Odor & Exempt Solvents

Published: May 31, 2005

Requirements for low odor in flexible packaging change as new materials are introduced in printing and laminating operations. Retained solvent is the primary odor concern of the printer and converter, and tight odor standards are maintained for printed and laminated structures.

A Communication from the PLACE Div. of TAPPI

Published: May 31, 2005

Easy-opening packaging technology, using thermal process imaging for extruder analysis and improvement, a novel seal-peel system, and the effects of resin selection and extrusion variables on peelable seal performance.

Materials

Published: May 31, 2005

New products from: VonSon Liquid Inks, Ashland, Scapa North America, ADM Tronics, Rock-Tenn, Day Intl., Environmental Inks and Coatings, FLEXcon, Toray Plastics (America), and Rogers.

Biodegradable Films Today

Published: April 30, 2005

Most of us love our creature comforts, including the many items that use flexible packaging substrates. As a result, increasing amounts of plastic films and foil enter the waste stream, because no easy method is available to recycle, separate, or divert them from disposal in landfills.

A Communication from the PLACE Div. of TAPPI

Published: April 30, 2005

The role of an uneven temperature distribution at the flat die inlet on the die performance; trends in packaging—a challenge for adhesives development; razor, crush, and shear slitting principles: advantages and disadvantages for film and foil applications; and web spreading.

Materials

Published: April 30, 2005

New products from: Appleton, ANI Printing Inks, ADM Tronics Unlimited, Smart Papers, MPI Technologies, Klöckner Pentaplast of America, ExxonMobil Chemical Co., National Adhesives, Dow Corning Corp., and DuPont Teijin Films.

Retort Pouch Causes a Stir

Published: April 30, 2005

Widely hailed as flexible packaging’s "greatest innovation," the retort pouch finally is shedding its exotic image and rapidly becoming a mainline package on the supermarket shelf.

Communication from the PLACE div. of TAPPI

Published: March 31, 2005

Providing practical information to the converting and packaging industries.

Why the Rush to BOPA?

Published: March 31, 2005

In the past five years, the world bi-oriented polyamide (BOPA) film market has grown faster than any other oriented speciality film, but volumes are still small when compared to its leading competitors. With average growth rates of 8%/yr, world BOPA film demand is expected to reach an estimated 126,000 tons in 2004, compared to world markets for packaging grades of BOPP film of 2.5 million tons and BOPET film of 600,000 tons.

A King of Shrink Contender

Published: March 31, 2005

Decades ago, Elvis firmly established Memphis, TN, as home to where records and kings are made. David Seuss, VP of sales for fourth-generation-owned Color Craft Label Co. (a dynasty in its own right) also in Memphis, has his own hopes and dreams. No more-pleasing music to the ear could be heard than for Color Craft some day to be crowned king of shrink-sleeve labels.

Mondi Inaugurates Flex-Pack Line in Poland

Published: March 02, 2005

Mondi Packaging Solec (formerly Frantschach Flexible Packaging Poland) added a new flexible packaging line at its Solec facilities.

Materials

Published: February 28, 2005

New products from:INX Intl., Sony Chemicals, Rock-Tenn, Lamart Corp., ANI Printing Inks, ADM Tronics, D&K Group, Coburn Graphic Films, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, and Scapa North America.

Notable & Flexible

Published: February 28, 2005

For 55 years, the Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards, sponsored by the Flexible Packaging Assn., have honored packaging and converting excellence across a broad range of the flex-pack industry. This year’s contest saw a record 89 entries, 28 of which earn a total of 33 awards. Here’s a look at some of the top winners.

Communication from the PLACE div. of TAPPI

Published: February 28, 2005

Providing practical information to the converting and packaging industries.

Is a Packaging Makeover Ahead?

Published: February 28, 2005

Two recent initiatives, a proposed tax measure in San Francisco and a voluntary industry commitment on biodegradable polymers in the European Union (EU), are of interest to the converting industry, not only because of the proposals themselves, but because they reflect different policy approaches to addressing packaging wastes.