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.

Film Opens New Markets

Published: February 28, 2005

Since pressure-sensitive labels and tapes—and other materials such as stamps—have become more sophisticated, the market for these materials has been expanding rapidly. In such product constructions, it has been common practice to apply a release coating, typically a silicone-based material, to the paper liner from which the materials are peeled or dispensed.

A Communication from the PLACE div. of TAPPI

Published: January 31, 2005

Providing practical information to the converting and packaging industries.

Complex & Capable

Published: January 31, 2005

Located almost midway between Madrid and Barcelona in Zaragoza, Spain, Polibol is one of the "jewels" in the expanded Alcan family of flexible packaging converters.

Film Trends Focus of of Plastic Packaging Conference

Published: January 24, 2005

InnoPlast Solutions and Gehrke, Kaas, & Assoc. announce the second annual conference on "Global Trends in Plastic Packaging Films," scheduled for February 28–March 3 at the Hilton Hotel-Airport, New Orleans, LA. The conference will be preceded by an optional course on the "Fundamentals of Flexible Packaging."

Bemis Acquires Majority Ownership of Dixie Toga

Published: January 19, 2005

Bemis Co. has acquired majority ownership of Dixie Toga, San Paulo, Brazil, one of the largest packaging companies in South America. Bemis acquired the voting common stock and 43% of the outstanding, non-voting preferred stock of Dixie Toga for approximately $250 million, financed with commercial paper.

Ampac Packaging Acquires Flexicon

Published: January 17, 2005

Ampac Packaging, a producer of high-performance film structures for bags and food packaging—ranging from monolayers to nine-layer coextruded barrier films—has acquired Flexicon, a manufacturer of high-performance, flexible packaging materials for the pharmaceutical, medial, healthcare, chemical, food, and industrial markets. The amount was undisclosed.

A Universal Film for Flex-Pack?

Published: December 31, 2004

Let us take the concept of universality one step further. Is there a universal film for flexible packaging? All converters and package designers know the answer to this question is a resounding no.

Wanted: US Markets

Published: December 31, 2004

Many foreign flex-pack converters have asked me to assist them in entering the huge $20 billion US flexible market. I advise them to plan a long-term strategy based on know-how and quality production. I tell them first to establish a presence stateside. After about 12 months of image-building, it’s time to decide how to approach the US market.

Food Recordkeeping Requirements

Published: December 31, 2004

On December 9 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published its final rule implementing new food recordkeeping requirements under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act). Although most converters are exempt from the records establishment and maintenance requirements of this rule, some will have to adhere to the records availability requirements, as explained below.

A Communication from the PLACE div. of TAPPI

Published: December 31, 2004

Providing practical information to the converting and packaging industries.

Bobst Group USA and ei³ Enter Partnership

Published: December 29, 2004

Bobst Group USA has entered into a partnership with ei³ Corp. to provide customers in the flexible materials business are with 24/7 engineering support and productivity software.

the PLACE

Published: December 01, 2004

A communication from the PLACE Division of TAPPI in cooperation with Paper, Film & Foil CONVERTER. providing practical information to the converting and packaging industries.