Owens-Illinois forms partnership to produce high-quality recycled glass
Owens-Illinois Inc. is teaming with eCullet Inc. to form a joint venture involving processing of recycled glass. Glass to Glass LLC will invest in sophisticated glass sorting equipment to make high-quality recycled glass available for use in O-I plants. According to company representatives, using recycled glass in the glass manufacturing process will let the company reduce its use of virgin raw materials, thereby lowering its overall environmental imprint. According to eCullet CEO craig London, said Craig London, eCullet CEO. "Glass recycling in the United States is increasing, but much of that supply requires sophisticated sorting technologies to create the quality of recycled glass required by glass manufacturers. That is our specialty and we look forward to helping Owens-Illinois use more recycled glass in its manufacturing process."
PPC announces Folding Carton Boot Camp
On April 30 and May 1, 2013, the Paperboard Packaging Council will host its first Folding arton Boot Camp workshop of the year at PPC's headquarters in Springfield, MA. Although the Boot Camp is open to PPC members, brand-owners and non-members are also encouraged to attend. The event is suitable for anyone new to the carton arena, and for non-plant personnel with limited experience outside a single plant operation. The course is designed to provide its alumni with a better understanding of the products and services their companies offer. The workshop follows the entire folding carton production process. First, instructors explain how fiber is recovered and paper is made. Next, industry experts describe the uses of various inks and coatings as well as the processes involved in prepress, including CAD, layout, and graphics. Then there is an overview of the tooling, embossing, foil stamping, stripping, finishing, gluing, and windowing processes. Finally, the workshop concludes with an assessment of automated packaging equipment. To honor the completion of this crucial educational program, students are awarded a certificate of achievement at the close of the seminar. Visit www.ppcnet.org/bootcamp to learn more.
Natural foods company aseptic packaging operations
SunOpta Inc., a company specializing in natural and organic foods, is working to expand processing and packaging capabilities at its Grains and Foods Group's aseptic processing and packaging operations in Modesto, CA and Alexandria, MN. The firm installed an additional multi-serve filler (liter/quart) at both of the facilities, and a single-serve (200/250ml) filler at the Modesto operation. Each of the new fillers is expected to be in production during the third quarter of 2013.
Amcor Flexibles wins two awards from the European Aluminum Foil Association
Amcor Flexibles has received two Alufoil Trophies at the 2013 European Aluminium Foil Association awards. In the category of Resource Efficiency, the Formpack Advanced Blister Design was awarded an Alufoil Trophy for an advance in its Formpack blister pack. The Advanced Blister Design is based on an existing blister pack, which was re-engineered so that the material consumption was reduced by more than 30%, while simultaneously improving the moisture protection of the drug by over 40%, according to the company. Also, in the category of Technical Innovation, Amcor Flexibles was awarded an Alufoil Trophy for Alufix Dry Smart, an improved peel-off end membrane suitable for sealing any type of non-retortable cans. It can be used for a large range of products, such as powdered infant formula, instant drinks, powders and snacks among others. The membrane reportedly offers an improved level of efficiency on high speed sealing machines without the need of modifying them.
