PACKAGING BRIEFS — Thursday, Nov. 18

HP vows to use more recycled plastic
In its recent environmental update, Hewlett-Packard says it will use more recycled plastic in its products -- material which comes mostly from water bottles and used printing cartridges. So far in 2010, HP estimates that it has used approximately 10.5 million pounds of recycled plastic in its consumer printers alone.

MeadWestvaco invests in Brazil expansion
MeadWestvaco Corp. is investing approximately $480 million in its corrugated packaging business in Brazil. To meet growing customer demand in the area, the company will expand operations at Rigesa, its Brazilian subsidiary, including installing an advanced paperboard machine that will double the capacity of its Três Barras mill.

Holiday label adorns Apio vegetable-and-dip trays
From Nov. 15 through the end of December, Apio will put seasonal holiday labels on its Eat Smart 40-ounce Classic Vegetable and 36-ounce Veggie Blend trays.

Florida city to recycle EPS
Deerfield Beach, a city in Broward County, Fla., has started recycling expanded polystyrene packaging for area residents and businesses. This is possible through an agreement with Edge Logistics Group, a new Pompano Beach company that will process the used material into products such as baseboards, crown molding, picture frames and soles for shoes.

Silgan grows plastic closure business with IPEC acquisition
Silgan Holdings Inc., a supplier of consumer goods packaging products, has acquired IPEC Global Inc., a plastic closure manufacturer serving primarily the North American dairy and juice markets. The purchase broadens the company's competitive position in plastic closures for these markets.