PACKAGING BRIEFS—Tuesday, Nov. 23

MGS Machine named as Adept Preferred Partner
Through a partnership with leading automation and precision robotics expert Adept Technology, packaging machinery maker MGS Machine will be able to deliver reliable and cost-effective robotic packaging solutions to its clients.

Albéa is new name of Alcan Packaging Beauty
Following its change of ownership in July 2010, Alcan Packaging Beauty now has a new brand identity, with a new name and logo. The new name, Albéa, is meant to evoke the word "beauty" and symbolize material embellishment, referring to the company's core business. The letter A at the beginning and at the end of the name reflects its openness.

France looks for companies to test eco labeling
France's minister for sustainable development is looking for companies to sign up for a year-long test of its environmental labeling scheme. Starting in January 2011, volunteers would label products with carbon footprint info, as well as with other stats, such as water and energy use.

H.B. Fuller taps veteran for CEO slot
The H.B. Fuller Co. board of directors has appointed Jim Owens to succeed Michele Volpi as president and chief executive officer and director, effective immediately. Volpi will also step down from the board of directors. Owens, who most recently served as Fuller's head of the Americas region, has 24 years of experience in the industry.

Sonoco names Adam Wood to key European post
Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has named Adam Wood division vice president and general manager of Converted Products/Paper-Europe, effective January 1, 2011. Wood replaces Eddie Smith, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with the company. Smith will remain with the company through March 31, 2011, to help with the transition and to work on special projects. In this new position, Wood will have responsibility for the company's Sonoco-Alcore business unit, which includes 30 tube and core plants and six uncoated recycled paperboard mills operating in 15 European countries with more than 1,650 employees.

Industrial Dynamics/filtec mourns death of Thomas Kiel
Thomas Kiel, worldwide service director at Industrial Dynamics/filtec, passed away on September 19, 2010. Known by many people in the field and an icon in the industry, Kiel is survived by his parents and two sons.

McGrath to lead Pactiv Foodservice/Food Packaging business
Pactiv Foodservice/Food Packaging Group, a wholly owned unit of Reynolds Group Holdings has appointed John McGrath to CEO, Pactiv Foodservice/Food Packaging.