Packaging Concepts

Four more companies join AMERIPEN
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, Editor, May 21, 2012
H.J. Heinz, Bemis, DDL and Earth911 have joined the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN). The organization will set its agenda for next year at its annual meeting on June 26-27. More
Student-designed pillow packaging impresses Wal-Mart
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, Editor, May 19, 2012
"The students' packaging prototype has the potential to reduce packaging costs for bed pillows by more than 40 percent and eliminate more than 800 trucks from highways each year," said Andrew Barrieau, president and CEO of Felins USA, who mentored the students. Together, they presented their work during Wal-Mart's Sustainable Packaging Expo. More
Nominations open for Packaging Hall of Fame
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, Editor, May 19, 2012
Any industry professional may nominate a candidate. Inductees will be recognized at a reception in their honor on Oct. 30, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, during PACK EXPO Intl. 2012. More
Coffee alternative launched in Rexam cans
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 18, 2012
Guyaki Sparkling Yerba Mate beverages, which pack the caffeine punch of coffee with additional reputed health benefits, stand tall in Rexam's SLEEK cans. More
Frito-Lay announces gluten-free certification, labeling
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 18, 2012
The company is partnering with celiac organizations to validate its products and educate consumers about gluten-free snacking. More
Save Food exhibit adds Chicago to its world tour
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, Editor, May 17, 2012
After its successful premiere at the interpack 2011 trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, the Save Food exhibition about how packaging can minimize global food loss will be on display at Process Expo 2013 in Chicago. More
The DEW does 'Dark Knight' packaging
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, Editor, May 17, 2012
Select 16-oz cans of Mountain Dew will use thermochromic ink to feature a bat symbol that transforms to the distinctive green color of DEW when chilled. More
Craft brewer cuts corners to showcase beer variety
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, May 16, 2012
A new variety pack concept at Widmer Brothers lets consumers see all the bottles inside, is easy to carry and open, and does not require an entirely new design with each new variety combination. More
Hormel Foods surpasses packaging minimization goals
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, May 16, 2012
In 2011, Hormel beat its packaging minimization goal, reducing packaging by 4.2 million pounds, and diverted 695.2 tons of solid waste from the landfill by increasing recycling tonnage by 27 percent. More
Abbott launches PediaSure SideKicks in kid-friendly packaging
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, May 16, 2012
At school or on-the-go, the new kid-friendly packaging makes it easy for moms to fit this nutritional drink into a lunch bag and helps fit good nutrition into their child's routine. More
Tesco trials packaging that doubles shelf life of produce
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, May 16, 2012
Tesco is testing the new packaging in the U.K. on its Jersey Royal Pearl potatoes and says that, if the trials prove successful, it will look at extending the packaging across more of its produce. More
Candy brands launch sweet pouch packaging
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 15, 2012
Confection maker Promotion in Motion has launched a number of sweets in stand-up pouches, increasing the edibles' shelf presence. More
Kellogg's refreshes packaging, website
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 15, 2012
The 106-year-old manufacturer of cereals and other breakfast goodies is looking to engage customers and highlight its Olympic team sponsorship. More
Awards salute excellence in beauty packaging
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 15, 2012
The 2012 International Package Design Awards winners will be showcased at the HBA Global Expo and Conference, scheduled June 19-21 in New York City. More
Product and packaging can create brand harmony
Posted by John Kalkowski, May 14, 2012
Today's consumers want their foods to be as pure and unprocessed as they can possibly be. Minimalist package designs attract the consumer's attention and are able to convey the vital first impression of the food or beverage inside the package. And they persuade the consumer to buy the product. More
UK retailer keeping tomatoes fresh longer
Posted by John Kalkowski, May 13, 2012
UK retailer Tesco's tomatoes will now stay fresher for longer. Fruit naturally ripens in the presence of ethylene gas. Controlling this process is vital for the fresh produce industry to minimize the waste, cost and disappointment caused by premature ripening in the supply chain.

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Starbucks, ConAgra tackle packaging sustainability at TAPPI 2012
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 11, 2012
Plastics Today senior editor Heather Caliendo covered the Seattle event and gained insights from company leaders about initiatives and challenges. More
Pepsi unveils aluminum bottle
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, May 11, 2012
The beverage giant has relaunched Pepsi Twist in a Fusion aluminum bottle, produced by Rexam. More
DuPont Awards celebrate packaging innovation, sustainability and cost/waste reduction
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, May 11, 2012
Heinz, Kraft, Pepperidge Farms, Cadbury, Unilever and other top brands took home top honors in the 24th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation. More
Budweiser shows patriotic colors in summer packaging
John Kalkowski, May 10, 2012
For the first time in many years, the iconic Budweiser bottle will see a major makeover - special red, white and blue packaging for a limited window this summer. More