The corrugated container industry has, for many years, been trying to develop the technology and the processes to successfully address market demands for cost-appropriate, recyclable water-based alternatives to traditional wax treatments.

The push back to wax continues as retailers are increasing their demands that alternatives to waxed corrugated be found, with that focus shifting through the distribution chain from customers to converter.

Landfill or small niche recycling currently remains the only disposable option available for retailers of non-recyclable wax-treated corrugated.

In response, varying solutions with varying degrees of success have been evolving.

But, even if alternatives are utilized, will it be accepted?

Speakers at the 2013 seminar were:
•    Tauni Molder, manager – water-based coatings at The International Group, Inc. discussing the evolution of water-based recyclable treatments;
•    Technical Adhesives Ltd. national sales manger Brian St. Germaine and technical adhesives director Vidor Lowy discussing the impact of gluing challenges at both the box plant and at the customer’s facility when wax alternatives are selected;
•    Norampac‘s technical services for corrugated products Brett Kendall covered critical control points for the successful implementation at your manufacturing site and further developments of his company’s Norshield corrugated product;
•    and Fibre Box Association vice-president Brian O’Banion, who came up from Chicago to discuss the FBA’s new Packaging Protocol covering wax alternatives and its’ purpose and impact on customers, recyclers and containerboard mills.

Perhaps the most tongue wagging elicited amongst the 65+ industry professionals attending the event occurred the speakers pointed that a significant impediment to finding wax alternatives being implemented came from the grassroots of where the cartons are first being used.

According to O’Banion: “We’re not selling (our concepts and technologies) to the right people.

“Understanding and marketing the Packaging Protocol for wax alternatives goes a long way to ensure that the box maker, the customer, the retailer and the recycler all successfully participate in corugated’s closed-loop recycling opportunity,” O’Banion says.

The speakers all agreed that while environmental factors were a focal point amongst retailers, it was not as important for the farmers who are picking and packing fruits and vegetables.

For the farmer, a corrugated carton needs to perform, to be able to safely get produce to a distributor and it needs to be inexpensive. New technologies, are at the moment, more expensive than the wax-based technologies they purport to replace.

Utilizing reusable plastic bins, while an alternative, has two main disadvantages that limit its effectiveness, namely: having to ensure the bins are properly cleaned to avoid bacteria transfer and potentially deadly illnesses; and major change in the way farmers operate.

As strange as it may seem, broccoli plays a huge role in how the corrugated industry is progressing—or not—with wax-replacement technologies.

Acknowledging current agriculture infrastructure, Kendall states, “if you, as a corrugater, can do broccoli, you can do all the other products.”

Kendall explains that in order to keep vegetables fresh until they hit the retail shelves, a complex cooling system is required at the farm-level before it can even be transported to produce distribution and packaging companies.

Essentially, wax-coated corrugated holds the vegetable, which is then loaded with a liquid ice mix to ensure the product remains cool for shipping. The coolness is required to dissipate heat given off by the broccoli – and as the ice melts, it turns the corrugated carton into a soggy mess.

Despite various wax technology options and alternatives to wax available, Kendall and the other speakers at the event note that the farm operators don’t really care for change, because any new technology means capital expenditure costs, and, hold to the old axiom of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

Colloquialisms aside, farm operators who purchase the wax cartons aren’t looking for alternatives to wax cartons because they already have a packing system in place.

Regardless, if a corrugator offers cascading wax or curtain-coated application options, for the farm operator, it still boils down to which carton will get product safely to its customer for the least amount of money.

Is the corrugated industry doing a good job in looking to provide alternatives to wax-based products? Sure. There are examples of conversion to packaging protocol-approved alternatives to wax, including peppers and wrapped and chilled lettuce in the vegetable segment, and strawberries in the fruit segment.

Are they in tough against effecting changes in the industry because financial constraints enter the picture? You betcha.

Is the Canadian Corrugated and Containerboard Association aware of this? Of course.

But we may have to wait another year to see if the seeds planted provide a bumper crop of wax replacement technology acceptance at the grassroots level.

Already one of its most popular products and unable to leave well-enough alone, WeighPack has improved the table-top scale making it now capable of running under full automation or semi-automation.

The AutoWeigher is available in two models: AW-1 (see image above) and AW-9.

The AW-1 model can weigh items as little as 0.5 ounces up to 2.5 pounds, while the AW-9 can weigh 1.0 ounces to 10 pounds.

Both models allow product to be fed automatically from the hopper along a vibrating pan into a weigh bucket below, and when the target weight is reached the product is released from a funnel and into a container or bag.

While operating in automatic or semi-automatic mode, the AutoWeigher can achieve speeds of up to 15 cycles per minute.

Features of the AutoWeigher include: a tool-less removal of the weigh bucket, hopper and funnel which helps minimize the downtime when cleaning and/or changing the product; a foot pedal for semi-automatic operations; and a large LED display capable of reading in grams or ounces.

Simple to operate, easy to move and integrate, and includes a smooth cleaning process, the AutoWeigher is able to be mounted on a table top or floor stand.

The AutoWeigher can weigh a wide range of products such as: poultry, snacks, coffee, rice, nuts, produce, chemicals, powders, pharmaceuticals, hardware and many more.

For more information, visit www.weighpack.com or call 1-888-934-4472.

Ideal for small and growing companies, the EZTAPE is available in two semi-automatic models: the CS12 typically used for taping standard cases; and the CS-12H case sealer, which is best-suited for heavy, tall and narrow cases.

Both models require an operator to manually fold all flaps prior to the case entering the tape sealer.

However, for complete automation, Eagle offers the CSA12 model. This model eliminates the operator having to fold the flaps before the case enters the sealer which essentially helps them increase their overall production rates.

All EZTAPE sealers come equipped with heavy duty side-belt drives and side mounted rollers that ensure square cases and tight seals. All models are capable of applying tape to both the bottom and top of the cases. Equipped with a tool-less tape head, this feature permits operators to easily remove tape cartridges allowing for an accurate and consistent sealing process.

Eagle Packaging Machinery’s EZTAPE sealer solutions are easy to use and adjustable.

Available in both automatic and semi-automatic models, these tape sealers are completely flexible and are designed to suit the operator’s needs.

For more information, visit www.eaglepm.com or call 305-622-4070.

According to data compiled by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade group, a total of 5,833 robots valued at $341.2 million were ordered from N.A robotics companies through March 2013, an increase of 14.5 per cent in units over the same period in 2012 and 10 per cent above the previous Q1 record set in 2005.

RIA says Q1 shipments to North American customers totaled 5,736 robots valued at $369.5 million, breaking the previous records for an opening quarter set in 2012 by 24.6 per cent in units and 23.3 per cent in dollars.

The activity was especially strong in automotive components, food & consumer goods, semiconductor & electronics, life sciences & pharmaceuticals, and plastics & rubber, all of which posted double digit growth year over year.

“It is great to see the record demand for robots continuing into 2013, following our record-breaking year in 2012,” says IRA president Jeff Burnstein. “While activity continues to be strong with automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, the real story is the resurgence of other industries. Non-automotive orders grew 15 per cent over 2012.”

The biggest unit growth in applications came from arc welding (46.2%) and material handling (25.1%), both of which have historically been two of the strongest applications for robotics.

The RIA estimates that some 228,000 robots are now at use in U.S., placing it second only to Japan in robot use.

“Many observers believe that only about 10 per cent of the U.S. companies that could benefit from robots have installed any so far,” Burnstein notes, “and among those that have the most to gain from robots are small- and medium-sized companies.”

Founded in 1974, RIA represents some 300 companies, including leading robot manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms.

The RIA’s quarterly statistics report is based on data supplied by member companies representing an estimated 90 per cent of the North American market.

For more information on RIA and the robotics industry, visit Robotics Online, or call RIA headquarters at 734-994-6088.

At a gala ceremony held on April 22, 2013 the biennial PAC—The Packaging Association Gala Awards Ceremony saw 400 packaging professionals gather to see PAC Leadership and Competition Award winners; PAC Sustainable Packaging winners; and, of course, the PAC Best of Show that judges deemed to be the best of the best packaging out on the market.

LEADER AMONG LEADERS – PAC LEADERSHIP AWARD

Kraft Foods Group and its suppliers: Davis; pigeon* branding + design; Southern Graphic Systems; and Curwood Inc.—all entered packages into the 2013 PAC Leadership Awards bearing their brand names.
They are recognized for:

• Exceptional technical reproduction and innovative levels for graphics and structure;
• Robust brand identity and package integrity;
• Leadership in flexible packaging, labels, and brand marketing—new brand and brand revitalization.

PAC SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AWARD

Brand Name: Odwalla PlantBottle
Customer: Coca-Cola Ltd.
Odwalla was the first nationally distributed beverage brand to transition its packaging to fully recyclable, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic made from 100 per cent plant-based materials.
This packaging’s HDPE plastic is created using only ethylene derived from up to 100-percent renewable sugarcane-based ethanol sources.

PAC PACKAGING AWARD
Brand Name: Minute Maid 100% Juices
Customer: Coca-Cola Ltd.
Graphic Designer: Werle Design Associates
Pre-press/Printer: Rayment & Collins Ltd.

This redesign is centered on establishing a creative, fun and playful brand character. The aim – to empower children to visualize how fun it can be to create different animal characters out of fruit imagery.
The reveal of the fruit for the Minute Maid 100% Juices is a unique and proprietary representation.
It was a challenging technique to implement, especially the 100% juice blends since the percentage of the fruit reveal had to coincide with the product formulation based on regulatory mandates.

GROCERY BUSINESS LEADING EDGE AWARD
Brand Name: Crystal Light Mocktails
Customer: Kraft Canada Inc.
Graphic Designer: pigeon* branding + design
Pre-press: Southern Graphic Systems
Printer: Printpack Inc.

This new line of Crystal Light has used elegant graphic designs to allow for maximum shelf appeal and to stand out from their competitors. These Mocktails designs are printed inside on clear film then uses shrink wrap technology to form to the shape of the container.
Each design is printed inside on clear film using process colors, one PMS 2746 and white and each background and CT image has been created using process colors only. The printed material is shrink-wrapped onto plastic containers.

WALMART CANADA SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AWARD
Brand name: Clorox Bleach
Customer: The Clorox Company
Graphic designer: Hunter Straker
Structural designer: The Clorox Company
Pre-press: I4 Colour
Printer: Fort Dearborn

Clorox’s transition is to concentrate its bleach liquid, products and bottles, while modernizing the packaging, marketing and user experience.
This will support Walmart’s efforts to increase sustainability and reduce the environmental impact within the market and improve business efficiencies between Clorox and Walmart. The bottles are compacted so they are smaller and lighter for easier consumer interaction, and require less plastic and less energy to make.

CANADIAN PACKAGING CONSUMER’S VOICE AWARD
Brand name: CoorsLight/Canadian/Iced Tea
Customer: Molson Coors Brewing Company
Graphic designer: Molson Coors Brewing Company / Landor / Spring Design
Structural designer: MeadWestvaco
Pre-press: Southern Graphic Systems
Printers: Ball Corporation/ MeadWestvaco

The graphics on the aluminum bottles were created for immediate brand recognition on pack and shelf. This was a new unique bottle structure for Molson Coors, exploiting the success in the USA.
The wide-mouth opening provides a much smoother flow and enjoyable drinking experience.

For a full list of Gold and Silver award winners, see the April 2013 edition of Canadian Packaging magazine.

Dominion & Grimm has been committed to packaging its syrup in cans from the outset, and its long-standing partnership with Crown has been crucial to the company’s business success, positively impacting both sales and its brand identity, to build an enduring market presence.

In Canada, consumers recognize the syrup can immediately and, embodied in its classic design, the package has changed little in appearance, reinforcing the connection made between that packaging and the syrup itself. To such an extent, in fact, that to a Quebecer, taking maple syrup from a can is simply how it’s done, and alternative packaging formats fail to perform as strongly in the market.

Dominion & Grimm relies on the inherent benefits of metal packaging to ensure product quality and build brand awareness. Derived from the sap of sugar maple trees, the syrup is boiled and then packaged in cans which are hermetically sealed, eliminating the possibility that air or pathogens can enter and protecting the flavor of the pure syrup.

“As consumers become more health-conscious, they gravitate toward products like maple syrup because it is all-natural, not bleached, and a ‘true’ sweetener,” says Dominion & Grimm’s Ontario-B.C. sales manager Heather Clark. “We have come to understand that not only is the can a highly efficient format for syrup, but that it’s imperative to driving the purchase at the point of sale. Crown has proven to be an ideal supplier for many reasons, not least of which is outstanding customer service.”

Crown provides an array of services to Dominion & Grimm, including a high level of mechanical and technical support. In addition to conducting frequent on-site visits to test product performance, review the line and assisting them to troubleshoot issues, Crown has been instrumental in package design, assisting with printing adjustments and cost savings as well as helping them to maintain the recognizable ‘sugar shack’ imagery that consumers have come to expect.

Dominion & Grimm has seen several other benefits from using metal packaging. In addition to being an efficient format to ship and store, cans are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration, so no extra energy is expended to keep the product from spoiling.

According to Dominion & Grimm, syrup has a significantly longer shelf life when packed in metal, and cans are both tamper-proof and resilient.

“The partnership between Crown and Dominion & Grimm reflects the strong commitment Crown has to helping its customers build their brands through packaging. Based on mutual respect for collaboration and customer support, the relationship has led to an enduring, iconic packaging that provides consumers the product they want in the packaging they expect”” states Crown’s North America marketing manager Hella Gourven.

The Philadelphia headquartered Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world. For more information, visit www.crowncork.com.

On a mission to produce the best cage-free eggs, the Monroe, NH-based egg producer has got a new fresh look to protect the fresh eggs inside.

Featuring a story-telling photograph of one of the 40 family-farmers that supply eggs, the cartons are made from PETE1 (Polyethylene terephthalate) so the plastic can be recycled almost indefinitely while using very little energy, which according to the company, is actually a more environmentally-responsible choice then pulp packaging used by most egg companies in North America.

For chief executive officer Jesse LaFlamme, Pete & Gerry’s like the use of the recyclable plastic because of the presentation value, that allows the consumer to see the brown eggs.

Noting that there is often a surplus of recycled plastic soda bottles—and that soda company will not use recycled plastic from their own production because it’s not as clear as new plastic—Pete & Gerry’s became involved.

For the production of its cartons, recycled plastic is collected, washed, melted and reformed into egg cartons. According to Pete & Gerry’s, no harsh chemicals are used in the process, and there is no water or toxicity, and any excess plastic from the process is simply recycled again.

For more company information, visit www.peteandgerrys.com.

Curwood’s new EZ Open Block- Tite bulk cheese packaging transforms the opening and stripping process with easy-open, peel-away film, earning a Technical Innovation award from the Flexible Packaging Association.

The first bulk cheese package to incorporate an easy-peel feature, EZ Open Block-Tite packaging brings together high-abuse Block-Tite barrier bulk film and Curwood’s proven EZ Peel opening feature.

With the EZ Peel feature, processors simply lift the flap on the block’s back seal using special grasp notches, then peel the package open for clean, fast, complete film removal. The opening initiates an easy linear tear, which allows the film to pull away effortlessly and cleanly in a straight line, following the block shape of the cheese.

“In partnering with our cheese customers, we recognized that an easy-peel package would be a big step forward in opening and stripping cheese blocks for further processing,” says Bemis Curwood market manager Brian Sturgill “By taking our consumer opening technology and applying it to bulk cheese, we are able to offer a win-win solution for original cheese makers and cheese processors.”

While the opening feature adds to convenience and efficiency, it also significantly improves safety.

The peel-away feature eliminates personal safety hazards associated with using sharp knives to cut and remove the film; reduces the potential for cross-contamination of cheeses via non-sterile knives; and removes the potential for film shards left on the cheese, which could then be ground or sliced into the product. The new EZ Open Block-Tite format allows original cheese manufacturers to add the integrated peel-open feature without sacrificing machine speeds or package integrity. The EZ Open Block-Tite film machines like non-peelable films—no machine or speed adjustments are required.

Known throughout the world for technological leadership in high-barrier packaging, Curwood is a preferred supplier of innovative packaging materials and systems for food, beverage, household, industrial and personal care industries. Curwood maintains strategic manufacturing and service centers throughout North and South America and Europe, and is well-positioned to meet global distribution and marketing needs.

Headquartered in Oshkosh, WI, Curwood is part of the Bemis family of companies. For more information on Curwood’s complete offering of cheese packaging, call Curwood customer service at 800-544-4672,
via e-mail at curwood@bemis.com or visit www.CurwoodInnovates.com and www.curwood.com.

EVOK was created to package meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruit as an innovative new packaging product that respects the environment, by reducing the use of virgin material and introducing recycled material—at a level of 25 per cent—thereby allowing Cascades to lower the carbon footprint of food packaging.

Canadian retail grocery chain Metro Inc. has adopted the initiative with lots of enthusiasm. “Rethinking packaging is one of our priorities in our corporate responsibility approach,” says Metro senior vice-president of national procurement and corporate brands Serge Boulanger. “We’re very pleased to contribute to the best practices by becoming the first national brand to use EVOK in all our stores in Quebec.”

Replacing regular packaging with EVOK—which contains recycled material—enables Metro to reduce Quebec’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by some 600 tons, and equivalent of 200 compact cars.

As well as being made with 25 per cent recycled material, the new EVOK packaging debunks a number of popular myths.

“Polystyrene foam, which is comprised of 90 percent air, provides us with an undeniable environmental advantage,” says Cascades, Specialty Products Group president and chief operating officer Luc Langevin. “By replacing a quarter of the virgin material we use with recycled material, Cascades can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 20 per cent compared to its traditional packaging made with polystyrene foam.”

According to Cascades, the brand name EVOK stands for the evocation of a past memory, which infers renewal.

For more information, visit www.cascades.com/evok.

Regardless of one’s drinking or fashion habits, Anheuser-Busch has created an unique shape for its iconic Budweiser beer—a can that mimics the shape of the brand’s own iconic logo.

Yes. It’s true. While no one ever dreamed of drinking beer from one, Anheuser-Busch is betting a lot of people will want to sip a brewskie from a bowtie-shaped aluminum can that mirrors the Budweiser bowtie logo… or maybe it just looks like a shipping accident.

The very interestingly-shaped bowtie cans will be available via a special eight-pack on store shelves across the U.S. (and no where else) beginning May 6, 2013.

“This can is incomparable—like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” says Anheuser-Busch vice-president of innovation Pat McGauley. “The world’s most iconic beer brand deserves the world’s most unique and innovative can. I think we have it here.”

It certainly is unique in the annals of canned beer. In development since 2010, Anheuser-Busch is adamant that it will not replace the traditional Budweiser can.

While one might assume the cans were formed by a machine simply squeezing a standard cylinder in shape, that is not the Anheuser-Busch way.

To make the new can possible, Anheuser-Busch engineers needed to solve a number of technical challenges, and major equipment investments were required at the Budweiser can-making facility in Newburgh, N.Y.

And, because innovation is seldom cheap, significant capital investments also were required to upgrade packaging lines at the Budweiser breweries in Los Angeles and Williamsburg, Va., the first breweries with capability to package this unique can innovation.

The Newburgh facility has the proprietary equipment that that shapes the can, a process that actually takes 16 steps—10 steps to form the bottom half of the can, with an additional six steps to form the top portion.

The Anheuser-Busch Global Innovation Group has been investigating potential can innovations for several years.

“We explored various shapes that would be distinguishable in the marketplace, but also viable from an engineering standpoint,” McGauley notes.  “Aluminum can be stretched only about 10 percent without fracturing, which requires that the angles of the bowtie be very precise.”

An initial run of more than 10 million bowtie cans were produced in Newburgh through March 31 for the spring introduction., with an additional eight million cans scheduled to be produced during April.

According to Anheuser-Busch, due to the can’s slimmer middle and sleek design, the bowtie can holds 11.3 ounces of beer and has about 137 calories, approximately 8.5 fewer calories than a traditional 12-ounce can of Budweiser—which is important only if dedicated beer drinkers care about their form over beer substance. But still, Anheuser-Busch thinks it has a winner on its hands.

“This can is certainly a conversation starter: eye-catching, easy-to-grip, trendy and—according to our research—very appealing to young adults,” McGauley states. ”It’s a beer can like no other.”

Though there is no written documentation on the origins of the Budweiser bowtie, it is a brand icon found the world over. According to company lore, the bowtie was introduced when too many people were using the “Bud” bar call too frequently, so the double triangles were added to emphasize the full Budweiser name.

The Budweiser bowtie can is a natural progression from the new packaging introduced in 2011 that emphasized the iconic bowtie, a symbol that first appeared in a national advertising campaign for Budweiser in 1956.

For Anheuser-Busch, the bowtie can is another example of how Budweiser continues to innovate, evolve and attract a new generation of beer drinkers. “It builds on the success of Budweiser Black Crown, the crowd-sourced fan favorite introduced earlier this year,” McGauley adds.

The launch of the can is being supported with a marketing campaign that includes digital, print and television. It will be offered for sale in grocery stores and super markets, convenience stores and packaged liquor stores.

U.S. consumers interested in locating where they can purchase the special eight-pack can call 1-800-dial-Bud.

In other packaging innovations on the horizon in the U.S. for Anheuser-Busch, the company is announcing it is test-marketing in 10 states a new 25-ounce can that replaces a 24-ounce serving – giving consumers an additional ounce of beer. Sales of this new can will begin this summer. There is no news mentioning if the price point will remain the same, however.

One does have to hand it to Budweiser for its continued marketing and advertising campaigns, along with the advent of new brands, while maintaining the well-deserved status and 137-year-old rich heritage that sees it easily maintaining its Number One U.S. ranking in sales, selling more than its four nearest competitors combined.

Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes.

The beer is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beverage, with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. It is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging.

A follow-up to successful deployments of In-Sight Track & Trace 1.0, this version includes enhancements that address additional requirements for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to achieve unit-level product traceability.

Customers can use In-Sight Track & Trace 2.0 with multiple networked In-Sight vision systems to decode human-readable text along with 2-D and 1-D barcodes, including Data Matrix, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, securPharm and Pharmacode.

“In-Sight Track & Trace is an off-the-shelf label verification and serialization software supplement for our pharmaceutical customers required to comply with GS1 and FDA regulations and similar laws worldwide,” says Cognex vice-president and business unit manager of Vision Systems Herbert Lade. “In the newest version, we incorporated bundling reading support, secondary authentication capability and our OCRMax tool for the highest read rates in the industry. This new feature provides superior read rates of human-readable dates, lot codes and serial numbers.”

The pre-programmed add-on software package needs little set up through a touch screen or HMI. In-Sight Track & Trace can be easily integrated into third-party serialization software or MES with industrial protocol support and built-in I/O controls. The technical controls needed for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 validation, including secure user authentication and automatic audit trail generation, are also included.

In-Sight Track & Trace 2.0 is available now. To learn more, visit www.cognex.com/tracktrace.

The Freedom integrated hot melt packaging solution combines Nordson’s innovative, tankless Freedom series hot melt dispensing equipment with Henkel’s high-performance, Technomelt Freedom-certified, family of adhesives to help customers contain costs, simplify operations, and increase productivity, reliability, and sustainability.

Customers employing the Freedom solution derive value in the form of six freedoms, typically recover equipment cost in less than 12 months, and enjoy continued cost savings over the life of the system. Specifically, the six freedoms include:

• Freedom from adhesive availability concerns – Technomelt Freedom-certified, adhesives use readily available polymers that are less affected by petrochemical feed stock demands and shortages than traditional packaging EVA adhesives;
• Freedom from downtime associated with char and contamination – Tankless melting prevents the adhesive degradation and char that can occur in conventional melter tanks while the excellent temperature stability of Freedom-certified adhesives further reduces char potential. Reduced char minimizes clogged filters, applicators and nozzles as well as the resulting maintenance, downtime and lost production;
• Freedom from manual adhesive filling – The integrated automatic fill system supplies room-temperature adhesive to the melter, minimizing operator involvement and labor costs while preventing missed adhesive beads from dry melter tanks. Operator exposure to molten adhesive is minimized, as is the potential for bending and lifting injuries associated with manual melter filling;
• Freedom from parent machine mounting and integration limitations – Unlike traditional cube-shaped melters, the Freedom melter saves space using a vertical footprint that also allows it to be mounted almost anywhere within parent machinery, on a wall or on available fixed or moveable mounting stands;
• Freedom from confusing controls and diagnostics – Simple, intuitive, touch-screen minimize the need for skilled operators and training. Diagnostic, alert and fault messages are displayed in simple text and in a choice of languages;
• Freedom from excessive adhesive use – Improved adhesive density reduces adhesive consumption while intermittent bead dispensing capability enables up to 50- percent less adhesive use. Waste associated with manual spilling and overfilling is also minimized.

“The Freedom system is more than a new generation in package sealing,” says Nordson  senior vice-president of Adhesive Dispensing Systems Peter Lambert. “Our goal was to reduce packaging costs and complexity for users. We looked beyond conventional hot melt systems and approached the adhesive dispensing process from the users’ perspective.

“From the automatic filling system all the way to dispensing applicators and nozzles, we studied and improved everything, continually removing traditional limitations and areas that affect end users time and operating costs. We are confident that we have succeeded in providing an integrated system that will pay for itself quickly and keep saving customers money over the life of the equipment,” states Lambert.

The Freedom System launch is the culmination of extensive voice of customer research and rigorous equipment and adhesive performance testing at customer locations in the U.S. and Europe and is a result of the Henkel and Nordson alliance first announced at the PackExpo tradeshow in October 2012.

For more information on Freedom system, contact Nordson at 1-800-683-2314 or visit www.freedomhotmelt.com.

As part of Eriez’ extensive line-up of state-of-the-art, next generation X-Ray inspection systems, E-Z Tec XR-Clean unit is an ideal solution for detecting foreign objects such as metal, stone, bone and glass.

The system features tool-less disassembly for cleaning, down-shoot beam geometry, a compact 60-inch overall length and auto learn capabilities.

Eriez also provides online remote assistance to support this equipment.

In addition to the E-Z Tec XR-Clean, Eriez offers:

• E-Z Tec XR-Pack X-Ray inspection systems for packaging applications;
• E-Z Tec XR-Bulk X-Ray inspection systems for bulk flows, and;
• E-Z Tec XR-SS (side shoot) X-Ray inspection systems for upright packages and containers.

“Eriez is committed to providing customers with quick quotes and selection assistance for all our standard X-Ray equipment,” says Eriez product manager-X-Ray Ray Spurgeon.

Eriez’ advanced X-Ray Inspection Systems exhibit superior performance in identifying contaminants, scanning for missing or broken products, and mass inspection, to ensure users’ product and packaging integrity. It effectively inspects for foreign objects (metal, glass, stone, bone and some plastics), count, seal integrity, weight, shape, item position and presence/absence of items.

Online visitors can access a vast array of tools and resources from the Eriez website, and can download product literature, sign up for online testing, request a live webinar and more by clicking HERE.

Eriez is recognized as world authority in separation technologies. The company’s magnetic lift and separation, metal detection, x-ray, materials feeding, screening, conveying and controlling  equipment have application in the process, metalworking, packaging, plastics, rubber, recycling, mining, aggregate and textile industries. Eriez manufactures and markets these products through 12 international facilities located on six continents.

For more information, call toll-free 1-888-300-ERIEZ (3743) within the U.S. and Canada.

Because jugs are a notoriously difficult product to pack as they are heavy to lift and require an accurate loading process, Eagle Packaging made a few adjustments to its BOXXER, that will provide, according to the machine manufacturer, significant value to the market place.

Once the jugs are filled and capped, they enter the BOXXER through an in-feed conveyor and are stacked according to the pack pattern that has been chosen by the operator.

According to Eagle Packaging, when presented the project by a customer, they noted that the particular project required two separate pack patterns: packing four one-gallon round jugs into a case, and two 2.5-gallon square jugs into another case.

As well, while the jugs are being arranged, a knock-down case is being pulled from a hopper and formed.

While other machines of a similar ilk typically use a drop packer that drops the jugs from the top of the box—providing the potential for damage to the containers and risking liquid spillage—Eagle Packaging designed its BOXXER to gently lift the product from the bottom.

Utilizing a servo-driven mechanism, this system is able to lift the heavy weight while reducing the risk of spillage which is a concern with this type of product. Once the case is packed, it is then conveyed to the sealing station for tape or glue depending on the application.

The BOXXER’s method of packing both round and square jugs eliminates the risk of spills, is precise, as well as increases the overall production rates.

For more information, visit www.eaglepm.com or call 305-622-4070.

Headquartered in Brampton, Ont., AFA Systems is a provider of custom-designed automation solutions, and has designed its VC-VCA with a very compact rotary turret loading system that replaces the traditional racetrack vertical loader.

According to AFA Systems, the rotary turret loading system makes it easier for maintenance, as it has fewer parts and is situated at an ergonomically level.

The cartoner has a very small footprint to save valuable floorspace and improve operator optics during machine troubleshooting.

Changeover is extremely fast with optional push button changeover.

In addition, the VC-VCA has either fixed or adjustable carton carriers, and features Rockwell Automation‘s  Allen-Bradley controls and servo drives on all major motors.

Optional features include:

• all servo push-button changeover;
• standard no product, no carton, no load feature;
• left- or right-hand flow;
• hot melt of tuck closure;
• other optional equipment can be integrated into cartoner, including leaflet feeders, deboss or ink type daters;

For more information, visit www.afasystemsinc.com.

“With our focus on creating smart products, services and technologies wherever items can be connected, we developed the PRESS-LOK closure solution to provide a superior experience for our customers,” explains Velcro Industries vice-president of global marketing Jurjen Jacobs. “Velcro brand products are about the art of connecting. We strive to create smart products, services and technologies that will benefit brands and consumers across a wide spectrum of industries and we ensure a secure closure with our innovative PRESS-LOK fastening solution.”

A unique solution in the industry, the PRESS-LOK closure is simple to open and close because it contains an easy alignment that allows the hooks to engage without precise line-up, securing closure with great burst strength to maintain the package integrity that Hill’s Science Diet customers expect.

Additionally, PRESS-LOK closure has an audible click, allowing consumers to hear their pet food packages open and close, ensuring a tight seal, even if kibble crumbs get on the fastener surface. The closure system is a proprietary hook-to-hook technology that can work for a wide variety of packaging closure scenarios.

Adds Christopher Rector, director of marketing of Hill’s U.S.: “There are many tangible consumer benefits that the PRESS-LOK closure system provides to our Hill’s Science Diet packaging.
“The PRESS-LOK application provides a fast, effective and stress-free bag closure solution. PRESS-LOK closure opens and closes easily and quickly, keeping the kibble in and the paws out.”

The new packages are produced by Peel Plastics Products Ltd., located in Brampton, Ont.—a manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions and process innovation.
For more information, visit www.velcro.com, www.HillsPet.com and www.peelplastics.com.

The automatic AC-110 and AC-120 palletizers provide increased reliability for reduced down times, while the rugged design  allows for extended operation periods.

A distinctive feature of the AC-110 and AC-120 ice palletizers is the gripper, made up of 48 independent suction cups allowing it to lift several bags at a time and adapt to several different palletizing patterns, all at speeds reaching up to 45 bags/minute.

Bags can be handled at high speeds without the gripper’s surface being full; while the palletizer’s pneumatic components provide excellent lifting power enabling it to move ice bags and bales weighing between 10 and 50 pounds.

The compact design of the palletizers allows for optimal operation in tight spaces, while complying with the most stringent safety standards.

For more information, visit www.ptchronos.com.

With the launch of the new X65 conveyor, FlexLink takes the performance of conveyors to a new level, offering lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), a drastically lower noise level and an innovative design for the future.

The development of the new X65 conveyor platform was done with input from leading end users and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to meet the requirements of tomorrow, while offering added value to the needs of today.

The new X65 platform offers twice the strength compared to the standards of today.

FlexLink product manager Göran Abbestam explains, “The doubled conveyor strength has a dramatic effect on the service life and maintenance intervals of systems installed. In addition, the layouts can be made simpler as fewer drives and transfers are required for a given layout due to the increased maximum conveyor length. To the user, this has a substantial, positive impact with less complexity and a lower cost of installation.”

Reducing TCO
The X65 conveyor is designed for low friction, low power consumption and a long service life. In addition, FlexLink is introducing new high efficient drive technology to further reduce power consumption. Dependent on the application and choice of drive unit, power consumption is eight to 44 per cent less compared to previous high efficiency drive units by FlexLink.
The strong design allows maintenance intervals to be more than double compared to the standards of today.

Higher capacity
X65 is capable of the double speed compared to previous conveyor generations – 120 meters per minute – a capacity that meets tomorrow’s higher requirements on line speed and reduced cost per produced unit.

Lower noise level
The factory environment is a concern for manufacturers and FlexLink has applied considerable effort to noise reduction and improvement of operator safety. In most common applications, the noise level of X65 is on a typical office level, and compared to the industry standards, it is up to 80 per cent less.

Efficient single piece flow
For automated single piece flow applications, the X65 pallet conveyor system offers high quality production at low cost. The X65 pallet system stands out with a unique design and standardized functions for the handling of products up to one kilogram. The pallets and functions are prepared for the integration of process control systems, such as track & trace, and MES functionalities.

“Throughout the development work, our main focus has been on reducing the total cost of ownership for the conveyor equipment, from the engineering and ramp-up to the end of the investment. The drastically cut power consumption and office-like noise level brings measurable value from day one. Our aim was to give our customers trouble-free operation with the X65 conveyor, and I am confident we have combined it with a high value added as well,” concludes Abbestam.

For more information about FlexLink’s offerings, visit www.flexlink.com.

Designed for both high-speed applications and for filling a voluminous product into a small opening container, the machine comes equipped with a servo-driven rotary star wheel that allows for a more efficient filling process.

Each container that passes through the SpinDexer is indexed around the star wheel to each station, with all indexing stations designed for a specific role.

Equipped with traveling funnels, product is dropped from a filling machine that then dispenses into the funnel. The funnel then follows the container allowing product to have time to transfer from the funnel to the container without losing production time. Each funnel comes equipped with a no container/no fill and clog detection sensor.

At the next station, the container is shaken at the bottom to allow product to settle, creating more room inside the container. During this time product is falling from the funnel while filling the space that is left in the container. Once the container is filled, it is removed from the machine by a discharge conveyor.

The SpinDexer is equipped with PLC (programmable logic control) allowing the operator control of the machine’s functions through a color touchscreen. It can also be easily integrated with any weighing machine, auger filler, volumetric or piston filler, or a combination of several fillers.

WeighPack customizes each SpinDexer to fit the needs and process of the operator. This affordable container packaging machine allows operators to fill rigid containers made out of plastic, glass and/or fibers while operating at high speeds.

For more information, visit www.weighpack.com or call 1-888-934-4472.

Raising a celebratory glass of wine is always a wonderful moment, but it is even more beautiful to raise a glass of wine that also helps others through fundraising, which is exactly what The Little Grape has managed to do with a little creative help from Davis, a renowned Canadian package design and branding services provider based in Mississauga, Ont.

Founded two years ago by a generous team of skilled big-hearted volunteers, The Little Grape that Could operates as a non-profit wine company that looks outside the traditional fundraising box to find new and innovative ways to raise money for charities.

According to company president and founder Brett Preston, the idea for this brand came out of a request from a leading charity organization to come up with an innovative way to raise money.

Why Not?

“After much brainstorming, a big idea was uncorked,” Preston relates. “Why fundraise for one single cause when there are so many worthy causes out there?

“Why not create a world-class wine with all profits going towards the charity of the purchaser’s choice?”

Now retailing across Ontario at a growing number of select LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) outlets, the Little Grape that Could offers wine-lovers a choice of “a beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing Torrontés,” with the purchaser using embedded ‘smart’ codes on the bottles to allocate a set portion of their purchase to one of many charities listed on the www.thelittlegrapethatcould.com website.

According to Preston, 100 per cent of all profits from each bottle go directly to the charities and their respective worthy causes.

For example, the Toronto-based Second Harvest uses each dollar donated by The Little Grape that Could to fund two meals for the needy, with other well-known non-profit beneficiaries including the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Make a Wish Canada, War Child, Earth Rangers, Pro Bono Law Ontario and Toronto Cat Rescue, among many others.

To spread the message of these groups’ worthy causes among mainstream consumers, Davis designers set out to create a bright, dominant label that would serve as the main focal point on the bottle to draw consumer’s attention to the brand’s inspirational call-to-action to “make a difference,” according to Shirley Buchanan, communications director of the design agency’s parent company Glenn Davis Group.

The main marketing objective was to create a brand that would fit the criteria for an LCBO listing and draw attention to the brand as a world-class wine with heart.

“The charitable nature of the brand, including the hope and perseverance of those who wish to make the world better, needed to be captured in the branding and the instructions to consumers regarding how to direct profits to charity needed to be crystal clear,” Buchanan explains.

“Only then would consumers know for sure that with each purchase of The Little Grape that Could wine, they are able to choose a charity online and to direct all profits from their wine purchase to that charity.”

In addition, purchasers are also able to make the experience personal by making a toast to a person they select on the website to be named on the back of each bottle, as part of a custom limited-edition run of 100 bottles.

For the rest of the story, see the April 2013 issue of Canadian Packaging magazine out later this month.