Package of the Month
Amcor Announces New Recycle-Ready Packaging
Amcor created the packaging for coffee and cheese under its AmPrima line in Europe.
Amcor announced two new applications for its innovative AmPrima recycle-ready solutions launching in Europe. The PE (polyethylene) recycle-ready portfolio is being expanded for coffee and dairy products, to offer brands a more sustainable packaging choice without compromising on performance.Amcor AmPrima recycle-ready solutions provide options for brands who need packaging that still offers the barrier, material stiffness, seal strength, graphics performance and fast run speeds of traditional unrecyclable packaging.
The new are AmPrima PE PLUS solutions targeting more demanding applications in terms of product protection, packaging convenience and runnability on packaging lines.
AmPrima PE PLUS for roast and ground coffee will launch first in Europe. Suited for all coffee pack formats and sizes, it is available with both lock/seal and peel options to protect freshness and aroma. The PE-based packaging is treated for thermal stability, allows easy transition on existing filling machines, and has an innovative barrier coating for product protection. AmPrima PE PLUS for coffee has various matte or tactile finishes for high shelf appeal. According to Amcor’s analysis, recycle-ready AmPrima PE PLUS has the potential to replace over 200 current non-recyclable coffee packaging specifications.
In line with the upcoming EU directive, and Amcor’s 2025 pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable as well as increase the use of recycled content, AmPrima is recycle-ready in most flexible PE packaging recycling streams. Additionally, it has a lower carbon footprint than many of the packaging structures it replaces, helping brands meet sustainability goals.
courtesy of Amcor
ICEE Launches Sandwich Crème Filled Cookies at Kroger
The ICEE Company, a subsidiary of J&J Snack Foods Corp. announced its newest sweet treat, ICEE Sandwich Crème Filled Cookies, available exclusively at Kroger. Sandwiched between two vanilla wafers, cookies feature either Cherry or Blue Raspberry ICEE flavored crème.
"We are continually innovating at ICEE and are beyond excited to bring fans their beloved frozen beverage flavors in a new, fun cookie format," said Natalie Peterson, Vice President of Marketing for The ICEE Company. "We have no doubt that these new crème filled cookies will be a hit among fans. It's a completely different experience – perfect for snacking on the go — with our beloved cherry and blue raspberry flavors that evoke nostalgia and make you feel like a kid again!"
Since 1967, ICEE has been a household name, forming its own category in the food and beverage market and becoming the number one brand in frozen beverages. The new crème filled cookies join the iconic ICEE portfolio, helping fans to relive their childhood and create new memories with the ones they love. ICEE Sandwich Crème Filled Cookies are now available at Kroger stores nationwide, for an SRP $3.29.
courtesy of J&J Snack Foods Corp.
Markem-Imaje Introduces the SmartLase
Markem-Imaje, the global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions and industrial marking and coding systems has unveiled the SmartLase F250. The new compact and high-performance 20W fiber laser delivers high-quality permanent coding on high-density substrates.
With customers increasingly adopting laser marking solutions for more of their product identification and packaging applications, the SmartLase F250 is the ideal solution for modern fast pace production lines. The SLF250 is the first new product launched as a result of Markem-Imaje’s acquisition of laser coding and marking solutions specialist Solaris Laser.
Highly reliable, the SmartLase F250 reduces operational expenses through fewer line stoppages and by eliminating the requirement for ink. The SmartLase F250 delivers chemical-free production that is truly environmentally friendly and helps businesses meet sustainability compliance goals.
Compact and intelligent, the SmartLase F250 is ideal for businesses seeking best-in-class code quality at high speed where space is at a premium. Built for even the most challenging environments, the SmartLase F250’s controller, printhead and touchscreen user interface come with at least IP55 ingress protection level which provides long and reliable operation in harsh, dusty and humid conditions.
Packed with features, the SmartLase F250 comes industry 4.0-ready with an array of industrial interfaces that enable its safe and seamless integration with even the most complex plant automation and manufacturing execution systems. Once integrated, the intuitive user interface delivers an increase of up to 20% in operating efficiency.
Virtually maintenance-free, the SmartLase F250 provides additional peace of mind with the help of MIVA (Markem-Imaje Virtual Assistant) which provides customers with remote troubleshooting, while 24 or 48-hour on-site service level agreements (SLA) are available in most markets.
courtesy of Markem-Imaje
Toppan Adds Light-Shielding GL-ME-RC to the GL BARRIER Range
Toppan has developed “GL-ME-RC,” a new grade that provides high-barrier performance combined with light-shielding. Expanding the scope of applications for GL BARRIER films, GL-ME-RC is available for markets in Japan and overseas from April.
GL-ME-RC takes advantage of GL BARRIER vapor deposition and coating technologies and demonstrates outstanding flex-resistant barrier performance, which has been challenging to achieve with conventional aluminum vapor-deposited films. It can therefore be used for the packages of pharmaceutical goods and food that require high-barrier performance, light-shielding, and flexibility, something which until now has necessitated the use of aluminum foil.
With growing global momentum behind consideration for the environment and resource saving, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), attention is focused on reducing the environmental impact of packaging. Sustainability efforts are now essential, and packaging is required to preserve content and extend shelf lives while also lowering impact on the environment by, for example, reducing CO2 emissions or enhancing recyclability. In 1986 Toppan developed GL BARRIER, a barrier film with the potential to address social issues such as the need to reduce food loss and save resources. Offering world-class barrier performance and an extensive lineup for varied purposes, GL BARRIER is today recognized for its eco-friendliness and contribution to resource saving and enjoys a leading share of the global market for transparent vapor-deposited barrier films.
The development of GL-ME-RC, providing high-barrier performance and light-shielding, enables GL BARRIER to be used for the packaging of pharmaceutical goods and foods that need to be protected from light to preserve content quality. Toppan has leveraged its proprietary vapor deposition technologies and applied special coating techniques to enhance GL-ME-RC’s light-shielding and flex resistance, meaning that it can be used as an alternative to aluminum foil for this purpose.
courtesy of Toppan Inc.
HERMA Now Offers Adhesive for Thermal Printer Labels Approved for Food Contact
HERMAtherm nature (grade 900) is guaranteed to be completely free from chemical developers — the substances generally used to create an imprint. The multi-layer adhesive 62Dps used by HERMA, which is especially migration-safe and likewise approved for direct contact with dry, moist and fatty foodstuffs. Thanks to the multi-layer technology, even with its low-migration properties 62Dps is characterised by exceptional adhesive performance, including in cool environments. The new label stock HERMAtherm nature (900) was originated in partnership with Koehler Paper.
“Based on our experience in coating and die-cutting operations, HERMAtherm nature (900) is just as easy to process as conventional thermal label stock,” says HERMA’s head of development Dr. Nicole Metzler. In addition, although it is a colored material, which inevitably reduces contrast, no barcode reading errors were recorded during a large-scale trial. Labels produced from the material completed the trial without prompting any faults whatsoever.
The characteristic blue-grey thermal paper Blue4est Pro created in-house by Koehler Paper has already been used for environment-friendly retail till receipts for some time. With Blue4est® Pro the imprint is not produced by a chemical reaction in response to the application of heat. Instead, an entirely physical reaction takes place in which an opaque active coating on the paper becomes transparent under the influence of heat. This reaction reveals the black coating underneath. Compared to commonplace, conventional thermal papers, not only is Blue4est Pro especially kind to the environment, but the imprint it produces also resists environmental influences, such as sunlight and moisture, especially well. According to Koehler Paper, the printed image remains legible for more than 35 years.