Pat Reynolds

VP Editor Emeritus

The 8-color 17” press at IMEC is the first Mark Andy Evolution to be installed in Ireland . Shown here are Production Manager James Williams (left) and Production Supervisor John Scully

First Evolution Press in Ireland

IMEC Media became the first converter in Ireland to install an Evolution flexo press, which is built for conventional labels and scalable for flexible film.

From Mondelez, the latest in consumer engagement through digital printing technology.

Mondelez Leverages Digital Printing

Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury, has launched a new initiative to transform confectionery packaging into customizable experiences for football fans.

End-of-line upgrade was accomplished recently at Pearlwater Mineralquellen AG of Switzerland.

End-of-line Upgrade

Pearlwater Mineralquellen AG of Switzerland recently enhanced the efficiency of its production line as well as its bottle quality by upgrading its end-of-line palletizer.

Sun-Maid's glow-in-the-dark snacks for Halloween.

Sun-Maid Goes Glow -in-the-Dark

For those looking for a festive addition to a Halloween treat bag or bowl, Sun-Maid is releasing limited-edition glow-in-the-dark packaging for its Sour Raisin Snacks and yogurt-covered raisins.

More from Pat Reynolds

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How To Broaden Use of Remote Access

If CPGs are ever going to capitalize fully on the potential benefits offered by remote access technology, they need to start small and grow success rather than looking to quickly implement an entire complex plan all at once.

From Cabrio Case to stackable club store to regular brown kraft corrugated shipper, the end-of-line equipment in Fisher Nuts’ new line handles it all. Behind the cases is the LSP-100 robotic case loader.

Smooth New Case Packing at Fisher Nuts

Secondary packaging on this new line includes the latest in case erecting, loading, and closing. The machines also accept three very different case styles all formed from one flat blank.

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What’s Keeping CPGs from Remote Access?

Planning to expand remote access technology use in response to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic is one thing; overcoming the long-standing barriers of resistance to this technology is another.

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Trends in Adoption of Remote Access

In a just-released report from PMMI Business Intelligence, 29% of CPG respondents said they do not allow any remote access in their facilities.

Shown here is one of four case packers that receive bags (lower left) and then discharge finished cases (lower right) into a spiral conveyor takeaway.

Two-phase Upgrade at Ferrara Candy

After four scale/bagger systems produced welcome results on primary packaging efficiency, some impressively versatile and compact case packers were added to the mix.

The new line from Seventh Generation includes powders as well as tablets.

Plastic-free Packaging for Homecare Line

Kelly Murosky, Senior Packaging Engineer at Seventh Generation, the Burlington, Vt.-based firm that sells eco-friendly cleaning, paper, and personal care products, talks about the packaging for the new Zero Plastic Homecare line.

Transfer of PET bottles from blowing to filling to capping is all done by star wheels that grip bottle necks, so no bottle platforms are needed.

Vertical Integration Rules at Incobrasa

From blow molding PET bottles to welding 4-L steel cans to injection molding of plugs that seal those cans, this edible oil producer is a big believer in self manufacture.

Remote FAT procedures shown in this screen save include a mechanical engineer at MG2 (upper left) operating an MG2 compact machine, Quality Engineer Sarah Jacobs of Dr. Gustav Klein (upper right), and two MG2 experts shown near the bottom of the screen.

Conducting a Virtual FAT

With COVID-19 making it difficult to schedule in-person business meetings of any kind, this Italian packaging machinery OEM is leaning on remote work solutions.

Oan Fallas Speedybot

End-of-line Specialist Moves Toward Condition Monitoring

Fallas Automation places an even greater emphasis on integrating early warning systems for predictive maintenance since COVID-19 set in.