Printing, Converting, and Material Innovations at PACK EXPO International 2012

Published: September 20, 2012

This year’s PACK EXPO International 2012 (October 28-31; McCormick Place, Chicago) will be the most comprehensive processing and packaging event in North America. More than 1,800 exhibitors will be highlighting innovation across the line, including materials, equipment, and components

Below is our second preview of some of the printing and converting innovations that will be exhibited at the show:

Latest Shrink Sleeve Technology Enhances Efficiency—Accraply Inc. (Booth # 800) will feature the new Stanford AccraSeam shrink sleeve seamer, capable of speeds up to 600 meters per minute. The AccraSeam increases profitability by reducing waste and downtime with features such as the fully automated servo-controlled lay-flat adjustment, tool-less forming section, ultrasonic lay-flat monitoring and lay-flat reporting. Also on display at PACK EXPO will be the Trine Model 4800 roll-fed labeling system. The system’s advanced container control delivers superior bottle handling at speeds up to 600 containers per minute. Other features include a segmented vacuum drum that eliminates the need for re-padding and a stainless steel guard specifically designed for the beverage industry.
Enhance Visual Appeal with Flexible Box Pouch Packaging Brands can create a unique shelf presence with Ampac’s (Booth #2183) new box pouch capabilities. The format’s five-panel display with registered print provides a powerful billboard for brand messaging and improved package presentation with a truly flat bottom. Easy to open and resealable features such as Ampac’s E-Z Zip technology, QuickZip to press to close zippers can be added to enhance convenience. Four box pouch styles are available: flat bottom full gusset, flat bottom terminated gusset, pinch bottom, and flat top and bottom. Pouch efficiencies include better cube utilization during shipping and faster filling rates than bottom gusset pouches. (Box pouches are wider front-to-back). Food applications for the box pouch include dried foods, nuts, cereal, confections, baking powders, and frozen foods. Lawn and garden, powders, and beverages are also potential applications.
IML-based Lidding Systems Streamlines Manufacturing, Enhances Recyclability & Durability—Spartech Corp.’s (Booth # 5111) 1-Seal solution provides food brands with an environmentally friendly, resealable, and durable packaging solution using an in-mold label (IML). This proprietary technology caps and seals in one step by leaving a portion of the label surface exposed inside the lid. It also streamlines manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate lidding and capping processes. The 1-Seal lid provides an air- and water-tight seal without the need for film or foil. The IML process generates improved, vibrant graphics, and because the label and lid are made from single thermoplastic, the entire package can be recycled in streams that collect polypropylene.
Enhance Efficiency with New Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers—Better Packages (Booth # 866) will showcase its newly improved automatic water-activated tape dispensers for carton sealing. Better Pack 755eSA and 755eS are designed to enhance efficiency without compromising safety. A new controller board upgrade provides improved tape measuring accuracy, reliability and overall performance in even the most demanding environments. The machines also feature a removable power cord for versatility and safety, and continuously adjustable tape roll guide for simpler and more efficient transitions when changing tape with varying widths.