IoPP offers packaging scholarships
The Institute of Packaging Professionals is offering four $2,500 academic scholarships for 2012-2013, to recognize exceptional college students headed for a career in packaging. The organization created the awards program to support packaging education and raise awareness of packaging as a career choice. To apply, submit an official copy of the student's current transcript, two letters of recommendation from instructors not related to the applicant (or members of the Packaging Education Scholarship Fund Selection Committee who have knowledge of the applicant's academic achievements), and a current high-resolution photo that can be reproduced for promotion. On a separate sheet of paper, prepare a detailed narrative description of academic and career goals for the future. All materials must be completed and postmarked no later than March 19, 2012. Contact IoPP's Sarah Washburn at (630) 544-5050 x116 or [email protected] for more information.

Bemis acquires injection-molding system
Bemis Custom Plastics, the advanced technology group of Bemis Manufacturing Co., has announced the acquisition of a 3,000-ton plastic injection molding system, the Maxima MG 3000, from Milacron Plastics Technologies. Because the molding system uses 10 to 20 percent less floor space than comparable machines, it will enable the company to produce parts for customers according to demand, while allowing space for addition of machines as needed.

Nielsen exec: Store brand gains will continue
During the Private Label Manufacturers Association's February PLMA Live video, the Nielsen Co.'s VP for Global Insights James Russo remarks that that the growth of store brands during the recession is more than a momentary shift. Factors contributing to the continuing success of private label products, according to Russo, include retailers' increased support for promoting their own brands, and consumers' perception that store brands are on par with national brands. PLMA research indicates store brands last year moved from 19.1 percent dollar share to 19.5 percent, while units were steady at 23.6 percent; further, overall store brands grew by +5 percent in dollar volume and outpaced national brands growth 2 to 1. View the video here.

Website offers comprehensive fastener info
B2B Industrial Packaging has updated its website to include comprehensive information on its line of fasteners and fastener tools, in addition to a range of other packaging-related products. Through the online portal, customers can buy fasteners in any quantity and in metric or regular sizes. The updated website also includes fastener tools and tool repair services, facilitated by the company's repair team, and information on its inventory of used fastener equipment.

Cascades continues consolidation
Kingsley Falls, QC-based Cascades Inc., a company that recovers and manufactures sustainable packaging and tissue paper products, has announced it plans to permanently close its Cascades Enviropac facility in Toronto on June 1, 2012. The facility had focused on manufacturing Technicomb honeycomb packaging, a product geared toward the furniture packaging industry; that operation will be redirected towards Cascades Enviropac plants in Berthierville, QC, and Grand Rapids, MI.

Rexam releases personal-care packaging catalog
Rexam Personal Care has released its 2012 catalog profiling its personal care packaging product offerings. The literature is designed to help packaging professionals locate and order the appropriate solution for a project based on the application. Each section includes technical information, summary of every product's potential value, overview description, and benefits of use for both customers and consumers. The catalog is available both online and in print form. To download or order a copy, visit here. www.rexam.com/personalcare

Rieke Packaging Systems continues global expansion
The Rieke Packaging Systems division of TriMas Corp. continues to expand its closure and dispensing product business globally. Among its recent successes: a large, UK-based personal care product company has entered into a multi-year agreement with Rieke to supply non-aerosol foamer pumps for use within personal care products; Rieke will supply the pumps in Asia, Europe and North America. Additionally, an international cosmetic company has signed a multi-year agreement with Rieke to provide a specialized airless dispensing system that provides exact, measured dispensed liquids for use in various skin care products in its personal care market segment in Northern Europe, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Rieke president Lynn Brooks reports the company expects to attain more than $10 million in revenue from these new awards.

Colbert, Haapanen form packaging insert partnership
Colbert Packaging Corp. (a manufacturer of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes and paperboard specialty products) and Haapanen Brothers (a full-service graphic arts and printing company) have joined to form C and H Printing Solutions Inc., a new provider of micro-folded packaging inserts and outserts. The two firms formed the to serve the needs of pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical device and consumer goods manufacturers, and other companies that incorporate product information inserts and outserts into their packaging. The newly formed organization will be headquartered within Colbert's cGMP-compliant flexographic manufacturing facility in Lake Forest, IL.
.