaugural Packaging Recycling Summit (PRS), the Packaging World team is departing Atlanta with wind in our sails. You might ask yourself, “Another sustainability conference?” Sure enough, there are plenty of remarkable events in the packaging and sustainability space. But we think PRS treads unexplored territory in packaging circularity and bridges several gaps. In our magazine, we tailor our reporting to you, the CPG, by covering both upstream OEMs and materials suppliers and your customers downstream, including retailers and consumer trends impacting your brands. The CPG point of view is at our core, and anchors our perspective. The drawback of our upstream/downstream mental model is that it lends itself to the idea that the entire supply chain is necessarily linear, where packaging vanishes behind the horizon as it travels to an unknown terminus beyond a CPG’s jurisdiction (and responsibility, though EPR might forecefully change that attitude). Whether it’s landfilled, incinerated, or ends up in the environment, that’s packaging’s end of the line. Even when packaging is recycled, often for a CPG, processes of hauling, sortation, recovery, and reprocessing might as well be the dark side of the moon. This disconnect partially stems from consumers acting as an unpredictable gap between responsible stakeholders in a potentially circular supply chain. There is no clear ownership transfer or chain of custody for a package from CPG or retailer to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or recovery centers. Consumers form an enigmatic black box in this process. Because of this gap, brands allow themselves to wash their hands of packaging’s end-of-life fate, leaving it to the whims of consumers who claim to want sustainable packaging but often won’t recycle it. Many CPGs focus solely on making packaging recyclable (or “recycle-ready”), treating technical recyclability as the lone KPI, with little regard for the actual recoverability of the package at scale. This shifts onus and responsibility downstream, and brands let themselves off the hook. To become genuine partners in a circular system, brands must design packaging that they can be confident is recovered and recycled. Procter & Gamble’s engagement with MRF Rumpke, conducting RFID pass through trials on package recovery, is an excellent example of how to do this. P&G’s Mark Agerton and Rumpke’s Jeff Snyder shared their inspiring collaboration with our 350 in-person and online attendees at PRS (pwgo.to/8114). Brands also bear the responsibility of enhancing recoverability and increasing feedstock for Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials through consumer education on good recycling behavior. They have a direct connection with consumers and benefit from a positive sustainability image. Collaborating with organizations like Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s How2Recycle and The Recycling Partnership’s Recycle Check can bridge the consumer-to-disposal gap and help activate circularity. Taking it a step further, CPGs and brands must become customers of reprocessors and converters offering PCR, becoming their own end market by purchasing PCR as packaging input. With PRS, our goal is to help brands transform themselves from passive producers of theoretically recyclable waste into active participants in a circular economy. Models like MBOLD (pwgo.to/8115) are already demonstrating that it’s realistic, and there are other promising programs with similar models currently rolling out, including some we just discovered at PRS. Instead of solely focusing on contiguous links of the supply chain, the new summit engages MRFs and reprocessors who not only identify recyclable materials but also those likely to be sold for profit to plastic converters, aluminum smelters, paper mills, pulpers, or glass remelters. We involve materials suppliers purchasing PCR from reprocessors and converting it into new packaging for brands. We also engage packaging OEMs wrestling with new materials and PCR. By understanding the unique realities and motivations at each segment of the value chain, CPGs can unlock a profitable circular economy that benefits all stakeholders. Every link in the chain must derive economic value for this concept to succeed. While legislation or regulation may temporarily support certain segments, a solid economic foundation is vital to activate a circular packaging economy. What do you think? Care to join us for the second round of the Packaging Recycling Summit, scheduled for September 16-18 in Anaheim, Calif.? Visit pwgo.to/7940 for more information, hope to see you there. PW

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NEWS

Coca-Cola Bottler Diversifies Sustainable Packaging Offerings Coca-Cola HBC, a strategic bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Co., is launching two new pack formats in Austria that should diversify consumer options to recycle or reuse Coca-Cola packaging while boosting its own sustainability profile. In a reusable packaging play, the company invested $12.7 million in a cleanable, refillable, resealable glass bottle packaging line at its Edelstal location. The investment was augmented by a $4.2 million grant from the Austrian government as part of its fund for beverage companies and retailers to enable a circular economy for packaging. The new line, which the company says is more water and energy efficient than traditional packaging lines, will produce a new 400-mL returnable and resealable glass bottle for the Austrian market. This is a first across Coca-Cola HBC’s 29 markets and is aimed at the on-the-go market and at-home consumption.

“Austria is already one of our fastest-growing markets for reusable packaging and this new line will further accelerate this packaging type, which is in demand by our customers and consumers alike,” says Zoran Bogdanovic, Coca-Cola HBC CEO. “As returnable packaging options offer a reduced carbon footprint, this new line in Austria further supports our Net Zero by 2040 goal [to achieve net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040].” The new line significantly expands the range of returnable products in the Coca-Cola HBC portfolio to include Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in a 400-mL glass bottle for at-home and on-the-go consumption. Consumers can also buy Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta Orange, and Sprite in 1-L returnable glass bottles. The universal 1-L bottle design for different sparkling soft drink brands helps simplify production and logistics and reduces the sorting and reverse logistics in the market. The company says. This expansion of returnable packaging is in response to growing consumer demand for returnable packaging solutions in Austria, where

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62% of consumers value sustainability when they are selecting products, according to Nielsen data HBC cites. Expanding this packaging type also helps customers meet quotas for returnable packaging in retail, which are due to be introduced by 2024. In another move, this time in collaboration with DS Smith, and Krones, Coca-Cola HBC Austria is launching a new solution to replace plastic in multipacks for Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Mezzo brands. The DS Smith Lift Up packaging system being used in this application is a 100% recyclable corrugated handle. The companies say the format improves carry functionality for consumers and is designed to contribute with other partners to the kraft paper- and corrugated-based solution that reduces around 200 tons of plastic each year for Coca-Cola HBC Austria. “This is the first-ever packaging solution of its kind for 1.5-liter multipacks of Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. It’s the result of our entrepreneurial mindset, an absolute belief in collaborating with trusted partners and our focus on reaching net zero emissions by 2040,” says Marcel Martin, CCHBC’s chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer. “However, we understand the immense size of the task we have in front of us to create a more sustainable business. We’ll continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest so we can continue to deliver our drinks in sustainable ways.” Lift Up was designed to be 100% recyclable and to use the least amount of material needed, using DS Smith’s Circular Design Metrics approach to achieve significant reduction in carbon footprint for the packaging and manufacturing line of products, the company says. Lift Up can be applied to different bottle sizes and is manufactured in partnership with packaging OEM Krones. The carrier handle has a soft grip that makes products easy to carry while they remain secure within their sustainable packaging. This has been designed for PET bottles for consumption at home. —Matt Reynolds

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NEWS

Aldi’s Own Brands Switch to PCR, Pilot Digital Watermarks The Aldi South Group and Aldi Nord are taking part in the third phase of the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative, a program driven by AIMEuropean Brands Associations and powered by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Adding digital watermarks to packaging, the company says, will help to improve sorting in waste facilities and boost recycling for a circular economy. German retailer Netto recently made a similar commitment. Digital transformation and collaboration are key to achieving Aldi’s International Packaging Goals, and the brand says it recognizes the value of investigating and trialing innovative solutions that bring the industry closer to a transition towards a circular economy. In preparation for the testing phase of the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative, Aldi partnered with Digimarc and Wipak to print digital watermark codes, imperceptible to consumers, on packaging to improve sorting of materials upon collection at end of life. Aldi’s suppliers, in collaboration with packaging converter Greiner, have ensured that 18 different Milsani kefir and yogurt flavors have been digitally enhanced with watermark technology. These products can already be found in Aldi stores across the German market. The technology has been added to the surface of packaging to test an intelligent way to sort the materials, enabling high-quality recycling outcomes. The packaging will be detected and decoded

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by a high-resolution camera on the sorting line at the recycling facility, accurately separating the different materials to their corresponding streams. Aldi spokespeople say they hope to contribute to this phase of the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative by testing the technical and economic viability of watermark technologies to improve material sorting. This trial will enable further investigation into the potential of watermark technologies as a driver of sustainable packaging. Aldi is also transitioning the packaging of its own detergent brand, Tandil, to predominantly recycled plastic, post-consumer

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resins. This new pack uses PCR sourced from yellow bag/bin waste for its Tandil 3-in-1 Active Caps and Color Caps products. The packaging, now available at Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, comprises 92% recycled polypropylene, thereby saving approximately 66 tons of new plastic annually, based on 2022 sales data. The uniform grey packaging, eschewing color sorting complexities, differentiates products solely through labelling. This initiative stems from Aldi’s partnership with recycling service provider Interzero’s dual system, Interseroh+.

Plastic packaging reduction down under

Meanwhile in Australia, Aldi stores are launching a series of waste reduction initiatives aiming to reduce plastic usage by 25% by 2025. The grocer claims to have already reached the halfway mark with some changes already in effect and others currently rolling out. For instance, Aldi’s Jindurra Station two-star beef mince now uses 70% less plastic in its packaging. The supermarket is transitioning its “everyday range” of batteries from plastic to paper packaging, resulting in the elimination of approximately 17 tons of

CARTONERS

plastic waste annually. Aldi is also phasing out polystyrene noodle cups, replacing them with paper-based recyclable alternatives. These initiatives come at a time when major supermarkets face mounting criticism for excessive plastic usage, particularly on products like fruit and vegetables, which often come with their own natural protective layers. “As a business, we are fundamentally focused on delivering for our customers, and we are keenly aware many of them are feeling the pinch right now,” says Daniel Baker, Aldi Australia’s Sustainability Director, emphasized the company’s commitment to affordability and sustainability. “For us, we won’t be beaten on the cost of the weekly shop, but that simply doesn’t come at the expense of our commitment to our ambitious sustainability initiatives. We have a responsibility to reduce our use of plastic packaging, and this is a responsibility we take very seriously at Aldi, in the same way we work with our supplier partners to ensure our top-notch product quality and affordable prices, we also work with them to innovate our packaging to ‘design-out’ plastic.” —Matt Reynolds

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NEWS

Schweppes’ Banga, Gulf Union Juice, Put Connected Packaging to Work Toward Specific Goals

Two juice brands recently rolled out web app-based, smart packaging experiences for their customers with the help of connected packaging studio Appetite Creative. Consumers unlock these experiences by scanning on-pack QR codes with their smartphones. Brands can use these interactions to solve unique consumer education problems or address specific marketing goals.

In the first application, French West Indies fruit juice company Jus de Fruits Caraïbes, Schweppes International’s exotic fruit drinks brand Banga, and aseptic carton packaging specialist Tetra Pak, tapped Appetite Creative to build a fun, interactive experience. The primary goal is to educate consumers on a packaging change, introducing them to the brick pack’s new sustainability bona fides that come by way of a tethered cap. Since Banga is one of the first brands to deploy the new tethered caps, soon to be mandatory by the 2024 European Single Use Plastic Directive, Banga juice drinkers aren’t likely to be familiar with the new closure style. “What better way to introduce the new caps on the market than with a fun and educative experience,” asks Cloé Morel, marketing manager at Tetra Pak. The connected experience explains the pack format’s environmental benefits, instructs on how to use the new tethered caps, and outlines the juice brand’s other noteworthy environmental commitments. Consumers can complete a quiz to test their knowledge on how to recycle the beverage cartons, with a quiz leader board where winners can earn Banga branded prizes. Also, users can play a juice-related game, and every time users participate, a donation is made to a local children’s charity.

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“We are proud to be the first local company to offer connected packaging thanks to the support of Tetra Pak. It was a new experience for us, and Appetite Creative was able to support us with absolute professionalism,” says Cécile Bouvier, director of marketing R&D at Banga. Gulf Union Foods Co. of Saudi Arabia, another juice producer, launched a connected packaging experience for its original juice brand carton packs to coincide with the start of the school year. The goal was to help consumers see Gulf Union’s products as a vital part of their back-to-school preparations. Appetite worked side-by-side with the Riyadh-based agency Ability, who managed the media, communication strategies, and execution of the campaign.

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By scanning the QR codes across the full range of Original and Zero carton packs, users can now play two juice-themed games designed to entertain and educate. The experience also offers shareable selfies, where users can adorn themselves with a fruity tiara or turn themselves into a mango. The games also have a leader board, ranking players to foster friendly competition. The connected packaging campaign runs across the full range of 125-mL, 200 mL, and 250-mL carton packs. “We’re pleased with this great interactive experience symbolising the energetic boost Gulf Union’s juices offered. We wanted to create a memorable and exciting experience for our younger consumers kicking off their studies with high energy and enthusiasm,” says Imad Assi, marketing manager at Gulf Union Foods. In both applications, the web apps go beyond branding and education—they deliver actionable intelligence and consumer data by tracking real-time interaction, such as buying habits, product preferences, average engagement time, location, scan rate, number of visitors, return visitor’s and social media shares, including GDPR-compliant personal data to enable the brand to optimize its marketing and better understand consumers. —Matt Reynolds

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NEWS

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Released in 2019, “The Game Changers” documentary followed the story of James Wilks, an elite special forces trainer and winner of the American reality television series and mixed martial arts competition “The Ultimate Fighter” as he traveled the world on a quest for the truth about protein and the optimal human diet. Viewed by an estimated 200 million people since its release, it frames plant-based eating for better health and athletic performance. After the film’s release, global demand for high-protein plant-based food skyrocketed. Coinciding with this, the creators of “The Game Changers” were inundated with requests for tasty, convenient products that met their criteria for optimal athletic performance and health. Unsatisfied with the existing options, they assembled a team of world-class sports dietitians and food scientists with one simple mission: to develop a line of products worthy of “The Game Changers” legacy. From this – directive came FYTA, a line of clean, plant-based sports nutrition products, with the brand name derived from the Greek word for “plants.” With a strategic foundation and brand framework created by communications and advertising – agency Saatchi, UK, FYTA turned to creative agency Chase Design Group to develop a packaging system for the brand, one that is distinctive in the health and performance space while leveraging the equity and trust built with “The Game Changers” movie/brand. One of the challenges was to cut through the sea of clutter. “The Game Changers” was bold, performance driven, and evidence based. “We knew we wanted to lean into that as much as possible – while forging a new path for FYTA that would stand out online and on shelf. The key was to simplify and take a bold visual approach,” says Jennessa Davis, design director, Chase Design Group. “We helped simplify the complex without losing the heart and soul of The Game Changers by not playing into stereotypical plant-based cues—instead focusing on the game-changing nutrition that the product provides. It was important to simplify both visually and verbally, making the benefits easy to digest,” says Mike Mandarino, account manager, Chase Design Group. – – The FY TA “F” is crafted around the strategic concept of “building blocks,” with FYTA being the key to building optimal health. The three sections of the “F” symbolize steps of growth and forward momentum, while the symbol serves as a strong device that can be dramatically used across all brand touchpoints. “We established a strong color palette paired with bold branding to create a brand block on – shelf. The tones of green were carefully considered, with dark green grounding FYTA in the plantbased category, while the bright metallic green is contemporary, generating a sense of innovation. The brand colors are ownable and stand out against the blacks and silvers that are typically used in the performance category,” says Davis. The new line includes three flavors of plant-based protein powder, a meal replacement powder, and three flavors of meal replacement bars. – “With the help of Saatchi and Chase Design Group, FYTA is a credible challenger brand and a – source of truth in the category,” says James Wilks, founder, FYTA. “It will first be available direct-toconsumer through fyta.com and on Amazon, before expanding to traditional mass market retailers in the future.” —Anne Marie Mohan

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ERIEZ_ X

Plant-Based Cat Litter Answers Call for Fully Recyclable Paper Packaging For more than 35 years, Ferndale, Wash.-based Healthy Pet, a division of J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH + Co KG of Rosenberg, Germany, has been producing natural pet products from reclaimed, renewable materials. But, says Healthy Pet Consumer Communications Manager Leslie Ellis, the company recognizes that it can always take sustainability a step further. “We are continually striving to improve our products, including our packaging,” she says. Among Healthy Pet’s products that promise “A Healthier Clean” is its ökocat natural cat litter. öko is German for “eco” or ecological—an ideal descriptor for the litter product, which is made from rescued natural wood fiber that is free of harmful chemicals, added fragrances, and toxic dyes and is 99% dust free. Explains Ellis, “Since it’s free of toxic chemicals, additives, and synthetic scents, it’s not detrimental to the environment, unlike strip-mined clay litter, which accounts for the 2.4 million tons of cat litter that end up in landfills each year.” Several years ago, Healthy Pet conducted an in-depth consumer study to better understand its ökocat customer as well as ways it could improve upon its natural cat litter product. According to Ellis, “A clear insight was revealed: Make the packaging 100% recyclable.” This consumer directive, she shares, triggered a lengthy development process, slowed by COVID-19 and supply chain issues, that resulted in a switch from a paperboard box to a 100% recyclable paper bag for the full ökocat line. The previous packaging for ökocat was a corrugated box with a plastic handle that, while recyclable, was difficult to break down because of the glue used on the package. The customer also needed to remove the plastic handle before recycling the box. In developing a fully recyclable paper-bag alternative, Ellis says Healthy Pet devoted a lot of time to researching and testing different options. “Our design team worked hard to

create packaging that was fully recyclable and biodegradable, while still ensuring the paper bags were thick and durable enough to hold our litter,” she says. “We also faced the challenge of implementing a paper handle that was strong enough to allow users to easily lift and transport each bag.” The resulting package is a double-wall paper bag with a multi-wrapped paper handle that is glued in between the layers of the bag for extra strength and durability. Ellis says that although Healthy Pet prefers to source its packaging domestically, it was not able find what it needed in the U.S. As a result, it chose a proprietary European supplier well known to its parent company, LRS, which has for years sourced the paper bag used for its European brand, Cat’s Best natural litter, from the supplier. According to Ellis, the new packaging delivers similar strength to plastic packaging, “just in a format that’s healthier for the planet and reinforces Healthy Pet’s dedication to sustainability.” This message is conveyed to consumers via on-pack graphics that advise them of the bag’s recyclability. The new bag for ökocat Original Premium, Super Soft, LowTracking, and Dust-Free varieties in sizes ranging from eight to 21.5 lb launched in late October 2023. The natural cat litter is available online and in retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, including PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, Whole Foods Market, and others. —Anne Marie Mohan

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BY THE NUMBERS

11%

The percentage of Amazon deliveries that used ships-in-own-container (SIOC) packaging in 2022 versus 8% in 2021

According to Reuters, the number of products marked by French supermarket chain Carrefour with a label reading, “This product has seen its volume or weight fall and the effective price by the supplier rise,” as translated by the news agency

$92.6B The global forecast for the postconsumer recycled plastics market by 2028, growing from $62.1B in 2023, representing a CAGR of 8.3%

88%

The percentage of consumers who believe if a new plastic product is made from plastics processed through advanced recycling, the product could have a label saying it contained “recycled content,” according to the American Chemistry Council

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QUOTABLES

“Today our national parks are one step closer to being plastic-free. Oceana applauds Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s commitment to phase out the sale and distribution of single-use plastic products in our national parks and other public lands and calls on the department to implement the plans more quickly. Each year, millions of people visit our treasured parks for their natural beauty, history, and culture, and plastic pollution mars that experience, polluting the landscape and harming wildlife. Single-use plastics have no place on our public lands.” –Christy Leavitt, campaign director, Oceana, in a press release from the organization, “Oceana Applauds Progress to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics in National Parks and Public Lands”

“Technological advancements in robotics, including improvements in sensors, artificial intelligence, machine vision, and machine learning, are enhancing the capabilities of robotic packaging machines. These advancements are expected to lead to more precise and versatile packaging solutions, further fueling market growth.” –Ismail Sutaria, lead consultant, Packaging and Materials, for Future Market Insights, in a press release from FMI, “High Penetration of Automation to Steer Robotic Packaging Machines Market to total US$1,888 million by 2033”

“In our experience, consumers are extremely open to trying alternative pack formats [for spirits]. As generations change, so does the game. Millennials and Gen Z, the two biggest consumer groups, come with a completely different set of priorities and expectations of brands. They expect packaging to have attributes that support and complement their on-the-go busy lifestyles, like sustainability, convenience, portability, and bag in box trumps glass across all of these.” –Mark Collins, co-founder of Mandatory Spirits Co, as quoted in an article from BeverageDaily.com, “Can wine and spirits really move away from glass? ‘Today’s consumers are extremely open to alternative pack formats’”

10/30/23 5:19 PM

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10/25/23 09:40

16 PW NOV/DEC2023

FIRST PERSON

Gauging Microplastics Awareness Anita Spiller, director of ESG for Tru Earth (see pwgo.to/8111), a maker of concentrated detergent strips packed in a paperboard envelope, parses results from its recent survey assessing consumer awareness of the link between single-use plastics and negative impacts to human health, specifically from microplastics. Packaging World:

Your survey results indicate that a majority of U.S. adults are aware of the connection between single-use plastics and their negative impact on human health, although only 18% can explain why it occurs. What do you take from these results?

Anita Spiller: In the first question, we looked at the difference between awareness and understanding. The survey shows that 67% of Americans recognize that plastics have a negative impact on health, but that doesn’t mean they truly understand what that impact is. It’s similar to saying, I know that cancer is bad, but I don’t know what impact it would have on me per se. And that’s the piece we’re trying to get to: From an individual perspective, is there understanding and awareness? Because only one in five can actually explain or articulate why these impacts matter, and we believe that understanding is the catalyst to changing behavior.

Results from a second question show that approximately half of U.S. adults are aware of how plastic pollution leads to health problems, including the breathing (49%) and ingestion (53%) of microplastics, as well as hazardous emissions in drinking water (49%). How does that align with the earlier results? So question one assesses consumers’ existing knowledge, whereas question two is trying to help those who were surveyed draw the connection to themselves as an individual. So they might have this general knowledge about microplastics, but they haven’t yet made a connection to, “Oh gosh, that’s bad for my health.” What was Tru Earth’s goal with this study? Surveys are a way for us to get the pulse on what consumers are aware of and whether they’re understanding the issues related to single-use

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plastics and what I love calling “short-lived plastics.” I do think many consumers understand single-use as in the case of, “I used this takeout container for less than 30 minutes, and now it’s going to exist on our planet for hundreds of years.” But I think it’s the short-lived plastic, like a household cleaning product container that you might use for a few weeks or a couple of months, that they don’t think of. So we’re trying to educate our consumers on all the different kinds of plastics.

The third question measures consumers’ willingness to make changes in the products they use. Fifty-two percent said they’d be willing to change their household products packaged in plastic in favor of plastic-free alternatives, while 59% said they’d be willing to actively try to avoid all single-use/short-lived plastics where possible. If they are aware of the negative health impacts of singleuse plastics, why haven’t they made changes already? The biggest takeaway for me is that change is hard. When it comes to laundry detergent specifically, the vast majority of people use the laundry detergent that was used in their family-of-origin home. It’s also an issue of education, and that’s why we prioritize educating young people, mostly between grades four to eight, because they take that education back into the home, and they can make that change in their home environment. And then there’s cost, right? Environmentally friendly products generally have a higher price point. Oftentimes, those who are most impacted by the climate crisis are the least able to make decisions by using their purchasing power. Whereas those of us with privilege, we can make that choice, we can refuse the plastic. How is Tru Earth helping those at a lower income or education level to better understand the plastic/human health connection? We have an in-school program that talks about ocean plastics, and why it’s important for us to turn the plastic tap off. And we’ve educated about 2,500 students in our Ocean Heroes program. We also have a huge donation program. It’s really critical for us that we ensure that we are providing laundry products to food banks and shelters, women’s programs, indigenous communities, and refugee centers, and in crisis situations like wars across the globe. It’s the number-two item requested by food banks across the nation. We also have a partnership with Feeding America. We just did quite a large deal with them, and we will have a recurring program with them. And so for certain parts of the country, when clients come in, we will have laundry detergent on their shelves all the time. Donations also include an education piece, because we’re providing education for the folks that are running these programs, especially when it’s ending up in a food hamper. When it comes to our product, without the education around it, it’s hard for folks to recognize that it’s laundry detergent. So we’re very thankful to all the people who are operating these food banks and shelters and programs, because they’re on board, and they understand, and they are helping to educate consumers that there really is a better way. —Anne Marie Mohan

10/27/23 4:18 PM

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10/31/23 08:43

18 PW NOV/DEC2023

THE BIG PICTURE

By Sterling Anthony, CPP, Contributing Editor

A Look at Converters of Flexible Barrier Packaging should a customer decide? Major among possible tie-breakers is Converters of flexible barrier packaging price, influenced by the converter’s cost. A particular converter operate by a simple idea: if a monolayer might enjoy a cost advantage owed to a variety of reasons. Quantity material can’t provide the barrier, go with a multilayer material. purchase discounts with material suppliers is one. Another one is Depending on the need, barrier properties protect against the entry or the technology—for example, whether coextrusion or lamination is the exit of elements. The way to describe a multilayer material is fromused in creating the material. Yet another is the number of stations outermost-to-innermost. Each layer serves a function. The following involved. And always a factor is operational efficiency. three examples illustrate that point. But price isn’t everything, and in a best-case scenario, one gets Our first example is paper/polyethylene/foil/polyethylene. The what one pays for. A customer that does not go with the lowest bidder paper provides a printing surface. The foil provides the barrier. The can justify the decision for a variety of reasons. The chosen converter, first polyethylene bonds paper and foil, and the second polyethylene for example, might have the most experience in supplying the is for heat sealing. Applications include bags and pouches for powders customer’s product category. That same converter has the required and other dry goods. production capacity. The converter has better delivery terms and Our second example is polyester/foil/polyethylene. The polyester inventory policies. Or perhaps, the converter has a better reputation. carries the print. The foil—as always when present—is the barrier. The foregoing discussion notwithstanding, the evaluation of a The polyethylene is the heat seal. Among the applications is a standconverter always can benefit from a visit to the converter’s facility. up pouch, with straw, for kids’ drinks. Attention should be paid to the converter’s warehousing of materials Example three is polyester/foil/nylon/polypropylene. The polyester and supplies. After all, their integrity can’t be divorced from that is printable. The foil is the barrier. The nylon lends toughness. The of the finished goods. Then there is the polypropylene is the heat seal. This is Depending on the need, barrier housekeeping on the production floor. The a structure for a retort pouch (aka the construction of multilayer flexible barrier flexible can). Its most suitable application properties protect against the packaging proceeds along a fixed path, and is for low-acid, low-particle foods. entry or the exit of elements. ... at no juncture should the packaging be The three examples not only exposed to drips or other contamination. demonstrate different structural Each layer serves a function. On a different note, sometimes the complexities but also different processes need is for brawn and beauty, which affects the types of materials and that must be endured. Foil was part of each example because it’s the the number of layers. Decisions and trade-offs might be required. A ultimate barrier, not overlooking that other materials can provide customer might prefer that graphics be in gravure, for example, but barrier, subject to the need(s). All three examples cite a polyolefin an otherwise acceptable converter is equipped for flexography. As as the seal, but in other instances, sealing is due to coatings and another example, reverse printing, which shields the graphics from adhesives. And although the three examples are packages, another surface scuffing, might need to be done on a layer of a certain color, application is lidding for modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays such as white, for optimal contrast. At other times, overcoats and and for pharmaceutical blister packs. lacquers are needed to impart the desired aura. Converters differ in terms of equipment and methodology, but Steering the discussion to flexible barrier packaging’s sustainability they have certain characteristics in common. One is that they are credits, the long-played card is that it’s lightweight. That property roll-fed, roll-wound operations. Another is that their facilities are translates to lower transportation costs and less vehicular usage. laid out in stations. Commonalities aside, converters compete on There’s also a favorable packaging-to-contents ratio. the basis of their individual capabilities. In other words, given a set The flexible barrier packaging converting industry, however, is busy of requirements for flexible barrier packaging, offerings can and do improving upon those inherent advantages. Converters are innovating differ across converters. for greater source reduction, devising ways to combine ever-thinner Even when the offerings are the same in terms of materials and materials. Those converters also are meeting the challenges associated the number of layers, they can differ in thickness and in the means with thinner materials. They include being able to unwind, pull, and by which they are combined. Continuing the point, two structures rewind those materials at tensions that don’t break the web, while containing polypropylene can differ, with one using oriented not unduly slowing production rates. In short, barriers are being polypropylene and the other one using non-oriented. A similar overcome in the flexible barrier packaging converting industry, for the example lies in the different densities of polyethylene. betterment of all. PW When competing offerings provide equal performance, how

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10/25/23 09:41

20 PW NOV/DEC2023

LOOKING FORWARD

By Michael Richmond PhD and Brian F. Wagner, Contributors

Michael Richmond PhD

Brian F. Wagner

Recognizing Packaging’s Positives

Packaging has been under significant scrutiny for some time, absorbing a lot of negative press about what needs to be fixed— namely eliminating packaging as waste. And we all want to achieve this goal. Even so, packaging is important and provides significantly more value than most people realize. Packaging provides many real and perceived benefits to the product itself, the CPG, and most importantly, the consumer. In the early 2000s, the packaging consultancy PTIS developed a simple model called the PTIS Product Formula to show all the value packaging affords the product it contains. Over the years, we have continued to update the Product Formula to reflect the growth of the value that packaging provides in so many ways.

Let’s now talk more about the many ways packaging provides value to the overall product. But first, let’s go through the Product Formula’s key elements and briefly describe what they mean: • Product—Includes the entire product and package system. • Package—Physical package that contains the product. • Brand Value/Purpose—Supports the overall product identity and includes the essence of the overall brand value, equity, purpose. • Experience—Includes the real and perceived physical and emotional elements of the product/package system. • ESG/Inclusion—Delivers the environmental and social elements that support eliminating waste while educating consumers. We are now seeing this element grow to provide inclusivity so everyone can

use the product effectively. There are currently 1.4 billion people that are differently abled and the goal for packaging is/should be to make the product easily accessible to all. • Services and Solutions—Includes many different elements from codes (QR codes, etc.) to usage and disposal directions and more. As you can see from the Product Formula, packaging plays a significant role across the many elements of the product’s lifecycle. We have identified more than 60 real and perceived value-adding benefits that packaging contributes to the overall product value. In many cases the product is the package, or the product is the package delivery system. As one thinks about thinks about any product/package system, there is so much that is taken for granted, including tamper evidence for safety, usage directions, ingredient declarations, children’s games on back panels, allergen information, QR codes to help explain the product story or brand purpose, or How2Recycle (H2R) or package disposal information. There may be refill/reuse information along with H2R to help in the fight to eliminate packaging as waste. And there are codes to help in track-andtrace efforts in case of food safety or recall needs. So you can now see that packaging plays a very positive role in the overall product lifecycle. New consumer research across the many consumer segments and generations reveals that people have disparate needs, but they all expect the product (and package) to be a simple process to understand and use effectively. And more recently, packaging inclusivity has moved to the forefront by incorporating tactile features to help differently abled people indentify and use them. This has taken too long, with so many people globally falling into that category. As we look to the future, packaging needs to be promoted more positively as an integrated element of the overall product experience. Meanwhile, packaging will quietly continue to be important across the entire value chain, whether or not it’s recognized as what it is—a positive contributor to the overall brand value/purpose and experience. PW

PTIS, LLC is a leading business and technology management company focused on Creating Value Through Packaging©.

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10/30/23 5:22 PM

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10/25/23 09:42

22 PW NOV/DEC2023

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

By Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor

Luxury Bottled Water Overcomes rPET Design Limitations Described as a “luxury artesian mineral water,” London-based NEUE Water was conceived by founder Michael Lowers, who, upon consulting for a luxury fashion brand, noticed a problem for the woman visiting the atelier studio: The bottled water on offer didn’t fit their handbag. Looking further, he noticed that nothing on the market did, and that is where the idea for NEUE Water was born. Lowers’ vision was to create a luxury bottled water brand that would cater to today’s on-the-go lifestyle while enhancing the style and sustainability of traditional water bottles. Of particular importance to Lowers was that the bottle use 100% recycled PET and be fully recyclable. “The case for using 100% rPET for our bottles is incontrovertible,” says Lowers. “The material produces 10-times fewer carbon emissions than aluminum and 20-times fewer than glass, as natural resources are not needed to make the 100% rPET. Using rPET also directly reduces plastic pollution that would otherwise end up in landfills and oceans. In addition, using the material is a core part of the circular economy around plastic. It’s also an important opportunity to use the existing 9 billion metric tons—and growing—of single-use plastic pollution globally, which needs to be utilized rather than left to landfills.” Another requirement for the bottle was that it would have a convex front panel that would allow the label, which is affixed to the back of the bottle, to be viewed through the bottle and water without any distortion. It also required a flat, ergonomic shape that would enable it to fit easily into small spaces such as crossbody bags, back pockets, and seat-back storage on trains and planes. Although Lowers’ requirements seem straightforward, the combination of material and shape presented a challenge. While rPET offers the necessary properties to develop a transparent and recyclable bottle, the material’s strength and stiffness create considerable resistance to force, making it difficult to create a distinctive bottle shape through the traditional injection stretch blowmolding (ISBM) process. To solve this design and manufacturing challenge, Lowers worked with Berry Agile Solutions, a new division of Berry Global that offers short lead times and low minimum order quantities. According to Berry Global Product Line Director Joe Horton, by using its global in-house material science, design, and manufacturing expertise, Berry Agile Solutions was able to successfully adapt ISBM technology to accommodate the bottle design for NEUE Water. “Our technical team understands the properties of PET and PCR and designed the preform to enable this difficult shape to be properly manufactured within the ISBM process to enable correct

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distribution of the polymer,” says Horton. “The shape was difficult due to the stretch-blow ratio between the neck and the width of the bottle. As the bottle is relatively shallow, front to back, we had to correctly stretch and blow the bottle while also getting the right balance of magnifying effect on the front panel, which can happen when too much material freezes off on the front panels. Too much magnification would have significantly reduced the ease of reading the label, which is positioned at the back and designed to be read through the bottle. This was achieved by using high ovalization on the preform.” Ovalization occurs when the circular finish of a preform becomes slightly or moderately oval in shape due to high temperature or compressive forces. The resulting 500-mL bottle sports a flask-like shape with an uninterrupted convex window on the front that magnifies the label on the back through the bottle and water. The bottle uses MultiColor Corp.’s RecycLABEL clear #11581 and RecycLABEL white #11582 biaxially oriented polypropylene labels, which are specifically designed to be fully removable in one piece from the hot washing solution during the PET recycling process. The label artwork is an intrinsic part of the premium experience, as it features different artist-designed collections that change with each fashion season. Says Lowers, “We wanted it [the bottle] to be an accessory people coveted because it looked great, as well as distinctively standing out on shelf.” Within a week of NEUE Water’s launch in September 2022 in U.K.’s Harrods department store, the new water brand sold out and since then has continued to receive an overwhelmingly positive response. “People seem to love the functionality and the uniqueness of the designs,” says Lowers. “Customers tell us they don’t like to throw the bottles out and end up using them for months, which is great to hear. As you will see on the labels, we actually encourage customers to reuse the bottles before recycling, which is another first.” —Anne Marie Mohan

10/30/23 5:47 PM

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24 PW NOV/DEC2023

Compostable Packaging: ‘A Solution, Not Every Solution’ At Clemson University’s FRESH 2023 conference, predictions of compostable packaging becoming the leading material over the next decade are tempered with a discussion of obstacles to its widespread use.

By Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor According to the Compass report, compostable packaging is projected to see a significant jump around 2027, with a CAGR of 15% to 17% through 2030. This is in contrast to traditional plastics, at around 3.5%, and paper, at 3.8% (global CAGR growth). The finding, shared Rebecca Marquez, director of Custom Research for PMMI, who took the stage at FRESH 2023 with AMERIPEN Program Director Kyla Fisher, was an unexpected one. “I was really surprised by compostables,” said Marquez. “When we did the study about a year ago, we found that CPGs are really hanging their hats on compostable materials. And, from data collected recently at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, we learned that compostables are still the leading choice for replacement material by CPGs by a pretty substantial margin. “I think one of the drivers is that compostable gives the idea that you just put the package into the ground, and it goes away, which we all know is not true. But I think a lot of CPGs would love to have it that way— to be able to create a package that you can just put in the ground and it returns to the earth, you don’t have to worry about it anymore. But that’s not the case, we need infrastructure to handle these materials.” With only 12% of U.S. households currently having access to curbside or drop-off collection programs for industrial composting, lack of infrastructure is most certainly a major hurdle. But there are many others, as was enumerated by another panel at FRESH Packaging soiled with food is the most desirable feedstock for composters as the food 2023, “Compostable Packaging: What Does contains the nitrogen needed for the composting process. Success Look Like?” Among the challenges discussed were a lack of consumer educaCompostable packaging refers to packaging made from organic matetion, false labeling resulting in contamination at composting facilities, rials, such as wood fiber or bioplastics, that biodegrade naturally in a spethe difficulties of replicating with compostable materials many of the cific time frame under certain conditions, such as those found in home or functional properties of traditional plastics, and—one of the biggest industrial composting facilities, into non-toxic, natural elements. Compostable packaging is the material of the future. At least that’s according to nearly 400 CPG brands and retailers who were surveyed last year on their expected packaging material usage over the next decade. The survey and resulting report, “The 2023 Packaging Compass,” (see pwgo.to/8033) produced by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies and AMERIPEN, was one of several discussions on compostable packaging held at the FRESH Food, Packaging & Sustainability Summit, held at Clemson University, in September.

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drawbacks—composters’ refusal to accept compostable packaging that does not meet their criteria. Given these factors, the question becomes, is compostable packaging really the best replacement for fossil-based packaging materials moving forward?

Composters want your food, not your packaging The idea that compostable packaging can be returned to the earth at its end of life (through a home or commercial composting system) is an enticing one, especially when contrasted with the mountains of discarded single-use plastic packages littering the environment. Composting is a manufacturing process that turns organic waste such as food scraps and But for composters, not all composta- yard clippings into a salable product in the form of nutrient-rich soil for customers that include ble packaging is alike, nor is it all desir- farmers, topsoil producers, and landscapers. able. Composting is a manufacturing proics explained that in compost manufacturing, compostable packaging cess that turns organic waste such as food scraps and yard clippings into is a carbon source. “For composting, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is exa salable product in the form of nutrient-rich soil for customers that intremely important,” she said. “That powers your microbes. If your ratio clude farmers, topsoil producers, and landscapers. Some compostable is off, then you don’t have enough of one thing for the microbes to packaging may not contribute effectively to this process. utilize the other, so they can’t break down anything. In the “Compostable Packaging” session, panelist Aspen Hattabaugh, “Carbon is something we typically have in excess, whereas nitrogen, R&D Environmental Specialist from composting company Atlas Organ-

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not so much. So if we’re just getting packaging from your kid’s Barbie doll that is compostable for whatever reason, we don’t necessarily need that carbon. We need the carbon that’s been soiled.” Margaret Eldridge, certification director for the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), the leading certification body for compostable products and packaging in the U.S., reiterated this point, saying, “compostable products are really the vehicle to get composters what they want [i.e., food soil]—it’s almost like the tortilla chip that brings the salsa to your mouth.” BPI’s role, Eldridge shared, is to protect composters as well as guarantee the compost they generate won’t harm the environment. “We have eligibility criteria to where we only certify materials that are associated with the desirable feedstocks composters want,” she said. “Our job is to ensure they have a salable product, because they’re actually manufacturing compost—they’re not a dumping ground for all the discards. “We have people who want to certify dental picks, and tennis shoes, and Amazon mailers, and all these things that technically can pass the ASTM compostability standards, but they don’t achieve the goal of getting organics to composters. So we’ve got really stringent eligibility criteria for that reason.” With this in mind, what packaging applications are suitable for compostable material? Advised Eldridge: “Things that are a small size that are not able to be correctly separated out at a MRF [Materials Recovery Facility] are a good fit. Multi-material items like flexible packaging where in order to recycle it, you need to separate all the different ma-

terials—no problem with it being compostable. And then food-soiled materials—whereas for recyclers, that’s a nightmare, for composters, that’s a dream.”

Contamination: composters’ biggest challenge If certification is the answer to getting composting businesses the materials they need, false claims by packaging producers are their biggest challenge. According to Hattabaugh, the greatest struggle her company faces is the number of materials coming through the door that say “compostable” but are neither certified nor compostable. “The state of things for us is that we just accept them,” she says. “Depending on your pre-sorting technology, you might do visual inspections of incoming loads. You might have a sort line, as we do at a couple of sites. Or, you may not have the capacity for that at all, so anything that comes in gets composted.” The issue is, essentially, garbage in, garbage out. “With compost, the materials that come in are ideally right back out the door 60 or so days later doing good in some soil somewhere. So what’s coming in is really very important,” Hattabaugh explained. “If you have contamination coming in, contamination’s going to go out, whether it’s in a microplastic that you can’t see, or larger, visible ones that you can see that got through the screeners. “As a passive receiver, we should not have to be the ones that have to pull out every bad item that comes to us in a stream. Can we pull out some? Yes. Do we want to? Definitely. PFAS [Per- and polyfluoroalkyl

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Clemson Launches Compostable Packaging Research Initiative The FRESH food, packaging, and sustainability institute at Clemson University in South Carolina has launched a compostable packaging research initiative to bridge lab-based R&D with the larger-scale campus organics recycling system. Directing the lab will be Dr. James Sternberg, assistant professor of Sustainable Packaging and recipient of an EPA Green Chemistry Award for the development of a bio-based foam. The lab will feature a respirometer for rapid and costeffective testing of compostable materials on a scale that can incorporate diverse feedstocks. Full-scale R&D in collaboration with Clemson’s solid waste management operations will include a reverse aeration system to accelerate degradation and enable state-of-the-art monitoring for data collection and analysis. Clemson launched the initiative to provide a better understanding of biodegradability in various settings by leveraging its recycling ecosystem. Studies will make use of the full recycling process—from waste collection to on-campus mechanical and organic recycling capabilities. As a complement to faculty-led research conducted with industry stakeholders, Dr. Andrew Hurley is leading a special topics course for undergraduate and graduate students to study the relationship between compostable packaging, organic waste, and soil health. Dr. Hurley’s expertise also includes eye tracking and user experience analytics to measure the efficacy of sustainability messaging. FRESH aims to harness this collaborative work to offer novel packaging composability research, testing, and talent development to advance sustainable packaging. The organic recycling research facilities and educational activities were made possible through collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Commerce and stakeholders across the value chain. PW

substances]? I don’t know how to remove those from incoming feedstock streams. Heavy metals? I do feedstock assessment and usually can say no, we’re not taking that because this is an environmental concern. But as a receiver, we want to make sure we are bringing in the most environmentally responsible things we can with the power that we do have to say yes or no.” As a producer of sugarcane-based molded-pulp compostable foodservice packaging, panelist and President of Tellus Products Asem Mokkadem shared that while the BPI certification process is an arduous one, it is a necessary step to create consumer confidence and ensure contaminants do not make their way into the environment. “For us, having molded fiber that is certified is essential because PFAS is so ubiquitous in molded-fiber items, and once that ends up in compost and then in the environment, it’s there,” he said. “So contamination is not only the visible, but it’s also the invisible but environmentally really negatively impactful items, such as heavy metals and other toxins, that can be in these products.” According to BPI’s Eldridge, reducing contamination will depend on greater standardization around labeling and claims and stricter penalties for false claims, especially as the Federal Trade Commission revamps its Green Guides, which are a set of guidelines developed to help marketers avoid making unfair or deceptive environmental marketing claims. Said Eldridge, “BPI is really hopeful there will be much more clarity and restriction around claims of biodegradation and claims of compostability, so people will know what should actually happen to that product, and what will happen if it ends up in a compost facility.”

Compostable packaging not always fit for use The theme permeating the session that not all applications lend themselves to compostable packaging was also supported by panel member Brent Greiner, vice president of Technology for cast and blown flexible film producer Charter Next Generation (CNG), who shared his challenges working with brands to engineer compostable films for their products.

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According to Greiner, brands are looking for compostable packaging almost overnight that has the same properties that have taken decades to hone with traditional films. “Polyethylene has had 50 years of development to achieve the packages that are very successful today,” he said. “Consumers have an expectation of shelf life, freshness, convenience, and use. Now what’s happening is everyone says, ‘Well, we want all those attributes that took 50 years to develop and design in polyethylene. Can you just solve that today in compostable raw materials?’ He noted that while there are materials that Participants in the FRESH 2023 panel, “Compostable Packaging: What Does Success Look will meet and achieve all of the compostable Like?,” included (l. to r.) Brent Greiner of Charter Next Generation, Asem Mokkadem of standards, the challenge is to match those with Tellus Products, Margaret Eldridge from the Biodegradable Products Institute, and Aspen the fit-for-use for whatever their customer is put- Hattabaugh of Atlas Organics. ting into the package. With polyethylene, CNG He added that if an application requires more than one compostacan create stiffness, thermal resistance, heat sealability, and abuse resisble polymer for durability, then the solution is a composite film, with tance, whereas compostable raw materials aren’t necessarily there yet. the design and validation falling to CNG and the whole value stream, “And then the hard conversation is that the product that’s in the “which takes extra time, costs extra money, and is just a little more package might not be the most suitable product for compostable film. complicated than ‘here’s your 2-mil sealant film, go package whatever Composters want the food, they want the organics, just a dust cover you’d like as long as it meets your line speed.’” that’s compostable doesn’t generally meet the solution at the end. It’s However, he noted, raw materials suppliers, and in particular coma great story, but it doesn’t necessarily come with a product they [compostable raw materials suppliers, are rapidly recognizing the need for posters] want.”

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The BPI Certification Mark indicates third-party verification of compostability for manufacturers and brand owners to use on products and packaging and for consumers, end users, and composters to use when determining whether or not a product or package is compostable. materials that are not only compostable, but also fit for use. “It can’t just be, as I call it, a wand in a box,” he said. “It won’t just be one polymer or one compostable material. It will be composites that bring the solution. And that gap is closing at a speed that has never been seen before. “But for CNG, what you’ll hear is that compostable is a solution, it’s not every solution. There are a lot of other small steps we suggest that you can take [for more sustainable packaging], depending on where you are in your journey as a company. Steps like downgauging and using PCR are important, and we’re still not sure which one will win. There’s still a lot to learn.”

Who’s responsible for consumer education? Lack of education around compostable packaging—both by brand owners and consumers—was also mentioned as another gap hindering the successful adoption of compostable materials. However, noted Greiner, CNG’s film customers have a much better understanding of compostable packaging today than they did five or so years ago. “Originally, we spent as much time educating and starting from ground zero,” he said. “The great thing now is that we’re not starting from ground zero. People have a very real interest in understanding what compostable means and what limitations it has, and the conver-

sation starts from a much more constructive place. That’s a gap that’s closing on education because we’re talking about it in the right way.” When it comes to educating consumers on what items are compostable, Hattabaugh said it’s an issue for the entire system. “Who provides that education? Who does that fall on? On composters? On the receiver, the producer, the municipality? And then, who’s going to listen to it?” she asked. “Consumers, the general public, they don’t want to read. And it’s also just confusing. I’ll stand in a grocery aisle and Google things on my phone to make sure a product I’m buying is what the label says, but that’s because it’s the industry I’m in. “Attention spans are low, and compostable education is long and indepth. People need to understand the difference between biodegradation, which sounds fancier, and compostability, which for being a very ancient practice is a very young industry as a whole.” Hattabaugh added that Atlas provides a list of accepted items on the bucket used for its residential pickup program. But, she added, it’s not an exhaustive list. “Composting is kind of detrimental to itself; people want everything to be compostable now, which is not necessarily the best use,” she said. “And that education between what should be compostable, what is compostable, and what we can accept based on our permit and regulations is another thing, which differs highly from state to state.”

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BPI offers educational resources on its website in the form of reports and article on topics such as “Biodegradable vs Compostable,” “Organics in Landfills,” and “Labeling,” as well as an online catalog of certified compostable products. The database is searchable by SKU and includes 21,200 products. However, as Eldridge noted, she believes it’s standardization in labeling that will really reduce consumer confusion, lookalikes, and contamination.

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The future of compostables Circling back to the issue of the lack of composting infrastructure in the U.S. to accommodate the huge growth in compostable packaging identified by PMMI and AMERIPEN, the issue remains that only 12% of households have access to these services, and, according to Eldridge, only 5% of wasted food is being composted. “There is a huge opportunity with huge climate implications to get that stuff out of landfills,” she said. “According to the United Nations, food waste is the third leading creator of greenhouse gases, if it were a country, after China and the U.S. So again, we need to get food waste out of landfills, and compostables are a great vehicle to make that happen.” Key to building that infrastructure, she added, are policies and legislation to help fund and expand infrastructure to make composting available to more people. In the PMMI/AMPERIPEN presentation on the Compass report, Kyla Fisher explained that for AMERIPEN, understanding the trend toward compostables will help the association in its efforts to guide policymakers and will help investors plan for the future. “That’s where AMERIPEN really came in as we said, ‘Okay, PMMI, show us what the data is,’ and now we’re going to take a look at this from a policy perspective. How do we get ahead of policy? How do we start to plan for the future right now?” she said. “This study helps policymakers; if we’ve got a rise in compostables, but we’ve got a problem getting compostables accepted, then we need to start having that conversation right now. The other side is that it’s really beneficial for investors. If we can start to have this discussion of where we’re going to go in the next decade, as EPR is coming into America, having this kind of data really helps those who are investing into the system start to plan not for investment in the system as it is today, but investment in the system as it needs to be for tomorrow.” Yet, Fisher admitted, the outlook on compostables could change moving forward, as more CPGs realize, as noted above, that not all composting facilities want their materials. “They certainly don’t want compostable packaging that doesn’t have food in it,” she said. “So we’re pushing for compostable packaging, but we have nowhere to put it. So is this going to shift in a couple of years as that starts to become the conversation?” Panelists on the “Compostable Packaging” session were fairly unanimous in their belief that compostable packaging presents a massive opportunity, but not for all products. Eldridge advised that when designing packaging, CPGs need to consider whether compostable packaging is the right fit, rather the fact that it provides the newest and “sexiest” end-of-life story. “It needs to work,” she concluded. “It needs to work from a technical perspective to protect the product that’s in it, and it needs to have a workable, end-of-life solution.” PW

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Cap and Closure Star in Twist, Mix, and Pour Cocktail System Pernod Ricard and Chivas Brothers’ prestige whisky brand The Glenlivet unveils a pair of instant mix, ready-to-serve cocktails that consumers prepare simply by opening the bottle. A twist of the aluminum shell cap releases pressurized cocktail mix ingredients that are kept separate from the high-proof spirits, as well as oxygen and UV light, right up until the point of use. By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor Pernod Ricard’s prestige whisky brand The Glenlivet is debuting its Twist & Mix Cocktails, The cocktails are ready-to-serve after a line of premium quality concoctions in 375consumers complete three simple steps: mL glass bottles. Consumers won’t have to twist the cap, allow the pressurized dress up and go out to get their hands on two ingredient mix to burst from the enclosure of the most popular whisky cocktails served at into the whisky, and pour the cocktail over upscale bars and restaurants. They can now ice to share and enjoy. serve their Old Fashioned, with notes of orange, nutmeg, and cinnamon, or New Manhattan with cherry and ginger flavors, without extra ingredients or mess, right at home. And packaging is what makes this possible. “What we saw during the pandemic was an increase in moments of elevated conviviality at home, with consumers not only trading up in quality but also increasingly experimenting with both RTDs and homemade cocktails,” says Yogesh Gandhi, Head of Innovation at Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard. The cocktails are ready-to-serve after consumers complete three simple steps: twist the cap, allow the pressurized ingredient mix to burst from the enclosure into the whisky, and pour the cocktail over ice to share and enjoy. The offering stands to elevate at-home entertaining by providing a crafted experience The cocktails themselves might be classics, but there’s nothing old without the mess or hassle of leftover ingredients, complicated recipes, fashioned about the functional cap, aluminum shell, and closure sysor bar equipment. tem from supplier Vessl that underpins the concept, a first-of-its-kind “With this new innovative product, we are inspiring people to enjoy offering for both the Scotch and broader spirits category. single malt scotch whisky on more occasions and providing a solution to meet consumer demand for high quality, freshly mixed cocktails that are easy to serve and enjoy with friends and family,” says Johan Radojewski, Vice President Marketing - Scotch, Irish & Prestige Whisk(e)y, Every so often, we’ll come across a new example of whizz-bang packPernod Ricard USA. aging gadgetry that gets our attention. But brands often dismiss these

Practical magic

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As the cap moves up while being opened, it’s pushing one portion of the closure up while the other portion stays in place due to the friction on the inner bore of the glass. This opens the nitrogenpressurized cartridge tank containing the ingredient mix.

formats in the long run because they aren’t practical for one of three typical reasons: the packaging is too expensive per unit, can’t run on existing packaging equipment, or imposes friction on consumers who need to follow instructions just to access the unfamiliar product. But this application’s unique mix of product, packaging, and demand might have staying power. Here’s why. Like its counterparts in the high-end cosmetics and fragrance categories, premium spirits command a price and margin such that packaging rarely moves the needle on the cost of each unit. Even if the cost of packaging is quite a bit more than the traditional suite of bottle, label, and closure, the consumer isn’t likely to feel it in the pocketbook. This is especially true of a new product that hadn’t existed before, like this one. Also, “a common challenge around ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits is that there are a lot of ingredients that simply can’t be stored over long periods of time in high-proof, distilled spirits,” says Walter Apodaca, Founder and CEO, Vessl, Inc. “At least you can’t mix them in your facility and expect them to perform as well or taste as good as they would when mixed fresh. Being stored in high-proof spirits affects color, it affects flavor, it affects aroma. So, the notion of having the ability to mix it at the point of use was intriguing to Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard.” Protecting mix ingredients from the high-proof alcohol base liquid is a new function for Vessl. But it’s not just alcohol that can impact a mixer’s flavor. In fact, a big driver of the concept is to keep active ingredients fresh and protect them from oxidation and harmful exposure to UV light that would occur if they weren’t sequestered in a nitrogen-pressurized tank. Another factor in this system’s favor is that, thanks to R&D collaboration between supplier and brand (more on that soon), the closure works on The Glenlivet’s standard glass bottle and existing packaging equipment. It acts as a standard Roll On, Pilfer Proof (ROPP) closure fitment, so the packaging equipment needed minimal tweaking to incorporate the design. “The glass bottle design that you see today, with an ROPP closure, didn’t require any major changes to their bottling environment,” says Apodaca. “We used an existing ROPP shell and devised the means to incorporate our closure and dispensing device into that shell in such a

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way that the shell runs through their infeed system, filler, and capper in the same way the shell does without our closure and dispenser. It really doesn’t require any investment in infrastructure to support it.” Perhaps most importantly, the consumer doesn’t experience any friction. No directions, tools, or assembly are required, much less a QR code directing consumers to an instructional video. For consumers, stakeholders say, it’s a seamless switch from a standard bottle of The Glenlivet whisky to an RTD with The Glenlivet whisky as its base. “We’ve now got a chance to see lots of user videos on Instagram and some of the press that we’ve seen from coming off The Glenlivet Twist & Mix project,” Apodaca says. “We notice that there’s nobody explaining how to do it. There’s just a lot of people opening it and just sort of saying, ‘Wow, this is really cool.’” “The ‘friction’ or ‘pain points’ that we sought to resolve were two-fold, one to create high-quality bar like cocktails at home, and two to lower the complexity of equipment and ingredients needed,” Gandhi adds. Gandhi also notes that the pack format solves a real consumer problem, too. A proper Old Fashioned isn’t a simple mix and pour. Sure, splashing sticky syrups or bitters, adding fizz, and the act of ‘muddling’ fruit make for great theater. But preparing a good Old Fashioned is messy, inconvenient, and until now, best left to a bartender. That’s not the case here. “The consumer simply twists the cap to release the natural cocktail ingredients in to The Glenlivet Single malt Scotch whisky, which when poured over ice and topped with a garnish expertly recreates a ‘bar worthy’ cocktail without the need to go out,” Gandhi says. “The intuitive format of the Vessl technology requires no change in consumer behavior to deliver a freshly mixed cocktail in an instant, with an added flair of theatre associated with mixology in the bar.” The Glenlivet says its new Twist & Mix offering is housed in an elevated, sleek, and bold carton designed by brand agency JDO. “New labels and cartons also helped to illustrate what the product looks like when the closure is twisted open, ensuring a seamless consumer experience,” Gandhi adds of the secondary packaging. All things considered, this is quite a practical application of packaging magic.

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Next evolution of existing technology You might be thinking ‘wait, this sounds familiar, where have I seen this before?’ Sure enough, Packaging World covered Vessl’s origin story, plus a few different applications of this range of patented closure tech over the past five years. One was a use case with the company’s own brand, Tea of a Kind (pwgo.to/8109), that served as a proof of concept. In another application, Amway employed it in a skincare line (pwgo.to/8110). Apodaca offers a brief refresher on the underlying tech. “We’ve got an engine that allows [brand customers] to store content in a nitrogen-pressurized, oxygen-depleted chamber, and upon opening—either applying to a bottle or opening a bottle, depending on the application—it’s going to evacuate that content. With The Glenlivet project, the basic feature or function of the closure is the same as it was in previous applications. We’re taking a concentrated ingredient, and when the bottle is opened in this case, that activates the closure and dispenses those ingredients into the bottle under pressure,” says Apodaca. “The major departure is that, now, we’re using it on glass.”

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Scan this QR code, or visit pwgo.to/8113, to watch a brief video of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails at the moment of opening and serving, when the shell cap is twisted, pressurized ingredients are released, and the drink is mixed. When Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard first approached Vessl to use the closure on distilled spirits to make cocktails, early plans assumed the use of a PET bottle with the same closure Vessl used with its Tea of a Kind brand. But Vessl had a few ideas and prototypes for glass up its sleeve. The company just needed a partner and an end market to help usher these nascent concepts over the finish line. “Given it’s a premium product, we presented those glass application ideas to them. We thought it was a much better use of the closure, and Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard agreed,” Apodaca says. “So we entered into a development agreement with them, and we adapted the underlying technology to work on a standard ROPP [Roll-on Pilfer Proof] fitment.”’

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The Glenlivet uses 375-mL glass bottles containing eight servings instead of traditional 750-mL bottles that would contain 16 servings. For practical purposes, straight whisky doesn’t spoil or expire. But mixed whisky should be refrigerated and consumed within two weeks, so the smaller form factor makes more sense.

Making it work with glass For Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard, the premium feel of glass was hardly the only incentive. As previously mentioned, using standard glass meant the company could use existing packaging machinery infrastructure to convey, fill, and cap the new product line. The caps’ feed, infeed, bowl feeding, and sorting all worked with existing equipment. “It was a collaborative process between Chivas Brothers’ manufacturing team and Vessl to optimize their closure to fit an existing line within our bottling hall,” Gandhi says. “We achieved a simple solution: deploying an existing bottle size while changing the neck, meaning our line could adapt to the new closure with minimal changes.” But the new closure system wasn’t a perfect one-to-one drop-in replacement closure—there were some considerations to navigate in testing and validation phases. For example, adding a cartridge tank of liquid ingredients changes the ROPP cap’s center of gravity, which made it slightly more prone to tip during certain points in the capping process. “Aside from that, we had to do some work in terms of transit testing and so forth. But where we had to dial this in most precisely was in the torquing of the cap threads themselves, just making sure the top load and application torque was precise,” Apodaca says. “In our previous system with PET bottles, there is a fixture or casing that’s threaded to the bottle, and when you rotate the closure,

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Consumers likely won’t need directions, but a three-step description is printed on the secondary carton to illustrate the concept for curious shoppers at retail. the torque that’s required to rotate the closure is less than the torque that’s holding the fixture or casing to the bottle. So those two parts that are threaded together—they telescope, they move open—and open the valve to release the ingredient. Because you’ve got pressure in there that just needs somewhere to go, it goes into the headspace of the bottle, releasing the liquid ingredient. “Well, we couldn’t really use their threads in their glass bottle in the same way we do on the PET bottle when it’s incorporated into our closure because there’s less friction with the glass. We needed to get the friction elsewhere, with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a soft plastic.” Essentially the new system acts as a plug member or a cork. A modified version of the Vessl closure designed for PET bottles sits inside the ROPP shell, and when rolled on to the bottle, the friction interface is between that closure and the bottle. In this application with The Glenlivet, the closure does the same thing it’s always done—it is applied after filling, where it resides until the consumer twists it to break the tamper-evident perforation. But as the cap moves up while being opened, it’s pushing one portion of the closure up while the other portion stays in place due to the friction on the inner bore of the glass. This opens the nitrogen-pressurized cartridge tank containing the ingredient mix. The pressurized ingredients are released into the flat spirits at 105 psi, which is sufficient pressure to shoot the ingredient mix into the still spirits in such a way that introduces a

hint of effervescence that remains for minutes. Once the closure system is unscrewed to the point where it’s fully opened, it hits an end-stop and the cartridge tank is removed with the ROPP shell, like any other ROPP shell would normally come out of the bottle. But at that point, it will have already activated and mixed the ingredient.

Vessl’s deliverable For Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard whisky filling lines, the deliverable from Vessl is the specialty shell closure containing the ingredient mix. All the upstream ingredient mixing and cartridge tank filling, which includes evacuating oxygen, pressurization, and backfilling with nitrogen, is done by Vessl. “We built custom equipment to fill our closure and insert it into their shell,” Apodaca says. “We batch all of the flavoring and ingredients that make up the mix, fill them into the closures, and deliver the filled closures to them, really in the same way that they would have received shells from a shell supplier previously. As volume grows, this is something that they or any customer easily can replicate in-house.” The switch between a standard, empty aluminum shell and this new design required some equipment tweaking, but it also had some unforeseen benefits. The empty shells had been subject to a lot of denting and crimping, rendering a certain percentage scrap before they ever made it to a glass bottle. The Vessl shell with cartridge tank insert is more robust and resists deformation.

Form factor and size The most common form factor for premium whisky packaging is a 750-mL glass bottle, which is said to contain 16 servings. For an occasional-use product

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The offering stands to elevate at-home entertaining by providing a crafted experience without the mess or hassle of leftover ingredients, complicated recipes, or bar equipment. like whisky where spoilage isn’t an issue, and there’s no requirement to refrigerate after opening, this form factor makes sense—a bottle could reside on a shelf at home for months or years before being completely consumed. But The Glenlivet’s Twist & Mix Cocktails use 375-mL bottles, half that size at eight servings. “If you have too many servings in a bottle, those servings may not be consumed immediately, and if you’re then putting those remaining servings into storage, then you’re defeating the purpose of having fresh ingredients mixed at the point of use,” Apodaca says.

Outcome Vessl has the exclusive, worldwide rights to a prolific number of patents around this unique type of shelf-stable, pressurized ingredient dispensing tech in beverages. But it’s important to note that it’s not the only player on the field. There are some competing closure dispensing technologies that have found their niche, as well. A more common and familiar model uses a pod-based pack system, popularized by a famous coffee producer, and copied in various formats to introduce new ingredients to a product at the point of use. Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard had shopped through them all before landing on Vessl. “We are always scouting for and trialing new innovative packaging formats and seek to work with partners who can truly collaborate with us to push the boundaries of what’s expected in Scotch whisky,” Gandhi says. “The unique technology, its ease of use and Vessl’s support understanding our vision and creating an outstanding consumer solution with no change to behavior, was what led us to partner with them on this project.” For his part, Apodaca is “impressed how The Glenlivet has adopted the Vessl technology to create high quality, freshly mixed ultrapremium craft cocktails at home with no mess and no effort. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking use of our technology that we envisioned, and tastes even better than we imagined.” PW

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AUTOMATION

Baggers Add Flexibility to Automated Pork Rind System The lines between processing and packaging operations are increasingly blurring, and an optimized handshake between the two promises efficiency gains. This full pork rind line represents a seamless transformation from raw ingredient at the infeed of the line to fully packaged finished product at the end. By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor Whether you know them as chicharrones, cracklings, or rinds, oil-fried pork skins are crispy, salty snacks that have been surging in the snack aisle thanks in part to a short and simple list of familiar, natural ingredients. They’re especially popular among keto diet adherents due to their punch of protein and zero-carbohydrate status when compared to potato- or rice-based snack chips. The entire product family is produced from raw pork skin pellets, but there’s some nuance between varieties. Rinds are certainly crispy, but lighter, more airy, and smaller than other pig skin formats at about 1 x 1 in to 1 x 3 in. Cracklings and chicharrones are crunchier, require more of a bite, and consist of longer strips of 1 x 6 in to 1 x 9 in. In the oil fryer, pellets are said to ‘pop’ or puff up, akin to corn kernels popping, to achieve the desired crispy texture. A dusting of dry ingredient seasoning finishes the fried and cooled snack before packaging, usually bagging or pouching. California’s Benestar Brands, a producer of pork rinds, chicharrones, and cracklings for its own brands Mac’s Chicharrones, Turkey Creek Snacks, and Pörq, as well as CM/CP for private label, says it recently developed a highly efficient processing and packaging line for its bespoke rinds and cracklings. Installed in summer 2019, Benestar says this latest complete processing and packaging line from TNA Solutions improved the manufacturer’s product quality tenfold while significantly reducing

energy use and enhancing efficiency. “TNA Solutions’ experts have a deep understanding of our industry, while being open to listening to our specific challenges and finding outof-the-box solutions. The accommodation of our specific needs, from footprint restrictions and frying demands to intricate seasoning, helped facilitate our partnership with TNA and develop an excellent product to satisfy every pork fan,” says Jose Gomez, chief technical officer at Benestar. With a loyal following of label-reading consumers, many of whom aligned with the natural, wholesome, and nutritional food movements, Gomez knows he has to deliver consistently high-quality product. Investing in automation technology helped the company to extend snack shelf life, while improving the quality with an eye on continuous improvement. TNA had a hand in optimizing processing and packaging from the outset, with the pork rinds and cracklings being fully tested at its technical center facility in Texas prior to the equipment purchase with a focus on consistent texture, seasoning, and flavor. Benestar says TNA’s guidance and technical support throughout the manufacturing process ensured the product could be brought to market quickly and efficiently. “Our partnership with Benestar Brands has been very exciting and has fueled the engineering innovation of our team,” adds Adam Holloway, TNA regional sales manager, North America. “Pork rinds have very different product characteristics to traditional snacks we have been

Mac’s Chicharrones, Turkey Creek Snacks, and Pörq are Benestar’s own brands. The company also produces pork rinds as a CM/CP for private label.

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pan, scraping off discardable particulates and depositing them into the filtration system. That system filters the oil, redistributes the rendered lard back into the system if it’s needed, or into a storage tank if not required. The undesirable particulate caught in the filters is disposed of outside of the fryer. The fryer was also designed with sanitation in mind, without any small enclosures or hard-to-reach nooks or crannies. Unlike Benestar’s legacy fryers, the latest installation employs a hood that not only serves to efficiently retain heat during the fry, but it also easily lifts for operator access for weekly boil outs and clean outs. When this hood is lifted for sanitation, the internal conveyors lift with it, making the fry tank easily accessible. Achieving efficiency gains and reducing environmental impact were also high on the agenda for Benestar when selecting a new production line, driven by regulatory changes and increasing pressures from retailers and consumers. TNA helped Benestar to replace direct heating with heat exchanger technology, reducing energy use in the most energy intensive process—frying. TNA installed a LO NOx burner, reducing harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and helping the company comply with Californian regulatory requirements.

The continuous motion vf/f/s baggers handle a wide enough variety of rollstock materials, formats, and sizes to accommodate both Benestar’s own brands and private label. working with, such as potato and tortilla chips. We brought the years of processing experience in terms of treating food products in oil baths, while Benestar Brands contributed specific application knowledge— two key ingredients for a successful outcome.”

Out of the fryer and into the bag As often happens with automation and additional efficiency added upstream, downstream packaging automation came along for the ride in order for Benestar to get the most out of the system and prevent bottlenecks. Once the fryer was installed, TNA added the connective tissue between processing and packaging, including product distribution systems, cooling fans, and a seasoning system to feed four vertical baggers.

Starting upstream at the fryer Manual infeed to the packaging line consists of 20-lb corrugated cases of raw pork skin pellets that are removed from pallets, opened, and poured into a hopper that feeds an incline conveyor. From there, the pellets get a short ride in a TNA roflo V M3 distribution conveyer, a vibratory conveyor that separates full-sized pellets from the so-called ‘fines,’ and feeds the preferred pellets into the fryer. The system uses a TNA batch-pro 12 fryer that reduces rejects to less than 3%, while a unique fryer design minimizes oil use, contributing to both product and material savings. The fryer system also provides direct-fire heating for improved energy efficiencies and lower operating costs. And thanks to a three-stage oil filtration system, the continuous frying technology with submerged guide-belt conveyor ensures efficient oil management and turnover, eliminating the need to discard oil daily after every single production run, saving costly material. The new fryer also lowers free fatty acid (FFA) levels, enabling nutritionally appealing, consistent end product that tastes great and has a desirable color and texture. Stakeholders say this unique oil management and filtration system say hadn’t been done prior to this installation. Here’s how it works. Since the raw pork skin pellets contain fat, they release their own oil when heated in the fry oil. That means this added oil needs to be removed from the system on occasion, and all the while, FFA buildup can occur. These conditions make oil and sediment management key. The fryer includes a sediment belt that runs along the bottom of the fryer

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Product leaves the fryer and travels up a small incline conveyor to a vibratory distribution system on a mezzanine level, cooling as it’s carried.

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AUTOMATION

Product leaves the fryer and travels up a small incline conveyor to a vibratory distribution system on a mezzanine level, cooling to about 110°F to 120°F as it’s carried. The vibratory distribution system from TNA uses proportional conveyors that shift back and forth to feed two large storage hoppers that then feed the multihead weighers/combination scales that reside above and feed the baggers. This makes the system on-demand—as the baggers’ multihead weighers become starved for product, the distribution systems tells the storage hoppers to feed them as needed in this continuous process. Flavoring is done immediately ahead of bagging with one of four TNA seasoning systems. The latest of the four, the TNA intelli-flav OMS 5.1 seasoning system, allows for the most consistent coverage without costly ingredient losses. Seasoned pork rinds then enter one of four vf/f/s baggers, including one new robag 3e high-performance vf/f/s packaging system. The other three seasoning systems are still in good working order, but Benestar is eyeing an upgrade to the OMS 5.1 on the remaining lines, too, to take advantage of the consistency and wasteavoidance features that the new system affords. Only one variety of pig skin—pork rind, crackling, or chicharron— can run on the system at any given time since a single fryer feeds downstream operations. But once in the hoppers, four different lines with four different potential flavorings and four different potential bag styles are fed simultaneously. Having these three to four baggers working in concert helps Benestar efficiently pack different flavors of product on the same line, at the same time, at a high speed. Product is introduced

Flavoring is done immediately ahead of bagging with one of four TNA seasoning systems. The latest of the four, the TNA intelliflav OMS 5.1 seasoning system, allows for the most consistent coverage without costly ingredient losses. to each bagger via a combination scale, and metal detection occurs between the combination scale and the continuous bagging operations— the last moment the product is in free air before it’s portioned into the bag. The only unusual feature on the combination scale is that the bucket heads are larger than might typically be used for bags of snack products like chips or trail mix, given the larger product size specific to chicharrones. The baggers themselves also feature nitrogen backflush to remove oxygen from the bags, prevent product oxidation, and extend shelf life. While the system can feed all four 4-axis servo continuous motion baggers at once, more typically the system operates using the latest

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three bagger models, the new robag 3e and two robag 3ci models. The fourth robag 3 serves as overflow or in special material or bag size situations. Remember, since Benestar is in part a CM/CP, it performs a lot of private label manufacturing. That means the baggers need the flexibility to accommodate dramatic size and format shift changeovers from brand to brand, from small, individual 1.5-oz packs to traditional 8-oz to larger club store sizes. Rollstock materials range from printed metalized film to clear poly bags to which pressure-sensitive labels will later be applied. Bag size and rollstock changeovers are quite frequent, so having four baggers, each serving as a Swiss Army Knife in terms of size and material range, is important. The new robag 3e vf/f/s is TNA’s newest latest generation machine, which has 30% less wiring than previous models, uses PC-based controls from Beckhoff, and is more streamlined than previous generations. The bagger also features product-in-seal detection. When enabled, the system not only detects and rejects bags where product is trapped in the seal, but it also slows the line when a certain threshold of product inseal rejects is met, preventing further rejects. Alternately, if no product is found in-seal for a certain duration, the system increases the bagging speed, so line speed is optimized to run as fast as it can before in-seam product rejects become an issue. A single-point interface allows operators to control the date coder, the scales, and the bagger from a single HMI. “It’s quite convenient compared to other machines on the market, where each operation has a different interface,” Holloway says.

At the moment, Gomez and Benestar are considering SCADA and OEE optimizing plant-based software in order to use data for predictive maintenance. The new robag 3e bagger features an onboard platform for predictive maintenance that isn’t currently being used, but will ready to go if and when Benestar decides to take the data-based plant optimization plunge. After vf/f/s bagging, case packaging and palletizing operations at Benestar are manual. That’s because quite a bit of the manufacturer’s output is earmarked either for convenience stores or club stores. For convenient stores, that primarily means bulk cases of 12 or 24 counts, which go into RSC cases and are placed on a pallet. And for the club stores, pallets are stacked specifically for retail ready and floor displays—automating that type of specialized pallet stack is difficult. But between the fryer infeed and the bagger output, everything’s automated, optimized, and humming along without much need for operator supervision. “Our collaboration with TNA solutions has clearly propelled our production process to industry-leading standards. The tna robag 3e has not only enabled us to significantly speed up our packaging process but also ensured that both pork rinds and cracklings are handled with utmost efficiency on the same line. Moreover, the expertise and innovative solutions provided by TNA’s team were crucial in overcoming footprint restrictions and addressing specific frying and seasoning demands, allowing us to elevate the quality of our products tenfold while achieving remarkable energy efficiencies,” Gomez says. PW

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By Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor

Stealthily Healthy Tropicana Design Reassures Parents, Engages Kids For this all-new entry into the kids' smoothie category, designers had to both reassure health- and nutrition-minded parents on the shelf with a trusted brand, while still delighting kids at the breakfast table, lunch table, soccer practice, or beyond. Stormbrands with developing a fun, reassuring, and distinctive brand and packaging identity for the Kids Smoothies launch. To succeed in a hot market, the resulting design system had to address key motivators for both parents and kids. For parents, that required providing information and cues about the quality of the ingredients, as well as nutritional and sustainability factors. For children, it was all about cool, engaging design with fun-fact elements on the back, reminiscent of the back of a cereal box. “We’ve created a brand architecture and packaging system that’s strongly aligned to Tropicana’s iconic core identity, which is synonymous with quality, taste, and natural fruit,” says Zoe Phillipson, creative director, Stormbrands. “But we’ve also developed a new system with appeal and credibility as a parent-purchased but child-focused range. It accommodates the needs of both perfectly. ... There were three stages. First, it’s a known and trusted brand in Tropicana, so how do we get that reassurance across? Second, we had to communicate that it’s for kids, and had to appeal to them. And third, because Tropicana is so well known for juices, we had to communicate that that the product’s a smoothie.” The multipack carton is designed with parents' eyelines in mind. The trusted brand and Balancing fun with integrity was strategic for product variety—a smoothie, not a juice, for kids—reside atop the pack since the bottom designers. The concept couldn’t be too playful half can be obscured in retail chillers on on-shelf in refrigerated cases. without risking some of the positive associations for parents, who would be ultimately making the purchasing decision. The suite of packaging—paperboard carton multipacks containing To achieve this, beneficial credentials in a disruptor, reading “1 of 5 Tetra Pak’s Tetra Wedge format juice pouches—would be the a day” [referring to one of five servings of fruits and vegetables], “No platform on which these designs and branding would have to do some added sugar,” and “Boosted with Vitamin C,” feature on the carton heavy lifting. Step one would be to make sure the carton to appealed multipack. This messaging only appears on the secondary packaging, to the parents selecting the product among competitors in a chiller designed for parents in store, not the primary package with which case. Step two would be to use the wedge-shaped pouch to appeal to kids interact—an example of the stealth health approach. Also, realthe kids consuming the bright, fun, but stealthily healthy drinks. fruit graphics gesture toward naturalness. The smoothies involve Tropicana tasked its long-time strategic brand-design collaborator With its expertise in fruit juice sourcing, blending, and filling, Tropicana Brands Group was plenty confident that it could deliver an all-new range of healthy and delicious Tropicana Kids Smoothies. But the brand owner also realized it would have a two-pronged brand design task ahead of it when it came to competing, both in the retail refrigerator case and in the refrigerator at home, with existing kids’ smoothie players Innocent and Happy Monkey.

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a blend of natural ingredients, and very little processing ensures all the nutrients remain intact to optimize healthfulness. But the child is the consumer experiencing the “brand in the hand,” the Tetra Pak wedge primary package. Here’s where design can help kids wield their so-called “pester power,” in enjoying a product so much that they ask for it by name. Personality-led messaging and fun information, like “mandarins can get sunburn” and “a pineapple is actually a berry,” engage kids on the pack and create all-important school lunch table talking points. “Whereas a lot of pester power products—you think of the old school breakfast cereals like Cocoa Pops, with chocolate and monkeys— they’re very much speaking to indulgence, rather than goodness,” Phillipson says. The Smoothie Machine on-pack graphic design concept bubbled up from the Though the cartons are designed to appeal Stormbrands team’s own kids, who were asked to draw how they believed smoothies to parents and the wedges to kids, both share were made. The automated machine element balances with Tropicana’s usual real, the same design hierarchy of a white upper natural fruit graphic treatment. half with familiar masterbrand cues and a clear “We did play around here with whether it could be a little bit more declaration that the product is a smoothie, not a juice. That’s because joke oriented. Like, we used to get jokes on the back of a Penguin on-shelf, in a low-down chiller, or even in the fridge at home, the Bar,” she says. “We opted for the fun facts about the fruit itself lower half of the carton or wedge is often obscured. The goal was to because it felt more like Tropicana, since it’s more about the fruit that get parents to first see the trusted brand and product type. they choose to go into their smoothies.” “Then when it comes to the wedge inside, we were wondering Tropicana was also keen to expand the imagined dayparts or if we could put the branding at the bottom, but what we felt that consumption occasions associated with the smoothie product, this really needed was consistency,” she says. “So we opted to keep progressing from breakfast stalwart to all-day hero, both in and out of the branding at the top just so that we could keep clear that this is the home. Tropicana Kids Smoothies are designed to slot into packed Tropicana.” lunches straight from the fridge, an easy Even so, this practical parental appeal way to look after youngsters’ health when on the top half of the packs is again they’re away for the day. balanced with a more whimsical, child“Parents like to choose products that friendly design visual that they call the are naturally healthy from brands with Smoothie Machine concept. trusted reputations,” Phillipson says. “Kids “We spoke to our own team’s kids and want brand experiences that are fun, got them to draw pictures of how they exciting, and make them look cool in front thought a smoothie is made,” Phillipson of their friends. Stormbrands has satisfied says. “One came back with the concept both audiences with a distinctive identity. of a fruit machine, and we thought, ‘this The results catch mom or dad’s eye in is absolutely brilliant.’ It’s kind of a Willy the supermarket and provide showing-off Wonka-esque fantastical world of curiosity. creds for the kids.” From there, we essentially designed a Tropicana Kids Smoothies cartons fruit machine graphic that suggests how a and metalized film pouches were smoothie might be made. We use the real flexographically printed in CMYK, plus fruit graphic style that Tropicana is known Pantone 348 for the Tropicana logo. They for, but we’re also building in that sense of arrived at major supermarkets on Sept. fun, energy, and spontaneity.” The back of the pack contains fun fruit facts, 25, where they are sold as four-count The design on the back of the primary reminiscent of a cereal box that kids can engage multipacks of 150-mL wedges in Pineapple package is meant as kids’ territory, save with at the breakfast table, the lunch table with & Mango and Strawberry & Banana for the nutrition label, carrying fun facts classmates, or on a soccer field with team mates. varieties. PW about the fruit used in smoothies.

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Mobile Pail Filler

INDUSTRY WATCH

Companies BW Packaging companies Accraply and BW Integrated Systems have combined into a single business to be called BW Integrated Systems.

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ProMach acquired Lofton Label & Packaging, expanding ProMach’s labeling and coding capabilities across North America. Duravant acquired National Presort, LP (NPI) and appointed Jack Lee Group president – Food Sorting and Handling Solutions. AmbaFlex opened its Canton, Ohio, production plant expansion featuring 53,000 sq ft of additional office and production space. Enercon will open a new corporate headquarters in Germantown, Wis., that will create additional manufacturing capacity, enhance customer support offerings, and enable product development. Sabic partnered with Taghleff and Karydakis to introduce the use of certified renewable PP resins in mono-PP thin-wall container packaging. Morrison Container Handling Solutions announced the expansion of its brand into Australia through a new partnership with Tronics, an Aldus brand. The World Packaging Organization (WPO) and AIPIA – The Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association agreed on an MoU to work together furthering the causes of sustainable and smart packaging. Xampla launched supplier brand Morro to help reduce the use of plastic packaging. The “Morro marque” will indicate where plant-based materials have been used. Fanuc recently produced its one millionth robot. SIG’s path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050 was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Harpak-ULMA’s Customer Experience Center will expand service and support for the Western U.S.

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People Brenton, a ProMach company, appointed Patrick Davis regional sales manager and Lanel Menezes vice president of sales. Kevin Kwilinski was appointed chief executive officer for Berry Global, and Stephen Sterrett, lead independent director, was named chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Jeff Journey joined BW Packaging as vice president of Aftermarket. Blueprint Automation named Barrett Gray sales manager, Southwest, and hired Hunter Schultheis as sales manager, North Central Region. Afflink, LLC promoted Michael Wilson to president and chief executive officer and appointed David Lewis vice president of packaging. Gijsbert Dezaire was appointed chief executive officer of BluePrint Automation. Nathan Allen was appointed vice president and general manager of Pharmaworks. Torsten Türling was named chief executive officer of Syntegon Group.

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Nathalie Bödtker-Lund was appointed head of Impact and Sustainability for PulPac. Shane Burchett was appointed global customer experience director for Domino. Erwin Wieckowski was named president and chief executive officer of Bosch Rexroth in North and Central America. Scott Sumser was named senior vice president, Sales & Marketing for Rohrer Corp.

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TECHNOLOGY

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0 46,868 47,568 98.53%

5 21, 23, 25, 45

Rychiger www.rychiger.com

Serpa Packaging Solutions www.serpapackaging.com

Siko Products, Inc. www.siko-global.com

Specialty Equipment www.specialtyequipment.com

Syntegon www.syntegon.com

Uline www.uline.com

U.S. Tsubaki www.ustsubaki.com

VDG (Van der Graaf) www.vandergraaf.com

Cover-1

WestRock www.westrock.com

IFC, OFC

Yamato Corporation www.yamatoamericas.com

10/01/2023

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties)

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10/31/23 05:41

48 PW NOV/DEC2023

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

By Brian Stepowany, CPPL

How the Pandemic Changed Packaging Relationships I wrote an article published in this space in 2020 (pwgo.to/8112) describing how COVID-19 might forever change the CM/CP service provider/end user relationship. I stated, “Our service provider companies can ease the packaging industry’s manufacturing limitations by assisting and broadening their relationship with end users through the points I have mentioned.” Where are we three years later? Let’s revisit the four areas I discussed in the service provider/end user relationship to see how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the supply chain, and how its effects will modify how we look at business models moving forward. 1. My prediction: Secondary sourcing will become critical. What has happened: The first idea that I brought up when thinking of COVID-19 is the number of people affected. Because of spacing requirements and the number of people not working, the number of workers has been depleted and manufacturing output decreased. This, in turn, affects supply chains and timelines for all aspects of your business. Because some suppliers are not able to meet delivery dates and production schedules, secondary sourcing becomes critical. Companies have been forced to find a secondary or alternate source to ensure they meet their delivery dates and production schedule. They have found another source either within one company or a separate secondary source. They have been forced to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket, because that one basket could not fulfill their requirements. Companies are now dual sourcing to ensure their production lines are operational and can achieve business continuity. Dual sourcing capability also lends itself to flex capacity to address temporary surges in demand or a seasonal product. Secondary sourcing has opened the doors to additional suppliers and improved service provider/end user relationships. 2. My prediction: Speed-to-market will prioritize larger production runs. What has happened: Another practice that companies have enacted to increase their order fulfillment rates has been to move production of smaller volume or new products externally to allow internal manufacturing to focus on larger production runs. Changeovers on production lines cause downtime and limit output on commercial manufacturing lines. Smaller production runs and suppliers with large minimum order quantities (MOQ) have end users looking to additional service provider companies to provide innovation and efficiency with speed-to-market capabilities unavailable internally. With the ever-changing marketplace and the growth of e-commerce, speed-to-market is still a major pain point for all end users. Service provider companies that can offer multiple services are in demand. The use of digital packaging and personalization offers

service provider companies an opening to fulfillment, as major end users’ manufacturing is usually geared to larger volume and longer production runs. 3. My prediction: Attention to “unboxing” or the “opening experience” will drive opportunities. What has happened: As e-commerce business continues to grow, the amount of attention and development that goes into providing customers with a positive opening experience with their e-commerce product’s packaging continues to be crucial. The amount of traffic that social media influencers can drive through positive reviews is amazing and a lot of that has to do with the consumer’s experience when opening the e-commerce package. This type of value-added service is a driving point for end users that are working to increase their e-commerce business and reputation. The need for an opening experience provides a growing opportunity for service providers for low-cost, quick packaging changes. Options include repacking multiple varieties of products into bundles and personalized packaging that end users do not want to be burdened with internally. This has not changed. This area has only grown and become a key growth opportunity that service providers can offer. 4. My prediction: Service providers will thrive running new packaging innovations. What has happened: The fourth point I mentioned that has changed the service provider/end user relationship resulting from COVID-19 relates to innovation, productivity, and robotics. As end users are concentrating on fulfilling orders on current products on their existing manufacturing lines, they may lack the line time or manpower to validate innovative new packaging and products or packaging and productivity initiatives. This still exists and has only grown as business has increased, and end users must use service providers to expediate clients’ orders. End user companies are going to turn to service providers to run new innovative packaging/products until they can justify bringing them in-house. As many end users’ production lines are at capacity, having downtime to validate new packaging/products might not be a feasible alternative. Finally, an issue I did not consider in 2020 was the amount of business and the changes that COVID-19 would generate for service providers. The pandemic caused many companies to seek outside assistance to fulfill customers’ requests. End users had issues running their facilities and production lines. Today, employees are in high demand and the idea of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is inviting. However, the number of orders these companies are trying to fulfill pushes lead times out to approximately a year or longer. COVID-19 has changed our packaging industry, and the service provider industry is growing to meet these larger end user requests. PW

The author, Brian Stepowany, is Packaging R&D, Senior Manager at B&G Foods who currently serves on IoPP’s Board of Directors. He is an IoPP Certified Packaging Professional Lifetime and Fellow. For information on IoPP’s educational offerings and member networking opportunities, visit www.iopp.org.

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2023 BUYER’S GUIDE Featured Premium Companies

CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Aagard (320) 763-6043 www.aagard.com

sales@aagard.com

Alexandria MN

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 Packing, Cartoning, Palletizing, Variety Case Packing, Retail Ready, Robotics, Sleeving, and Combination machines. Our custom approach is a mix of inventive problem-solving and a willingness to take on challenges. Aagard is a leading engineering innovator of secondary packaging automation. Check out a few of our innovative solutions: • apid aunch- New product set-ups in minutes, no programming, no change parts, no retrofits • Walk-Through Caser acker set up for lights-out manufacturing • ully Automated ariety Case acking, Including etail eady ackaging • One Case acker for Cartons and Bags, With Auto Changeover • Telescoping Conveyor, Accessibility Without Steps Or raw Bridges • E panded Capability with Integrated Options TOTAL PROJECT SUCCESS happens with partnership and an iterative design process. We work together to understand the complete picture, creating the 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 the need is for a design solution with a small footprint or an agile system that can produce 1000s of product combinations, we will deliver T E AA A EX E IENCE HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS WIN

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT American Film & Machinery - AFM 714/974-9006 www.afmsleeves.com

info@afmsleeves.com

Brooklyn Park MN

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, and Squid Ink and are all divisions 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.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Axon 919-772-8383 www.axoncorp.com

axon@promachbuilt.com

Raleigh NC

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-to-high 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 rightfit 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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CONTROLS, SOFTWARE & COMPONENTS B&R Industrial Automation 770/772-0400 www.br-automation.com

marketing.us@br-automation.com

Roswell GA

B&R Industrial Automation, a member of the ABB Group, is bringing a new level of performance and flexibility to packaging machinery in response to the needs of consumer goods manufacturers. The B&R ecosystem offers a uniquely comprehensive portfolio of today’s most advanced automation technology – including machine vision, robotics, digital twin simulation, and mechatronic product transportation systems. Our team has the knowledge and experience to combine these technologies in a way that enables manufacturers to adapt to all types of unexpected changes without sacrificing productivity. This is the crucial ability – known as adaptive manufacturing – that CPG manufacturers can leverage to more efficiently handle the demands of direct-to-consumer and omnichannel business opportunities. Codian Robotics became a member of the ABB Group in 2020. The integration of Codian Robotics’ delta robots into the B&R portfolio has made it much easier for customers to implement high-speed pick-andplace applications. The mechatronic solutions have proven to be a game changer, enabling mass customization down to batch size one, changeovers on the fly, and make-to-order instead of make-to-stock. This is the essence of adaptive manufacturing, machines that adapt to the products being made and packaged, rather than forcing products to conform to a rigidly sequential process. Adaptive manufacturing enables digital business strategies with the ability to deliver cost-effective, automated, make-to-order mass customization for the first time ever. Manufacturers can now offer personalized, even batchsize-one order fulfillment directly from the production line to the consumer.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT BELL-MARK 973-882-0202 www.bell-mark.com

connect@bell-mark.com

Pine Brook NJ

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. 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. BELL-MARK has successfully satisfied UDI GS1 requirements for many of our customers. We understand the UD1 rules and regulations and have experience in a wide range of applications. From retrofitting band sealers to Form, Fill, Seal packaging machines, we have the expertise to ensure your codes are verifiable and scannable and meet the necessary regulations. Eliminate costly labeling by printing directly onto your package or replace your CIJ printer with a maintenance-free alternative. BELL-MARK offers a full line of washdown tolerant printers, including both thermal transfer and thermal inkjet technologies. Print graphics, nutritional facts, bar codes, lot/expiration dates and safe handling instructions on almost any surface. Rest easy knowing your printer is IP67 rated and can be washed down and sanitized without complicated protective procedures. BELL-MARK’s in-line printing and coding equipment delivers industryleading reliability and durability, time and time again. High-resolution print quality that consistently affords you the peace of mind in knowing that your codes will not fail. While other companies may claim it, BELL-MARK leads the way in the lowest cost of ownership and highest return on investment.

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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING BellatRx Inc. 514/630-0939 www.bellatrx.com

info@bellatrx.com

Montreal QC

BellatRx is a leading manufacturer of packaging lines, equipment, and integration solutions and your number one source for inventive, advanced, and automated packaging and filling solutions. Our expertise lies in the engineering and manufacturing of 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 operations. We design our lines with speed, efficiency, flexibility, and ease of changeover in mind. Your packaging line will be modular with expansion capabilities built to keep pace with your company’s growing demands. Our expert technical team supports customers throughout the process from kick-off to final commissioning and beyond. At BellatRx, we live by an encompassing mindset to create a “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 have become the benchmark in the industry due to their intuitive operation and easy setup. We are dedicated to expanding our product lines through ongoing investments in our people, R&D, and facilities to provide our customers with the best support, lead time, and value. We strive to deliver a “Beyond Expectation” experience for our customers.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT BestCode 817/349-8555 www.bestcode.co

info@bestcode.co

Fort Worth TX

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, longterm 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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Bevcorp 440/954-3500 www.bevcorp.com

sales@bevcorp.com

Eastlake OH

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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING BluePrint Automation (BPA) 804 520 5400 sales@blueprintautomation.com www.blueprintautomation.com

South Chesterfield VA

BluePrint Automation (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. You make it, They’ll pack it! • rimary ackaging ision guided robots picking individual packaged and unpackaged items for loading into your containers, wrappers or hffs machines; including Carton, Case and Tray Packing, Stacking and Loading, ariety acks into Sack or Case, inner Tray oading and it Assembly • Secondary ackaging ori ontal and vertical pack solutions for fle ible and other packages; including wrap around case packing and end-load cartoning acking shelf ready Their Easy- case is a retail-ready case that allows for easy top loading and ensures a good-looking product appearance on the shelf. • Turnkey ackaging Systems Taking total control of your packaging line from the end of processing through palleti ing id you know ongerius anco, a leading supplier of multipack bag-in-bag systems is now powered by BluePrint Automation? With their wide range of bag-in-bag and sealchecking solutions, ongerius anco is the perfect complement to BPA’s end of line packaging solutions. Backed by thousands of successful installations in over 60 countries, BPA has three full-service manufacturing facilities in the USA and Europe, an additional facility in ang hou China and ten additional subsidiaries throughout the world for sales and service. BPA has clearly emerged as a global leader in the design and manufacturing of fully integrated turnkey packaging systems. The systems are constructed for around the clock operation and known worldwide for their quick change over, flexibility, speed and simple design.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Brenton, a ProMach Product Brand 320/852-7705 Brenton@ProMachBuilt.com www.BrentonEngineering.com

Alexandria MN

Brenton is a global leader in designing and manufacturing integrated end of line case packaging systems and machines, specializing in case packing and palletizing using both robotics and other automation. 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 are reliable, efficient and easy to operate. With over 850 traditional case packers and robotic case packing installations, Brenton continues to be a leader in the case packing industry. These systems are designed for maximum flexibility, to accommodate diverse product requirements. Brenton’s Case packing solutions offer a wide range of options to easily accommodate our customer’s applications. The Brenton full line of palletizing and depalletizing solutions uses rugged designs which help maximize the reliability and value of your machinery. Brenton’s systems range from single pick palletizers to bulk robotic palletizers and depalletizers as well as conventional machinery. By offering both conventional and robotic palletizing and depalletizing products, the Brenton line meets virtually every automation challenge. As a FANUC ASI and 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. Brenton Integrated System Solutions offer customers a single source for all end-of-line packaging needs, from standalone applications to complex packaging systems. Brenton solutions integrate not only Brenton machines but also the entire ProMach family of brands as well as other customer specified equipment. Integrating systems streamlines the production process, allowing for maximum efficiency and increased productivity. 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. Retrofit upgrades also available on the competition’s solutions.

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TRAY, CLAMSHELL & BLISTER PACKAGING EQUIPMENT Busch Vacuum Solutions 757-463-7800 www.buschusa.com

info@buschusa.com

Virginia Beach VA

VACUUM SOLUTIONS FOR THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY: Busch Vacuum Solutions combines the precision of German engineering with American-made know-how to offer an extensive range of vacuum pumps, blowers, and compressors tailored for your unique application. Busch is proud to offer high quality, reliable solutions crafted in the US. Our key products for packaging are proudly constructed with a combination of US-made components and international materials - giving customers both reliability and value. At Busch, quality and innovation come first. Our expert engineering team is committed to creating vacuum systems that meet the unique requirements of our customers. With such dedication to excellence, it’s no wonder we are a leader in system building! Keeping your production running smoothly is our top priority. Our nationwide network of service centers or on-site Field Service Specialists provides expert maintenance and repair solutions, including 24/7 support for unexpected breakdowns. Invest in peace of mind knowing that with Busch you can maximize uptime, optimize safety, and improve efficiency. OUR PRODUCTS: • acuum umps • Blowers Compressors • acuum Systems • Spare arts Accessories • Measurement Equipment OUR SERVICES • Nationwide ield Service • Nationwide Service Centers • acuum ump E change • Overhaul • epairs • Maintenance

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Buskro Ltd. 905-839-6018 www.buskro.com

sales@buskro.com

Pickering ON

Founded in 1976, Buskro is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of print and personalization equipment to meet a broad range of customer applications in the commercial print and packaging markets. Buskro’s approach of incorporating the latest personalization technologies and providing an upgrade path for existing equipment allows our products to meet your current needs and gives you the ability to evolve with your future needs. Buskro equipment features heavy duty construction with the option for 3rd party integration, a design that promotes years of trouble-free operation, and powerful Compose IQ software that has all the tools to deploy simple to complex personalization systems. Buskro offers a full suite of transport modules, inkjet printers, labelers, inspection devices and personalization elements that allow you to tailor a system that’s just right to meet the specific requirements of your jobs. Choose a printer or array of printers best suited to satisfy your print resolution, coverage, and ink needs and then define the image with Compose IQ & Workflow software, control the output, track progress, and inspect the result to confirm full job compliance. Buskro’s Package Personalization System (PPS) has been designed to apply inkjet print, brand labels, and other personalization features such as RFID variably onto a wide variety of packaging products for jobs of any size. Employing Buskro’s configurable Modular Transport System as its foundation, personalization elements are added and placed where you need them to meet your specific package personalization requirements. Layered with Workflow Software that assists with rapid product setup and job preparation plus a camera inspection device that monitors and ensures completion and right amount of each and everyone of your products, the PPS provides all the tools to reduce waste and production costs. Buskro research and development is constantly searching for new products, processes and systems. This commitment to innovation has produced industry leading operating systems, print technologies & transports.

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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION BW Integrated Systems 630/759-6800 sales@bwintegratedsystems.com www.bwintegratedsystems.com

Romeoville

BW Integrated Systems is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of end-of-line 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 a company that enables its associates to return home daily 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 portfolio comprises trusted legacy products (Ambec, Fleetwood, Goldco, Nigrelli, SWF, Tisma), innovative solutions like our Maximus Case Palletizer and Fortis Bulk Depalletizer, and integrated packaging systems. In addition, 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 & Craft 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 worldwide. With six manufacturing facilities and over 650 team members worldwide, BW Integrated Systems is a trusted global partner for our clients, ranging from mid-size to multi-national corporations. Contact us to learn more.

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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING BW Packaging 314/862-8000 www.bwpackaging.com

connect@bwpackagingsystems.com

St. Louis MO

People Who Care. Solutions That Perform. BW Packaging is Barry-Wehmiller’s global team of packaging professionals who genuinely care about people. We show our customers that they matter by learning about their challenges and embracing them as our own. Through these partnerships, we develop purposeful packaging solutions to optimize our customers’ processes and back them with a lifetime of customer support. Comprised of five divisions - Accraply, BW Flexible Systems, BW Integrated Systems, Pneumatic Scale Angelus and Synerlink - BW Packaging offers comprehensive packaging machinery and solutions including complete packaging lines, filling and closing, flexible packaging, labeling, end-of-line solutions, and systems integration. Whether you need a single piece of equipment or a fully integrated line, BW Packaging provides reliable packaging solutions for food, beverage, personal care, household products and pharmaceuticals. With 11,000+ installations around the world, BW Packaging brings a global perspective to solving the industry’s greatest challenges. Through innovation, application of our broad packaging expertise, and collaboration with our customers, we optimize packaging solutions for: • Sustainability Infusing sustainable thinking into our business culture and practices. • Integration Building robust connections through e pertise and IIoT solutions. • Automation rioriti ing people and safety while streamlining production • erformance Improving OEE with reliable solutions and lifetime customer support.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Cama North America 847/607-8797 www.camagroup.com

cama-us@camagroup.com

Buffalo Grove

Looking to improve production and efficiency? Cama 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 SC, wrap-around, and retail-ready /display ready cases C , as well as forming, closing and lidding machines for bo es, trays and SC cases • Intermittent and continuous motion cartoners and carton sleevers • Integrated decoupled and monoblock robotic loading units Check out our new BreakThrough Generation of case packers, cartoners, and sleevers BT models feature high sanitation levels quick and easy, tool-less changeovers fle ible configurations and ease of maintenance and accessibility. They offer a monoblock design, no hollow body structure, and C-less, cabinet-free technology with non-proprietary electronics In addition, they are T M-compliant and ready for the future with Industry features such as our Augmented eality A Machine Assistant. 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 packages as needed, end load or top load products into a carton, and case pack into a display ready and/or conventional SC or wraparound case In addition, the Cama ackaging epartment offers more than years of e perience 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.

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FLEXIBLE PACKAGING Clysar, LLC 888-4-CLYSAR https://clysar.com/

marketing@clysar.com

Clinton

Partner with Clysar for packaging with a positive impact. Clysar is a leading U.S. shrink film manufacturer with sustainable solutions for virtually every packaging application: offering today’s most extensive portfolio of recyclable, recycled-content and right-gauged polyolefin films. Gain industry-leading expertise, 24/7 technical service and the developmental support of a knowledgeable sustainability team. Recyclable Films – Find a high-performance recycled film for every product, prequalified for Store Drop-Off by How2Recycle®. Solutions include Clysar® EVO™ all-purpose film, EVOX™ high-speed film, EVO-C™ Confidential e-commerce/privacy film, EVO™ ShrinkBox® high-abuse film and ULTRA LEG™ low-energy film. Certified Recycled Content – Meet your goals with shrink packaging made with pre- or post-consumer recycled content. EVO-C™ Confidential film, an opaque shipping film, features Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content. Other clear films incorporate Clysar® ReClaim™ pre-consumer resin certified by SCS Global Services. PVC Replacement – Improve material health and eliminate toxins with advanced polyolefin films that replace PVC shrink film (polyvinyl chloride), including our gentle new recyclable ULTRA LEG™ low-energy film. Right-Gauging/Source Reduction – Explore options to reduce packaging, eliminate components and deliver improved performance at lower gauges. Solutions range from printed shrink film to thin films to corrugate replacement films that save up to 80% in package volume. Reduced Energy Use/Cost – Lower impacts with films that run reliably at lower temperatures in sealers and tunnels, achieve improved speed/ throughput and eliminate rewraps. Responsible U.S. Manufacturing – With 60+ years of shrink packaging expertise, Clysar is a responsible resource that meets rigorous qualifications for environmental, social and ethical performance. We are committed to environmental collaboration, education and improved packaging performance. Make your next package more sustainable and successful. Visit clysar.com or talk with us to explore the advantages of full-circle shrink packaging.

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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION Columbia Machine 360/694-1501 www.palletizing.com

pallsales@colmac.com

Vancouver WA

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. 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. 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 flexible and modern palletizing solutions available, Columbia is the leading palletizer solutions provider in North America. 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.

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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION Columbia/Okura LLC 1.877.204.7444 www.columbiaokura.com

collcsales@colmac.com

Vancouver WA

Columbia/Okura LLC is a leading robotic palletizing integrator. Our team applies expert knowledge, gained through 26 years of business, with the right tools to solve customers’ “End of Line” production challenges for a diverse range of businesses, products, and applications. The historical success of our company can be attributed to an exclusive focus on end-ofline palletizing systems and applications. We provide design, integration, and commission of end-of-line robotic palletizing systems including industrial robots, cobots, automated bagging machines, and integrated equipment. Through our partnerships, we procure and integrate top-of-the-line valve packers, pallet and sheet dispensers, conveyors, and any additional end-of-line equipment your line might need. By providing custom-engineered solutions, we develop robotic palletizing systems to meet demanding customer requirements. Our team is well versed in providing solutions for most major manufacturing industries including: • Animal Nutrition • Beans, entils, ulses • Building Materials • Chemical roducts • ood Beverage • Milled roducts • Medical / harmaceutical After a system is shipped and installed, our dedicated service team continues to support our customers with 24/7 remote support, troubleshooting, and maintenance services. We maintain a team of experienced field service technicians and engineers that are available to travel to our customer sites, offering services customized to a client’s specific needs Additionally, our team is trained trainers, conducting onsight training for system operators, ensuring they know how to operate the system safely.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT CTM Labeling Systems 330/332-1800 ctmsales@ctmint.com www.ctmlabelingsystems.com

Salem OH

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 highspeed, 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. Stateof-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 abeling Systems • a abel Applicators • a rinter Applicator • ST Servo Tamp rinter Applicator • T-Base, -Base Stands • Belt and Mattop Material andling Conveyors

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING DEKKA 604-930-9300 Dekka@ProMachBuilt.com www.dekkaindustries.com

Richmond BC

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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Delkor Systems, Inc. 800/328-5558 www.delkorsystems.com

info@delkorsystems.com

St. Paul MN

ADVANCED ROBOTIC CASE PACKERS AND CARTONERS We are a leading manufacturer of advanced case packing and cartoning machinery. Our talented 350 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 full line 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 1 billion Cabrio Cases are in use across many product categories in 2023! 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. SYSTEM INTEGRATION From package design to finished pallet, we’ll help you with everything you need. We’ll handle the hassle of upstream and downstream add-ons, purchases, and recommendations for your project.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Diagraph Marking & Coding, an ITW Company 800.722.1125 www.diagraph.com

info@diagraph.com

St. Charles MO

Diagraph provides identification solutions that make it easy for manufacturers to make the perfect mark – print after print after print. 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 130 years. Our solutions include: • in 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. • The new esMark is the ne t generation standard for case 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. • iagraph s all-electric labeling 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 for secondary packaging and pallet labeling.

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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION Doosan Robotics 469-885-5722 americas.robotics@doosan.com www.doosanrobotics.com

Plano TX

MEET THE DOOSAN COLLABORATIVE ROBOT Founded in 1896, Doosan Group has achieved an incredible reputation as one of the most advanced industrial machinery innovators in the world. Doosan Robotics Americas continues this tradition of technological excellence with a complete lineup of cutting-edge industrial optimization and automation tools, perfect for applications of packaging, palletizing, pick-and-place, and beyond. VERSATILE DESIGN, PRECISION PERFORMANCE Doosan cobots easily integrate and interface with a wide range of equipment and systems. Having partnered with industry-leading manufacturers of tools, grippers, sensors, and software, Doosan cobots install quickly for immediate operation – they also arrive within four weeks of ordering. With intuitive one-touch programming and automatic axis alignment, these products are incredibly easy to use for dynamic processes and precision movements. SOLUTIONS FOR ANY SIZE JOB Doosan’s cobot lineup consists of three tiers and ten models with payload capacities ranging from 5kg to 25kg and reach capabilities ranging from 900mm to 1,700mm. Whether you’re looking to tackle precision palletizing tasks or heavy-duty package conveyance, Doosan Robotics has the perfect products to get the job done.

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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION Duravant 844.DURAVANT www.duravant.com

info@duravant.com

Downers Grove ST

Duravant is a global engineered equipment company with manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Through their portfolio of operating companies, Duravant delivers trusted end-to-end process solutions for customers and partners through engineering and integration expertise, project management and operational excellence. Duravant’s market-leading brands are synonymous with innovation, durability and reliability. The Duravant family of operating companies serve the food processing, packaging and material handling segments. Duravant’s packaging families include: Fischbein International, a global leader in sewing and sealing systems, designs and manufactures bag packaging equipment and complete systems. Mespack is an international manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions that engineers and builds high speed machinery for the world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies. nVenia designs, builds and integrates primary, secondary and end-of-line packaging solutions for producers of consumer packaged goods and industrial products with longstanding brands Arpac, Fischbein, Hamer, and Ohlson. Wulftec is the world’s leading manufacturer of highly complex, fully customizable load containment solutions for end-of-line packaging applications. Duravant’s food processing companies consist of Foodmate, Key Technology, Marelec, Marlen, Multiscan and WECO. FMH Conveyors and QC Conveyors make up Duravant’s material handling segment.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Eastey 763/428-4846 www.eastey.com

info@eastey.com

Brooklyn Park MN

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 entry-level 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 of installing, training, and servicing our equipment. At our manufacturing facility in Big Lake, 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 reflects Eastey’s commitment to meeting new needs and new challenges and ensuring that customers have reliable solutions for their packaging application. Eastey, Squid Ink, and American Film & Machinery (AFM) are all divisions of Engage Technologies Corporation. 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. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper bands. Engage Technologies Corporation is headquartered in Brooklyn Park, MN with facilities in Big Lake, MN, Spring Lake Park, MN, The Hague, Netherlands, and Shanghai, China.

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MATERIALS, CONTAINERS & CONSUMABLES Ecorrcrate (360) 673-0018 www.Ecorrcrate.com

info@ecorrcrate.com

Kalama WA

Make Crating Your Easiest Task Revolutionary and patented Ecorrcrate® is a standalone, all-corrugated shipping crate solution. Presented in a convenient, easy-to-use format, Ecorrcrate is designed to better protect your product at a lower cost. Do you struggle with: • igh freight costs due to shipping heavy wood crates • roduct damage in transit • igh cost of packaging labor • E port quarantine delays The Bottom Line We know determining ROI for your company’s bottom line is top priority. Take this opportunity to evaluate both your front end and back end costs, including product replacement rates as well as the associated cost of poor customer e periences before finali ing a decision on your shipping solution. • Starting cost is lower than common wood crates • ight weight Ecorrcrates will lower your freight in most situations • Setup is easy and safe, saving you time and money on labor • euse and repeat due to our durable and straightforward design Wait…It’s sustainable and durable? Finding a reliable, highly durable shipping solution that is also sustainable is often quite challenging Wood is a renewable resource but typical disposal is in the dumpster headed for the landfill. This is where Ecorrcrate stands alone in the crated goods industry. Ecorrcrate is built from paper-based corrugate lumber. Our proprietary cross-laminated material gives the Ecorrcrate superior multi-directional strength and durability to better protect your products. Strong, highly Water esistant, Shatterproof, Easy to assemble, enewable, Easily recycled, and IS M compliant, we are confident that Ecorrcrate will improve your processes and lower your Carbon footprint.

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CONTROLS, SOFTWARE & COMPONENTS Encoder Products Company (800) 366-5412 www.encoder.com

sales@encoder.com

Sagle

At Encoder Products Company, we strive to serve you with expert service, quality products, and fast delivery. EPC specializes in encoders for motion feedback in industrial automation applications such as packaging, printing, labeling, vision systems, food and beverage, motor feedback, and more. We understand that each industrial automation application is different, and you need encoders that fit the requirements 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 up to 65,536 CPR. You’ll also get an industry-leading warranty, and fast delivery from Idaho, USA. EPC offers: • Tru-Trac linear measurement solutions – an integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and pivot arm in one compact unit • raw wire units with wire lengths up to 2 meters • Accu-Coder ro programmable encoders • Magnetic multi-turn absolute encoders that operate in the absence of power without gear trains or batteries • obust mechanical housings for harsh operating environments, with stainless steel and corrosion-resistant options • Magnetic encoder modules with sealing to I • Temperature ranges from C to 2 C • Competitor cross referencing and drop-in ready irect eplacement encoders • Engineering services for your custom motion feedback needs E C is ISO 2 certified, and we design, manufacture, and assemble most of our encoders and accessories at our corporate headquarters in Idaho, USA. When you call EPC, you’ll talk to engineers and encoder experts who can help you find the right motion feedback for your application. Contact us today.

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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Enercon Industries 262/255-6070 rschuelke@enerconmail.com www.enerconind.com/sealing

Menomonee Falls WI

Induction Cap Sealers for Freshness, Leak Prevention & Tamper Evidence + Why Packagers Use Induction Cap Sealing Enercon’s induction cap sealing technology reliably creates hermetic seals to prevent leaks, provide tamper evidence, extend shelf life, deter pilferage and preserve product freshness. With industry leading application expertise, equipment design, and support, Enercon makes implementing induction sealing simple. Our application engineers will recommend the best power supply and sealing head for your specific product, cap and container to ensure you will always Achieve a Perfect Seal. + Cap Sealer Designs for Efficiency & Reliability Our highly efficient power supplies & innovative sealing heads optimize induction fields for reliable sealing. Whether you package pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, beverage, cosmetics or personal care products, Enercon has a system solution for you. Seal containers one at a time with the industry workhorse the Super Seal™ Jr. For continuous production line sealing, choose the Super Seal™ Touch & Super Seal™ Max with intuitive touchscreen control with remarkable features such as recipe control, operator lockout and integrated troubleshooting information. + New Super Seal™ For moderate & low line speeds, our NEW Super Seal™ brilliantly seals containers while offering advanced features. Integrated stalled container detection, container rejection control, fault information, and a menu-driven interface provides operators with all the tools they need for successful sealing. + Achieve a Perfect Seal with Enercon Whether you are new to induction sealing or a packaging industry veteran, you will appreciate the application expertise provided to Enercon customers around the world. We offer quick start guides, application infographics, free webinars, training, and of course 24/7 service.

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INSPECTION & TESTING EQUIPMENT Eriez 814/835-6000 www.eriez.com

eriez@eriez.com

Erie PA

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-inclass 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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ROBOTICS FANUC America (888) 326-8287 mktgroup@fanucamerica.com www.fanucamerica.com/packaging

Rochester Hills MI

FANUC America is the leading supplier of CNCs, robotics and ROBOMACHINEs with over 40 million products installed globally. We have the largest variety of easy-to-use robot and cobot models available to pick, pack, fulfill or palletize any product. FANUC’s robots and cobots are reliable, flexible and can handle virtually any size product - from 0.5 kg. to 2,300 kg., including: - Our CRX collaborative robots are reliable, flexible, and easy-to-use solutions for kitting, palletizing, packing and much more. - The new DR-3iB/6 STAINLESS is FANUC’s stainless-steel food-grade delta robot for picking and packing primary food products. Rated IP69K, the robot meets USDA and FDA food safety standards. - Expanded SCARA robot family has six models including 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/25C robot with an enclosed design and IP67 rating to withstand harsh environments. - Established M-410iC series of high-speed palletizing robots. FANUC offers application software for packaging and palletizing, integrated iRVision® and tracking features, ROBOGUIDE simulation, Dual Check Safety (DCS), and Zero Down Time (ZDT) to help customers monitor and manage their automation. When you’re ready to automate, FANUC and our team of Authorized System Integrators are here to provide an efficient and cost-effective 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 our customers parts and support for the life of their FANUC products. Read more about FANUC America’s innovations in Packaging World.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING FlexLink Systems, Inc. 610/973-8200 www.flexlink.com

info.us@flexlink.com

Allentown PA

Factory automation solutions from FlexLink, a Coesia company, increase the overall efficiency of production by minimizing throughput time. Our standardized solutions have a strong impact on factory performance and capability to meet the labor challenges of today. Our solutions are reconfigurable, reusable and requires minimal maintenance with low power consumption. FlexLink’s team of experienced experts can propose customized solutions according to your needs. We deliver all sizes of projects – from simple part deliveries to large and complex turn-key solutions. Our approach is based on streamlining the material and information flows in a production process to maximize the value of the process and minimize all potential losses. Automated palletizing with FlexLink palletizers (RC10, RC12 and RI20) helps reduce the workload of your employees. Using robotic palletizing solutions enables you to achieve effective and sustainable benefits by fully automating physically demanding and time-consuming tasks. 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 a 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. FlexLink is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial and packaging solutions companies operating globally, headquartered in Bologna, Italy. www.coesia.com

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING FOCKE & CO (336) 449-7200 www.focke.com

sales@fockegso.com

Whitsett NC

FOCKE & CO is an international leading engineering company for packaging machines within the tobacco, food, savoury snacks, and hygiene industry. With more than 60+ years in business, we are proud to offer high-level machinery with top technology. FOCKE & CO is well recognized for providing turnkey engineering solutions for primary packaging, end–of–line packaging, and palletizing. Snack Packing Solutions Due to the delicate nature of snack products, FOCKE & CO’s case packers offer careful handling alongside the flexibility to accommodate tray, traywith-lid, and case (RSC) packaging. In fact, our machines - such as the HFP Base (Highly Flexible Packer) - provide multiple pack configurations that normally cannot be achieved with a typical case packer. With a clean machine concept and a compact footprint, our HFP Base is designed to fit perfectly into typical snack food production lines. Turnkey packaging solutions for hygiene products The modular machinery design of the FOCKE stacker and bagger equipment offers economic solutions for various applications for the hygiene industry. Increased efficiency and an open design enable easy operations and maintenance. Neither various bag styles nor sustainable materials affect the operation planning with this packaging line. The stacker module itself stands for high flexibility to combine multiple modules such as one or more bagger and / or cartoner, flow wrapper, case packer as well as further packaging solutions. Sales and Service Worldwide With sales and service centers worldwide, FOCKE & CO has the capabilities to deliver local technical support, training, and spare parts. FOCKE & CO has repeatedly set new benchmarks in terms of output and product quality. Our ground-breaking technologies in the field of motion control combined with components featuring extreme dimensional accuracy are highly acclaimed in the industry. This is why we are the leader in Packaging Solutions.

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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Formost Fuji Corporation 425/483-9090 www.formostfuji.com

sales@formostfuji.com

Woodinville WA

We are here to help you design a packaging solution that is EFFICIENT, RELIABLE, and SUSTAINABLE.

Equipment EFFICIENCY is the result of many different options. The features of a Formost Fuji standard wrapper include a vision system that controls registration and makes for a faster film change and an operation panel with a tablet-like, intuitive user interface that helps reduce labor hours. 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 standard features to 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 and recyclable materials continually improving and becoming more readily available, we provide free testing in our lab with your product and new films. This allows you to determine if the materials you are considering will align with your product, package integrity, and marketing efforts. Other innovative solutions, such as eliminating foam trays within flow wrap packaging, help meet consumer demand for better sustainability. 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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Frain Industries 630-629-9900 www.frain.com

sales@frain.com

Chicago

From sealers and cartoners to cappers, labelers to wrappers, Frain has a wide range of packaging equipment ready to ship to your facility within 2 weeks! Each Frain machine that ships out from our facility arrives to yours completely dialed into your product so when it arrives to your facility, you’re ready to begin production. It’s the closest thing to plug and play you’ll get in the packaging industry. Read on to learn more about how Frain adds value to every equipment purchase or rental. Equipment Rentals: Invest only in what you need when you need it with packaging equipment rentals from Frain. Ideal for seasonal items, special edition products and new product development, Frain’s program allows firms to conserve capital and maximize profit. All rentals come dialed into your product, allowing your firm to begin production faster. Best of all, there’s no long-term commitment necessary. Pay As You Go: Why pay in full for something before you even use it? With Frain’s Pay As You Go flexible capital program, you’ll only pay for packaging equipment as you use it. There’s no leasing and no large capital investment. Instead, you’ll have the financial flexibility to invest in more projects, take more chances and get products to market faster – and on your schedule. Consulting and Technical Support: Setup. Inspection. Repair. Training. It’s all part of the Frain difference. All Frain rentals and purchases come with up to 8 hours of technical support from Frain engineers to get you started – and we’re standing by to help with other maintenance and service too. Contact Frain Today: For more information on Frain and to inquire about the next piece of equipment for your packaging line, contact us today at 630-629-9900 or visit www.frain.com.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING Garvey 1-800-257-8581 www.GARVEY.COM

mearling@garvey.com

Blue Anchor NJ

Founded in 1926 in Hammonton, New Jersey, Garvey is recognized as a leader in designing and manufacturing low-impact, multi-functional, pressure-less loop accumulation systems, and conveyor systems. Highly regarded for its engineering expertise in developing equipment that can handle a large variety of product shapes and sizes, Garvey’s solutions convey, accumulate, orient, single file, combine, and lane products rapidly without back pressure or operator interference. It is a leader in bottling operations ranging from small vaccine vials to wine bottles. Garvey offers a broad product offering across both modular standard and highly engineered accumulation solutions. Garvey has approximately 100 employees, including a highly technical sales and engineering organization with a proven track record of innovation within the accumulation market. Garvey’s flagship product is the Infinity Accumulator, designed to provide efficient and rapid accumulation of products without back pressure or operator interference. The Infinity is a modular, standard accumulation solution, highly regarded for its ability to handle an extensive range of product shapes and sizes. It can handle it all, from small vaccine vials to wine bottles. Its unique design allows for products to be conveyed, accumulated, oriented, single-filed, combined, and laned rapidly and efficiently, ensuring maximum production output. One of the critical features of the Infinity Accumulator is its pressureless loop accumulation system. This system eliminates the need for back pressure and reduces the risk of product damage, making it a reliable and safe solution for handling products. The accumulator is also equipped with the latest in engineering expertise, ensuring that it is highly functional and efficient. Garvey’s Infinity is a perfect solution for companies looking to improve their operational efficiency. Its modular design makes it easy to install and integrate into existing systems, and its efficient accumulation technology maximizes production output.

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TRAY, CLAMSHELL & BLISTER PACKAGING EQUIPMENT Harpak-ULMA Packaging, LLC 800/813-6644 www.harpak-ulma.com

info@harpak-ulma.com

Taunton MA

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; 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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Heat and Control, Inc. (510) 259-0500 info@heatandcontrol.com www.heatandcontrol.com

Hayward CA

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 12 manufacturing, warehouse, and associated facilities, 10 testing centers, and more than 30 offices globally. 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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3/4/23 14:56

FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING High Tek USA, Inc. 800.504.7120 www.hightekusa.com

sales@hightekusa.com

Rancho Cordova CA

High Tek USA has been a major player in the food weighing and packaging industry for almost 20 years. Founder and CEO, Jason Sigman started High Tek when he noticed that companies weren’t getting a quick turnaround on either the purchase or the repair of their machines. “When a weighing packaging machine goes down, the customer doesn’t have the ability to fulfill orders, which could mean loss of revenue, loss of the food product, and sometimes the loss of their business,” says Sigman. “We make sure that doesn’t happen.” INNOVATIVE High Tek’s machines are durable, dependable, and long-lasting, with the star being their Premium Combination Weigher. High Tek’s machines have been created with the customer’s actual needs in mind. Customers want a machine that performs the essential speed and accuracy requirements but is also easy to operate, clean, and repair. This one has so many standard features and options for customers, it delivers everything for those who need it. 24/7 SERVICE High Tek’s 24-hour technical and emergency services just can’t be beaten in this industry. “We have structured our business like firefighters, meaning we have the tools and experience to quickly identify an issue and provide solutions,” says Sigman. “We can schedule emergency services and get a technician on a plane with parts usually within 24 hours.” ECONOMICAL With many large enterprise food customers, High Tek wanted to make sure that their products were not only reliable but also economical for small to medium-sized businesses as well. Ishida machines are considered the gold standard of food weighing and packaging machines, but a High Tek machine proves just as powerful and lasts just as long but without a big price tag.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions 847-956-6600 marking.info@hitachi-iesa.com www.hitachi-iesa.com/industrial-marking-and-coding

Elk Grove Village

Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions America, LLC is a pioneering developer of marking and coding solutions. We offer a wide range of Continuous Inkjet Printers and other solutions that are aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs associated with package printing. Since 1975, Hitachi has provided solutions to food & beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and industrial packaging. The new Hitachi UX2 printer combines innovation with the reliability customers have come to expect from Hitachi. This UX2 continuous inkjet printer has several new features to enhance the coding process: • Enhanced code quality at higher speeds – The improved dot control algorithms create more legible codes. Even at increased speeds, code quality does not degrade. • Added convenience and safety – With a sealed Safe-Clean Station, multiple cleaning modes, and self-guided troubleshooting videos available, the UX2 puts control in the hands of the operator. • Quick line changeovers – Move inkjet printers from production line to line with ease using preconfigured I/O connectors, eliminating timeconsuming mistakes. • Newly designed print head – Because of the print head modification to catch inkjet build-up, the UX2 printer can run for three times longer by reducing print quality issues and electronic faults.

A vision system is developed 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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING IPG (Intertape Polymer Group) 800/474-8273 www.itape.com

info@itape.com

Sarasota FL

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 4,200 employees with operations in 35 locations, including 21 manufacturing facilities in North America, five in Asia and three in Europe.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING Intralox 888-419-2358 www.intralox.com

customerservice.packagedgoods@intralox.com

New Orleans LA

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: • • •

E traordinary customer service Industry-specific e pertise aster innovation and implementation cycles

We partner with leading companies across the packaging industry to deliver innovative technology, reliable operations, and optimized line layouts. Whether you’re an equipment manufacturer or end user, you can benefit from our innovative products, comprehensive services, and unparalleled expertise. Intralox’s belt and equipment solutions for the packaging industry help you: • Optimi e line layouts for throughput and fle ibility • uture-proof lines for fle ibility and sustainability • Standardi e belts, equipment, and components • educe product loss, operating costs, and downtime Our acker to alleti er consists of three core facets E pertise, 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 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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING ITW Hartness (864) 297-1200 www.hartness.com

info@hartness.com

Greenville SC

ITW Hartness, a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), is the first choice in secondary packaging solutions. Our product portfolio includes highquality 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. SYSTEMS INTEGRATION—Using a DYNAC-centric line design philosophy and best-in-class 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.

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CONTAINERS & CLOSURES James Alexander Corp. 908/362-9266 info@james-alexander.com www.james-alexander.com

Blairstown NJ

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. James Alexander Corp. has expanded its operations floorspace, adding 18,000 square feet to its warehousing capacity and 2,000 feet apiece to manufacturing and office space. The expansion provides additional 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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING JLS Automation 717/505-3800 www.jlsautomation.com

sales@jlsautomation.com

York PA

JLS Automation supplies hygienic robotic packaging solutions for the food industry that solve complex packaging challenges. Designed for even the strictest sanitary environments, our custom vision-guided primary & secondary robotic packaging systems are user-friendly, fast to start-up, & ensure both worker & food safety. Several patents have been awarded for our proprietary robotic tooling & high-speed leak detection systems. Our hygienic, vision-guided robotic packaging systems are made to get wet, simple to integrate into your packaging line & never get tired! Talon® Primary Loading Systems – Hygienic pick-and-place systems for loading thermoformers, flow-wrappers, vacuum skin packs, trays & more. Osprey® Case Packers - Accurate & gentle loading of thermoformed packs, bags, SUPs, trays, chubs & other primary packs into standard RSC or retail-ready cases in horizontal or vertical orientation. Peregrine® Vision-Guided Cartoning Solution - Load tri-seal & other cartons easily & efficiently. Elimination of conveyor transfers. Robotic loading & closing. All within a small footprint. Harrier Bacon Draft Loading System - Automatically load bacon drafts into thermoformers, save floor space, solve labor gaps & increase productivity. Sandwich Assembly System - Automatically build various sandwiches, accurately stacking each component from the bun/bread to meat, cheese & other ingredients. Lines can include up-and downstream equipment. Integrated Systems - We take system responsibility for your entire line from concept to design, integration, FAT & installation. JLS View - Reduce downtime spent on service & maintenance. Virtual service calls utilizing Microsoft HoloLens 2 technology provide easy access to technicians. Save time & get your line back running quickly.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING King Plastic Corporation 941/493-5502 www.kingplastic.com

sales@kingplastic.com

North Port FL

King Plastic Corporation is the leading manufacturer of quality polymer sheets, slabs, and massive shapes. With over 20 product brands to choose from and applications for every industry you can imagine. The Polymer sheets are made in the U.S.A. King Hy-Pact®, the super tough polymer sheet is the smart choice for many high abuse applications in the food service, food processing and packaging markets. The industrial polymer sheet is environmentally stabilized with excellent physical properties. It is the product of a proprietary process called K-Stran™, the most advanced manufacturing process of quality sheets with tight tolerances and custom widths up to 60”. King Hy-Pact® has a clean white color with a smooth, non-skived finish on both sides of sheet for better material flow. It is also available in black. Tests have shown for outdoor applications after 2,000 hours of UV exposure, King Hy-Pact® outperforms both HDPE and UHMW with superior toughness in wear resistance, flexibility and high-impact strength. King Hy-Pact® is the smart choice for many high abuse applications requiring superior properties, outstanding flatness and a smooth surface while providing significant cost savings compared to UHMW. Applications include, but are not limited to, food processing chutes, star wheels, fabricated parts, snowplow blades and dock fenders. The material is easy to machine and fabricate. King Hy-Pact® polymer sheet is NSF listed to meet requirements of commercial food processing operations for direct and indirect food contact. Applications Bin and Mixer Linings Chain and Belt Guides Conveyor and Guide Rails Food Processing Components Machine Parts Material Handling Sprockets Star Wheels

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MATERIALS, CONTAINERS & CONSUMABLES Klöckner Pentaplast Food Packaging +01.540.832.3600 www.kpfilms.com

kpinfo@kpfilms.com

Gordonsville VA

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 shelf-life 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% postconsumer 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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LABELS Klöckner Pentaplast - PHD 540/832-3600 www.kpfilms.com

kpainfo@kpfilms.com

Gordonsville VA

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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Krones Inc. (414) 409-4000 www.kronesusa.com

sales@kronesusa.com

Franklin WI

Every day, millions of bottles, cans, and PET containers run through a Krones line. As a supplier for complete systems, Krones provides beverage bottlers, food producers, breweries and CPG companies all over the world with both individual machines and complete turnkey production lines. Our technology offerings are comprehensive and ever-expanding, 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 also provides full engineering and manufacturing support for implemented production solutions – up to 24 hours, 7 days-a-week. The robust online platform at Krones.shop offers a user-friendly experience to not only order spare parts, but also manage substitution lists, maintain customized stockkeeping, track upgrades, plan overhauls, and more. You can even access Krones Academy training courses for your on-site teams, allowing you to fully maximize your equipment investment. Multiple Krones subsidiaries throughout North and Central America provide enhanced expertise and horsepower to meet your total packaging, production and processing needs. Serving the beverage, food, dairy, HPC and pharmaceutical industries, Krones Process Group North America provides sanitary process system expertise backed by the global depth and experience of KRONES. Leveraging over 165 years of combined experience, Krones North American subsidiaries Javlyn Process Systems, W.M. Sprinkman Corp. and Trans-Market have aligned, combining resources and knowledge to afford customers the highest level of quality. Krones Inc. is headquartered in Franklin, Wis. and is the North and Central American subsidiary of Krones AG based in Neutraubling, Germany.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Label-Aire, Inc. 888-664-8111 www.label-aire.com

info@label-aire.com

Fullerton CA

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 pressuresensitive labeling machines. The result? Over 50 years of satisfied customers with lower operating costs and higher productivity than our competitors.

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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Mamata Enterprises, Inc. (941) 205 0227 www.mamata.com

sales@mamatausa.com

Bradenton FL

At Mamata, we understand your needs and provide solutions to increase your productivity and reduce changeover times and footprint. Our machines are based on conventional servo technology. They are designed to offer the best OEE in the simplex pouch packaging segment. The key features address the crucial areas in terms of efficiency, hygiene, product quality and flexibility. HFFS Rollstock machines: Our Simplex HFFS machines allows brands to produce and package pouches at upto 120 ppm and are to a Duplex machine. It’s ideal for lay-flat pouches, stand-up pouches with and without zippers, and single-serve sample packs in the range of 80 to 300 mm. Its ability to produce pouches from recyclable mono-material films makes it unique in the industry. Premade Pouch filling systems: These machines are designed for highspeed premade pouch-filling applications, allowing you to trade old semi-automatic or manual operations for a highly efficient packaging machine. At 65 ppm, it delivers comparable speeds to a Duplex premade pouch system or a Simplex roll stock HFFS. An ideal machine to package trail mixes and nuts, fresh and frozen produce, snack foods, powders, Pet foods, etc. It’s designed to package both PE/PE recyclable mono-material pouches & laminated pouches. VFFS baggers: Our Vertical Form Fill Sealing (VFFS) system achieves exceptional seal integrity and optimal precision across a large range of films at up to 220 ppm, making it the fastest system in the industry for single lane pouch filling. All above and many more that will ease your packaging process and rise above getting competition. For your pre-sales and after-sales support, our Florida location is equipped with spare-parts, local technical support, and sales consulting.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Markem-Imaje 770-421-7700 www.markem-imaje.us

marketing@markem-imaje.com

Kennesaw GA

To help you define which technology offers the best price and performance ratio for your application, Markem-Imaje offers a full range of end-of-line solutions: High-resolution Large Character Inkjet (LCIJ piezo) Print and Apply Labeling Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Low-resolution Large Character Valve Jet The 5000 Series LCIJ piezo coders with Intelli’Wax printheads rapidly fill and jet Touch Dry® hot melt inks which are solvent-free, safe to handle and environmentally friendly. Codes never bleed or fade, dry on contact and are 100% scannable. The Intelli’Wax printheads combined with our exclusive Intelli’Dark Touch Dry ink produce the industry’s darkest, consistently scannable, direct print codes. The 2200 Series print and apply solutions build on a proven concept that provides reliability, efficiency and ease of use. It gives you a wide range of interchangeable applicators, optimized operational intervention and an unparalleled application rate. The innovative eTouch-S® applicator is built with artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that labels are applied to your exacting standards on every pack, at the highest production speeds and in the safest manner possible. Thanks to its unique SoftTouch technology, the eTouch-S® applicator offers full movement control and application monitoring. An optional Advanced Trigger Sensor can fully automate labeling operations on variable-speed production lines with no operator intervention required. End-of-line case coding is most effective when it gets the right product to its proper destination with high uptime in your factory. Regardless of which option you choose from us, you can take advantage of the data management capabilities of our CoLOS® platform and services to get the most out of your investment.

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INSPECTION & TESTING EQUIPMENT METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection 813/889-9500 www.mt.com/pi

pi.marketing@mt.com

Lutz FL

METTLER TOLEDO is the world’s largest manufacturer of metal detectors, checkweighers, X-ray and vision 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 all types of metal contaminants, including the most difficult to detect stainless steel. Systems are offered for dry, bulk, packaged, liquid or frozen products for gravity feed, conveyorized, pumped and throat applications. Safeline x-ray inspection systems use high-performance 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 deliver productivity and profits. A wide range of sizes and configurations are available to handle nearly any container type or package design even at high production rates to ensure accurate product delivery, reduced giveaway, and optimized production processes. Patented weighing technology and over 50 years of package handling expertise ensures repeatable performance from the first to the last package weighed maintaining tight production tolerances. 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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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING mk North America, Inc. 860/769-5500 info@mknorthamerica.com www.mknorthamerica.com

Bloomfield CT

mk North America is a full-service conveyor company, offering mechanical solutions for all of your packaging and automation needs. Since 1988, mk has been manufacturing a wide variety of conveyor systems including: belt conveyors, flat top chain conveyors, plastic modular belt conveyors, timing belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and more. All of our conveyor models are available with our standard t-slot aluminum frames, and many models are also available in stainless steel. mk’s conveyor line is backed by the mk line of t-slot aluminum extrusions ideal for guards, workstations, carts, and so much more. This ensures that any accessories you buy from mk will be compatible, resulting in seamless integration on the factory floor; all while saving time and money. mk North America believes in offering not only a better product, but also a better solution. Our dedicated team of conveyor and automation experts will work with you to understand your unique application and related challenges. This partnership results in mk being able to deliver a topquality conveyor solution when you need it. All of our conveyors are built and tested in our Bloomfield, CT facility and shipped directly to you as completely assembled as possible. So, you can rest assured your conveyor system will be ready to go when it arrives. Whether you are looking for a single, one-off, conveyor or a complete conveyor system - remember the mk promise to provide a better product AND a better solution. We look forward to hearing from you and proving our excellence in conveyor system solutions on your next project.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING Modular Conveyor Express - MCE 844-293-2816 jpesicek@modularconveyor.com www.modularconveyor.com

Neenah WI

Build Your Best Conveyor Business 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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CONTAINERS & CLOSURES MRP Solutions 518-561-1812 www.mrpsolutions.com

marketing@mrpsolutions.com

Plattsburgh NY

Plastic jars, containers, CRC, continuous thread and dispensing closures manufactured in the USA. Build your brand and deliver packaging premiumization with MRP Solutions. More than ever, consumers expect quality products packaged to deliver an unmatched user experience and connection to the brand and product. MRP Solutions combines extensive packaging expertise with a consultative approach to reliably uncover customer needs. By understanding business goals, we can tailor smarter, safer and more flexible packaging solutions that reduce cost and increase speed to market, helping businesses capitalize on opportunities. With one of the most robust, recyclable plastic closure offerings in the market, whether you need a standard continuous thread closure, disc top, push pull caps, twist open, child resistant caps or a specialized cap like our Ultra Light® or MegaFlap®, we have an option to fit your project. From fast-order shipping of a wide range of stock components to developing custom product solutions with our in-house innovation team, MRP is your trusted supplier. MRP Solutions leads the way in sustainable manufacturing. MRP now offers PCR resin pricing in addition to virgin resin pricing on ALL quotes, where applicable. MRP makes it easier than ever to choose sustainable, choose recycled and choose circular. MRP Solutions is an environmentally responsible manufacturer of packaging. We take pride in our on-going initiative to delight our customers by offering more sustainable solutions which reduce the amount of plastics used, provide recyclable options and promote re-use where ever possible. We have continuously invested in our manufacturing facilities to identify technology which conserves energy, uses renewable energy, and minimizes environmental impacts to our community and neighbors while we find a way to incorporate and re-use all material and recycle all scrap. Our sustainability initiatives start with our products and penetrate everything we touch from the community to our employees and the environment. Our product design and production processes consider

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FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MULTIVAC 800/800-8552 us.multivac.com

info@multivac.com

Kansas City MO

Increase your Productivity with MULTIVAC, your partner for single-source full-line packaging & processing solutions. Our One Line – One Control capability allows all MULTIVAC components, such as product loading, processing, packaging, conveying, printing, labeling, & inspection, to be controlled from a single HMI. With easy setup and changeover through a single interface, we provide the perfect machine for every pack. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of packaging & processing solutions for a wide variety of foods, life science and healthcare products, and consumer and industrial goods, long-term productivity is at the heart of every machine and solution we develop. Thanks to holistically designed systems, our comprehensive line solutions help you reach your PEAQ Performance with increased Productivity, Efficiency, Availability, and Quality. MULTIVAC Smart Services enable data collection in realtime, optimizing processes and maximizing efficiency throughout your equipment lifecycle. Our portfolio covers all packaging design, performance, and resource efficiency requirements. In addition, it encompasses an extensive range of packaging technologies, automation solutions, and labeling and quality control systems. Finally, our offering is rounded off by solutions upstream of the packaging process: in portioning and processing and baked goods technology. Ultimately, we see ourselves as partners making a decisive contribution to your business’s success. As a worldwide group with 85 subsidiaries, we are closely linked with our customers and their markets, allowing us to identify trends and developments early. When you decide on MULTIVAC as a partner, you opt for the highest level of quality and efficiency, comprehensive customer care, and highly qualified sales and service teams.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING Nercon Conveyor Systems 844-293-2814 sanklam@nercon.com www.nerconconveyors.com

Neenah WI

Nercon is a conveyor systems manufacturer, providing solutions to the snack, cheese, pet food and treats, beverage, health 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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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT NITA Sentient Labeling Systems 1.855.668.6482 www.NitaLabeling.com

Sales@Nita.ca

Terrebonne QC

Welcome to NITA Sentient Labeling Systems, the original 100% Servo Labeler that dramatically REDUCES OPERATOR TOUCH-TIME and increases productivity - all while integrating the latest next-gen technology, the most intuitive user experience, best-in-class responsive support, and truthfully, pure labeling joy. We love UPTIME. We’re so driven by it we’ve designed all the features on every NITA to create it. How? By meticulously analyzing your labeling pain points – then solving them – with innovation, technology, and certifiably flawless execution. And how do we keep you running? By building these incredible UPTIME features into every NITA: - Parts ordering directly from the machine via built-in 3D drawings that scale down to your specific required item - A self-diagnosing system that identifies possible issues and suggests fixes or when parts need changing or servicing before they become a problem - Daily Preventative Maintenance schedules and video tutorials with tieredlevel tasks - Ultra-fast & precise color-coded changeovers with in-screen 3D location maps or even our incredible Servo-driven FULLY AUTOMATIC product changeover system at the push of a button. - NitaCare lifetime no-charge live remote tech support built right into your screen Nita Labeling 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. Experience for yourself what the best labeling company and labeler will bring to your productivity numbers. 100% money-back-guaranteed happiness. We cannot wait to meet you. For the love of labeling! Your NITA Team

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Nordson Corporation 1800/683-2314 adhesiveleads@nordson.com www.nordsonadhesive.com

Duluth GA

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. Nordson is a global solution, with direct offices in over 30 countries. Our substantial reach in global manufacturing allows for deep customer relationships, pursuing innovative solutions for customer problems and providing long-term, hands-on customer training, service, and support. Nordson helps 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 maximize 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 is modular and scalable. It brings together machine integration, and precise and accurate adhesive dispensing. 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. The MiniBlue II Slim with EcoBead Inspect ensures package integrity while reducing adhesive consumption. The MiniBlue® II applicator packs high performance, high speeds, and long-term reliability in a compact size. When paired with the EcoBead™ Inspect, users can verify adhesive placement to ensure the integrity of every package and can gather data for continuous improvement.

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3/4/23 15:09

FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Novembal 623-334-7928 www.novembal.com

contact@novembal.com

Peoria AZ

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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3/4/23 15:19

BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING nVenia, a Duravant Company 800-253-5103 www.nVenia.com

info@nVenia.com

Wood Dale

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 is renowned for integrated fit-for-purpose production lines and includes shrink wrappers, tunnels and bundlers, tray and case formers, case packers, robotic and conventional palletizers, and pallet stretch wrapper systems. 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 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. The new HAMER Brand VLR-B machine delivers highly accurate dosing of free-flowing powdered products. The horizontal form, fill & seal systems are ideally suited for large scale bag filling automation, open mouth bagging machines are the industry standard for filling premade bags, and robotic palletizing systems are also ideally suited for stacking large bags. OHLSON Brand equipment is an economic solution for automating weighing and counting operations. The OHLSON Brand includes multihead weighers, linear weighers, vertical form, fill & seal (VFFS) machines, and premade pouch filling machines. Combined, these trusted brands deliver next-level performance through the consultative design of integrated production lines to meet the needs of a variety of industries. Our expertise as an 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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING OPTIMA Machinery Corporation 920 339-2222 info-usa@optima-packaging.com www.optima-packaging.com/en-us

Green Bay WI

Filling, closing, and packaging with state-of-the-art technology. Cuttingedge machine solutions for the entire packaging world – that is our commitment. Incorporated in 1985, with one employee in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Optima Machinery Corporation was the first international subsidiary of Optima. Over the last 38 years, the business has grown to over 100 employees in the United States and the addition of a service hub located near Raleigh, North Carolina. Originally established as the North American sales and service point for all Optima 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. Optima 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 guides these companies from the product idea through successful production and throughout the entire machine life cycle. More than 3,000 experts around the globe and 19 international locations contribute to Optima’s success and ensure the worldwide availability of services.

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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Paxiom Automation 833-472-9466 www.paxiom.com

info@paxiom.com

Las Vegas NV

We’ve manufactured and installed vertical baggers, premade pouch fillers and flow wrappers for companies around the world for more than 30 years. We’re not a typical packaging machine company. We’re a single-source provider, so you get ONE point of contact for design, manufacturing, service and integration. Operating from eight global facilities with a passionate and focused staff, we have a strong service presence, the ability to provide systems integration and an installed base of over 7,000 machines. Manufactured through our WeighPack, EndFlex and ValTara brands and supported by Paxiom Service, our primary, secondary, and end-of-line packaging machines will increase your production rate and save you valuable time, labor and resources. Here are a few of our popular solutions: VF 1200 HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS MOTION BAGGER Engineered for high-speed applications, this vertical form, fill and seal machine can handle multiple package formats and produces a wide range of package sizes providing flexibility for both retail and club-size packaging, up to 150 bags per minute. SWIFTY BAGGER 3600 PREMADE POUCH FILLING MACHINE The Swifty 3600 features an easily accessible bag magazine, automatic zipper opener, bag shaker and integrated exit conveyor. Producing up to 2,700 bags per hour, this bagger will fill pouches from DOY pack, SUP and SURP to pillow, gusseted, quad and carry handle. PKR-MS MODULAR ROBOTIC PICK & PLACE CELL The perfect addition to your flow wrapping line, this top load case/tray packer with delta robot will gently pick your wrapped product by either vacuum or mechanical means and place it into your case or tray at up to 80 packages per minute to be packed for shipping in your preferred pattern. Visit us online to explore our packaging solutions and watch real-life videos. Whether you need a vertical form, fill and seal bagger for frozen food, a pick and place robot for wrapped baked goods, a premade pouch filling machine for snacks, or one of our other machines, we’re confident we have the automation solution for your business.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems (847) 437-1427 www.pmikyoto.com

sales@pmikyoto.com

Elk Grove Village

In 1993, Branko and Lilly Tisma founded PMI Cartoning, Inc. in Elk Grove Village, Ill. For 25 years, PMI worked to ensure its customers were satisfied with the quality of every single machine that left PMI’s doors. PMI expanded its operations as the company grew. In addition to its headquarters that houses all engineering, parts, service and support staff, PMI opened a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing, engineering and testing facility next to its offices, and a rebuild facility down the street in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In December 2017, Kyoto Seisakusho Co., Ltd, a leading global packaging solutions provider, acquired PMI. Today, the former PMI Cartoning continues to operate from the Elk Grove location as PMI KYOTO Packaging Systems and offers the same service and high-quality vertical and horizontal cartoners, case packers, and integrated packaging systems customers have relied on for the past 25 years. In addition, new offerings will be available from the Kyoto product line, including over-wrappers and palletizers, which Kyoto has been providing for more than 70 years to the packaging industry. Our industry and application experience includes food, beverage, cosmetic, confectionery and pharmaceutical, among others. Application and product handling experience allows us to excel with unique applications involving high speeds and difficult-to-handle products. Built to last, it’s not uncommon to find a PMI machine still running 20 years after installation. After the successful debut of PMI KYOTO’s compact machine line at PACK EXPO 2022, the company is proud to say that three new compact machines have entered their fleet -- the KC-100F compact horizontal cartoner, the KTB-100 compact vertical case packer, and the SPC-3000 horizontal case packer are available for those who wish to maintain space in their factory without compromising on ability or quality.

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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Pneumatic Scale Angelus 800/992-0491 www.psangelus.com

sales@psangelus.com

Stow OH

Pneumatic Scale Angelus is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of packaging solutions for wet and dry filling, capping, can seaming, and labeling applications, as well as versatile container handling systems from Zepf Solutions. We design innovative equipment, using the most advanced technologies, to the unique specifications of our customers. Since 1895, our solutions have set the standard in the Food, Beverage, Craft Beverage, 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. INNOVATION & EXPERTISE As one of five Barry-Wehmiller businesses of BW Packaging 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, Consolidated, Continental / Closetech, Mateer, Multi-Tech 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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Propack Processing & Packaging Systems Inc. 1 877-924-3337 www.propack.ca

info@propack.ca

Beamsville ON

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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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING R.A JONES, a Coesia company (859) 341-0400 www.rajones.com

info@rajones.com

Covington ST

R.A JONES offers an extensive portfolio of solutions for both primary and secondary packaging machinery for FOOD/BEVERAGE, HEALTH CARE, HOME CARE, PERSONAL CARE and other CONSUMER GOODS manufacturers that includes: AEROSOL: Our KP-Aerofill series of machines includes low to high speed equipment for those needing aerosol and rotary liquid fill systems, rotary base crimpers, gasser/shakers, propellant and liquid fillers, bag-on-valve (BOV), air powered through-the-valve (TTV) technology, and more. BEVERAGE/MULTIPACKING: Our Wraptor, Meridian, and Maxim series of machines provide a wide range of solutions for any mid to high speed can and/or bottle (glass or plastic) production line needs. Whether single tier or double tier, 4 pack to 48 pack, our machines can handle multiple package configurations and types including E-Flute & B-Flute cartons. CARTONING: Our comprehensive portfolio of machinery includes end load and top load cartoners. These can range from hand load vertical end load cartoner to fully automated systems. Familiar branded cartoning technology includes: CMV, Legend, Legacy, and Criterion. CHUB PACKAGING: Our KartridgPak chub packaging equipment established the chub package category decades ago. Features/benefits include: close-clip option, continuous motion, rollstock clips and film, PLC controls, simplified clipping head, stainless steel construction, heat, radio frequency and extruder sealing options, and more. CUP FILLING/SEALING: Autoprod and Holmatic cup filling systems are the flagship series of cup fillers manufactured and services by R.A JONES. Fill, seal and overcap preformed cups, tubs and trays. POUCHING: Pouch King is our high-speed pouch-filling series of horizontal form fill seal machinery with patented printed circuit heating technology for 3-sided, 4-sided, gusseted and stand-up gusseted pouch styles.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Robatech USA Inc. 770/663-8380 www.robatechusa.com

info@robatechusa.com

Alpharetta GA

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 cutoff, 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 top-loading 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.

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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING Ryson International, Inc. 757/898/1530 www.ryson.com

sales@ryson.com

Yorktown VA

Ryson Spiral Conveyors 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, wet environment 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 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. Ryson’s Bucket Elevators combine vertical and horizontal transportation of bulk materials in one integral unit. Ryson Bucket Elevators are designed for gentle handling and well-suited to transport a broad range of bulk products. Our signature feature is that they are completely enclosed with overlapping pivoting buckets, that prevent spillage and helps mitigate foreign debris. Their modular design enables us to customize with ease. They can be configured with multiple inlets or outlets that can be controlled individually. The design makes them easy to install and modify. Available in three standard bucket sizes, yielding capacities up to 300, 700 or 1,800 cubic feet per hour. They can also be delivered in powder-coated carbon-steel, stainless-steel or wet environment versions. All Ryson equipment is modular and built to order. No matter the application, the Ryson team is up to the challenge of finding solutions for your conveying needs.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Schubert North America LLC 980/244-3140 www.schubert.group

sales@schubert-na.com

Charlotte NC

Schubert is a global leader in top-loading packaging machines (TLM). The family-owned company based in Crailsheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany) builds on an interplay of simple mechanics, intelligent control technology and high modularity. With this philosophy and a highly developed culture of innovation the company has been pursuing an entirely independent technological path for more than 50 years. The second generation of the company now employs 1,300 people. Innovations include the vision control system, the transport robot Transmodul or the flowwrapping machine Flowmodul. Schubert provides future-proof solutions that are easy to operate, flexible in terms of format conversion, high in performance and stable in function. The machines package products of all types in trays, cartons, boxes or flow-wrap bags. With the new Schubert lightline machine series, customers can master standardized packaging tasks with great efficiency and high quality - at attractive purchase costs and short delivery times. It consists of three machine types: The lightline Cartonpacker, the lightline Pickerline and the lightline Flowpacker. Space-saving design, unbeatable efficiency and excellent quality control are the hallmarks of the Schubert Flowpacker. It can be equipped with four different sealing technologies. The new patented technology makes it possible to program sealing to the millisecond and ensures constant sealing times. For each flow-pack, the cross-sealing unit immediately adapts to the variable speed of our upstream pick & place robots. Like all of Schubert’s sealing technologies, the flying cross-sealing unit can be integrated into every Flowmodul and combined with other sealing technologies. With its North American headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and with sites in Dallas, Texas and Toronto, Ontario, Schubert is expanding its customer support across the continent. This support encompasses high-level accessibility, preventive service as well as extensive training for customers. Schubert has installed two training machines at its training center in Charlotte.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Serpa 559/651-2339 serpa.info@promachbuilt.com www.serpapackaging.com

Visalia CA

Serpa designs and manufactures a complete range of cartoning systems for the pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, food, beverage, cosmetics, industrial and personal care markets. For more than 37 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, tamper evident labelers, 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 to quickly resolve issues that may arise. 98% Uptime, Guaranteed

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MATERIALS, CONTAINERS & CONSUMABLES Shurtape Technologies, LLC (888) 442-8273 custservice@shurtape.com www.shurtape.com/direct

Hickory NC

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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Sidel Inc. 678/221-3000 www.sidel.com

contact_americas@sidel.com

Norcross GA

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 lineengineering 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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PALLETIZING & LOAD STABILIZATION Signode 1-800-323-2464 www.signode.com

info@signode.com

Tampa FL

With over $2B+ in revenue, 80+ manufacturing facilities across 6 continents and over 9,000 employees worldwide, 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. Signode brings this extensive product portfolio together under 40 of trusted brands to offer complete transit packaging solutions to its customers. We produce strap, stretch, stapling and protective packaging. We also 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. 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. Signode offers tailored automation solutions that allow manufacturers of all industries, scales, and needs to maximize productivity and efficiency. Among the wide spectrum of automation capabilities are StorFast® automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), automated palletizers, a complete range of conveyors, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automatic Unitizing Solutions, and more. All of these automation solutions are made possible through Signode’s intelligent logistics management systems. These systems have the power and customizable ability to provide everything from a basic Warehouse Control System for managing pallet movement all the way up to a complete Warehouse Management System that is integrated with each customer’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and order management software. From standalone solutions to integrated systems. Signode provides the tools, consumables, and software to optimize end-of-line packaging operations and protect products in transit. 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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CONTROLS, SOFTWARE & COMPONENTS SIKO 734/426-3476 www.siko-global.com

sales.us@siko-global.com

Dexter MI

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 is there for your Quick Size Changeover needs. Three solutions, one supplier for effective size changeovers 1. Compact fieldbus actuators for precise fully automated positioning to shorten size changeover times. Offered with IO-Link, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, PowerLINK, RS485 and CANopen interfaces. 2. Electronic indicators that monitor changeovers for verification, accuracy, safety and speed. Also, offered with the above mentioned interfaces. 3. Mechanical indicators for low cost, reliable axis positioning.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT SLEEVE SEAL 501-492-3893 sleeveseal.com

sales@sleeveseal.com

Little Rock AR

RFL Series Roll-Fed Labelers The RFL Series range of roll fed labelers was born from the same need as our shrink sleeve labelers - a need for faster, more efficient, more robustly built machines with Allen Bradley controls. In a market where efficiencies and cost of ownership are everything, Sleeve Seal has a proven history of fast, precise label application with minimal maintenance costs. Our engineers have an unparalleled depth of knowledge that has been applied to a new style of label application for today’s market. Sleeve Seal is proud to present our new range of RFL Series of roll fed labelers.

SSL Series Shrink Sleeve Labelers Sleeve Seal is focused on a new era of repeatable labeling performance. Built-to-last 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, tool-less changeovers between container formats. Other patented innovations, such as a multi blade cutter assembly with quick-change blades have been developed for ease of maintenance.

SST Series Shrink Tunnels The line of Sleeve Seal shrink tunnels features a new style of tunable controls that make shrinking labels on containers both precise and repeatable. Our shrink tunnels are available in a broad range of sizes that compliment all our labelers for shrinking labels at high speeds. In addition to newly designed controls, Sleeve Seal tunnels feature 316 stainless steel interior lining and components for maximum corrosion resistance. Every shrink tunnel model features external controls that allow the adjustment of individual arrays without exposing the operator to heat.

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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Specialty Equipment (833) 467-3432 info@specialtyequipment.com www.specialtyequipment.com

Houston TX

Since 1969, Specialty Equipment Corporation has been a leading 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, Bottles, and Totes » Drum and Pallet Conveyors » Palletizers » Solids Fillers for Pails, Drums, and Super Sacks » IIoT software Specialty Equipment is well known for building the most rugged drum, tote, pail and bottle filling machines for the agriculture, chemical, cleaning, coating, food, lube, and sealant industries. Benefits of using Specialty Equipment Liquid Fillers: » Improves Efficiencies & Accuracy » Increase Production & Maximize Uptime » Add Savings to Your Bottom Line 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, bottles, jugs, 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.

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CODING, LABELING & PRINTING EQUIPMENT Squid Ink 763/795-8856 www.squidink.com

info@squidink.com

Brooklyn Park MN

Squid Ink is a manufacturer of coding and marking systems for product identification and traceability, providing superior-quality inks and lowmaintenance 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 ink jet) 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 Gemini, a new feature-rich printing system that offers 360 dpi print resolution, 5.6” print height, full-color touchscreen, and the option to run from a wireless tablet. The CoPilot Gemini 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 reflects Squid Ink’s commitment to meeting new needs and new challenges and ensuring that customers have reliable systems for their packaging application. Squid Ink, Eastey, and American Film & Machinery (AFM) are all divisions of Engage Technologies Corporation. 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. Eastey (eastey.com) is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty shrink packaging equipment and automated case sealing systems for packaging applications. American Film & Machinery (afmsleeves.com) supplies shrink labelers and tunnels, shrink sleeves, and tamper bands.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Standard-Knapp (860) 342-1100 info@standard-knapp.com www.standard-knapp.com

Portland CT

Standard-Knapp, a leader in packaging equipment since 1894, specializes in the manufacture of custom, state-of-the-art case, tray and shrink packaging machinery. Standard-Knapp belongs to international group EOL Packaging Experts, GmbH, and acts as the North American distributor and servicer of equipment from sister companies A+F, BMS and NEO. The newest addition to Standard-Knapp’s line of case packers is the Unipack 2.0, a robotic pick-and-place dynamo that can pack, unpack and repack. Designed for small to medium food and beverage plants, this packer covers a small footprint, and is easily transported with an optional mobility kit. The Unipack 2.0 shines in the 5-15 case/minute range, and features the same color-coded change part system that makes product changeover a snap on all Standard-Knapp machinery. Standard-Knapp’s flagship machine is the 939S Versatron™ case packer. Its patented Soft Catch technology allow for the packing of lightweight glass into partitionless cases without breakage, via a servo-actuated lift table. This allows the Versatron to actually “catch” the product while it descends into the case. Even gentler packing is achieved by the robotic Pic-N-Place model. The Versatron™ Pic-N-Place uses robust, robotic arms and adjustable, heavy-duty grippers to pick up and gently place packs of product safely into the bottom of every case. Standard-Knapp’s full line of case & drop packers includes a variety of useful options, modules and upgrades, as well as uncasers, case sealers and product laners. Standard-Knapp also specializes in tray/shrink technology, including the exciting new TriWraptor™ line of multipackers, shrink wrappers and TSUP (Tray/Shrink/Unsupported/Pad) packer. The TriWraptor line’s flexible highspeed Robo-Wand™ wrapping module provides consistent, tight wrapping across a wide range of product shapes and sizes. All Standard-Knapp machinery is engineered and built to provide decades of reliable service, 24/7/365.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Syntegon 770/981-5200 www.syntegon.com

connectwithus@syntegon.com

Decatur GA

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. United as one team, we are all working toward the same vision — Packaging and Processing for a Better Life. 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 flowwrappers; 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 food, pharma, and consumer goods 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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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Texwrap 800.886.7421 www.texwrap.com

Texwrap@ProMachBuilt.com

Washington MO

Texwrap, a ProMach brand is centrally located in Washington, Missouri, and is the leader in the design and manufacture of fully automatic shrink wrapping, shrink bundling, and E-commerce systems. Known as the industry innovator, we hold patents on some of the most significant breakthrough technologies in the shrink-wrapping business. Our full line of standard wrappers includes L-bar sealers, intermittent motion side sealers, continuous motion side sealers and vertical wrappers, as well as shrink tunnels, that are all made in the U.S.A. The Tekkra & Kayat SRX lines of shrink bundlers helps round out our shrink packaging solutions with intermittent motion, continuous motion and custom bundling systems. To complete our product offering, Texwrap’s EPS Series of machine’s provides solutions to help E-commerce operations improve profitability by increasing throughput, preventing errors with our proprietary product tracking feature, and creating right-sized packaging that reduces film waste and DIM weight shipping costs. Texwrap partners with a nationwide network of highly trained packaging distributors in order to better serve our customers. This partnership provides a support structure to ensure the best machinery/application fit, a smooth startup, reliable local service, and long-term return on the machinery investment. Our mission is to provide our customers with the latest technological advances while maintaining our commitment to a user-friendly machine that is efficient and easy to maintain. The quality construction, flexibility, easy changeover and low maintenance features of our systems give our machinery the Lowest Total Cost of Ownership available in the market today.

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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Triangle Package Machinery Company 773/889-0200 info@trianglepackage.com www.trianglepackage.com

Chicago

100 YEARS OF KEEPING FOOD SAFE For three generations, our family-owned & operated business has provided innovative sanitary packaging solutions that are built to last & supported in the USA. Triangle packaging machines offer versatility while providing solutions that maximize production. Whether you need to weigh or bag seafood, soup, mashed potatoes, protein, baking mix, put a bag of cereal in a box or a variety of other products, there’s a Triangle solution engineered to meet your application. VFFS BAG MACHINES Our vertical form-fill-seal baggers are designed with sanitation & ease-ofuse in mind while meeting USDA/3A & FSMA standards. All models come with an open, accessible design, sanitary forming tubes, tool-less change parts & sloped surfaces for easy run-off during washdown. PRE-MADE POUCH FILLERS Simple, automated solution for filling & sealing pre-made pouches. Run Doy bags, 3-sided seal, flat & stand-up pouches (SUP) with ease. Simple integration with multihead weighers, augers or cup fillers. BAG-IN-BOX CARTONERS Flexibility in a small footprint. Quick, auto-changeover from single to dual or quad packs in seconds. Pairs perfectly with a Triangle bagger & weigher combination. A unique belt infeed system protects your product. MULTIHEAD WEIGHERS From cereal to wet proteins, & everything in between. Unmatched accuracy & speed. Even product distribution for optimal production. Mount directly on top of Triangle VFFS baggers. No mezzanines required. SUPERIOR SERVICE & SUPPORT Field service is available out of our Chicago headquarters & regionally throughout the US. Our 22 service technicians offer an average tenure of 18 years. Spare parts are manufactured in-house & are typically shipped the same business day.

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BAGGING, POUCHING & WRAPPING Unified Flex Packaging Technologies 1-866-369-4181 www.unifiedflex.com

sales@unifiedflex.com

Appleton WI

Unified Flex Packaging Technologies is a global manufacturer of flexible packaging systems tailor made to customer specific application requirements. Our manufacturing facility is located in the Canadian manufacturing hub of Woodstock, Ontario with service centers in the US to ensure quick and direct customer service. We have been designing and manufacturing superior quality flexible packaging systems for more than 15 years. Our engineering team alone have a combined 50 years of packaging and automation experience over a wide variety of applications. Our expertise can be measured by the depth of the product lines we offer. We have successfully manufactured systems for liquid, nutraceutical, snack food, produce, protein, industrial product, bakery, and confectionery applications for companies. Our flexible packaging systems are simple to use, reliable and robust made from premium quality non-proprietary parts. Unified Flex has 7 unique series (Premium VFFS, Economic VFFS, Continuous motion VFFS, Stick Pack machines, Multilane Sachet, Spouted Pouch Fill and Cap, and Pre-Made Bag Packaging Machines) with a total of 17 machine models to provide customers with unique packaging systems for a wide range of products and packaging requirements. Not only will these machines significantly improve your productivity, they will greatly streamline your efficiencies. Speeds can range from 7 to 180 bags per minute and numerous bag types and sizes are achievable, bringing you more packaging options for your products. You can count on Unified Flex Packaging Technologies to deliver intelligent machines, economical solutions, and dependable systems for all your packaging needs. Call us at 1-866-369-4181 or email sales@unifiedflex.com

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LABELS Universal Labeling Systems, Inc. 727/327-2123 www.universal1.com

sales@universal1.com

St. Petersburg FL

Welcome to Universal Labeling Systems! We are labeling machinery. Since 1984, no one has designed and built more custom, made-to-order labeling systems than Universal. Labeling is all we do and we do a lot of it. 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 these knowledgeable distribution partners are backed 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 30day 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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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC. 847/459-9500 www.ustsubaki.com

sales@ustsubaki.com

Wheeling

U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of state-of-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, U.S. Tsubaki 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 high-speed 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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CONVEYING, FEEDING & HANDLING VDG (Van der Graaf) 888/326/1476 www.vandergraaf.com

info@vandergraaf.com

Shelby Township MI

VDG is the leader in the design and manufacturing of drum motors for belt conveyors, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and longevity. Manufacturing in-house in USA and Canada for 37 years, using cuttingedge production technology and automation, and with continuous improvements through R&D, VDG ensures product quality, fast delivery, and after sales support. All drive components of the VDG Drum Motor including the electric motor, gear reducer, and bearings are enclosed inside the drum, increasing energy efficiency, operator safety and optimizing space. VDG Drum Motors are designed for 80,000 hours of continuous operation before maintenance, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance, and operational costs. The VDG patented IronGrip™ lagging, offered for VDG Drum Motors, enhances the durability and lifespan of the conveyor belt and the lagging. It consists of steel bars welded symmetrically on the drum with hot-bond vulcanized lagging inserts between the bars. IronGrip™ lagging eliminates uneven belt wear, improves belt tracking, increases belt traction by 40%, and has a 4-5 times longer service life compared to standard lagging. VDG’s stainless steel SSV Series Drum Motor features an IP69K rated sealing system, withstands up to 3,000 psi washdown pressure, and drives modular, wire mesh, and monolithic conveyor belts without using sprockets. The SSV Drum Motor eliminates crevices that trap food byproducts and bacterial harborage, reducing washdown time and water usage by 50% and providing the most efficient and hygienic drive solution for food processing and handling belt conveyors. The IntelliDrive™ Drum Motor features new synchronous permanent magnet motor technology, delivering 40% increased electrical efficiency, a wider range of belt speeds without loss of torque and an increase in electric motor lifespan compared to a traditional conveyor drive. It enables onsite diagnostics, full motor indexing speed control, and communications with other automated plant equipment.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Viking Masek 920-564-5051 vikingmasek.com

vikingmasek.com/free-consultation

Oostburg WI

Running a business can be complicated. Your packaging automation project shouldn’t be. At Viking Masek, our packaging systems help our customers do business better. Simplified, efficient, and automated. With over 20 years of packaging experience, Viking Masek Packaging Technologies has quickly grown to become an industry leader in durable, innovative packaging machinery. We manufacture easy-to-use premade pouch packing machines, economical VFFS baggers, high-speed continuous motion vertical baggers, carton packaging, palletizing, robotics, and multilane stick packaging machines. Through Viking Masek Robotics & Automation, we offer our clients state-of-the-art robotic packaging systems. These packing solutions significantly enhance end-of-line processes, directly improving overall equipment effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and company profit. Our stainless-steel equipment is durable and efficient. By applying the latest engineering advances to machine software, we maximize the efficiency from each machine, giving you faster production and more profitability. We also partner with top packaging film and pouch suppliers to ensure your packaging materials meet your needs for sustainability. We offer technical service, training, and preventive maintenance plans with the purchase of every packaging machine. Not only does our team of Sales Consultants and Project Managers ensure that our clients’ needs are met from first contact to installation, but our Service Department also works tirelessly to ensure minimal downtime if training or maintenance are required. From cheese and coffee to raw poultry and fresh vegetables, to pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, plus much more, Viking Masek has the right packaging solution for you. Are you ready to take your packaging to the next level? Visit us at www.VikingMasek.com

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING WestRock (407) 843-1300 www.westrock.com

aps@westrock.com

Atlanta GA

WestRock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward. WestRock’s best-in-class innovation engine leverages the largest set of fiber-based substrates, a vast network of converting and distribution capabilities and an unmatched packaging machinery platform to power the next generation of renewable, recyclable packaging. Our broad portfolio is operated in four segments – Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper and Mill Operations. A uniquely integrated Commercial, Innovation and Marketing function offers unrivaled end-to-end solutions and support to solve our customers’ greatest challenges. Our global operations include: – More than 50,000 employees in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific – More than 30 containerboard and paperboard mills – More than 320 operating and business locations – Products in a wide range of markets, including beauty and personal care, beverage, e-commerce, healthcare, home and garden, media and electronics, packaged food, pizza and retail Sustainability and innovation are fundamental to WestRock’s vision to become the world’s best paper and packaging company. By innovating for our customers and their customers, bettering the planet and supporting people and communities, we’re imagining and delivering on the promise of a sustainable future.

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CARTONING, MULTIPACKING & CASE PACKING Wexxar Bel 604-930-9300 www.wexxar.com

Wexxar@ProMachBuilt.com

Richmond BC

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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INSPECTION & TESTING EQUIPMENT Wipotec (678) 344-8300 www.Wipotec.com/us

info.usa@wipotec.com

Lawrenceville GA

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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FILLING, CAPPING & CLOSING Yamato Corporation 262/236-0000 YamatoAmericas.com

info@yamatoamericas.com

Grafton WI

Yamato is 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 range 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 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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