FP - Feature Article

Resin developments resonate with the market

Jeff Wooster, Dow Chemical senior value chain manager, highlights the crucial changes in the industry that are reshaping the use and optimization of resins used in film structures.

Roundtable: Web guiding, tension control, and the bottom line

Pack Expo set to ‘flex’ its packaging muscle

This year's Pack Expo Intl. show in Chicago offers plenty of options for industry professionals interested in flexible packaging.

Printing Technology: Safety training that cuts through the paperwork

Printing industry training centers on safety—and sorting through hundreds of pages of OSHA regulations.

Tech Report: On a Roll

Although a background player compared to the more visible roles of films, inks and coatings, roll handling equipment still plays a large part in the converting process.

Industry Q&A: Inks, coatings and adhesives fine-tuned for safety, performance

John Signet, director of marketing, ACTEGA WIT.

Industry Q&A: A closer look at web inspection

Danielle Woolley, marketing manager, PC Industries

Industry Q&A: Web handling advances are on a roll

Gavin Rittmeyer, Vice President/Sales and Marketing, Martin Automatic.

FPA Update August 2010

FPA Releases 2010 State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report
FPA and U.S. EPA
2010 FPA Fall Executive Conference: Register Today!
2010-2011 FPA Flexible Packaging Buyers Guide
FPA Members Sponsor Industry Interns
FPA Welcomes New Members

Adhesive blending helps avoiding delamination, waste

Flexo presses pack brains, brawn

Automation features and increased output define the most advanced flexographic presses available to the market.

Static charges present shocking consequences

Static electricity, often minimized as a small hazard to production, can harm more than converters’ bottom lines.

Industry Q&A: Slitter/winders stay on technology’s cutting edge

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FPA Update June/July 2010

FPA Announces 2010 Fall Executive Conference Agenda
FPA and Flexible Packaging Sustainability
FPA Releases 4th Quarter 2009 “Pulse of the Flexible Packaging Industry” Report
FPA Welcomes New Members

Narrow web expands printers’ capabilities

Smaller run sizes, explosion of SKUs and stronger focus on lean manufacturing heighten the appeal of narrow web printing.

Convenience as a mission: Resealability

Resealable closures deliver the convenience and value that consumers seek, plus the differentiation and bottom line results that converters demand.

2010 Global Pouch Forum to outline innovation, international trends

Now it its 13th year, the annual Global Pouch Forum will feature an impressive lineup of top packaging professionals addressing the hottest topics in pouches.

Flexible packaging opportunities are in the bag

Flexible Packaging sat down with Polymer Packaging to discuss trends, challenges and potential growth areas in bag and pouch-making from the converter’s perspective.

Extrusion: Striking balance of throughput, quality remains key

Flexible Packaging sat down with Integrated Solutions Co. to discuss how the latest extrusion equipment and technology enables converters to realize cost savings, quality and throughput.

Making Food Packaging Safe

As scrutiny over food packaging intensifies, the manufacturing and associated industries continue to press operations to ensure safety procedures are in place.

Improved biopolymer processing raises market potential

Chain extenders could potentially improve the workability of biopolymers, helping them and converters reach their full potential.

Packaging masterpieces earn technical, design awards

The Flexible Packaging Association honors notable advances in packaging excellence, printing achievement, technical innovation and environmental/sustainability achievement.

Surface treatment, sustainability go beyond skin deep

Flexible Packaging sat down with Pillar Technologies to discuss the increasingly important role surface treatment plays in sustainability and the flexible packaging production process.

Drying considerations for coatings applied to thin films

The drying of coatings on thin films often present challenges, but the right balance of equipment and technique can easily circumvent these problems.

Keeping two steps ahead

For Consolidated Packaging Group, staying ahead of the competition requires speed, top quality, and total commitment to customer service—a goal that is easily met with the right laminating process and the right suppliers.

Why Less is More

The new conscious consumer calls for simplicity from brands and retailers in every form.

Web guiding units keep tight rein on web, costs

Flexible Packaging sat down with Fives North American to discuss the increasingly important role of web guiding equipment in the converting process and how equipment designers stay ahead of inherent challenges.

Business intelligence tools guide critical decisions

Flexible Packaging sat down with Radius Solutions to discuss recent improvements to workflow and enterprise management tools.

Building a safe work foundation

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New slitting/winding features cut down inefficiencies, downtime

Flexible Packaging sat down with Comexi to discuss slitting and winding challenges faced by today’s converters and how those companies may address those issues head on.

Inks address aesthetic, performance features of packaging

Flexible Packaging sat down with Toyo Ink to discuss aesthetic and functional features of leading inks and what challenges continue to drive innovation in packaging inks.

Press operators come sharp as a fox

Intensive, hands-on experience at Fox Valley Technical College ensures new and seasoned press operators hone their skills and deliver bottom line results for employers.

Handle with care: Protective measures for roll materials

The role of roll handling is especially crucial as the need to maintain protection and positive control is increasing along with the value and size of film rolls.

Web inspection improves quality, reduces waste

Flexible Packaging sat down with PC Industries to discuss trends that are adding to web inspection’s growth and how detection systems strike the balance between speed, accuracy and throughput.

See (and learn) it all at CPP Expo 2009

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Latest inspection systems defeat web defects

Today's web inspection and defect detection systems optimize product quality, drive down manufacturing costs and keep customers satisfied.

Converter News - September 2009

AIMCAL Fall Technical Conference highlights process optimization, new technology...Select facilities grow in gloomy times... + News Briefs

Supplier News - September 2009

Cargill assumes full ownership of NatureWorks...Ralph Daetwyler named MDC-USA president...+ News Briefs

CPP Expo Booth Previews

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Previewing tomorrow’s printing trends

Flexible Packaging sat down with Windmoeller & Hoelscher to discuss trends that will shape the printing process going forward, including sustainability and practices stemming from the economic downturn.

Take the sting out of static

Devices—whether simple or “smart”—can keep a tight control on static charge, bringing greater efficiency and safer conditions to your production.

A peak into Perpetuity

As part of our 10th Anniversary celebration, Flexible Packaging invited leaders in the flexible packaging industry to answer this forward-reaching question: What will be the greatest challenges or opportunities for flexible packaging converters in the next decade and why?

Industry Q&A - Workflow management stays ahead of the flow

Flexible Packaging sat down with Radius Solutions to discuss emerging improvements to the latest workflow management solutions and the forces that will keep such software constantly evolving.

Industry Q&A - Economy, pursuit of excellence shape today’s extrusion lines

Flexible Packaging sits down with Kiefel to discuss developments supporting the push for the highest quality blown film as well as current trends impacting the design and operation of the newest extrusion lines.

Automation, other improvements put new slitters a cut above

From job data storage to automatic set-up, the newest features on slitting/rewinding machines simplify—and maximize—productivity.

Industry Q&A - Web tension developments answer converters’ call for flexibility

Flexible Packaging sits down with Webex to discuss trends in web tension, including challenges of lighter films on faster production lines, and how the latest improvements give converters a firm grip on web control.

Technical session makes 'sustainable' attainable

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Gravure: The other cost-effective process

Between less make-ready, fast changeover and excelling in short runs, the latest rotogravure presses prove gravure just isn’t what it used to be.

Industry Q&A - Coating/laminating trends reflect converters’ go-to-market strategies

Flexible Packaging sits down with Comexi Group to discuss how the latest systems strike the balance between fast production speeds and minimal downtime while remaining a versatile factor in the converting process.

Newest surface treaters achieve higher dyne levels, higher ROI

Energy and emission advances, intuitive controls and refined static elimination for surface treatment processes help better prepare film surfaces for effective printing.

Industry Q&A - Roll protection addresses production, safety and environmental issues

Flexible Packaging sits down with Badger Plug to discuss trends in roll handling, how roll protection products answer operating challenges and the relationship between sustainability and roll handling.

Timeline of Innovations in Flexible Packaging

As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, Flexible Packaging magazine takes a look back over the last decade at major developments in flexible packaging within the context of world events.

Industry Q&A: Today’s inks yield better adhesion, vibrant colors and increased value

Flexible Packaging sits down with INX International to discuss trends in ink development, tailoring ink solutions to today’s challenges and upcoming breakthroughs in ink technology.

Newer curing units improve output, reduce energy use

Advancements in drying/curing ensure the portability, reliability and efficiency that your operation demands.

Industry Q&A: Newer die cutters feature laser-fast speed and accuracy

Flexible Packaging sat down with Spartanics to discuss advances in laser die cutting and their benefits to flexible packaging converters.

Guiding a web toward higher productivity

Maintaining accurate web alignment will improve performance and ultimately your bottom line.

Industry Q&A: Cutting through the challenges in slitting/rewinding

Flexible Packaging talks with Comexi about improvements, challenges and new developments in slitters/rewinders.

Store brands: Ignore them at your peril

A weak economy and retailers' increasing focus on private label is creating a growing threat for traditional consumer packaged goods brands.

Precise ink application starts with clean rolls

New and proven cleaning methods for anilox rolls ensure accurate, consistent ink delivery for high-quality print results.

Annual Print Symposium: Printing technology moves with the times

From flexo to gravure, all the technologies used to print flexible packaging are evolving to meet the shifting needs of converters and their customers.

'Stick' with water-based primers

Converters might consider the environmental advantages of water-based primers to modify surfaces for extrusion laminations and ink adhesion.

How to improve productivity and profitability with print sleeves

Thick or thin? That is the question. The answer depends on how you use your flexo press.

Higher line speeds, faster changeover optimize film converting

Flexible Packaging talked with John Sharood, chairman of the board of Gloucester Engineering, about trends in blown film and cast film.

Multi-sensory packaging emotionally satisfies consumers

Packaging that also appeals to a consumer's sense of smell, touch and sound improves the chances that a product will get noticed, picked up and bought.

Efficient corona treating saves time and energy

Flexible Packaging talks with QC Electronics about new technologies in corona treating that can deliver better flexibility, price and leadtimes.

The flat-top flair

A new way of making digital flexographic printing plates reduces dot-gain problems and delivers crisp detail.

Graph Expo 2008: New products galore

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See it all at CPP Expo

Visitors to the co-located CPP Expo 2008 can look forward to observing the entire packaging supply chain.

Peeling back the many layers of extrusion

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REACH registration: The clock is ticking

Flexible packaging converters and printers will need to comply before selling their products in Europe.

CASTLE-PIERCE Investing in the future

After being in business for well over a century, printer Castle-Pierce takes its history into account as it branches into new markets and sets its sights on the future.

Brand security starts with packaging

With an estimated cost to the worldwide economy of $700 billion per year, counterfeiting is top of mind for brand owners as well as their suppliers. Converters are meeting the challenge head-on, with printing and coding technologies that provide product authentication and enable tracking through the supply chain.

The winning prescription for doctor blades

Using the right blade thickness for the right anilox roll application will save money and improve performance of flexo printing operations.

Zip up the competition

Flexible Packaging talked to a leader in the resealability market, Pactiv, about the popularity of slider closures.

Editor's Choice

UK milk comes in plastic bags

GE Caulk available in single-use packets

Ragú now in nuke-ready pouches

Single-serve bag promotes Dibs ice cream as snack

TAPPI PLACE is a state of mind

Experts, suppliers and manufacturers in the pulp, paper, packaging and converting industries will converge in Portsmouth, Va., for The TAPPI PLACE 2008 conference.

Fit to be tried

Fitments and closures offer convenience for the full range of uses.

Five ways to boost sales of poly bags and films

Innovations in plastics manufacturing and new marketing strategies can turn poly-packaging products into profit generators.

Breaking down barriers

Flexible Packaging talked with executives at ISO Poly Films about how barrier films tackle performance, sustainability and cost.

Capital idea!

The government has done you a favor…are you taking advantage of it?

#1 -- Bemis Flexible Packaging: At the top and still rising

This year marks 150 years in business for the Bemis Co. The company, which is now one of Northeastern Wisconsin’s largest employers, was founded in St. Louis, Mo., in 1858. Bemis is often credited as popularizing burlap “gunny sacks,” which were used to haul perishables such as flour and seeds.

#2 -- Sealed Air Corp.: Food safety and sustainability propel Cryovac forward

It stands to reason that the company that conceived a product as iconic and useful as Bubble Wrap, would find its way to the top tier of Flexible Packaging’s Top 25 Converters list.

#3 -- Reynolds Flexible Packaging: Dual focus on productivity and innovation

One sign of a strong company is how well it survives a buyout. Well, after two major acquisitions, Reynolds is standing taller than ever. With flexible packaging sales of more than $2.5 billion in 2007, it ranks No. 3 on our Top 25 Converters list.

A die to die for

Extrusion dies are a critical component in film manufacturing, which is the first step in the flexible packaging cycle.

Milestones

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Up Close with Muller Martini: A flexible alternative

Up to now, the printing of flexible packaging has been limited to the established processes of flexographic and rotogravure. More recently, new possibilities offered by infinitely variable size web offset printing—such as that offered by Muller Martini in its Alprinta V—have become a viable alternative for manufacturers.

#5 -- Printpack Inc.: All in the family

The term “family business” usually conjures images of mom-and-pop operations, nestled in a small town, with employees who are on a first name basis with all of their customers. And while flexible manufacturing giant Printpack may have started this way, it’s anything but small now.

#4 -- Alcan Packaging: Award-winning design and materials

If our rankings were based solely on the number of packaging awards a company has won in the past year, Alcan Packaging, a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan, would probably be even higher on our list.

ADVERTISER SPONSORED CONTENT

Flexible Packaging asked three companies the same question: What is the greatest challenge in web guiding, tension and controls and how are you solving it?

Drupa 2008: The place to be

The gigantic trade show focused on the print industry will likely set records for exhibitors and attendees.

Corporate Spotlight: Danafilms

Danafilms is a committed supplier of premium monolayer and coextruded barrier films for markets including food and beverage, medical, industrial, aviation, agriculture and renewable energy. Our film and flexible packaging products span a variety of specialty applications.

Editor's Choice

Cheer Pack pouch, shrink labels for First Juice; Easy-open PushPop pack

Organize, optimize with industry-specific software

Flexible Packaging talked with David Taylor, president and CEO of Radius Solutions, about helping packaging companies improve organization and increase operational efficiencies with resource planning software.

Bonus Feature: Innovation earns kudos

The FPA recognizes excellence in technical innovation, packaging excellence, printing, environmental consciousness and sustainability in flexible packaging.

ADVERTISER SPONSORED CONTENT

Three companies responded to the following question: Printing is the most-common way to add value to flexible packaging, and innovations in this industry continue to expand the impact of printed words, graphics and photos. What types of advances (current and near-future) in printing will have the most significant affect on the flexible packaging industry?

Leading Web Sites Provide Company Information, Packaging Knowledge

A website is an open invitation to view a company’s products and services. The best websites not only provide company information but they can be used as tools to learn about packaging processes, materials and machinery and how they can answer your specific needs.

DRUPA 2008 Just Around the Corner

The trade show that dwarfs all other trade shows (at least in the packaging and printing industry) is set to open its doors in late May, and the international flavor of the attendees and exhibitors proves that the scope of this market continues to expand.

Efficiency Through Extrusion

Flexible Packaging sat down with Steve DeSpain of Kiefel to get his thoughts on the current extrusion market and what innovations may be on the horizon.

Slit the Difference

Flexible Packaging asked Joe Heinemann of Rayven to give his opinions on both the slitting and coating markets, and explain his company’s place within the industry.

Sticking To It

Flexible Packaging sat down with John Norder of Rohm & Haas to get his thoughts on the current coatings/adhesives market and what innovations may be on the horizon.

Innovation: It’s in the Bag

Flexible Packaging sat down with Rod Drummond of the Hudson-Sharp Machine Co. to get his thoughts on the bag- and pouch-making segment and how his company fits into that market