PACKAGING BRIEFS—Thursday, Dec. 2

Kellogg to add new line to Keebler plant
Kellogg is planning to bring production in-house for a baked bar line at its Keebler bakery in Grand Rapids. The products are currently being co-packed at a facility in Illinois. Kellogg estimates that it will spend $18 million to install an oven, packaging equipment and conveyors.

Starbucks recycles used cups into new ones
In November 2010, Starbucks Coffee Co.—in partnership with International Paper and Mississippi River Pulp LLC.—completed a six-week pilot project that, for the first time, proved Starbucks used paper cups can be recycled into new paper cups. This advancement brings Starbucks one step closer to its goal of ensuring 100 percent of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015.

Velcro rebrands, launches new logo on all packaging

Velcro rebrands, launches new logo on all packaging

P&G Prestige to receive packaging design award
During Luxe Pack, the Pratt Institute will honor P&G Prestige with the "Art of Packaging Award" for its outstanding commitment to package design, on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at New York's University Club. Sumit Bhasin, global leader of innovation at P&G Prestige, is slated to accept the award.

Flexible packaging scrap prevention workshop scheduled
Flexible packaging converting suppliers Henkel Corp. and Nordmeccanica N.A. will present a one-day workshop on Feb. 16, 2011, at Nordmeccanica's Edgewood, N.Y., plant focusing on scrap prevention opportunities and solutions in the laminated flexible packaging industry. Click here for more info.

"My M&M's" personalized product/packaging debuts in the U.K.
U.K. consumers can now order personalized M&M's candies in a range of packages from brand owner Mars through it My M&M's business. According to Easier.com, packaging options include individual portions wrapped in clear film, a contemporary sculpted semi-circular bag and "stylish classical organza bags to showcase the customized gifts."

European BPA baby bottle ban won't spread to other food containers
While the European Commission has banned the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles, it does not intend to extend that ban to other bottles, cans or containers that come into contact with food. The Commission says that, based on risk assessments it receives from the European Food Safety Authority, it has found no science-based reason to outlaw the material in the epoxy linings of non-baby foods.

Clean Agency opens San Fran office, hires area director
Clean Agency, a research-based consulting firm specializing in sustainable business solutions for global consumer goods companies, has opened a new San Francisco office and has hired George Velarde as business development director for the Bay Area. Prior to Clean, Velarde served as business development manager for Sustainable Media Inc. and principal for Mainline Technology Inc.

IDEA competition accepting entries
The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) is accepting entries to its 2011 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) program from designers, students and companies worldwide. "Packaging and Graphics" is one of five design segments in the competition. Click here for more info.

Pratt Industries opens new recycling plant in N.C.
Pratt Industries has opened a new recycling operation in Winston-Salem, N.C. The company will use recovered paper at its Conyers, Ga., corrugate box manufacturing plant and will sell any metal and plastic to users of those recycled materials.

International Paper sponsors consumer awareness campaign
An awareness campaign—sponsored by International Paper and entitled Go Paper. Grow Trees.—gives consumers info at interactive website GoPaperGrowTrees.com on how using paper products makes a contribution to the health and growth of trees and forests.