See live on-demand production of unique single-dose sachets that can be opened with a single gesture using one hand with V-Shapes PRIME with in-line printing

Bologna, Italy. 14 September 2021. V-Shapes, an innovative supplier of vertically integrated products and services for convenient, hygienic and sustainable single-dose packaging, today reported it will exhibit at Fachpack, scheduled for 28-30 September in Nuremberg, Germany. The company will be featuring V-Shapes PRIME, its entry-level print/fill & seal converting machine, in Hall 6, Stand 6-143, in partnership with AstroNova’s TrojanLabel® and Steuckart Verpackungstechnik. During the show, V-Shapes will be printing and converting single-dose sachets filled with generic hand sanitizer as well as featuring various brands and artwork. This will enable attendees to experience how easy and efficient it is to operate this vertically integrated machine with a single operator, and they will have the ability to produce an accurate brand image on the sachets. The version on display will feature an inline TrojanLabel T2-C high-volume full-color digital label press for in-line printing on the top of the sachets. Sachets can be printed using SIHL ARTYSIO substrates that are certified recyclable for a more eco-friendly product. In addition to the excellent printability in aqueous inkjet, they also have outstanding sealing properties to provide the best protection with barrier properties tailored to the filled product.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to share our excitement about the new innovative single-dose sachets with Fachpack visitors to our stand, where they will be able to see the V-Shapes PRIME in action,” says Klaus Steuckart, General Manager for German partner Steuckart Verpackungstechnik in Viersen.

V-Shapes staff will also be explaining to attendees its unique AlphaFlex fill and seal converting/packaging machine. This compact, professional-grade system features high quality synchronized printing on both sides of the sachets, powered by Memjet DuraFlex® technology and ColorGATE Packaging Productionserver. This unique machine brings vertical integration of high volume production of patented single-dose sachets on site, speeding time to market and eliminating the need to outsource printing or accomplish it as a separate offline step.

Vilius Kryznauskas, EU sales director for V-Shapes, states: “This revolutionary filling/converting machine was made possible through a variety of important partnerships, including Memjet, Siemens and SIHL, as well as the talented V-Shapes engineering team. It was no small challenge to develop synchronized feeds and printing for the upper and lower layers of our patented single-dose sachets, and we think the visitors to FachPack will be amazed when they learn what we and our partners have accomplished!”

To learn more about integrated-Shapes end-to-end solutions for production and filling of single-dose sachets, and other products and services from V-Shapes, visit www.V-Shapes.com. For specific information about V-Shapes at Fachpack, please visit this link. V-Shapes has a limited number of free exhibit passes to Fachpack available; to reserve a free pass, request them at this link.

Note to journalists: To schedule an in-person interview before or during the show with a V-Shapes executive, please contact monika.d@duomedia.com.

About V-Shapes 
Founded in 2018, V-Shapes is the leading provider of products and services designed to produce and fill single-unit dose packaging that enables product to be dispensed using one hand. Located in Bologna, Italy, V-Shapes manufactures, sells and services innovative vertically integrated systems for single-dose packaging that minimize waste, shorten time to market, offer a more sustainable packaging solution and are a unique and safe means for consumers to dispense single-unit measures of liquid and powdered products. The company partners with packaging converters/fillers around the globe to offer these unique services to brands in a wide range of industries, from food and cosmetics to hand sanitizer and industrial products that are efficiently served up in single-unit doses, producing packaging on demand in small or large quantities.

Wolfertschwenden, 14 September 2021 - At this year's Compamed MULTIVAC will be exhibiting packaging solutions for sensitive products. The highlight will be the RX 4.0 thermoforming packag-ing machine in GMP design, which will be presented to the visitors for the first time. In conjunction with an integrated handling mod-ule and an InteliJet HD digital printer from BELL-MARK, it forms an efficient solution for producing and printing combi packs containing a syringe, filter and vial.

RX 4.0 in GMP design for producing combi packs
The line is completely enclosed in a housing. In addition to the machine's comprehensive sensor system, the new generation of intelligent dies also contributes to the high level of efficiency, process reliability, and operat-ing security. Thanks to their highly developed actuating system, the RFID-coded X-tools enable the die to be changed quickly and reliably during product changes. The packaging solution in Düsseldorf will be used to produce a combi pack. The RX 4.0 is equipped with an InteliJet HD digi-tal printer from BELL-MARK for coding the packs. An integrated H 242 handling module in the outfeed area removes the packs from the ma-chine.

Traysealer designed to meet the high demands of the medical and pharmaceutical industries 
With its mobile and compact T 260 traysealer, MULTIVAC is showing a model that is designed for running a wide spectrum of trays, and which offers companies packing small to medium-sized batches a high degree of process reliability, reproducibility, and above all flexibility. The sealing die ensures that a controlled sealing pressure and precise temperature distribution are achieved. Critical parameters are monitored permanently by sensors.

Secure packaging of medical products in film pouches
MULTIVAC will be showing the C 300 TC chamber machine for packing sterile medical products in pre-made pouches. It enables packs to be produced either as vacuum packs or with modified atmosphere and re-duced residual oxygen content. A temperature-controlled and perma-nently heated sealing bar ensures that this cleanroom-compatible ma-chine achieves reproducible sealing quality, and the whole process can be calibrated and validated. 

Carrier system as the basis for the controlled transportation, loading and buffering of syringes
MULTIVAC is also showing a carrier system with integrated H 242 han-dling module for loading syringes into combi packs. A high-performance vision system will be used on the carrier system. This ensures that, even at high throughput, all the packs are inspected for completeness, and it also checks whether the individual products are loaded correctly into the pack cavities. 

Wrap-around labelling of cylindrical containers
Among the other exhibits is a compact solution for the wrap-around la-belling of glass or plastic bottles. The L 320 conveyor belt labeller was specially developed for rapid and precise labelling of round or oval bot-tles, pots or glass jars. Since the labeller is constructed of standard modular elements, it can be perfectly designed for the requirements of the particular sector. In addition to this, the conveyor belt labeller can easily be upgraded with additional components, such as the MRT 100 rotating table, so that the products can be brought directly to the label-ling process, or buffered if required. The model is also very versatile when it comes to label positioning. Labels can be positioned on all sides, as well as over the pack edges or as wrap-around labels. The applica-tion of sealing labels is also possible. Thanks to a minimum of format parts, which can be changed very quickly, the 
L 320 can be converted to different products within a short period of time. The rapid change of label rolls, together with the use of low-maintenance components, also contribute to the labeller's high level of availability. 

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About MULTIVAC
MULTIVAC is one of the leading providers worldwide of packaging solu-tions for food products of all types, life science, and healthcare prod-ucts, as well as industrial items. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers virtually all requirements of processors and producers in terms of pack design, output, and resource efficiency. It comprises a wide range of packaging technologies, as well as automation solutions, labellers, and quality con-trol systems. The product range is rounded off with solutions upstream of the packaging process in the areas of portioning and processing, as well as bakery technology. Thanks to our extensive expertise in packag-ing lines, all modules can be integrated into complete solutions. This means that MULTIVAC solutions guarantee a high level of operational and process reliability, as well as efficiency. The MULTIVAC Group has approximately 6,700 employees worldwide, with some 2,300 based at its headquarters in Wolfertschwenden. With over 85 subsidiaries, the Group is represented on all continents. More than 1,000 sales advisors and ser-vice technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experi-ence to the benefit of customers, and they ensure all installed MULTIVAC machines are utilised to their maximum. Further information can be found at: www.multivac.com. 

According to the latest insight from Defra, more than 67% of all packaging materials placed on the market in 2020 wer

Smurfit Kappa announces the launch of its Green Finance Framework

Tekni-Plex has named Chris Qualters as CEO of the company’s Healthcare division.

Qualters joined Tekni-Plex in November as president of Tekni-Plex Medical, responsible for all aspects of the company’s global medical device business. He was tasked with designing and implementing a comprehensive business strategy to bolster Tekni’s position as a key solutions partner to Medical Device organizations.

His new responsibilities have been expanded to include all Tekni-Plex businesses related to healthcare, encompassing product solutions for patient care including medical devices, diagnostics, drug delivery and sterilizable materials.

“With over 31 years of experience in engineered solution products, Chris is a proven high-energy leader adept at building strong teams focused on achieving results within a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement,” said Brenda Chamulak, Tekni-Plex president and CEO. “He believes in maximizing collaboration to leverage the skillsets of his entire team to drive optimum results for the organization.”

Qualters most recently served as Executive Vice President of Life Sciences at NN, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his BSME in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, in addition to an MBA from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business

ABOUT TEKNI-PLEX

Tekni-Plex is a globally integrated company that provides innovative solutions through material science and manufacturing technologies. A worldwide leader in the Healthcare and Consumer Product markets, Tekni-Plex provides medical device components and a multitude of material science solutions that lead to a healthier and more sustainable world.

Tekni-Plex’s solutions are found in some of the most well-known names in the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Household and Food & Beverage markets. Headquartered in Wayne, Pa., Tekni-Plex employs 4,000 people throughout its operations in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Italy, Northern Ireland and the United States.

For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the european tube manufacturers association (etma) reports stable deliveries in the first half of 2021. The total deliveries of aluminum, plastic and laminate tubes even increased slightly by 0.5 percent to a level of around 6 billion units.

While deliveries to the pharmaceutical industry fell by 11 percent, deliveries to the dental care market increased by 4 percent, to the cosmetics market by 2 percent and to the markets for food and household products by as much as 10 percent and 13 percent respectively.

Pharmaceutical market weakens with otherwise solid demand

The significant decline in deliveries to the pharmaceutical sector is due to fewer visits to doctors during pandemic times. This goes hand in hand with a falling demand for prescription drugs, which are often packaged in tubes. The somewhat livelier demand for cosmetic tubes can be attributed to the increasing mobility of consumers who are going out more often after the hard lockdowns. The reopening of hairdressing and beauty salons after the temporary closings caused by the pandemic also had a positive effect in this segment. The food and household sectors benefited in particular from the fact that consumers ate more food at home and generally had a greater focus on the well-being in their own four walls.

In terms of deliveries by etma members, laminate tubes continue to take the top position with a share of 38 percent, closely followed by aluminum tubes with 35 percent. The share of plastic tubes is 27 percent.

Drastic cost increases, but stable supply chains

The tube industry is still confronted with sometimes drastic increases in the cost of raw materials, primary materials and services. The prices for aluminum, plastics, paints, printing inks, closures, cardboard boxes and transport are still at a very high level. On the positive side, however, it should be noted that the supply chains have held up so far, also due to far-sighted planning by the tube manufacturers. In this way, out-of-stock situations for customers could be avoided.

The issue of sustainability, which is fueled by legal measures in Europe and the Member States, continues to play a central role for packaging manufacturers, customers and retailers. Here, too, the tube can score as consumer-friendly and resource-efficient packaging.

Overall, the European tube manufacturers are looking to the coming months with cautious optimism

I hadn’t seen my friends Mark and Sherry for a year due to COVID-19 and my own schedule demands.

3D packages are emerging in the semiconductor packaging industry to address the serious technical challenges such as

The term "active packaging" describes any packaging system that performs a function in addition to holding food.

An inclusive, gender-neutral collection of multi-tasking waterless products in packaging that promotes a more circular and sustainable future.    

Los Angeles, CA – WWP Beauty, a world-class, full-service supplier to the global beauty industry, has launched a new suite of turnkey products with formulations and packaging that each address trends within the beauty space. The new Zero+ Collection features formulations that are clean, inclusive and multi-tasking, with packaging that is made from natural, renewable ingredients that are responsibly sourced and created from the rebirth of farm waste. This condensed collection of highly functional products includes 3 multi-purpose products and is paired with accessories to showcase the company’s full-service capabilities.

Zero+ Skin Prep + Perfector

A blurring balm enriched with Beet Root Extract, Elderberry Extract and Sea Moss that is used to prime and prep the skin before makeup application, or worn alone to virtually even out skin tone, erase fine lines and skin imperfections creating a flawless, hyper-natural, ‘your-skin-but-better’ look and feel.

Zero+ Face + Eyes + Lips Enhancer

An all-over, multi-tasking skin enhancer that can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes as a 1 minute makeup that delivers a hint of color and an ultimate dewy glow while moisturizing and protecting the skin. It features a blend of Squalane, Sea Moss, and Elderberry Extract. 

Zero+ Brow Shaper + Styler

A multi-functional creamy pomade with flexible hold to style and condition brows, beards and flyaways. Infused with Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Fenugreek.

Zero+ Packaging Line

This zero plastic, plant-based packaging line was developed with the mission of offering solutions that align with WWP Beauty’s “6R’s of Sustainability.” The Zero+ packaging collection closely represents Reduce, Replace, Respect and Rebirth because it is responsibly and locally sourced from farm waste which does not interrupt the food chain supply and reduces its overall carbon footprint of the material and final component. Ultimately, this packaging helps promote a circular economy, reducing waste and utilizing renewable resources.

“Now more than ever, we are seeing beauty consumers increasingly adopt streamlined beauty routines based on multifunctional products - born from the desire to buy more sustainably, while also simply saving time and money,” said Musa Dias, CMO of WWP Beauty. “The Zero+ Collection was developed based on the concept that less is truly more, and that creating zero waste is in turn creating positive value for both the end-user and the environment.”

All items in this collection are made with clean, compliant, vegan and cruelty-free formulas and sustainable packaging and accessory options. This collection demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to reducing its global carbon footprint, supporting a circular economy throughout the cosmetics industry and working towards creating a more sustainable, clean and inclusive future.

About WWP Beauty
WWP Beauty is committed to developing future-focused, sustainable solutions for the global beauty industry through close collaboration, exceptional agility, and unparalleled scale. The company’s full-service offering of formula, packaging and accessories, paired with their in-house manufacturing capabilities allow them to stand out as the source for everything beauty. Through a worldwide team of beauty experts that span across North America, EMEA and APAC, WWP Beauty offers their customers global support at the local level. To learn more, visit our website at www.wwpbeauty.com

Following the International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate (ISCC) Plus accreditation of its Berry Astra Plastique facility in Saint-Georges-de-Reneins, France, Berry Healthcare’s market-leading Vistop® PP36 patented tamper evident closure for autoclave sterilisation can now be specified incorporating advanced recycling resin in both circular PP and PE. This meets customer demands for more sustainable packaging while maintaining the closure’s high standards of product protection and user safety.

Ideal for medical applications and hospital operating theatres, the versatility of the patented Vistop® PP36 – the first on the market to feature a tamper evident ring - has been proven through over 40 years of safe and reliable performance for a variety of applications for the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.  Today, with commercialised approval in over 70 countries, it offers accelerated speed to market to effectively support manufacturers’ new product development programmes.

This is of particular importance currently, with Berry Healthcare experiencing increased demand for the sterilisable tamper-evident closure as manufacturing companies seek effective anti-theft medical packaging solutions to help counter the growing problem of falsified medicines and sterilisation failures.

The Vistop® PP36 ensures ease of opening without the need for extra pressure or force and provides a clear visual sign of tamper evidence, with the tamper evident ring breaking completely after initial unscrewing. The design of the closure delivers the tightness required for a perfect fit and effective product security, and the flexible inner seal adapts easily to different shapes, tolerances and applications of pressure.

The Vistop PP36 sterilisable range and applications include:

• 1684 One port perfusion cap with chlorobutyl liner and aluminium foil used for parenteral IV administration
• 1482 Irrigation cap with PP Plug used for disinfection in operating rooms and hospital settings
• 1866 Irrigation cap with chlorobutyl liner for PP or glass bottle

The tamper evident ring improves stability on filling lines and highly profiled grooves in the outer shell provide an excellent contact surface for the placement of caps onto bottles by automated fitting machines, while at the same time offering comfortable handling for end users.

The Vistop® PP36 is manufactured in a class 10,000 clean room at Berry Healthcare’s ISO 15378 accredited Berry Astra Plastique facility. The closure meets several international requirements and approvals, including FDA and AMM and conforms with the European and the United States pharmacopoeia.

“The availability of recycled resin for our Vistop® PP36 further increases the appeal of the closure, combining with the existing benefits of safeguarding product integrity and ensuring ease of administration that improve patient safety and enhance the overall patient experience,” comments Franck Cordier South Europe Operations Director of Berry Healthcare. “Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions in all areas of their lives, and the sustainability credentials of the closure will help to further enhance a company’s reputation and standing in the healthcare market.”

- Xaar, the leading inkjet printing technology group, says the advanced capabilities of its Ultra High Viscosity technology demonstrates the significant difference that inkjet printing can make to labels and packaging. 
Part of Xaar’s ImagineX platform, Ultra High Viscosity technology ensures Xaar’s printheads deliver high impact, productive and efficient results for volume digital label and packaging printing applications. 
By enabling an extended high colour gamut and fluids with larger particles and more pigment, colours are more vibrant and whites and blacks stronger – this unbeatable capability to print high opacity, especially whites, in a single pass is extremely useful for delivering impact on many labels and direct-to-shape packaging printing applications.
In addition, fluids, and inks with viscosities of up to 100 centipoises (cP) can be jetted in a single pass, further opening up opportunities for label and packaging printers to deliver new and exciting finishes for clients across a wider variety of packaging materials, with a high degree of efficiency and productivity. 
Energy is also saved because UV fluids, which previously required heating to 45 degrees before jetting, can now be laid down at room temperature. Overall, less fluid is required as well, making the process even more sustainable. 
Further, high-build varnish embellishments can be achieved more easily, to add texture, visual impact, and functionality (such as ink that resists cracking on flexible surfaces) to labels and packaging. From braille and tactile warning triangles on labels, to the latest haptic effects for a high-end look and real shelf presence for rigid and flexible packaging, with Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity technology results can be achieved that have traditionally only been possible by using screen printing.
Graham Tweedale, General Manager of Xaar’s printhead business unit, said; “We are already seeing how Ultra High Viscosity technology is opening up new possibilities for Xaar in a number of applications, particularly label and packaging. 
“Whereas previously inkjet printheads have typically been only able to jet fluids of around 8 to 12 cP, our technologies enable printers to jet much higher viscosities, achieving a wider colour gamut and unparalleled opacity, and can be used to print an extensive range of special effects.
“In addition, after many years of requests from clients to be able to print higher molecular weight photopolymers to increase resistance and flexibility for printed materials, our Ultra High Viscosity technology has realised this capability, truly unleashing the power of inkjet.”
Ultra High Viscosity technology is available across many of Xaar’s printheads including the Xaar Nitrox, the 50x series, and Xaar 2002. 
Ends

About Xaar

Together with our partners and customers, Xaar has been transforming the world of inkjet technology for 30 years – and we’re just getting started.

With a new leadership team, new technology and new products, we have an exciting roadmap for the future – that will help our partners unleash the true power of inkjet printing and open up a world of opportunities for their business.

We believe true innovation comes from collaboration, which is why all our teams work together in Cambridgeshire where industrial inkjet was born. Collaboration is at the core of our global partnerships too - whether we’re helping customers enhance their uptime or create production efficiencies from high-speed digitisation - we’re always innovating together.

We know that inkjet technology can not only maximise the efficiency of our partners’ businesses but help them evolve too. That’s why we go on a journey with our customers - offering expert insights and technical support every step of the way. Just like our printheads, Xaar’s partnerships are built to last
 

Wayne, PA, September 9, 2021 – Tekni-Plex has reorganized its business structure into two key market-focused divisions: Tekni-Plex Healthcare and Tekni-Plex Consumer Products.  

The reorganization is part of an intensive, eight-month planning effort to evolve Tekni-Plex into an innovative partner leveraging proprietary material-science application knowledge to provide solutions that make the world healthier and more sustainable. 

“These are exciting times at Tekni-Plex. We are working hard to build an exciting roadmap for growth – leveraging an incredible foundation of people, intelligence and resources to elevate our role and value for our partners and create growth and development opportunities for our people,” said Brenda Chamulak, Tekni-Plex president and CEO. “We will partner with customers to advance healthcare technologies and lift world-leading consumer brands.”

The reorganization includes redefining how the company will deliver game-changing product solutions to customers. Tekni-Plex Healthcare will be responsible for all diagnostic, drug delivery and medical device products. Tekni-Plex Consumer Products will cover all other products in the food, personal care and beauty and home markets.

“This is just one step in a very big effort to redefine what we offer our customers and how we can help them achieve better patient outcomes and a greater brand experience for consumers,” Chamulak said.
 

ABOUT TEKNI-PLEX
Tekni-Plex is a globally integrated company that provides innovative solutions through material science and manufacturing technologies. A worldwide leader in the Healthcare and Consumer Product markets, Tekni-Plex provides medical device components and a multitude of material science solutions that lead to a healthier and more sustainable world. 
Tekni-Plex’s solutions are found in some of the most well-known names in the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Household and Food & Beverage markets. Headquartered in Wayne, Pa., Tekni-Plex employs 4,000 people throughout its operations in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Italy, Northern Ireland and the United States.
For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com 
 

 Las Vegas (Nevada) – Marchesini Group will be exhibiting at the Pack Expo Las Vegas trade fair (27-29 September) with the support of its American office, Marchesini Group USA, which was established in 1992 and has since become a well-known contact for the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutraceutical industries in the American, Canadian and Puerto Rican markets.

The Marchesini booth will be located in the Healthcare Packaging pavilion (booth SL 6535) with two new products on display: the Compact 24, a flexible and efficient counter, designed to meet the needs of the nutraceutical market, and the compact, versatile TURBO-MEK 1000, a turbo-emulsifier for processing liquid and cream products for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets.

The machines on display
To meet the new needs of the nutraceutical products market, Marchesini Group presents the Compact 24: a monobloc machine for filling and capping bottles for tablets, capsules or pills, produced by the Tonazzi-Vasquali division. This solution covers multiple operations with a single machine and ensures high levels of efficiency in counting and capping.

The innovative Compact 24 provides simple size changeovers, allowing extremely high standards of quality and performance to be maintained, even in the presence of various different products and small or medium-sized production batches. 

To achieve this result, an innovative magnetic transport system is used to overcome the limitations generally found in traditional conveyance systems, allowing individualized handling of every single bottle. 
The counting section consists of two heads each with 12 channels, equipped with our “twin flap” system which allows the machine to reach a speed of 150 bottles per minute. 

The machine is designed to accommodate all the main capping systems (screw, press-on, crimp) and offers the widest possible range of applications to guarantee total control of the product to be packaged (control of weight, shape, size and color). The different types of control can be enabled all together or selectively, depending on the market, the product to be packaged and the ultimate requirements of the client. Based on the type of production, the machine can be fitted with operator protection systems (RABS) or product protection systems (Laminar Flow).

Also on display at Pack Expo will be a new version of the TURBO-MEK 1000 by Dumek, the Marchesini Group company specialized in the design and manufacture of machinery for processing cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. 

With 40 years’ experience under its belt and over 4,000 machines installed worldwide, the company now presents the US market with its latest, more compact, and highly versatile vacuum turbo-emulsifier for processing liquid and cream products.

The new TURBO-MEK 1000 has been designed and developed following hygiene and cleaning design guidelines, with a view to favoring energy savings and a more efficient use of water during wash cycles.

The machine features SMART TC, an intelligent system patented by Dumek which not only favors energy savings during the heating and cooling stages, but more precise control of processing stages too, ensuring greater repeatability. In addition, the presence of high efficiency sprayballs and a fully automatic CIP system allows optimization of wash water consumption.

The new turbo-emulsifier, featuring a touchscreen control panel designed to interface with mobile devices, makes use of the latest technology for monitoring and control of processing parameters. A large internal database also allows storage of production formulae or ‘recipes’. This new version can be easily integrated into a production environment with centralized management using MES/MOM type systems. 
 

Company’s solutions offer streamlined management of complex projects, enabling pharmaceutical companies to rely on a single partner from visual inspection to palletizing. At the show, Stevanato Group also will focus on its recently enhanced after-sales services for the US market.

Piombino Dese (PD), Italy, September 9, 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 its various manufacturing and service solutions at INTERPHEX NYC, Booth #2477, October 19-21, 2021.  Among other highlights, the company will provide live demonstrations of its AI-ready Vision Robot Unit (VRU) inspection system, a reliable, autonomous module capable of automatically inspecting both cosmetic and particle properties without human intervention.

Exemplifying Stevanato Group’s next-generation inspection capabilities, the VRU is a robotic, human-like inspection unit combining flexibility with automation efficiency. Designed to meet emerging “smart factory” needs for a fully automated, flexible inspection solution that enhances control process reliability, the VRU is ideal for a broad array of applications in the pharma development and manufacturing landscape, including biotech products such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), vaccines and lyophilized drugs.

Also at INTERPHEX NYC, Stevanato Group will provide insight into its modular, scalable, flexible assembly solutions. As more customized medicines are delivered via a broader array of delivery devices, a premium is being placed on equipment versatility and modularity to adapt to wide-ranging production scenarios.

Here, injectables are a prime example. Although many injector types have similar components, designs vary significantly in terms of size, material, and shape. This is a major production challenge, both for pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturing organizations that cater to pharma customers around the world. Stevanato Group’s modular, “building block” approach streamlines production, ensuring flexibility and smooth production ramp-up.

Finally, at INTERPHEX NYC a member of Stevanato Group’s expanded after-sales service team will be on hand to discuss the global program’s latest enhancements. Effective this year, companies purchasing Stevanato Group glass converting, visual inspection, assembly and packaging equipment have a dedicated team and a single point of contact. Committed to delivering a more customized experience for optimal machine maintenance, performance and utilization, the after-sales department relies on a network of some 60 professionals across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

“We’re excited to finally have the chance to reconnect face-to-face with our pharma industry customers and colleagues at one of America’s premier pharma events,” said Alessandro Zannini, Engineering Sales Director at Stevanato Group. “To meet the evolving needs of modern pharma companies, advanced technologies must be complemented by functional production versatility and by dedicated staff who can take care of the full product life cycle. We look forward to showcasing our various solutions to these challenges at INTERPHEX NYC.”

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.

Date 9th September 2021 - Xaar, the leading inkjet printing technology group, says the advanced capabilities of its Ultra High Viscosity technology demonstrates the significant difference that inkjet printing can make to labels and packaging. 

Date 9th September 2021 - Xaar, the leading inkjet printing technology group, says the advanced capabilities of its Ultra High Viscosity technology demonstrates the significant difference that inkjet printing can make to labels and packaging. 

Part of Xaar’s ImagineX platform, Ultra High Viscosity technology ensures Xaar’s printheads deliver high impact, productive and efficient results for volume digital label and packaging printing applications.  By enabling an extended high colour gamut and fluids with larger particles and more pigment, colours are more vibrant and whites and blacks stronger – this unbeatable capability to print high opacity, especially whites, in a single pass is extremely useful for delivering impact on many labels and direct-to-shape packaging printing applications.In addition, fluids, and inks with viscosities of up to 100 centipoises (cP) can be jetted in a single pass, further opening up opportunities for label and packaging printers to deliver new and exciting finishes for clients across a wider variety of packaging materials, with a high degree of efficiency and productivity.

Energy is also saved because UV fluids, which previously required heating to 45 degrees before jetting, can now be laid down at room temperature. Overall, less fluid is required as well, making the process even more sustainable.

Further, high-build varnish embellishments can be achieved more easily, to add texture, visual impact, and functionality (such as ink that resists cracking on flexible surfaces) to labels and packaging. From braille and tactile warning triangles on labels, to the latest haptic effects for a high-end look and real shelf presence for rigid and flexible packaging, with Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity technology results can be achieved that have traditionally only been possible by using screen printing.

Graham Tweedale, General Manager of Xaar’s printhead business unit, said; “We are already seeing how Ultra High Viscosity technology is opening up new possibilities for Xaar in a number of applications, particularly label and packaging.

“Whereas previously inkjet printheads have typically been only able to jet fluids of around 8 to 12 cP, our technologies enable printers to jet much higher viscosities, achieving a wider colour gamut and unparalleled opacity, and can be used to print an extensive range of special effects.

“In addition, after many years of requests from clients to be able to print higher molecular weight photopolymers to increase resistance and flexibility for printed materials, our Ultra High Viscosity technology has realised this capability, truly unleashing the power of inkjet.”

Ultra High Viscosity technology is available across many of Xaar’s printheads including the Xaar Nitrox, the 50x series, and Xaar 2002.

Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has won three awards for sustainable packaging at the Austrian Green Packaging Star Awards.

The annual Green Packaging Star Awards recognise environmentally-friendly packaging and recycling solutions, as well as packaging-related improvements in operational processes in production, logistics, and distribution. The award is presented by Kompack magazine and the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology.

The judges of these awards recognised the high standard of the following three Mondi products:

EcoVantage paper for Tesco shopping bags

Mondi's collaboration with the retailer aims to close the loop by working across the whole supply chain. The partnership involves Mondi recycling Tesco’s existing corrugated packaging waste and then transforming it into EcoVantage paper. By working alongside its converters’ network, shopping bags are produced that are used by customers of Tesco Central Europe. This partnership helps Tesco work towards its net zero emission goal, using recycled and fresh fibres that are combined to deliver a recyclable and high-performing shopping bag 

WalletPack Recyclable for well-known German deli meats

Working with Bell Germany, Mondi created packaging for the meat producer’s ‘Abraham’ range of sliced deli meats. WalletPack Recylable, a mono-material solution that helps prevent food waste and has been verified by the German institute cyclos-HTP as 93% recyclable. The folded approach keeps the deli meats fresh and easy to access and requires 37% less material to be produced. Launched in early 2021, it is set to save 35 tonnes of plastic waste per year for Bell Germany.

Functional Barrier Paper substituting plastic packaging

Mondi’s barrier-coated functional papers aim to transform packaging for a range of products including food and toys where, until now, paper has been unimaginable as a sustainable alternative. An ideal replacement for plastic laminates, the barrier papers can be used for dry food, frozen food, secondary packaging, and flow pack applications. Fully recyclable in most existing paper streams, they protect against grease and water vapour and can run on existing form-fill-and-seal (FFS) lines.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2020, Mondi had revenues of €6.66 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.35 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Company’s new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 10 Color Perfector is part of a multi-phase machinery investment in response to rapid business growth due to increased demand for specialized packaging

Camden, NJ – Rondo-Pak, a leading provider of quality folding cartons and printed components for the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer industries, continues to enhance its capabilities and expand capacity at its primary facility in Camden, New Jersey with enhancements to its equipment line up. The most recent addition includes its new Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 10 Color Perfector delivered this month. A 5.5-million-dollar investment, the new press will increase the company’s offset printing capacity by over 20 percent. 

This latest upgrade to the Rondo-Pak equipment line up will allow Rondo-Pak to better meet the demands of its customers during a rapid growth period, which has been accelerated by a need for COVID-19 related products including vaccines, adjuvants, test kits, and treatment medications. The new press is one of multiple machinery enhancements the company has slated for installation.

The Heidelberg 10 Color Offset Press, which will be operational in the fourth quarter of this year, is capable of production speeds of 18,000 sheets per hour in straight printing or perfecting mode, as well as continuous process optimization through artificial intelligence. Parallel makeready processes increase productivity in packaging, commercial, and label printing. The 100% inline vision inspection system assures the highest degree of consistency and accuracy.

“This investment, along with our recent and forthcoming equipment additions and upgrades, affirms our commitment to continuous improvement and will enable us to better provide innovative, precise and cost-effective packaging solutions for our customers,” said Bob Reilley, President and COO of Rondo-Pak. “We look forward to meeting with many prospective clients at Pack Expo to share more about our new press and the many other recent investments we have made, as well as several we have planned in the near future.”

Rondo-Pak executives, along with its affiliate Körber Pharma, will be exhibiting at Pack Expo booth #SL-6549 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, held September 27–29, 2021 to further discuss the new press and the company’s enhanced capabilities.
 

About Rondo-Pak
Rondo-Pak/Contemporary Graphic Solutions is a global print and packaging specialist whose unique blend of capabilities and forward thinking yields present-day solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. Strategically aligned with Körber Pharma to link packaging equipment, materials, and software, Rondo-Pak provides a comprehensive assortment of marketing and packaging solutions to address challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, including global brand management, packaging efficiency, and supply chain optimization.

In combination with a wide range of printed materials such as inserts, leaflets, medication guides and regulated marketing materials, Rondo-Pak’s packaging innovations address precise requirements for compliance, child resistance, anti-counterfeiting, e-pedigree and more. For more information, visit www.rondopak.com
 

100% recyclable wrap solution exceeds SAE G27 lithium battery packaging performance standards

Waterbury, CT – PACT, LLC, an innovator of packaging and crating technologies, has been granted a US patent for its Thermo Shield™, a paper-based, fire-resistant shipping wrap designed to prevent catastrophes caused by battery explosions during transport. Utilizing a revolutionary technology that actively and automatically cools the internal environment of a corrugated container, the paper-based, 100% recyclable protective logistics product prevents damage to the outside shipping container, suppresses fumes or gasses from escaping, and limits external oxygen supply. 

Thermo Shield™ comprises a lightweight pleated material with a non-toxic moisture vapor application that ensures the safety of lithium-ion products in transport. The solution can suppress thermal runaway and propagation at temperatures up to 800°C, and restrict the temperature outside the wrap itself to 60°C.

Importantly considering the push for sustainable packing solutions, the pleated paper is an eco-friendly material that protects the environment even while shielding items from hazardous thermal runaway events, including fires. 

The solution’s credentials are a step up from competitors: Thermo Shield™ is a paper-based wrap solution that exceeds the proposed SAE G27 lithium battery packaging performance standards for safety in shipping. The shipper also is lightweight and reusable, lending to cost efficiency both at initial purchase and during use. 

The urgent industry need to mitigate dangerous thermal runaway events makes Thermo Shield™ a potentially groundbreaking solution, one capable of drastically limiting the amount of thermal runaway to protect both logistics personnel and valuable cargo. Per the United Parcel Service (UPS), just seven of their customers are responsible for shipping over 40 million lithium-ion batteries per year. Further, the majority of cells or battery packs are produced in Asia, leading to long transit times when shipping to the Western Hemisphere. 

“Thermo Shield’s one-of-a-kind design allows it to suppress serious thermal runaway incidents, protecting freight transporters and the cargo they’re tasked with delivering,” said Rodger Mort, President of PACT, LLC. “Being recognized with a US patent serves as validation that Thermo Shield™ not only works, but does so in a novel, unique fashion.”

For more information about Thermo Shield™, visit www.pactthermoshield.com.
 

About PACT
PACT, LLC is a world leader in manufacturing industrial packaging and crating solutions. With over 25 years of experience, PACT has designed such popular industry solutions as J Crates and Pleatwrap, as well as custom packaging products for the furniture and automotive industries. PACT was founded on the idea of sustainability and continues to embrace a green future in the packing and crating industry. For more information, visit www.pactww.com. 
 

LEATHERHEAD, Surrey, UK and AKRON, Ohio, USA – September 8, 2021 – Through 2020 and into 2021 inkjet and electrophotography printing has secured new markets in labels and packaging. Data from the new Smithers report – The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2026 shows total value for this will reach $21.1 billion in 2021

This is in line with existing trends, as run lengths have decreased and print quality on inkjet presses has risen; but the market has received a specific boost from the Covid-19 pandemic. As normal supply and consumer purchasing patterns were disrupted, the utilisation of the installed base of digital pressed rose to meet fluctuating demand from packaging buyers. Accordingly print volumes for digital print in packaging rose by 20.8% across 2019-2020. This happened in a market space where globally total printed packaging volumes declined by -1.9%.

With other print segments badly hit by Covid-19, packaging and labels are increasingly the focus for many print OEMs, with the latest digital technology promising to open new segments and print options for print service providers (PSPs). Overall from 2021-2026 the sector will remain attractive with demand for digital printed packaging significantly outperforming the broader market.

Led by inkjet, digital’s share of the printed label and packaging market will increase from 4.4% by value in 2020 ($18.5 billion), to 7.2% ($35.9 billion) in 2026. This is equivalent to an 11.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2021-2026.

Labels still account for the majority of digital output in 2021, worth $11.79 billion, but these will have a relatively low CAGR of 5.6% to 2026. Growth will be fastest in corrugated ($5.78 billion in 2021), closely followed by folding cartons ($2.31 billion). With both segments more than doubling their use of digital over the forecast period, their combined value will exceed digital label printing in 2026.

LEATHERHEAD, Surrey, UK and AKRON, Ohio, USA – September 8, 2021 – Through 2020 and into 2021 inkjet and electrophotography printing has secured new markets in labels and packaging. Data from the new Smithers report – The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2026 shows total value for this will reach $21.1 billion in 2021

This is in line with existing trends, as run lengths have decreased and print quality on inkjet presses has risen; but the market has received a specific boost from the Covid-19 pandemic. As normal supply and consumer purchasing patterns were disrupted, the utilisation of the installed base of digital pressed rose to meet fluctuating demand from packaging buyers. Accordingly print volumes for digital print in packaging rose by 20.8% across 2019-2020. This happened in a market space where globally total printed packaging volumes declined by -1.9%.

With other print segments badly hit by Covid-19, packaging and labels are increasingly the focus for many print OEMs, with the latest digital technology promising to open new segments and print options for print service providers (PSPs). Overall from 2021-2026 the sector will remain attractive with demand for digital printed packaging significantly outperforming the broader market.

Led by inkjet, digital’s share of the printed label and packaging market will increase from 4.4% by value in 2020 ($18.5 billion), to 7.2% ($35.9 billion) in 2026. This is equivalent to an 11.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2021-2026.

Labels still account for the majority of digital output in 2021, worth $11.79 billion, but these will have a relatively low CAGR of 5.6% to 2026. Growth will be fastest in corrugated ($5.78 billion in 2021), closely followed by folding cartons ($2.31 billion). With both segments more than doubling their use of digital over the forecast period, their combined value will exceed digital label printing in 2026.

Smithers’ analysis tracks the technology advances that will underpin this transition across all major press formats and packaging substrates. These are principally for inkjet systems. Over the next five years, improvements will help make the process more cost-competitive, even on medium and long run commissions for folding cartons, corrugated, flexibles, and rigid plastics.

Further advances in printheads will boost both quality and speed. While printheads with a 1,200dpi native resolution and greyscale printing up to 200m per minute are standard today; it is forecast that by 2026, 2,400dpi units will be common and greyscale speeds will rise to 300m per minute. Variation in drop size will also enhance inkjet’s use, down to 1pl for fine quality, or much larger for whites, solid colours, varnishes and embellishment effects.

As the market expands, machines from larger OEMs will increasingly dominate the space, with fewer turnkey solutions and hybrid models being sold. More installations of sheetfed inkjet presses will help open larger format packaging work to digital print.

Simultaneously inks will improve to allow use on a wider range of packaging substrates, there will be an increased use of water-based ink sets; while greater sales volumes will push the price per litre down. Print quality will continue to improve, supported by more paper substrates optimised for inkjet production, although analogue inks and toners will still outperform inkjet when using specialty inks, such as metallics.

For colour toner presses, the main challenge will be competing against newer inkjet machines in labels, cartons and flexibles. The segment will be bolstered by its own new technology developments, such as HP Indigo’s LEPx technology; but the deeper trend will be to push electrophotography use more towards premium labels and niches in high-quality cartons and flexible packs. 

The market outlook for digital printing in packaging in the wake of the pandemic and through to 2026 is examined in detail by the comprehensive Smithers study. This marries critical insight into the latest packaging industry trends with expert analysis on the market potential of current and future print technologies.

The dynamic and lucrative market is quantified authoritatively, with an exclusive dataset presented in over 250 data tables and figures. It segments market (by value and volume) by print technology, and packaging format/substrate, across 30 leading national and regional markets.

About Smithers 
Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life science, packaging, materials, components, consumer, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch, by integrating science, technology, and business expertise, so customers can innovate with confidence. www.smithers.com