PACKAGING BRIEFS Tuesday, June 14

IoPP Packaging Learning Center Conference announced for Pack Expo Vegas
IoPP has announced for its Packaging Learning Center Conference at Pack Expo Las Vegas, which runs from Sept. 26-28, 2011. Sessions will run the gamut from production line best practices to what's next in packaging sustainability to serialization programs to package innovation. Speakers scheduled include packaging professionals from companies such as Coca-Cola, Shire Pharmaceuticals, General Mills, and Kellogg's.

Graham Packaging Co. receives unsolicited acquisition proposal

Graham Packaging Company Inc. has informed Silgan that it has received an unsolicited proposal from a private non-investment grade company to acquire all of the shares of Graham Packaging for $25 per share in cash.

Wacker appoints new distributor for silicone and polymer products in Africa

Wacker, the Munich-based chemical company, reorganizes and enhances its distribution network for its silicone and polymer products in Africa to improve efficiency and to create cross-regional synergies. As part of a global consolidation process, the Orkila Group has been entrusted with the distribution of selected silicone and polymer products out of Wacker's portfolio in North Africa effective June 1, 2011.

Schawk wins award for its packaging premedia services
Schawk Inc. has been recognized by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) with a Silver Award for its packaging premedia work in the Mid-Web Paperboard Category at the 2011 Excellence in Flexography Awards. Schawk (Toronto) was recognized for its premedia work on the packaging of Alpine Light 2x6 Cans Box, which was printed via digital photopolymer by Master Packaging Inc. Entries submitted to the FTA 2011 Excellence in Flexography Awards Competition were judged for their degree of difficulty and level of technical execution. Thirty-nine judges spent three days evaluating 620 submissions. 

Cosfibel awarded the Pack&Green prize
For the second year running Cosfibel was awarded the Pack&Green prize at packaging and promotional gift show Pack&Gift in Paris on June 8, 2011. A unanimous jury selected the Ultralight coffret, as the most ecologically responsible solution based on criteria of conception, choice of materials, transport and end-of-life options, from a group of 25 entries. The mono-material package was commended for its attractive design in addition to its sustainable attributes.

Enfocus names new product manager, North America
Enfocus taps industry veteran Michael Reiher to the newly created position of Product Manager, North America. The appointment reflects the company's ongoing expansion with a dedicated focus on the North American market; and marks a significant move toward balancing product management activities worldwide, with designated "representative" input from different regions.

RMT Robotics appoints new customer care manager
RMT Robotics, a Cimcorp Oy company, manufacturer and integrator of robotic gantry material handling systems, has appointed Dave Barker to the position of customer care manager. Prior to accepting this position, Barker was employed at Automated Tooling Systems (ATS) for 12 years, working in a variety of roles that lead to his advancement to Manager of Technical Services. Barker was instrumental in building a very successful Technical Services team focused on delivering excellence in customer care through superior technical expertise.

Key Technology opens innovation and solutions center
Key Technology announces the opening of its new customer visitor center - The Innovation and Solutions Center - in Walla Walla, WA. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to create a superior customer experience while effectively demonstrating and testing Key's sorting, conveying, and processing solutions to food processors, both in-person and remotely via a live video interface.

Green Bay Coated Products granted Business Friend of Environment Award
Green Bay Packaging Inc. - Coated Products Division earned the 2011 Business Friend of Environment (BFOE) Award along with nine other companies at the 22nd annual Environmental Policy and Awards Conference May 12 in Pewaukee, WI. GBCP diverts more than 50 percent of its waste from a landfill through recycling, reuse and waste-to-energy programs.

Kaleidoscope invests in innovation lab, doubles packaging prototyping capabilities.
As part of a five year investment strategy, Kaleidoscope has invested nearly half million dollars in its innovation lab. The new investment is not only in people and processes, but new equipment including a state-of-the-art Digicon packaging finishing system (for comps and marketing samples) and computer numeric controlled (CNC) milling machines for structural prototyping.