The British spring water brand, which uses 100% recycled aluminium bottles that are also 100% recyclable, is providin

SIG’s combivita has been developed based on extensive consumer-centric research and provides a competitive edge to be

We are very pleased to inform you that LINHARDT GmbH & Co.

The government is going to implement new rules of packaging for things from April next year.

Company’s Stylo™ Pipette Tube for Filorga takes ‘Laminates’ category; new mono-material barrier tube, Polyfoil® MMB, named best Prototype.

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland – Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for pharma, beauty and oral care, has won two awards from the European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA). One accolade recognized a current customer application, the other a groundbreaking sustainability solution on the verge of market launch.

First, Neopac’s Stylo™ Pipette Tube, utilized by skincare company Filorga, won the sought-after Laminates category. The tube solution incorporates an innovative pipette applicator allowing for dispensing of Filorga’s Skin-Unify radiance fluid directly onto the skin. The precision dispensing adds new levels of comfort and hygiene.

The Stylo™ tube’s aesthetically appealing ring ensures correct discharge, and offers added product protection. An arrow pictogram helps consumers intuitively understand how to turn the ring. The cone-shaped cap safeguards the applicator, while Neopac’s Polyfoil® barrier laminate ensures ample formula protection.

In all, the tube’s premium look, captivating conical shape, transparent cap and enticing pipette applicator help Filorga’s Skin-Unify radiance fluid stand out in a crowded, competitive space.

Meanwhile, Neopac’s Polyfoil® MMB mono-material barrier tube took top honors in the Prototypes category. A novel combination of product protection, user friendliness and appealing aesthetics, the tube represents a marked advancement in eco-conscious materials technology. Polyfoil® MMB tubes can reduce packaging carbon footprints by up to 38% compared with traditional laminated tubes. The tubes offer ample product protection and compatibility with a diverse array of formulations.

The tube body is made possible through a first-of-its-kind adhesive laminated process, one providing advanced barrier and aesthetic options in the tube body. The tube’s shoulder and cap are made with low MFI HDPE and just 2% of foreign material. When combined, this tube-cap solution comes fully ready for recycling in PE rigid streams; in fact, the tube-cap combination was the first of its kind to receive full technology & product approval from the EU’s discerning RecyClass sustainability verification organization. In addition, Suez Circpack gave Polyfoil® MMB a Triple A rating for recyclability.

The first series of Polyfoil® MMB tubes will be available starting in January 2022.

Hoffmann Neopac is a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; and 3D Neopac in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets.

Including its new production facility in the United States, Neopac employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes with renewable electricity and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. For more information, visit www.neopac.com.  

Spotlight on the development of proprietary devices like the SG Alina pen injector platform

Piombino Dese (PD), Italy, November 4, 2021 – Stevanato Group, a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries, will showcase the benefits of its integrated solutions approach at CPhI Worldwide, November 9-11, 2021. The company will be exhibiting at Fiera Milano in Milan – in the InnoPack zone in Hall 6, Booth #G20.

SG Alina is a user-friendly, disposable, variable-dose pen injector platform compatible with established therapeutic regimens as well as innovator drug therapies related to diabetes care. It features an attractive and functional design, including an easy-to-dial mechanism, optimized injection force for patient comfort, and a readable display. The pen injector platform will provide a range of customization, from dosing and color selection to a more customized industrial design based on the needs of the pharmaceutical client.

This device is just one example of Stevanato Group's efforts to be a full solution provider. Visitors to CPhI Worldwide will also have the chance to see how the organization's integrated approach supports pharma companies at every stage of the drug development process – from analytical services and drug containment solutions to automation and assembly equipment and contract manufacturing.

"The growing demand for customized products, produced faster and more cost effectively than ever before, means pharma companies are increasingly outsourcing activities to contract organizations," said Andrea Zambon, Corporate Business Development Director at Stevanato Group. "Our team is looking forward to highlighting the benefits of our full-service, integrated, flexible and modular approach for pharma companies large and small worldwide."

About Stevanato Group

Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group’s core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. For more information, please visit www.stevanatogroup.com.

• Mondi commissioned an independent life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing its Advantage StretchWrap paper to conventional plastic stretch film
• The ISO-based approach shows that the new paper pallet packaging performs better in several environmental impact categories including climate change, with 62% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to virgin plastic stretch film
• Mondi sees LCAs as a useful tool to analyse advantages of different material solutions and guide decision-making

Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, commissioned a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing its new ground-breaking paper pallet wrapping innovation, Advantage StretchWrap, with conventional plastic stretch film wrapping. The full study was conducted by an external consultancy, is ISO-compliant and includes an external critical review. Based on the assumption that both materials are recycled at the end-of-life, the findings showed that the paper-based pallet wrapping by Mondi has a lower climate impact as one of the LCA indicators.

The basis of comparison is the potential environmental impacts arising from wrapping one pallet. The LCA examined 16 indicators to understand potential trade-offs between the two materials. It covers all relevant life cycle stages, from raw material extraction, production, up to the application on a pallet at the customer. In addition, the impact of the end-of-life stage is assessed.

The LCA found that Advantage StretchWrap has 62% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to virgin plastic stretch film, and 49% lower GHG emissions when compared to plastic stretch film made with 50% recycled content. Advantage StretchWrap has a lower environmental impact than plastic in a number of categories including climate change and fossil resource use. The plastic stretch film did perform better in some indicators, such as land use and freshwater eutrophication.

Combining an eye-catching presentation with less use of plastics: FlatMap®, the latest packaging solution for sliced products, has recently won the prestigious Swiss Packaging Award 2021 within the category “Convenience”. In terms of quality and innovation, the Swiss food industry is one of the world’s most demanding markets, making this achievement even more significant!

Many innovations start in Switzerland before becoming mainstream in the packaging industry worldwide. The award-winning FlatMap® packaging system was developed by tray-sealing and thermoforming specialist SEALPAC, together with its Swiss customer Bigler AG. Other close partners in the project were Van Genechten Packaging, the cardboard expert located in Kempten (Germany), and Buergofol GmbH, leading film manufacturer located in Siegburg (Germany). The resource-saving FlatMap® solution relies on a high proportion of renewable raw materials, but also offers plenty of space for communication. Its striking and innovative look guarantees maximum attention of food products at retail.

Securely and attractively packaged under MAP

The new FlatMap® packaging system puts sliced meat, dairy and seafood products in the spotlights. These products are placed on a flat cardboard carrier made from bleached or unbleached fibre. The carrier is coated with a thin protective layer, which provides stability, as well as a reliable barrier against fat, moisture and oxygen. The products are securely sealed under modified atmosphere by means of a thin lidding film, hence prolonging their shelf life. Both the protective layer and lidding film are polyolefinbased, making them fully recyclable. Consumer-friendly opening of the pack is made possible by an easy-to-grip peel tab.

Due to the perfectly flat design of the pack, an entirely new level of reclosability can be achieved. As such, FlatMap® guarantees optimal freshness until the very last slice and enables first-class storage in the consumer’s refrigerator, without the need for repacking. The system is available on all of SEALPAC’s Amax-series traysealers with servo drive and FlatMap® preparation. This ensures a reliable sealing process under modified atmosphere.

Resource-saving

FlatMap® provides exceptional opportunities with regard to branding and product information. The cardboard carrier can be printed in high quality on both sides, therefore offering plenty of space for product explanations and consumer communication. Owing to its striking look, the packaging will always be a true eye-catcher on the retail shelves, regardless of whether its presentation is vertical or horizontal. In addition, the system offers even more convenience to the consumer: supported by an attractive design, sliced meat, cheese or seafood products are ready to serve from their packaging.

Another major benefit of the FlatMap® system is the resource-saving use of materials. Compared to common modified atmosphere packaging, up to 75% of plastic can be saved. At the same time, recycling is improved. After finishing the product, the thin layer is easily removed from the cardboard carrier by means of a peel tab, to allow for disposal as plastic waste together with the lidding film. Obviously, the cardboard carrier is thrown away separately as paper waste.

Equal convenience – even with renewable raw materials

The Swiss Packaging Institute (SVI) honours outstanding achievements in the packaging industry with its Swiss Packaging Award annually. The jury's explanation for awarding FlatMap® in the “Convenience” category states: “In more and more packaging, the proportion of non-renewable raw materials is being reduced and replaced by renewable raw materials. The challenge here is to maintain the original functionality. In the opinion of the jury, the new FlatMap® system solves this challenge convincingly. The hybrid pack made of cardboard and plastic offers a strong performance in terms of opening and reclosing compared to pure plastic solutions. In addition, the separate disposal of the two components is solved in an exemplary manner."

ALPLA is acquiring BTB PET-Recycling based in Bad Salzuflen.

The ALPLA Group, a global packaging solutions manufacturer and recycling specialist headquartered in Hard, Austria, announced that it has selected the Kansas City region for its new 23,000-square-metre manufacturing plant.

In its new manufacturing plant in Kansas City, ALPLA will produce injection-moulded products such as closures.

In a facility located at the Blue River Commerce Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the regional organisation ALPLA Inc. will create 75 jobs while continuing to invest in the city over the next several years.

‘We are excited about our new Kansas City site, which represents a key element of our growth strategy and our continued commitment to the expansion of our injection-moulding capabilities,’ stated James Rooney, Managing Director, ALPLA North America. As one of the global leaders in packaging solutions, the site will enhance ALPLA’s scope of innovation and facilitate the demand of recent business.

The new addition in Kansas City will be ALPLA’s fourth site in Missouri and the first dedicated to injection moulding. As such, ALPLA Inc. will utilise cutting-edge technologies to produce innovative packaging systems, bottles, caps and injection-moulded parts for a wide range of industries. Led by Cushman & Wakefield, the project is slated to begin in late 2021, with a completion date in the fourth quarter of 2022. 

‘ALPLA’s decision to grow in Missouri demonstrates our state’s ability to support companies with our highly skilled workforce, affordable business costs and unmatched logistical advantages,’ said Governor Mike Parson. ‘We are home to global leaders across various industries, and we take great pride in providing companies like ALPLA with a solid foundation to ensure their success in Missouri.’

The company cited the Kansas City region’s central location and strong community relationships as key drivers for the decision.

‘The Kansas City region’s strengths in manufacturing and availability of skilled talent will allow ALPLA to experience continued growth in manufacturing, furthering the company’s position as a leader in packaging solutions,’ said Tim Cowden, President and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council.

The Kansas City Area Development Council is proud to have worked with a number of regional partners in attracting ALPLA Inc. to the Kansas City area, including the State of Missouri; Missouri Partnership; Port KC; City of Kansas City, Missouri; Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City; Cushman & Wakefield - Joe Accurso, NorthPoint Development, Evergy, Spire and KC SmartPort.

Company’s recently introduced Polyfoil® MMB takes top honors in Pharmapack Awards’ Excellence in Sustainability category.

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland – Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for pharma, beauty and oral care, has earned first place in the coveted Excellence in Sustainability category of the 2021 Pharmapack Awards. The winning solution was Neopac’s Polyfoil® MMB mono-material barrier tube, a groundbreaking combination of pharma-grade product protection, user friendliness and appealing aesthetics.  

In a sector whose understandable patient-first priorities have left it struggling to match the level of packaging eco-consciousness in other industries, Neopac’s Polyfoil® MMB tubes can reduce pharma packaging carbon footprints by up to 38% compared with traditional laminated tubes. Provided with all pharma grade contact layers, the tubes offer ample product protection and compatibility with a diverse array of formulations.

The tube body is made possible through a first-of-its-kind adhesive laminated process – a contrast to the existing blown film and extruded film solutions recently adopted by big oral care brands. The advantage: advanced barrier and aesthetic options in the tube body. The tube’s shoulder and cap are made with low MFI HDPE and just 2% of foreign material.

Owed to the company’s advancements in materials science, Polyfoil® MMB accomplishes these goals while maintaining the attractive printing and decorative options for which Neopac’s conventional Polyfoil® tubes are known. The solution is available with a non-compromising metallized look. When combined with Neopac’s HDPE screw and hinge closures, Polyfoil® MMB tubes come fully ready for recycling in PE rigid streams; in fact, this tube-cap combination was the first of its kind to receive full technology & product approval from the EU’s discerning RecyClass sustainability verification organization. Suez Circpack gave Polyfoil® MMB a Triple A rating for recyclability.

The first series of Polyfoil® MMB tubes will be available starting in January 2022, with pharmaceutical customers already performing stability tests.

“Neopac is committed to helping the global pharmaceutical industry improve packaging solutions sustainability in a manner that keeps its most mission-critical goal – delivering safe, effective medicines – firmly intact,” said Martina Christiansen, Director of Sales for Neopac. “Our Polyfoil MMB portfolio exemplifies this ongoing commitment, and we’re honored that our industry colleagues at Pharmapack recognized our efforts with this sought-after sustainability award.”
 

About Hoffmann Neopac
Hoffmann Neopac is a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; and 3D Neopac in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets. 

Including its new production facility in the United States, Neopac employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes with renewable electricity and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. For more information, visit www.neopac.com. 
 

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper is forced to increase prices by up to 14% for deliveries from January 1, 2022 for the entire range of specialty papers (thermoscript, jetscript, giroform, supercote, barricote). The price increases are inevitable due to the inexorable rise in costs for energy, chemicals and logistics. Customers are contacted directly by the Mitsubishi sales team.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH is a German subsidiary of Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd., Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty paper. The roughly 770 employees at Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe produce high-quality direct thermal, inkjet, carbonless, label and barrier papers for flexible packaging at two tradition-rich locations in Bielefeld and Flensburg. Each factory stands out for own base paper production, state-of-the-art production machinery and innovative coating technologies. Through its dense global sales network, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe supplies a full range of specialty papers for many applications and printing technologies – and is a highly capable partner whenever customized coated paper solutions are required.

Leading German specialty glass maker SCHOTT Glass India has announced an additional investment of 70 million euros to

Jambusar (Gujarat) [India], October 27 (ANI): German Ambassador to India, Walter J Lindner, visited the SCHOTT factor

Nemera has a proven track record in developing and manufacturing complex Ear Nose and Throat solutions. In line with clear growing market interest in unidose system coupled with promising advantages that nasal route could offer, Nemera is thrilled to extend its portfolio by launching its unidose system, UniSpray, for systemic-acting drug administration to face emergency and crisis.

Other than treating conditions locally, nasal delivery is an attractive option to also administer systemic therapies which may vary from benign to serious health conditions. What’s more, is that the nasal route is not invasive and does not require healthcare professionals’ intervention where patients can selfadminister their remedy with a rapid onset. UniSpray is a ready-to-use primeless device with single-metered liquid dose delivery. It offers one-handed activation with 360° functionality to face emergency and crisis. Thanks to its ergonomic design, it is intuitive and easyto-use.

UniSpray is a unidose system concept under development, designed to be robust and compatible with existing marketed primary containers. Through usability analysis and Freedom to Operate assessment, we assure reliability and regulatory compliance of our unidose concept.

Bernhard Rohn, VP Strategy and Marketing, commented:

"Nemera has a longstanding experience in the nasal delivery route, focusing until now on multidose pumps. Adding UniSpray to our product range provides additional options for our customers and patients, answering the needs of the single-metered dose spray combination products"

Raphaële Audibert, Global Category Manager – ENT, added:

“This is a great milestone for us. The increasing patient preference for nasal drug delivery as a result of easy administration and better efficacy as well as growing adoption of selfadministration practices are some of the key factors driving the growth of the nasal market.”

Come discover UniSpray at CPhI Worldwide in Milan, from 9th to 11th November, at booth 6J42.

UniSpray at a glance:

BENEFITS

Intuitive and robust device with ergonomic finger rest

• Broad labeling surface

• Safe and secured with no risk of accidental activation

• Accelerates time-to-market thanks to possible adaptations to conventional filling lines

• Equivalent utilization and performance as originators thanks to our in-vitro bioequivalence capability

• Ready-to-use, primeless device, 360° functionality

KEY FEATURES

• Compatible with existing primary drug container

• Single dose liquid delivery device with one accurate 100µL dose

• Compliant to regulatory exigence • Customization possibilities

• For new and repurposed drug, as well as generics

Find Nemera on the web at www.nemera.net

As a world-leading drug delivery device solutions provider, our purpose of putting patients first enables us to design and manufacture devices that maximize treatment efficacy.

We are a holistic partner and help our customers succeed in the sprint to market of their combination products. From early device strategy to state-of-the-art manufacturing, we’re committed to the highest quality standards.

Agile and open-minded, we work with our customers as colleagues. Together, we go the extra mile to fulfill our mission.

With the acquisition of GEM Plastics Limited, Schütz is expanding its product portfolio in the field of industrial packaging and further increasing its performance for customers in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Selters (hds). Schütz GmbH & Co KGaA, a leading manufacturer of high-quality transport packaging, has signed a purchase agreement for 100 % of the shares in GEM Plastics Limited of Ireland end of last week. The company, based in Cavan, Republic of Ireland, has been manufacturing plastic industrial packaging for over 30 years. It supplies in particular the chemical, lubricant, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to established plastic drums and jerrycans, the extensive product range also includes specific packaging solutions for individual customer requirements.

Schütz has been represented in the United Kingdom (Worksop) since 1992 and in Ireland (Killala) since 2000. From these two locations, customers are supplied promptly and effectively with IBCs and plastic drums. With the acquisition of GEM Plastics Limited, the globally operating company in the industrial packaging sector is once again significantly expanding its product range for customers in Ireland, the United Kingdom and beyond. In addition to the established IBC and plastic drum product groups, they will now also benefit from a wide range of jerrycans.

Roland Strassburger, CEO of the Schütz Group: "We are very pleased about this strengthening of the Group in these important geographical markets. In the future, we will be able to offer our local customers the most comprehensive range of products and services in the industrial packaging sector. GEM and Schütz fit perfectly together and we thank Alec Milligan, the founder and owner of GEM, for his confidence in entrusting us with his company."

"GEM knows Schütz very well as a successful global company. Therefore, we are convinced that the philosophies of both family-owned companies are an excellent match. Schütz will continue to develop our company securing the future of the business and will build on the success that has already been achieved by our excellent team", emphasizes Alec Milligan. He will continue to support GEM as a non-executive board member. Maura Burke will continue to lead GEM as Managing Director, contributing her significant management experience in the interests of employees and customers.

Schütz is one of the leading manufacturers of high quality transport packaging (intermediate bulk container, plastic and steel drums), headquartered in Selters, Germany. Established in 1958, Schütz today has over 50 production and service locations worldwide with more than 7000 employees. With its four business areas Energy Systems, Packaging Systems, Industrial Services and Composites, Schütz holds various top positions in the respective markets. The total turnover in 2020 was 1.8 billion euros. The company offers its customers complete system solutions – individually tailored to the relevant supply chain. As part of a closed loop system, the Schütz Ticket Service takes over the quick collection and reconditioning of empty IBCs in all important industrial nations of the world, in line with the sustainability philosophy of the group of companies.

GEM Plastics Limited is a leading supplier of plastic packaging in Ireland, the UK and internationally. Started in 1988 as a manufacturer of blow moulded industrial packaging, rapid and continuous expansion allowed it to quickly grow into a major company. GEM Plastics is headquartered near Cavan Town, Ireland. GEM Plastics uses state-of-the-art system technology to produce high-performance plastic containers for transport and storage as well as special products for a variety of industries – including: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and lubricants. In addition, the long-established company offers existing and potential future customers a specific development and construction service for blow-moulded plastic packaging. In the course of continuous research and development work, GEM Plastics has also brought a number of very successful special products onto the market.

Berlin Packaging, the world’s largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier®, announced today the signing of a binding commitment with O-I France SAS pursuant to which Berlin Packaging France SAS would acquire the Le Parfait business and brands.

Founded in Reims, France, in the early 1930s, Le Parfait is known for its iconic glass jars and lids manufactured by O-I France SAS and its affiliates. The brand is popular in France, born from the tradition of homemade preserves, jams, honeys, and terrines that are delicious and long-lasting. Assembled with orange rubber seals, the jars are easily identifiable for consumers and ideal for preserving food while reducing waste. Both glass jars and lids are resilient, reusable, and recyclable, and the seals are made from natural and recycled rubber, helping to reduce the impact on the environment.

“Acquisition of the Le Parfait brand would strengthen our leadership in the glass packaging industry and further establishes Berlin Packaging as the leading and trusted partner for high-quality glass containers, not only in the business-to-business (B2B) market but also in the business-to-consumer (B2C) market,” said Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging EMEA.

“The Le Parfait brand is synonymous with sustainability and quality, both of which are essential to our business. This acquisition would allow us to continue to grow our footprint in Europe, while expanding our sustainable packaging solutions across the globe,” said Bill Hayes, Global CEO and President of Berlin Packaging.

Le Parfait glass jars and lids are manufactured at plants in Puy-Guillaume, France and Sevilla, Spain. O-I France and its affiliates would continue to manufacture the Le Parfait glass jars and lids under a long-term supply agreement with Berlin Packaging France, ensuring continuity of supply for this product.

This would be the 17th acquisition by Berlin Packaging in EMEA since 2016 and the 7th acquisition in EMEA in 2021.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and subject to the works council consultation. Berlin Packaging expects the acquisition to be completed around year end.

About Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging is the world’s largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures. The company supplies billions of items annually along with package design, financing, consulting, warehousing, and logistics services for customers across all industries. Berlin Packaging brings together the best of manufacturing, distribution, and income-adding service providers. Its mission is to increase the net income of its customers through packaging products and services.

In light of increasing regulatory demands globally, labelling today is a highly intricate process that is even more vital to products than ever before. Food and beverage industry players are particularly concerned about the costs of materials and are keen to optimise their investment while increasing brand recognition. With 45 years of experience in the labelling industry and over 5,000 machines installed worldwide, Sidel is one of the leading players in the market, providing the expertise to meet all labelling needs.

Artem Krukov at Sidel talks about trends in labelling and how a greater focus on sustainability and flexibility is changing the way labels are created and applied.

What are the most important challenges in labelling for the beverage industry?

Similar to the manufacturing industry as a whole, beverage producers are searching for greater efficiency and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for their labelling equipment. There is also a significant focus on sustainability. The label is one of the main interfaces for communication with the consumer. Companies are changing their labels constantly to respond to fast-changing consumer preferences.
How is labelling becoming more sustainable?

It is our goal to help customers cut costs on everything from material consumption to maintenance costs. By reducing label thicknesses and surface areas, customers can cut costs and improve the carbon footprint of label production and the labelling process. Label producers are working to ensure that labels do not affect PET recycling.
Another important trend is the conversion of labels from shrink sleeves to BOPP labels (plastic roll-fed labels for wraparound application). This is a very important step in bottle labelling, since containers labelled with shrink sleeves are difficult to recycle. Hence, the shift to BOPP labels not only provides recycling capabilities, but also helps companies reduce their carbon footprint even further.
What do you mean by that?

Historically, labels have caused issues with PET recycling to food-grade standard because the label or the glue has affected the recycling process. Today there are several initiatives that can minimise this impact, namely label surface/size reduction, wash-off glue development and glue application minimisation.
All drinks manufacturers focus a lot on glue characteristics. What is the reason for this?

We can observe this tendency via two trends. First of all, customers around the world are eager to reduce the amount of glue for three reasons: 1) more glue equals higher costs; 2) less glue usage positively impacts machine cleanliness, which leads to higher efficiency; and 3) glue affects the recycling process. Most importantly, customers want to address all of these factors without sacrificing product quality. The second trend can be seen only in some countries: customers want to increase glue distribution to make label application more solid and stable.
Sidel has developed a unique solution that fulfils both requirements, namely by leveraging the BOPP solution, we have developed a laser-engraved glue roller (a standard scope for the roll-fed machine portfolio). Thus, we can have better control of glue distribution and repeatability. As a result, the label can still maintain its optimal quality even with less glue. At the same time, we can manage higher glue quantity as well, and it will be distributed more efficiently over the entire glue strip surface. 
How does Sidel integrate sustainable solutions in labelling?

Sustainability is always at the heart of Sidel. We make every effort to minimise the impact on the environment. 
The Sidel EvoDECO labelling solutions minimise electricity and glue consumption via the new melter and glue distribution control. With an integrated glue tank in the roll-fed labeller, a patented vertical melter and heating control, glue is melted on demand and always circulated at a precise temperature and in smaller quantities, increasing label application quality. This enables reduced glue consumption and prevents glue degradation, glue filaments, and glue splashing, for better overall quality and improved sustainability. The solution offers 40% less electricity consumption and needs no gears and transmissions and therefore no lubrication.
About lightweighting, how has the move towards lighter bottles affected labelling? 
Packaging design has a critical impact on the efficiency of the entire supply chain. Over the past 30 years, we have more than halved the weight of a 1.5-L PET bottle, while increasing output speeds by 2.5 times, with considerable savings in terms of raw material and gains from a productivity perspective. Therefore, it is a story about “rightweighting” – making sure that the package is minimised while still maintaining its technical performance and high consumer appeal. 
Some manufacturers use nitrogen to add resistance and stability to the bottle. Sidel has designed its labellers so that they can manage the extra demands of bottle lightweighting with or even without nitrogen.
The most advanced solution for handling lightweight bottles is the Super Combi, where the labeller is placed in between the blower and the filler as part of an all-in-one solution. With this setting, labels are applied on the empty bottles handled by the neck, reducing the risk of scratches and improving overall bottle quality.
Another crucial factor in labelling is flexibility, and this relates to product personalisation. What is it, and how does it affect labels?
Labels are key components of any brand marketing mix, allowing manufacturers to differentiate their products and give end consumers the information they need and increasingly expect. The growing variety of beverage types and bottle formats has made labelling increasingly challenging. More than ever, flexibility has become a valuable benefit to beverage producers. Top priorities today are faster product and format changeovers, simple operations and optimised processes that use the same equipment for different label types, while still ensuring consistent uptime.
Product personalisation is about being able to produce smaller batches of products with their own labelling in a very short time. Hence, the main challenges are the short timeframe for creating customised graphics and labels. Personalising the label is a difficult process, as there are so many different elements involved. The change usually starts with marketing and then has to go through design and production phases and lastly storage and transport. In fact, the standard process for a label change can easily take over four months.
With the rise of online shopping, there has been a challenge to supply consistent, unique and durable packaging and label solutions. This has opened new opportunities to offer personalised packaging solutions for product protection during shipping, by rightsizing the packaging and making sure that it provides a seamless brand experience for consumers.

This is the reason why we also provide consultancy for customers regarding packaging design. We not only create bottle designs but also labels or secondary packaging, etc. Sidel’s packaging experts are ready to support our customers in figuring out the best option that fits the company’s brand identity and responds best to consumer preference.
How does Sidel react and help customers face this challenge?
We fully understand the challenge, and that is why we have flexibility in mind. With Sidel’s EvoDECO labelling solutions, manufacturers can deliver different stock keeping units (SKUs). They might either include several labelling applications in one multi-technology machine or a single labelling application through dedicated equipment for optimised uptime, reduced footprint and low total cost of ownership (TCO).

So manufacturers can use one machine for different labels?

Exactly. It gives businesses the flexibility they need and allows them to produce most product types on a single machine. Thanks to the modular design and a variety of technologies, they allow companies to adapt multiple application methods in one compact machine. 

What is the most up-to-date Sidel labelling solution with high flexibility?

The most flexible labelling solution to date from Sidel, the EvoDECO Multi, brings next-level modularity into labelling. It offers a standardised carousel that can be equipped with up to four different labelling technologies, including hot melt, roll-fed, self-adhesive and cold glue. Moreover, switching between various labelling modules is quick and easy thanks to Plug & Play connections, offering producers the freedom of labelling choice and total flexibility. Meanwhile, when being part of Sidel’s Super Combi settings, the labeller can run at up to 90,000 bottles per hour (bph).

What are your observations on the impact of the pandemic on the labelling industry? 

During the pandemic, many people reduced their daily spending due to economic reasons. This has resulted in stagnating sales for certain premium products in the beverage sector, and manufacturers have been forced to reduce packaging costs. For instance, the second-tier beverage producers have shown significant interest in converting from shrink sleeves to BOPP labels to save cost. That is the reason why low-cost beverages have been popping up recently in the market.

 
Lastly, would you share with us what milestones Sidel has achieved and Sidel’s next step in labelling?

Since 1976, Sidel has continuously ensured and promoted the image of various brands. That is 45 years of experience. At its dedicated labelling plant in Mantua, Italy, the company is not only manufacturing labelling equipment, but also providing outstanding services to support its customers worldwide. Additionally, we are proud of the milestone we achieved in 2021 – installing the 5,000th labeller for Ting Hsin International Group (Ting Hsin) in China. 

We aim to play as an end-to-end partner in sustainable labelling, starting from offering packaging design to providing the proper equipment for advanced product manufacturing, including high-tech solutions for product shelf-life security.
 

 Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery systems, services and active material science solutions, today announced an exclusive partnership with Stallergenes Greer, a global healthcare company specializing in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), for the development of a new connected drug delivery device and companion mobile app, the first of its kind, for patients undergoing Stallergenes Greer’s AIT treatments with sublingual solutions.

Non-adherence to an AIT schedule and premature discontinuation of treatment remain a challenge in AIT management. This innovative, easy-to-use connected device will contribute to improving dose compliance and adherence, thus optimizing patient treatment outcomes.

Patient support programs and the provision of digital tools that place the patient first underpin Aptar Pharma’s vision for the future of digital health and are a way of ensuring true patient centricity. 

This partnership underlines Aptar Pharma’s progress in the field of digital therapeutics, with the development work being undertaken by its Digital Health Group, which provides a full turnkey solution that includes device and software development expertise. The product will leverage Aptar Pharma’s Cohero platform, which will be tailored specifically for this use.

“We are pleased to combine Aptar Pharma’s Digital Health ecosystem with Stallergenes Greer’s knowledge and leading position in AIT to further improve the treatment journey of patients who suffer from allergies,” said Sai Shankar, Vice President, Global Digital Healthcare Systems, Aptar Pharma.

“This exclusive partnership with Aptar Pharma demonstrates the intensification of Stallergenes Greer’s investments in innovation to provide a large range of precise personalized allergen immunotherapy options adapted to the individual needs and lifestyle of patients. Stallergenes Greer is well advanced on its digital transformation journey and will continue to develop its e-health offering for the benefit of all stakeholders,” added Dominique Pezziardi, General Manager France, Belgium & Luxembourg, Global Head of Pricing and Market Access, Stallergenes Greer. 

The newly-developed connected device and mobile app, part of Aptar Pharma’s portfolio of digital healthcare solutions, should be available in France in 2022 and will be progressively rolled-out in Stallergenes Greer’s markets. 

Aptar Pharma’s future digital healthcare plans include expansion into therapeutic areas such as respiratory, pain, CNS, allergy, oncology, diabetes and the evolution of its range of digital support tools.

About Aptar Pharma

Aptar Pharma is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active material science solutions. Aptar’s innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home, food and beverage. Using insights, proprietary design, engineering and science to create dispensing, dosing and protective technologies for many of the world’s leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.apta

About Stallergenes Greer Ltd

Headquartered in London (UK), Stallergenes Greer Ltd is a global healthcare company specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies through the development and commercialisation of allergy immunotherapy products and services. Stallergenes Greer Ltd is the parent company of Greer Laboratories, Inc. (whose registered office is in the United States) and Stallergenes SAS (whose registered office is in France). For more information, visit www.stallergenesgreer.com.

~ To witness brilliance in aesthetic led aseptic packaging,

Visit Asepto Stand B7-28, Hall No. 7 on November 07-09, 2021 ~

Noida, India; 27 October 2021: UFlex, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and polymer science company, and the first Indian manufacturer of aseptic liquid packaging material and filling lines under the brand name Asepto, will showcase its never-seen-before revolutionary ‘Foil Stamping’ innovation for the beverage industry at the Gulfood Manufacturing Expo 2021 in Dubai, to be held during November 7–9, 2021. 

Asepto has a strong presence in the Indian market already and is rapidly growing into international geographies. It has established itself as a distinct brand for its strong technology-oriented innovation to deliver unique packaging features to beverage manufacturers all over the world.

Speaking about this unique innovation, Ashwani Sharma, President  & CEO of Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business at UFlex stated, “Unseen remains unsold on a crowded shelf, so visibility is crucial, and the more eye-catching the packaging is, the more visible it is to the consumers. Our company's guiding vector is innovation to create value-added differentiator. ASEPTO packaging exemplifies our ability to stand out at the point of sale, which is advantageous to the beverage industry. Our premium range of Foil Stamped packs, one of our several USPs, has the ability to create a substantial market differentiation in this segment. Foil stamping is an aesthetic rejuvenation technique that is used to make text and patterns on the packaging stand out.” 

Asepto is known for its innovative value-added features and as a total system supplier, it has already carved a niche for itself in the market. Talking about the potential that the brand offers to global beverage manufacturers, Mr. Sharma added, “Gulfood Manufacturing is the most influential exhibition of the Food & Beverage industry and every year, we follow a ritual to share Asepto’s packaging experience with our global customers. We are all set to dazzle the stage once again with our artistically revitalizing global breakthrough of ‘FOIL STAMPING’ in aseptic liquid carton packaging. Our ongoing efforts are focused toward providing first-hand experience to our worldwide customers and developing new sustainable packaging trends.”

If you are visiting Gulfood Manufacturing, Dubai during November 7–9, 2021 and would like to know more about Asepto packs with the unique ‘foil stamping’ effects, reach out to us at Stall Number B7-28, Hall Number 7.

For media queries, contact:

Aarti Laxmanan | UFlex | E: corpcomm@uflexltd.com | M: +91 98998 13325

Shweta Singh | Madison PR | E: shweta.singh@madisonpr.in | M: +91 91674 85016

Mahima Pamnani | Madison PR | E: mahima.pamnani@madisonpr.in | M: +91 98339 66030

About Asepto

Asepto is the Liquid Packaging brand from the house of UFlex Limited. It is the first Indian manufacturer of aseptic liquid packaging material with a state-of-the-art facility in the industrial hub of Sanand in Gujarat. Its offering is designed to deliver user convenience, easy opening and optimal shelf life to products like juices, non-aerated alcoholic beverages and highly perishable liquid consumables like milk and other dairy products.

The facility is equipped with latest top of the line converting machines capable of manufacturing truly world class aseptic packs for its customers. For more details, click on: https://www.asepto.com/

About UFlex:

UFlex is India’s largest multinational corporation in flexible packaging materials and solutions and a global leader in polymer sciences. Since its inception in 1985, UFlex has grown from strength to strength to establish presence across the world though manufacturing units and customers. Today, it has state-of-the-art packaging facilities at multiple locations in India with installed capacity of around 1,35,000 TPA and has packaging film manufacturing facilities in India, UAE, Mexico, Egypt, Poland, Russia, Hungary and USA. 

Integrated within its core business profile of Flexible Packaging and Packaging Films are allied businesses like Aseptic Liquid Packaging, Engineering, Cylinders, Holography and Chemicals which further gives UFlex a superior edge over competition. UFlex offers technologically superior packaging solutions for a wide variety of products such as snack foods, confectionery, sugar, rice, other cereals, beverages, tea & coffee, dessert mixes, noodles, wheat flour, soaps, detergents, shampoos, conditioners, vegetable oil, spices, marinades & pastes, dairy products, frozen food, poultry, anti-fog, pet food, pharmaceuticals, contraceptives, garden fertilizers, plant nutrients, motor oil, lubricants, automotive and engineering components etc. 
A B2B manufacturer, UFlex has also added new consumer facing products to its portfolio, like sanitizers and N-95 masks.

The company is a winner of various prestigious national and international awards for its products’ excellence, innovation and sustainability from reputed forums like Dow, AIMCAL, WPO, FPA and more. A member of Alliance to End Plastic Waste since 2021, UFlex became the ‘first company in the world to recycle mix plastic waste’ for which it earned recognition at Davos Recycle Forum in 1995. 

For more details, click on: www.uflexltd.com