PACKAGING BRIEFS Thursday, Apr. 26

Hexacomb names new president
Hexacomb, a subsidiary of Boise Inc. and leading manufacturer of paper-based packaging and graphic display boards, has announced that Scott Daniel will serve as president of Hexacomb. Daniel joined Hexacomb in 2005 as the vp of operations. During the past seven years, he has been responsible for improving plant operations and profitability. The lean manufacturing practices that were implemented during his tenure resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiency.

Cascades consolidates corrugated plants in Ontario
Cascades Inc., a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue products, has consolidated its corrugated product plants in its Norampac division in Ontario. The consolidation translates into an investment totaling in excess of $30 million in the Vaughan, St. Mary's, Etobicoke and Belleville plants, and the closure of the North York and Peterborough units, as well as the OCD plant in Mississauga.

Metabolix awarded U.S. patents for technology to produce biobased polymers
Metabolix Inc. has been awarded a patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) related to the novel and efficient production of biobased polymers. U.S. Patent 8,093,022 titled "Polyhydroxalkanoate Biopolymer Compositions" enables production of a series of new PHA biopolymer compositions using genetically engineered microbial strains. The process enables the company to engineer microbes and plants to accumulate unique biobased monomers and PHA polymers inside their cells. These can then be extracted and used as bioplastics or converted directly from dried biomass using the company's FAST technology to chemical intermediates.

EXPO PACK México growing to be biggest yet
EXPO PACK México 2012 (Centro Banamex, Mexico; June 26-29) is on the way to becoming one of the largest editions ever. Show owner and producer PMMI says the show will welcome an expected 25,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibitors in over 17,400 net square meters (187,000 net square feet) of exhibit space.

App helps users find quick solutions to protective packaging challenges
Pregis Corp.'s new On Point iPad app features robust information to help packagers make correct protective packaging decisions for their specific product requirements. The app also has tools to assist Pregis' consultative sales staff and distribution partners to facilitate the process. The application assessment tool uses a checklist model to improve data collection prior to recommending solutions. An application guide reviews the major protective packaging categories (cushioning, void fill, block and brace, surface protection and containment) and supports them with a chart matrix that lets users know which Pregis product is ideal for each requirement. A solutions portfolio details Pregis' systems offerings by category: inflatable void-fill, inflatable cushioning, paper packaging and foam-in-place. This section also provides product information on air cushioning, mailers and engineered and roll foam products.

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