Supplier News 694

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009 


Cereplast’s Bio-Based Resins to Be Distributed by Chase PlasticsCereplast, Inc., developer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, today announced a new strategic partnership with Chase Plastics to distribute Cereplast’s bio-based resins in North America. This agreement signals Cereplast’s long-term commitment to broadening the supply of its bio-based resins to North American plastics processors. The strategic partnership with Chase Plastics is another indication of the rapid rate of growth of the market for Cereplast’s bio-based resins, as well as the company’s ability to supply a major channel of distribution.Chase Plastics is one of North America’s fastest growing, full-service specialty engineering thermoplastic distributors, serving plastic processors in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Chase Plastics delivers specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics in a wide variety of compounds encompassing every thermoplastic. Chase operates more than 20 warehouses throughout North America capable of carrying and stocking Cereplast’s bio-based resins available for next day shipping.   www.chaseplastics.com  |  www.cereplast.com 


Biopack Environmental announces entry 
into the United States packaging marketBiopack Environmental Solutions Inc., a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of 100% biodegradable packaging products, is pleased to announce its entry into the United States packaging market. In addition to selling its products in more than 14 countries, Biopack has begun to market and sell its compostable packaging line in the United States through its newest distribution partner, Biopack America.“We are excited to enter the United States market and continue our effort to expand our international footprint in key markets where environmentally responsible packaging is increasingly becoming a priority," commented Mr. Gerald Lau, Biopack’s Chief Executive Officer. "We believe the United States represents an enormous, untapped opportunity for Biopack, as virtually the entire market segment continues to be dominated by environmentally polluting products such as paper, plastic, and EPS. Our management team is confident that Biopack can duplicate its European success in the US and other markets, as our product quality, low environmental impact, and bio-degradability characteristics are industry-leading."  www.biopackenvironmental.com
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009
Polypack, Inc. welcomes Beryl LawrencePolypack, Inc. is pleased to welcome Beryl Lawrence to the sales team. Beryl will serve as the Dairy Sector Manager.Beryl joins Polypack with nearly 30 years of valuable packaging industry experience; including design, manufacturing and sales. According to Emmanuel Cerf, the Vice President of Sales for Polypack, "Beryl possesses the unique combination of sales experience and technical ability that we look for in a National Accounts Sales Manager. With the industry focus on cost savings and sustainability; the Shrink Bundling and Packaging market continues to grow, Polypack continues to invest in additional resources to improve our service to our customers worldwide. www.polypack.com 


Portola Tech relocating manufacturing operationsPortola Packaging, Inc., announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Portola Tech, is consolidating its US manufacturing footprint and leveraging its invested capital in moving its US plant to new modern manufacturing facility. The new plant is located in Cumberland, RI and the move is part of the company’s on-going strategy to invest in streamlining its operations. The new structure will produce significant annual cost savings and further positions Portola Tech as the premier supplier in their market.“This is a huge step forward for Portola Tech,” says Rick Schofield, President. “We have been working on this improvement strategy for several years and it is now important that we take this step to realize the full potential of the plan. Our customers will benefit from improved product quality and consistency from a new efficient manufacturing plant. Our employees and shareholders will benefit from this action as it removes cost from our system.” added Schofield. www.techindustries.com

Schneider Electric named 2009 CSIA Partner Company of the Year by Control System Integrators AssociationThe Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) recently honored Schneider Electric, one of the world’s leading suppliers of energy management, power, control and automation solutions, with its 2009 CSIA Partner Company of the Year Award. Schneider Electric was recognized at CSIA’s 16th annual Executive Conference recently held in Naples, Fla., for “its significant contributions of resources for the betterment of CSIA and its members,” according to the association. CSIA is the largest organization in the world for control system integrators, and is designed to help members improve how they approach business activities, manage projects and deliver solutions.“We are very proud to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Roger Manus, Schneider Electric value chain segment manager. “System integrators are key to Schneider Electric’s success, and being recognized by the members of CSIA is a testament to the success of our newly expanded Solutions Partner Program, a comprehensive support and training offering for integrators and control panel builders. We are committed to working with CSIA and our integrators to navigate today’s competitive marketplace and grow our collective businesses.”Schneider Electric has been an active leader in CSIA for nearly 10 years — working to grow CSIA brand awareness and expand its capabilities as a system integrators association through helping to increase its membership and sponsoring valuable educational events. www.schneider-electric.us 

Microdynamics donates inspection microscope to Clemson University’s Sonoco InstituteMicroDynamics, Inc has donated a complete 3DQC inspection microscope system (3DQC) to Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute Center for Flexible Packaging Design and Graphics The Institute (CEFPACK) supports the Graphic Communications and Packaging Sciences departments at Clemson University as well providing training, testing and research laboratory services to the flexible packaging industry.MicroDynamics’ President and Technical Director stated, “We are very happy to have this opportunity to work with Clemson and very excited about the future possibilities.” MicroDynamics provides inspection microscopes for flexographic and gravure printers and many surface roughness applications including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical and testing/R&D labs. www.microdynamics.net


NJPEC call for submissions for the annual 
Package of the Year Awards competitionSubmissions must be work produced from September 2008 to August 2009 in the following categories.Cosmetics and Fragrances
Food and Beverage
Pharmaceuticals/Medical Devices
Promotional Packaging
Personal Care
Household/Industrial
Package Graphic Design
Folding Cartons and Rigid BoxesThere will also be special awards for Sustainable Packaging, Innovation, Market Impact, Best use of Stock Packaging, Rutgers Students’ Choice and Package of the Year.Entry fee is free for members and only $75.00 per submission for non-members. Submission deadline is September 7, 2009. Go to www.njpec.com for entry forms and more information on the awards ceremony. 


EskoArtwork features array of new solutions for Labelexpo EuropeEskoArtwork will be presenting its market-leading solutions for labels and tags at Labelexpo Europe, taking place in Brussels, September 23 through 29, 2009. EskoArtwork offers design and prepress solutions for all label and tag printing processes, including digital printing, offset, gravure, flexo and screen. The EskoArtwork stand will be located in Hall 5, Stand 5B30. In addition, EskoArtwork is participating in the Digital Experience, Hall 9 (Stand 9F100), new at Labelexpo Europe this year."Labelexpo Europe is always a terrific event for us," says Armand Gougay, EskoArtwork Vice President Emeala. "Worldwide label professionals that come looking for solutions to cut cost, time and errors out of their label design and production processes will find in EskoArtwork a partner with innovative solutions that span the entire label pre-production process. The EskoArtwork presence at Labelexpo Europe will certainly demonstrate that when it comes to narrow web solutions, EskoArtwork is definitely not narrow-minded." www.esko.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009 


OCTALincreases capital to reach US$1.1 billion in exports by 2011Emerging global packaging leader OCTAL is on course to become a US$1 billion company by 2011, with export volumes to global markets expected to triple over the next two years.OCTAL Chairman Sheikh Saad Suhail Bahwan said total sales of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were US$25 million in June and would reach US$100 million per month by the middle of 2011.OCTAL ships more than 1,200 containers per month from Oman and now accounts for 85 per cent of import-export traffic through the port of Salalah.Sheikh Saad said: “Despite the downturn, our business is growing on the strength of scale, reliability of supply and product quality offered by our advanced manufacturing operation in Salalah Free Zone. In two years we will be a US$1 billion company. We are winning new customers while the competition cuts back or closes down and making steady progress in converting the market to PET.”OCTAL, which opened the world’s first integrated PET resin and sheet complex in January, exports to more than 60 customers in 33 markets. It has also substituted 90 per cent of PET resin imports into Oman, valued at nearly US$42 million a year. www.octal.com
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009
O-I Announces New Managing Director of ChinaOwens-Illinois, Inc., has selected Paul Wang to serve as the company's managing director in China.Wang joins O-I from International Paper, where he held a number of senior level positions in sales and marketing, business development, government relations and general management, including managing the largeIn his new role at O-I, Wang will be located in Shanghai and will assume responsibility for all of the company's operations in China. As part of his role, Wang will also support global operations through low cost strategic sourcing from China through O-I's China Trading Company and Tianjin Mould Company. A top priority will be accelerating O-I's growth strategy in China, including organic growth and merger and acquisition activity."Paul brings a unique set of capabilities to this role including proven leadership and general management skills, experience with both packaging and glass companies, deep knowledge of the Chinese business environment and expertise in business development, all of which will be of great value as O-I grows its business in China," said Greg Ridder, president of O-I Asia Pacific. www.o-i.com

Océ North America joins Paperboard Packaging CouncilOcé North America has joined the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) as an associate member.“Océ is proud to be a member of the leading trade association of the paperboard packaging industry,” said Randy Paar, product manager, Wide Format Printing Systems division of Océ North America. “Océ has several unique and highly productive digital printing and cutting solutions that can dramatically streamline the production of high quality packaging prototypes. We look forward to sharing these tools with the PPC membership to help them compete more effectively and successfully in the marketplace.”  www.oceusa.com  |  www.ppcnet.org



MONDAY, JULY 13, 2009
C-P Flexible Packaging celebrates 50th anniversaryAfter 50 years in the packaging industry some companies may get complacent – settling in, finding their niche and making the most of it. Not C-P Flexible Packaging.Getting its start in 1959 as a supplier of pre-made cellophane bags for the snack food industry, C-P has continued to expand and innovate to meet the changing needs of a vast portfolio of clients. Growing from the original 7,500 square foot building, this York, Pennsylvania-based company now occupies a 125,000 facility that houses state-of-the-art flexographic presses and lamination technologies. A second 15,000 square foot facility is dedicated to the seaming and inspection of shrink sleeves.Today the forward-thinking professionals at C-P Flexible Packaging are working with extended gamut printing, source reduction programs and advanced biodegradable materials. C-P has made significant inroads in implementing sustainable practices.The company has a service-oriented corporate culture that has not only allowed them to create vibrant flexible packaging, pouches, labels and sleeves – it has produced long-term relationships with many national manufacturers.As C-P Flexible Packaging celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company’s drive to deliver the best possible packaging solution has made it agile enough to fast-track urgent packaging projects, comprehensive enough to supply full-tilt printing production needs and innovative enough to consistently deliver a fresh approach to any packaging challenge. Making C-P Flexible Packaging the youngest 50-year-old in the industry.  www.cpconverters.com
 NatureWorks and Avantium to collaborate on 
a new generation of bio-based polymersNatureWorks and Avantium, two leaders in the field of sustainable materials, announced today a development partnership formed to more fully understand the properties and commercial potential of a new generation of polymers made from renewable resources.The partnership is based on Avantium’s work in deriving monomers and polymers from non food biomass and on NatureWorks success in developing a wide range of end markets and products for its Ingeo™ biopolymer. Avantium calls this class of bio-based polymers Furanics, and the companies believe this new class of products for both biofuels and plastics holds important promise because of the potential efficiencies in production, the wide availability and diversity of sources for biomass, and the versatility and performance of end products.Initially, NatureWorks will be conducting in-house testing of a selection of Avantium’s polymers for a range of applications, such as personal electronics, automotive, fibers and other engineering plastics applications. The testing period is expected to last approximately one year. This collaboration will clear the way for the market introduction of this new generation of bio-based polymers, which may take several years, and which would be complimentary to NatureWorks existing Ingeo™ portfolio.“We believe it is incumbent on us to investigate tomorrow’s potential solutions beginning today,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO of NatureWorks. “For example, development of NatureWorks Ingeo™ biopolymer began in the 1990s. Avantium’s work to date is impressive, and we look forward to a productive joint collaboration.”“Our new partnership with NatureWorks will provide us with highly relevant insights into the potential of Furanics in a wide range of applications,” said Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium. “NatureWorks’ experience in commercializing new polymers combined with our proprietary technology may result in a new sustainable alternative to petroleum based products. This agreement is an important step towards the commercialization of our Furanics bioplastics.”   www.natureworksllc.com  | www.avantium.com
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