Smart tag keeps tabs on food spoilage
18 March, 2014Forget use-by dates - what if the packaging could tell you if a product was safe to eat? Researchers have developed a smart tag that can tell whether the product inside has spoiled without the need to open the container.
Safer BPA alternative created from papermaking waste
17 March, 2014A safer alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA) has been developed from a waste product from making paper: lignin. Researchers say the BPA alternative could be market-ready in five years.
Bioplastic factories from microbes
14 March, 2014What if bacteria and algae could produce our plastics for us with no need for petroleum? European scientists believe this could be possible and are experimenting with bacteria and algae to turn them into 'bioplastic factories'.
Benchmarking trial for sparkling wine closures commences soon
07 March, 2014The world's first large-scale benchmarking trial for sparkling wine closures is due to commence in 2014. To be conducted by the AWRI, the trial will evaluate the impact of a range of different closure technologies on bottle-fermented Chardonnay Pinot Noir.
Even low-level BPA exposure is too much, expert says: primate foetuses affected
03 March, 2014Daily exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), even at very low concentrations, has been shown to cause foetal abnormalities in primates, raising questions about its effects on human foetuses.
Scientists warn of chemical dangers in food packaging, but not without their critics
25 February, 2014 by Jo Adetunji, The ConversationEnvironmental scientists have warned the long-term effects of synthetic chemicals used in packaging, food storage and processing food could be damaging our health.
Zip-Pak Fragrance-Zip aroma-emitting zipper closure
21 February, 2014Zip-Pak has developed the Fragrance-Zip, a zipper closure solution designed to emit a customised aroma upon initial and subsequent openings of a flexible package. The scent is embedded in the reclosure during the manufacturing process. The fragrance can be incorporated into any style of resealable Zip-Pak closure. The company claims it can duplicate most aromas, enabling a package to replicate a desired scent whenever opened.
Food safety and UV-cured printing inks
21 February, 2014 by David Helsby, President, RadTech EuropeThere is much to be said in favour of radiation-curing inks, as world-leading manufacturers of packaging print equipment already know. Because UV inks cure faster, work throughput is much more positive than with traditional print drying tunnels.
Krones NitroHotfill bottle wins design award
04 February, 2014A Krones-designed NitroHotfill bottle has won Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) the 2013 Australian Packaging Design Award. The 600 mL Powerade Sports bottle was voted Best of Show' at the awards.
Microcracks make tougher glass
30 January, 2014Engraving networks of 3D microcracks in borosilicate glass increased the toughness of the glass by 200 times compared to non-engraved slides, researchers at McGill University in Canada discovered.
ROFIN StarMAP software
24 January, 2014Using StarMAP software from ROFIN, micro-perforations are individually customised for the produce and the packaging geometry. Package volume, packaging film type and storage temperature are considered as well.
Low-cost and eco-friendly packaging for confectionery and baked goods
20 January, 2014As energy and raw materials become more expensive and consumers become more environmentally conscious, confectionery and snack manufacturers have to adjust. Their products now have to stand out from the crowd without extravagant packaging that drives up costs. Luckily, packaging producers and machine manufacturers can help with material-saving packaging solutions and more efficient production lines.
Plastic overtakes metal in beverage closures
08 January, 2014In 2007, metal closures held 51% of the market; in 2013, metal closures held 48% of the market, with plastic closures holding 49%, a new report from Canadean shows.
Better packaging and smarter process technology for less spoilage
13 December, 2013Innovative packages are key in the fight against food loss and wastage. More effective barrier layers, germicidal films and freshness indicators help products keep for longer and halt consumers' throwaway mentality. However, despite these improvements, companies must keep a constant eye on process efficiency and costs.
Responsible bioplastic development alliance forms
25 November, 2013Eight companies have formed a partnership with WWF to encourage the responsible development of bioplastics. The Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance comprises: Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, Ford, HJ Heinz Company, Nike, P&G and Unilever.
