PACKAGING BRIEFS Thursday, May 26

QuickLabel Systems earns Sony Green Partner certification
QuickLabel Systems, a brand of Astro-Med Inc., has received the "Sony Green Partner" award in recognition of its ability to manufacture label and ink components that have minimal impact on the environment. This certification was awarded following an on-site audit by Sony Digital Audio Disc Co. (DADC). Sony Green Partner certification positions QuickLabel Systems as a "preferred supplier" to Sony and to other companies who seek a label and ink supplier who has achieved Sony Green Partner status. The certification illustrates QuickLabel Systems' strong environmental protection commitment, particularly during the production processes. Sony awards suppliers with Green Partner certification when they actively cooperate in producing environmentally sustainable products. The "Sony Green Partner Standards" were established in 2001 as a way to encourage its suppliers to become more environmentally responsible. Sony's Green Partner program restricts the use of hazardous substances in materials as described in the Sony technical standard SS-00259. Suppliers can achieve Sony Green Partner status by meeting these requirements and by demonstrating compliance via an on-site audit.

Primera redesigns websites for easier navigation, adds enhanced features
Primera Technology Inc., a leading manufacturer of specialty printers, has redesigned its two main corporate websites at www.primera.com and www.primeralabel.com. The dramatically enhanced sites welcome visitors with bold colorful graphics and a clean, uncluttered design. The rotating home page graphics highlight new products, promotions and announcements. In addition to the new design, the sites have undergone improvements in the areas of content and navigation. A "support" button located on all product pages provides direct access to software upgrades, user manuals and more. New "feature" buttons also provide users access to product videos, specifications, brochures, pricing and case studies.

Cereplast receives $12.5 million from investors for bioplastic expansion
Cereplast Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, has entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with select institutional investors. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the company will raise $12.5 million in an offering of 7 percent senior subordinated convertible notes due June 1, 2016. Proceeds from the financing will be used for working capital to meet the increasing demand for the company's bioplastic resins, driven by recently signed distribution agreements and increased legislation banning the use of traditional plastics. Based on current demand, the company expects rapid expansion in Europe and other emerging markets.

Label Traxx names Hans Poortinga European agent
Label Traxx, the print business management software company for flexographic narrow web label printers and converters, has named Hans Poortinga its agent in Europe. Under the agreement, Poortinga will market the Label Traxx product to label printers and flexographic converters throughout Continental Europe. Poortinga brings nearly 25 years experience in the printing and converting industry to Label-Traxx. His expertise includes wide and narrow web flexography, digital printing, offset printing, newspapers, shrink sleeves and bookbinding.

Paragon Packaging expands product line into PET containers
Paragon Packaging of Mansfield, Texas, has recently purchased its first PET machine and it is now operational. The company's first two stock bottles will be 32-oz/1-L carafes and cylinders, but it will also be pursuing custom projects. This new product line complements its current lineup of HDPE bottles. In-house labeling, sleeving and silk sceening is also offered.

Berlin Packaging designs featured in book of packaging innovations
Eight package designs by Berlin Packaging's Studio One Eleven design division are featured in "The Big Book of Packaging," a recently released anthology of the latest innovations in packaging design compiled by branding and design authorities Will Burke, Lisa Baer and James Pietruszynski. The eight projects span food, health/beauty, pet care, automotive and household chemical products for which Studio One Eleven provided structural design, graphic design and/or brand strategy services, with all components manufactured by Berlin Packaging's supply network to ensure successful execution.

Bormioli Rocco is acquired by Vision Capital
Vision Capital has agreed to acquire a portfolio of investments from Banco Popolare, Italy's fourth largest retail bank, including a substantial majority stake in Bormioli Rocco, one of the leading wholesale suppliers of glass and plastic packaging to the global pharmaceutical and food industries. In 2010, Bormioli generated sales of €531 million and EBITDA of €85 million. Upon completion of the transaction, Vision Capital will appoint Paolo Antonietti as chairman of Bormioli. Antonietti has 25 years experience in senior management at multinational corporations such as Nestlé, Rieter and Sulzer and has held a number of senior board positions at private equity owned companies in recent years.

QMI-SAI Global hires new technical director in Agri-Food
QMI-SAI Global, the leading North American quality certification body, has hired Gordon Hayburn as its new technical director for Agri-Food. Hayburn brings experience and knowledge that will help position QMI-SAI Global as an industry leader in Food Safety Management Systems.

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