The Trend Book is the result of a long-term cooperation between Carlin Creative and Verallia's Marketing teams and de

Milan (Italy) – From 9 to 11 November, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the pharmaceutical sector will be held again at the Milan trade fair: CPhI Worldwide, which, after almost two years, will allow pharmaceutical companies to meet again and directly discuss the challenges they face in the coming years.

For the occasion, Marchesini Group will be exhibiting the BL-A418 CW Print&Check machine with an integrated checkweigher in hall 10 (stand 10K10). This solution for Track&Trace requirements was developed by Neri, a Marchesini Group division that specialises in the production of machines for labelling and tracing cartons.

SEA Vision, the Group’s partner specialising in vision systems, will also be present at the stand. During the days of the fair, it will open the doors of its new Pavia plant to customers and suppliers to show them the new spaces dedicated to technological research and production, geared around the concept of sustainability. 

Technical features 

The print&check machine with integrated checkweigher BL-A418 CW has been designed to meet the Track & Trace needs of pharmaceutical companies around the world. 

The model exhibited, that can process up to 400 cartons per minute, has a load cell fully integrated into the stepper conveyance system.
This solution is much more compact than both the classic one (where the weighing unit is coupled in-line) and the version of main competitors of the market, who offer solutions having weighing units with their own independent conveyance system. 

The cartons are fed and accumulated in-line on the inlet belt to ensure a continuous flow of products, even at high speeds. A timing device positions and sets the cartons at the correct distance apart: its special feature is that it is synchronised with the speed of the whole conveyance system and there is no need for any size change-over adjustments.  

A load cell is fully integrated into the stepper conveyance system and is able to check the weight of each carton. By integrating the load cell into the toothed belt system of the BL-A418 CW, it is able to verify the position of the cartons at all times: if the weight is correct, the product undergoes the subsequent processes (serialization and marking), then it is sent to the next machine; if on the other hand the weight is not correct, the subsequent process is skipped and the carton is rejected, according to the “Fail Safe” operating logic.

The high level of flexibility of the BL-A418 CW means that all types of printing and vision systems available can be installed on it, which can be customised according to all the current standards worldwide. This special feature makes the BL-A418 CW the most suitable and complete machine for tracking, and serialising cartons, giving a unique identity to all the pharmaceutical products packaged.
 

CHANEL has just announced new LES EAUX DE CHANEL fragrance bottle caps made with biobased Sulapac® material.

Sustainable innovation approach

It all began with a desire. In 2018, LES EAUX DE CHANEL introduced a new olfactory world to the fragrances of the House: a singular collection, inspired by Mademoiselle Coco Chanel’s favorite places, fueled by the imaginary and composed around freshness.

Consistently, LES EAUX DE CHANEL was conceived with sustainability in mind. Its glass perfume bottles are thinner and lighter*, which means a smaller volume of raw materials and optimized transport, and the corrugated cardboard that is normally hidden was transformed into clean, simple outer packaging whose lack of lamination or glossy coating makes it easier to recycle.

Since 2021, all of the 125 ml bottles in LES EAUX DE CHANEL collection are topped with a biobased** cap, which CHANEL has developed in partnership with Sulapac. For two years, CHANEL teams worked hand-in-hand with the Finnish startup to create an unprecedented cap composed of three layers, made out of 91% biobased materials obtained from renewable resources and FSC™ certified*** wood chips (by-products of industrial side-streams).

Compared to other CHANEL Eaux de Toilette of the same size. ** Made from plant-based materials. *** Wood from FSC-certified responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources. Sulapac’s FSC licence number is FSC-C158142.

In keeping with the rigorous standards of the House of CHANEL, every detail was carefully thought out, including the sensory nature of the material, its resistance to fluctuations in temperature, the unique sound the bottle makes when the cap is put on, the grip, and the depth of the satiny matte finish on the iconic double C engraving. It took no fewer than 48 tries to reach the final product. The project is part of a long-term, collaborative approach that puts sustainability at the center of CHANEL research and development.

Luxury standards leading the way

Sulapac was pleased to welcome CHANEL, a leading brand representing the most demanding luxury segment, among its early investors in 2018.

“CHANEL is definitely one of the forerunners in the luxury industry as they want to invest in the latest sustainable material and technology innovations. We have set a very high-quality standard for our sustainable material, with an ambition to replace conventional plastics,” stated Suvi Haimi, CEO and Co-founder of Sulapac, on the announcement in 2018.

Now, Haimi says: “This first product launch of our collaboration with CHANEL, the biobased LES EAUX DE CHANEL cap made with Sulapac material, is a remarkable milestone for us. It proves that Sulapac meets the highest quality standards.”

About Sulapac
Sulapac® is an award-winning, patented bio-based material innovation for the circular economy. It accelerates the plastic waste-free future with sustainable materials that are beautiful and functional. Like nature. Sulapac was founded in 2016 by Dr. Suvi Haimi, Dr. Laura Tirkkonen-Rajasalo and Dr. Antti Pärssinen. The company has been ranked one of the 100 hottest startups in Europe by WIRED UK in 2018, 2019 and 2021, and one of the Nordic startups to watch in 2021 by Sifted, backed by the Financial Times. The Helsinki-based company’s investors include CHANEL and Sky Ocean Ventures.

WL-1-RT Wraparound Vial Labeling Machine ideal for high-speed vaccine production; Anritsu 10-lane 100% Capsule Checkweigher features novel handling mechanism for reliable feed and reject functions.

Fairfield, NJ – MG America, the U.S. subsidiary of MG2 of Bologna, Italy and a leading supplier of processing and packaging equipment, will debut two new machines at INTERPHEX NYC Booth #2221, October 19-21. One is an enhanced wraparound vial labeling machine ideal for the ongoing production of COVID-19 vaccines; the other is a robust, 10-lane capsule checkweigher with a newly developed handling mechanism. 

First, the WL-1-RT Wraparound Vial Labeling Machine, supplied by MG America via machinery manufacturer Packaging Efficiency Solutions, is ideal for high-speed glass vial lines such as those producing COVID-19 vaccines. Capable of applying precisely placed labels to 600 vials per minute, the WL-1-RT features positive vial control via a trunnion transportation system. The unit can accommodate both thermal transfer and laser coding printing operations, and is preconfigured for the integration of an OCR/OCV vision inspection system. Non-conforming labels are rejected prior to application, and infeed/outfeed by-flow tables provide optimal buffering. 

Also debuting at MG America’s INTERPHEX booth is the Anritsu 10-lane 100% Capsule Checkweigher KWS9002AP10. Capable of providing comprehensive weigh-check inspection for up to 75,000 capsules per hour, the unit features a newly developed capsule handling mechanism for superbly reliable feeding and rejection functionality. Notably, the Anritsu checkweigher boasts an industry-leading weight measurement accuracy of +/- 0.5mg. The module offers user/domain authentication (user management), and conforms to international industry standards and regulations (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GDP).

In addition, MG America will showcase two premium capsule fillers. The PLANETA 100 Capsule Filler is a continuous motion machine for medium to high production volumes, capable of speeds up to 100,000 capsules/hour. The unit can fill powders, pellets, micro-tablets, tablets, liquids and capsule-in-capsule, among other formats. The machine’s modular design features two removable dosing stations that can accommodate different dispensing units. 

The PLANETA 100 is available with an integrated automatic statistical in-process control system integrated, or MG America’s 100% Multi-NETT weight control system, which is capable of monitoring and controlling each component in a capsule – a useful feature for combination products.

Meanwhile, the FlexaLAB Capsule Filler can produce up to 3,000 capsules per hour and is specifically designed for R&D laboratories, clinical trials, small batch outputs and special productions. The machine can function at continuous or intermittent motion depending on the type of dosing unit installed. Multiple dosing units may be installed and utilized simultaneously, enabling the FlexaLAB to manufacture capsules with combinations of products – an important asset for its research-focused target audience.  

The FlexaLAB can fill powders, pellets, microtablets, tablets, liquids, and certain low-dosage powder inhalants. The machine also can perform capsule-into-capsule functions. Other features on the new FlexaLAB include a touch-screen panel with graphics and multi-language display; PLC for machine functions control; and motorized adjustment of machine speed from the monitor. Options such as a 100% weight inspector (for filled capsules) and a dry oil-free air compressor also are available. 
 

About MG America
MG America, a subsidiary of MG2, Bologna Italy, is a leading supplier of an innovative family of precision-crafted processing and packaging machinery that includes capsule fillers, tablet presses, material handling, primary packaging equipment, secondary packaging equipment, checkweighing/weight control systems, tablet & capsule inspection, and line integration solutions. From sales, field service and spare parts to machine trials and local service/support representation, MG America offers a true "Partnership for Success."

MG America is located at 31 Kulick Road, Fairfield, NJ 07004.  For more information, call (973) 808-8185 or visit www.mgamerica.com. 
 

A change of format for family-size packs of ice cream wafers from standard printed carton boxes to plastic buckets from Berry Superfos is delivering a number of important benefits for leading Romanian ice cream manufacturer TOPGEL. These include better shelf stand-out, enhanced logistics, and the opportunity for consumers to repurpose the packs.

TOPGEL has selected the Berry Superfos SuperCube® pail in two sizes, 10.8 litres and 5.5 litres, and the round SuperHelio pail in 5.5 litres. The SuperCube® incorporates tamper evidence and an easy to open peel-off lid while, as well as tamper evidence, the SuperHelio pail features a special grid at the rim. During transportation of full pails, the grid ensures extra stability as it allows for increased friction between the pails. 

"We appreciate the attractive, top-quality family size buckets from Berry Superfos; they look great and convey our brand image in the best possible way,” commented Olaru Viorel, General Manager of TOPGEL. “Their space efficient shape means that we can be more flexible in our production planning and we also have advantages in respect of our logistics.”

Both packs are decorated with In-Mould Labelling and come with comfortable plastic handles. The look, shape and size make the product stand out on shelf, while offering optimal protection of the delicate wafers. 

In addition, an important sustainability benefit is that the buckets’ durable construction means they can be retained and repurposed by consumers.

“The quality of the buckets makes them ideal for long-term repurposing at home,” confirmed Olaru Viorel. “We appreciate this and have made it a selling point in the promotion of our wafers. It presents an added value to the end user and contributes to sustainable consumption.”

The new packaging project for wafers enhances the existing collaboration between TOPGEL and Berry Superfos, which is already supplying TOPGEL with plastic packaging solutions for a range of small ice cream desserts.

“The adoption of the SuperCube® and SuperHelio pails shows how our packs can deliver vital brand promotion and product protection benefits, while helping companies to meet their sustainability objectives, which today is an essential element of any packaging solution,” said Beno Šilec of Berry Superfos. “This is fundamental to our Impact 2025 sustainability strategy.”

For more information on Berry Superfos’s range of packaging solutions, visit www.superfos.com
 

Within a cooperation project the key industry players Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics (P&SP), a business unit of Dow (NYSE: DOW), HP Indigo, Cadel Deinking and Karlville together with Reifenhäuser, announce the successful delivery of the first-of-its-kind pouch-to-pouch mechanical recycling concept.

The approach uses a multi-stage process to contribute to a circular economy for digitally printed pouches. Starting with a polyethylene (PE)-based barrier food pouch designed for recyclability, the project team have used mechanical recycling and deinking to create a high-quality dishwasher MDOPE pouch containing 30 percent recycled contents and being itself suitable for recycling.

In a next step, the team is working on the digital product passport R-Cycle to allow for recycling-relevant packaging properties to be recorded and to make the pouch identifiable for high-quality recycling within post-consumer waste management.

Optimal recycling output Delivering the high-quality PE-pouch has required several steps in a coordinated process with each team member applying their experience and capabilities collaboratively: “The requirements for plastic packaging products have never been more complex than today. And we have modified and enhanced our Reifenhäuser production lines to enable films and packages not just to be economical and functional, but to meet the vast

demand for recyclable packaging based on mono-material structures”, commented Ralf Wiechmann, Head of Film Innovation at Reifenhäuser. “For this project we’ve broadened our machinery expertise to co-extrude the new resins on our highly flexible EVO 9-layer blown film line and produce PEbased packaging films at fast line speeds. This project shows that we can successfully both produce recyclable packaging, according to Recyclass and CEFLEX guidelines, and use recycled materials in high value applications if we collaborate effectively along the value chain.”

Next step: closing the loop for traceability As a further evolution of the project, the companies are working to add digital traceability to the pouches in line with R-Cycle, a cross-company initiative to develop an open and globally applicable traceability standard for sustainable plastic packaging. The aim of this initiative is to automatically record recycling-relevant packaging properties during production by providing a digital product passport and to pass them on through the value chain. Using special markings, recycling-friendly packaging can then be identified in the recycling process and sorted into single-type fractions. This is the key to obtaining high-quality recyclates in order to continue efforts to close the loop. R-Cycle is being driven by several major stakeholders in the plastics industry, including Reifenhäuser, which is contributing the technology to the pouch-to-pouch concept.

About the Reifenhäuser Group

With its highly specialized business units, the Reifenhäuser Group is the leading supplier of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company supplies high-tech solutions all over the world. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, the Reifenhäuser Group has the world's largest competence network for plastics technology. CEO of the group is Bernd Reifenhäuser.

While buying and using cosmetic products, there are different types of packaging. But packaging materials can also have the significant amount of influences over the actual product itself?

There is also another fact that is seen that the different type of product in terms on application also has the fixed tradition of packaging. Such as nail polish bottles are made of glass. Or fairness creams, face wash packaging tubes are made of plastic. Here are the pros and cons of these materials.

Plastic packaging for cosmetics

For instance, Plastic helps people easily squeeze out the proper amount of product that is needed for the application.

Pros

All the reason behind the massive usage of plastic for packaging is that the significantly lower cost than any other material available. Plus the flexibility in terms of usage also helps the cause a lot. And it is light-weight in comparison to other materials.

Cons

The main problem behind using plastic is that after the usage of the actual product inside, the packaging material turns into nothing but a waste and also has a heavy impact over the environmental condition of the planet. Also, resistance to certain type chemicals also limit the usage of it being used up to a state.

Glass packaging for cosmetics

Glass is rather gorgeous of a material for packaging. As many of the renowned brand all over the world use massive amount of glass packaging for their products which undeniably makes them more attractive and posh-looking too. As the chemical structure of glass is of such a manner that is helpful for the packaging for emulsion type products.

Pros

The key benefit of using cosmetics glass bottles is that it has a decorative look and clean too. The composition of glass is relatively stable, and it is not easy to have a chemical reaction with skin care products. And glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly with no loss in quality or purity. Glass recycling is a closed loop system, creating no additional waste or by-products. Glass is one of the very few examples where the same material can be recycled over and over again without loss of quality.

Cons

The main reason behind the problems of using glass is that this material is not actually durable and quite fragile in terms of impact. If not treated carefully, the whole product can be wasted due to a single crack in the container. And also the broken, sharp edged pieces can be physically harmful also.

As according to the above discussion, I think glass packaging is better. Because cosmetics often contain alcohol. Cosmetics and plastics are prone to chemical reactions, and plastic bottles are not friendly to the environment. So even though glass is heavy and fragile, it is still the better choice for cosmetic packaging.

The packaging is designed to highlight unique properties of single-origin cocoa.

This packaging is intended to maintain the properties of food for a longer period without the need to add chemical ad

Xeikon has appointed Sean Wu General Manager for Greater China, signalling the company’s increasing presence in the region. In his new role, Wu is tasked with managing the significant growth in interest for Xeikon's digital solutions in China, particularly from label and packaging printers and converters working with the high demands from brand owners and designers, creating unusual, unique and high-end products to meet ever-evolving consumer demand. Wu will also manage and coordinate Xeikon’s new warehousing facility at its Technical Innovation Center in Shanghai, where the company can now provide same day consumables and parts delivery and technical support. 

Wu says: "I am pleased to be a part of Xeikon's future plans in China. The Xeikon family is a great community of innovation and forward thinking. I have long admired Xeikon’s technology, and with the huge growth we are seeing in the labels and packaging sectors in China, it is exciting for me to present Xeikon's innovative solutions to these markets. With the new warehousing facility now open in Shanghai, we are able to quickly respond with technical help and 24hr delivery service on parts and consumables. I have been working in the IT sector for almost 30 years – for Hitachi, EMC and IBM. I also worked for many years as General Manager at InfoPrint where I was in charge of selling Continuous Print solutions. My new role is a big opportunity and I now hope to bring my IT and management skills to support Xeikon."

Xeikon’s Innovation Center in Shanghai is designed to house the latest Xeikon equipment to support the expanding Chinese markets. The hands-on centre of digital printing excellence is a welcome place of interaction were visitors and customers can test a variety of applications and options for new revenue streams and business growth. With this new state-of-the-art warehousing facility, Xeikon is now able to deliver a same-day response to its customers across the whole of Greater China. 

Xeikon designed its Innovation Center in Shanghai to be a benchmark of excellence. Printing and converting companies are invited to discuss their business strategies and compare results on Xeikon equipment. Wu continues: “We are also able to provide customers with the full suite of Xeikon services, including training and support as well as our online and comprehensive advisory service Transform with its hotline for advice and guidance on digital transformation. With the new warehouse in operation, we can also efficiently handle all our customers’ enquiries with a very fast response and a 24hr delivery”.

Klaus Nielsen, Director & General Manager APAC, concludes: "We are delighted that Sean Wu has joined Xeikon as General Manager for Greater China. He brings a wealth of expertise and proven management skills. The Chinese market continues to expand, and this appointment is the next step in our G2M strategy for this region. In his newly established role, Sean will further develop and strengthen Xeikon business in Greater China.” 

Equipment specialist also will exhibit new benchtop syringe filler

ideal for compounding pharmacies

Mount Vernon, NY – TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC, an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines, will showcase two of its latest, most innovative syringe fillers at INTERPHEX NYC Booth #1945, October 17-19. In addition, representatives will be on hand to discuss a recent partnership with UK-based end-of-line and packaging equipment manufacturer Sewtec, for whom TurboFil is now the exclusive Eastern & Central US sales and service provider.

Among TurboFil’s offerings at this year’s show is a module for automated, simplified production of a wide range of syringe formats. Employing a versatile yet precise setup that accurately fills syringes via ceramic piston, peristaltic pump or direct draw from a reservoir bag, the company's SimpliFil Syringe Filling & Assembly System is suitable for small to medium batches.

SimpliFil is designed for ease of use: its signature highlight is a walking beam indexing configuration, which provides intuitive operation and simplified, recipe-based changeover. For heightened precision, TurboFil's unique TipFil™ technology allows syringes to be filled through the tip – a step-saving innovation eliminating the need to insert plungers post-filling.

Filling up to 36 syringes per minute, the SimpliFil system smoothly handles syringes with tips outfitted for press-on caps and luer caps, as well as various safety caps recently incorporated for oral syringes. For post-capping marking applications, TurboFil also offers an optional labeler that can wrap syringes with pre-printed labels or, for medications requiring variable marking, print individual labels per uploaded input. An automatic syringe loading system also is available, as is a volume and vision system for fill and label matching verification.

Also at INTERPHEX, TurboFil will showcase its recently introduced benchtop syringe filling machine providing a step up from manual operations. Offering full control of filling parameters in single or dual operation, the TipFil™ Syringe Filler provides accurate, consistent fills at up to 12 pieces per minute. The unit utilizes a piston mechanism that draws  back the plunger, with the distance the plunger is pulled back dictating the amount of drug filled. Among other benefits, this eliminates the need to clean a metering device. For premium accuracy, the plunger motion is driven by a servo motor for precise, repeatable product filling.

Among the TipFil™ Syringe Filler’s key attributes is its versatility: the unit can accommodate a wide variety of syringe sizes and product types, and perform through-the-tip filling for liquids or viscous products in a variety of typical infeed scenarios – including hoppers and reservoirs, and an optional attachment for filling via bottles and vials. Suckback control helps ensure heightened fill accuracy, and all product contact parts are fully disposable, single-use plastic. 

Fill volumes are electronically adjustable via HMI, and a priming function – also programmed via HMI – efficiently facilitates air bubble removal. Recipes for various product and fill volumes are accessible by an optional barcode scanner, and validation packages also are available. Once a filling cycle is complete, the TipFil™ Syringe Filler retracts syringes to their starting position so the operator can remove and replace them with new ones.

About TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC

TurboFil is an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines for the pharmaceutical, medical device, health & beauty and chemical industries. Since its inception in 1999, the company has created novel, durable production solutions for some of the industry's most challenging applications, consistently setting new benchmarks for filling precision and operational simplicity.

TurboFil's equipment portfolio features a broad range of standardized equipment, and the company also frequently collaborates with customers to develop, design and construct customized, built-to-spec machines. This versatility has made TurboFil a leader in supplying reliable, efficient and cost-effective filling and assembly systems that fit seamlessly into existing operations.
 

Zeus, the Irish-owned global packaging solutions company, has today announced the acquisition of Limerick Packaging, a leading supplier to the Irish industrial and transit packaging market. The acquisition marks an ongoing investment strategy by Zeus to expand its capabilities in the corrugated packaging sector across Ireland.

 Zeus intends to comprehensively invest in its industrial and transit packaging offering, strengthening its current infrastructure through the acquisition of Limerick Packaging. To capitalise on the growth in this market on the island of Ireland, Zeus will invest in staff, design, and technical capabilities along with expanding the range of products and services available. Founded in 2002 by Connie Ryan and Mike Boland, Limerick Packaging has an annual turnover of €17.4 million. The business has strategically focussed on providing corrugated packaging solutions to the health and food processing sectors. Established by Brian O’Sullivan in 1998, Zeus has an annualised turnover of €325 million and employs 670 people worldwide.

 Speaking on the announcement, Zeus CEO Keith Ockenden said: “The acquisition of Limerick Packaging is a major step in the next phase of our growth plan. Integrating both Limerick Packaging’s and Zeus’s industrial and transit packaging reach in Ireland, coupled with our foothold in the UK market, will deliver economies of scale, operational efficiencies, and customer service improvements. It will also allow us to provide a more comprehensive range of products and services for our combined customers. Zeus has sourcing capabilities across Europe and this move will realise greater supply chain security to our business within Ireland. The additional operations in Limerick will bring our total storage and distribution capacity to over 600,000sq ft throughout the country.”

 “Growth in the home delivery sector is seeing demand for packaging increase by over 20%.. It will better enable us to provide both bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions to Irish businesses and cements our ambition of becoming the leading industrial and transit packaging supplier across Ireland and the UK.”

 The addition of Limerick Packaging’s 45 staff will bring Zeus’s personnel on the island of Ireland to 221. Earlier this year, Zeus completed a €40 million, two-year programme of strategic acquisitions with the purchase of Austrian firm Petruzalek expanding the group’s distribution and logistics capabilities in food and industrial packaging across 26 countries world-wide.

 Speaking on its investment in the industrial and transit packaging sector, Mr Ockenden added: “We are proud to be working with this successful, Irish-owned business which supports 45 jobs in the Limerick region. Limerick Packaging is renowned for its high level of customer service, providing bespoke optimised packaging solutions. The acquisition is complimented by a further €150,000 investment in our in-house CAD design capabilities. We have also recruited experienced packaging technologists who are trained in continuous improvement. Our experienced staff will provide a dedicated packaging design service, assessing and evaluating the needs of our customers, assisting in optimising packaging use and pack process efficiencies, encouraging more environmentally sustainable packaging solutions and ensure packaging works harder in maximising brand presentation and improving the customer ‘unboxing’ experience.”

 Connie Ryan, Managing Director of Limerick Packaging said: “Zeus is a company that we have admired since we first started our business almost 20 years ago and we are excited with the opportunity to become part of the Zeus family. Our team are specialists in their field and are looking forward to sharing their insights and experience with the Zeus team. We are all incredibly excited for the new opportunities and capabilities that being part of this global company will offer, ultimately to the benefit of our valued customers.”

 Assisting Zeus in the purchase of Limerick Packaging with funding, tax and legal advice, and financial due diligence were Sean O’Keeffe, Ulster Bank and OFX Solicitors in Cork.

About Zeus:

Zeus is a leading global packaging solutions company, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. They provide a diverse range of products and supply solutions into a wide variety of markets.

 Zeus has 38 offices worldwide, including Ireland, UK, Germany, Spain, Poland, New Zealand, Canada, China and Australia. In 2018, Zeus announced a €27 million investment in new premises in Dublin and the UK.

 During 2019, Zeus began a €40 million investment program acquiring Dublin-based Essential Supplies followed by manufacturer, Aldar Tissues. UK Investments included 220-year-old Liverpool-based distribution business Smith & Bateson, Lincolnshire-based food packaging business Van Der Windt and Saffron Waldon-based Vaiopak Group. On 1 January 2020, it announced completion of the acquisition of Plasti-Cart operating across the Canary Islands and finalised the acquisition of Austrian firm Petruzalek in February 2021. In May 2021, Zeus announced a €15 million investment in Aldar Tissues, quadrupling capacity.

 In operation for over 20 years, Zeus employs 670 in total across 26 countries worldwide. Zeus has grown at a rate of 7 to 10 % per annum for the last 5 years.

• Mondi and Taurus Packaging have collaborated to create a wet strength paper shopping bag for the South African retail market
• This packaging solution can prevent up to 2 million plastic bags from entering the waste stream in South Africa every month
• The paper bags support SPAR and Food Lover’s Market’s sustainability commitments to reduce plastic waste

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, and Taurus Packaging have developed a fit-for-purpose reusable shopping bag that can carry groceries and meet the needs of the demanding Southern African retail marketplace. Mondi’s Advantage Kraft Plus with wet strength makes this paper bag a great alternative in a market where plastic bags have traditionally been used.

Mondi's kraft paper for shopping bags is strong enough for South Africa's demanding weather conditions, including humidity. Its wet strength meets the 16kg standard requirement of the South African market and resists tearing even when cold products and liquids condense quickly. It also withstands longer customer journeys on public transport.

Collaborating with Taurus Packaging, two million paper shopping bags will be produced per month using Mondi’s paper, providing a recyclable, renewable, and PEFC certified, sustainably sourced alternative to plastic.

This new solution has found a home with two customers, SPAR South Africa and Food Lover’s Market, both national chains committed to finding more sustainable solutions for their customers. Food Lover’s Market have banned plastic bags from their stores, and the new paper shopping bags have already been well received by customers as a more sustainable alternative.

“These paper bags are a part of our commitment to embrace our responsibility to the environment and climate change. As such, it was a natural step to replace plastic with paper bags. The response from consumers has been overwhelmingly positive as the paper bag itself is very strong and on average can be used seven times and carrying a weight of about 10kg,” says Angela van der Merwe, Packaging Coordinator at the Food Lover’s Market Group.

 “These robust shopping bags make it possible for us to provide a sustainable yet practical alternative for our customers. Where paper bags used to tear easily, this paper repels water so makes it possible for us to provide a practical, reusable and recyclable alternative that reduces the use of plastic bags,” says Devin Galtrey, Spar South Africa.

At Mondi, we are committed to finding fit-for-purpose solutions that make ‘using paper where possible and plastic when useful’ a reality. Applying our customer-centric EcoSolutions approach, we were able to support Taurus in their search for a sustainable paper bag alternative. With our kraft paper expertise, we have made it possible to still use and reuse these paper bags under demanding handling conditions.

Mondi’s Advantage Kraft Plus with wet strength and other water-repellent paper grades are available globally with a focus on markets where humidity and rain can limit paper packaging options, such as shopping bags or cement sacks.

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.

Equipment specialist also will exhibit new benchtop syringe filler
ideal for compounding pharmacies

Mount Vernon, NY – TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC, an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines, will showcase two of its latest, most innovative syringe fillers at INTERPHEX NYC Booth #1945, October 17-19. In addition, representatives will be on hand to discuss a recent partnership with UK-based end-of-line and packaging equipment manufacturer Sewtec, for whom TurboFil is now the exclusive Eastern & Central US sales and service provider. 

Among TurboFil’s offerings at this year’s show is a module for automated, simplified production of a wide range of syringe formats. Employing a versatile yet precise setup that accurately fills syringes via ceramic piston, peristaltic pump or direct draw from a reservoir bag, the company's SimpliFil Syringe Filling & Assembly System is suitable for small to medium batches. 

SimpliFil is designed for ease of use: its signature highlight is a walking beam indexing configuration, which provides intuitive operation and simplified, recipe-based changeover. For heightened precision, TurboFil's unique TipFil™ technology allows syringes to be filled through the tip – a step-saving innovation eliminating the need to insert plungers post-filling. 

Filling up to 36 syringes per minute, the SimpliFil system smoothly handles syringes with tips outfitted for press-on caps and luer caps, as well as various safety caps recently incorporated for oral syringes. For post-capping marking applications, TurboFil also offers an optional labeler that can wrap syringes with pre-printed labels or, for medications requiring variable marking, print individual labels per uploaded input. An automatic syringe loading system also is available, as is a volume and vision system for fill and label matching verification.

Also at INTERPHEX, TurboFil will showcase its recently introduced benchtop syringe filling machine providing a step up from manual operations. Offering full control of filling parameters in single or dual operation, the TipFil™ Syringe Filler provides accurate, consistent fills at up to 12 pieces per minute. The unit utilizes a piston mechanism that draws  back the plunger, with the distance the plunger is pulled back dictating the amount of drug filled. Among other benefits, this eliminates the need to clean a metering device. For premium accuracy, the plunger motion is driven by a servo motor for precise, repeatable product filling. 

Among the TipFil™ Syringe Filler’s key attributes is its versatility: the unit can accommodate a wide variety of syringe sizes and product types, and perform through-the-tip filling for liquids or viscous products in a variety of typical infeed scenarios – including hoppers and reservoirs, and an optional attachment for filling via bottles and vials. Suckback control helps ensure heightened fill accuracy, and all product contact parts are fully disposable, single-use plastic.  

Fill volumes are electronically adjustable via HMI, and a priming function – also programmed via HMI – efficiently facilitates air bubble removal. Recipes for various product and fill volumes are accessible by an optional barcode scanner, and validation packages also are available. Once a filling cycle is complete, the TipFil™ Syringe Filler retracts syringes to their starting position so the operator can remove and replace them with new ones. 
 

About TurboFil Packaging Machines LLC

TurboFil is an equipment specialist dedicated solely to the design and development of liquid filling and assembly machines for the pharmaceutical, medical device, health & beauty and chemical industries. Since its inception in 1999, the company has created novel, durable production solutions for some of the industry's most challenging applications, consistently setting new benchmarks for filling precision and operational simplicity.

TurboFil's equipment portfolio features a broad range of standardized equipment, and the company also frequently collaborates with customers to develop, design and construct customized, built-to-spec machines. This versatility has made TurboFil a leader in supplying reliable, efficient and cost-effective filling and assembly systems that fit seamlessly into existing operations.
 

Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair, is preparing to open its doors to fair visitors for the 26th time at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul between the dates October 20th - 23rd 2021 in cooperation with Reed Tüyap Fairs Inc. and Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD) with the supports of Packaging Machinery Producers Association (AMD), Flexible Packaging Manufacturers Association (FASD), Label Manufacturers Association (ESD), Carton-board Packaging Manufacturers' Association (KASAD), Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MASD), Corrugated Cardboard Industrial Association (OMÜD) and Rigid Plastic Packaging Manufacturers Association (SEPA).
While the participating companies and visitors of the fair, which will be organized in a hybrid format for the first time this year, are meeting and networking face-to-face at Tüyap on October 20th - 23rd, they will be able to establish business connections via the online business network platform Business Connect Program.
 

Exports of 3 billion 44 million dollars from the packaging sector within the first 6 months of 2021
The packaging industry, increasing its total export of the first 6 months of 2021 by 6% in terms of quantity, and 26% in terms of value, exported 3 billion 44 million dollars, had foreign trade surplus of 1 billion 222 million dollars, thus increased its positive contribution to current deficit of Turkey.

The big meeting to contribute to the export goals of the packaging industry starts at Tüyap
Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair is simultaneously bringing together all kinds of turn-key solutions from packaging products to packaging machinery, from food and beverage processing machinery to packaging printing technologies with more than 1000 domestic and international exhibiting companies. It has become the fair that the whole industry awaits impatiently and that is important not only in Turkey but also in a larger region ranging from Europe to Middle East, from Africa to Far East, with its almost one thousand VIP visitors from more than 100 countries, hosting approximately 60.000 domestic and international visitors every year.
 
 Packaging Industry will exhibit its producing potential at Eurasia Packaging Istanbul Fair
Turkish packaging industry, increasing its export goals, is preparing to exhibit its products, services and solutions that have cutting-edge technologies making a great contribution to increase their competitiveness all across the world, to fair visitors from all over the world at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul.
 
Meet new generation fair organization experience with digital solutions
Eurasia Packaging Istanbul, co-locating with Food-Tech Eurasia, introduce the packaging industry and food and beverage processing industry with digital solutions they offer to their exhibitors and visitors. Eurasia Packaging Istanbul and Food-Tech Eurasia Fairs that will be organized in a hybrid format for the first time, bring together participating companies and visitors on a digital platform with online solutions before, during and after the fairs.

The first online meetings will take place on October 6th & 7th during PACK DAYS
Exhibiting companies in the fields of packaging products and machinery, food and beverage processing, printing and converting will start to communicate before the fair on October 6th & 7th, 2021 during PACK DAYS on digital environment by online video-calling or messaging.

The communication will continue during and after the fairs
Simultaneously with the physical fairs, by virtue of Business Connect Program, developed by Tüyap, participating companies and fair visitors will be able to communicate on digital environment through Business Connect Program even if they are not present at the fair area. As a part of the new generation fair organization understanding, fairs are no longer limited to just 4 days. After the fairs, exhibitors and visitors will be able to keep in touch between the days October 25th - November 5th, 2021 within the scope of Online Networking Days.

As the economy begins to recover and businesses are bouncing back to full swing, IndiaCorr Expo and India Folding Carton is gearing up to reunite the corrugated case manufacturing and folding carton industry from 23-25 October 2021 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. 

Over the past eight years, IndiaCorr Expo & India Folding Carton have catered to the Indian market as the leading business to business events for corrugated case manufacturing, converting, package printing, box making and folding carton segments.  The events bring thousands of buyers and sellers to connect face-to-face to build business relationships, network and learn   from industry experts.   Attendees can expect a top-notch showcase of latest machinery, be able to discover top brands and witness live demos to source end-to-end corrugated and folding carton solutions, all under one roof. 

The strategic partners of the event, Indian Corrugated Case Manufacturers' Association (ICCMA) is bringing back the ICCMA Congress 2021, which will take place on 23-24 October 2021 to gather corrugated manufacturing fraternity, from across the country. Theme of the year is, ‘‘The Changing Landscape- Adapting to the New Normal’, the sessions will address the current challenges faced by the industry and will host a range of eminent industry experts. 

Anuj Mathur, Chief Operating Officer of RX India, said: “It’s a real win for the industry as leading suppliers and buyers have confirmed their presence for the upcoming show in October and ICCMA is expected to host its largest attended congress ever. Given that our global health, safety and hygiene measures are in place – IndiaCorr Expo & India Folding Carton will aim to bring the industry together in a safe and conducive business environment.” 

Echoing Mathur, Sandeep Wadhwa, President of ICCMA said: “We are pleased to be back at IndiaCorr Expo & India Folding Carton. The industry needs to connect face-to-face in order to explore growth opportunities. The upcoming edition of the ICCMA Congress 2021 will prepare all corrugated stakeholders to stay agile and be ready for the future trends and opportunities in the changing landscape.” 

The stellar showcase of live machinery will continue to take centre stage with leading players including WestRock, BOBST, BHS Corrugated, EMBA Machinery, Astron Paper, Fuma Machinery, Fosber, Natraj Industries, ERHARDT + LEIMER, Re Equipment (India), Nitta Corporation India, JS Corrugating Machinery and Robus India participating at the event. 

Attendees can pre-register to attend at www.IndiaCorrExpo.com to receive their entry tickets. Visit IndiaCorr Expo and India Folding Carton from 23-25 October 2021 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. 

If you require further information, please contact us: 

For show information: Akshita Kapoor: akshita.kapoor@rxglobal.com
For PR and marketing: Mahjabin Shahzad: mahjabin.shahzad@rxglobal.com

About RX
RX is a leading global events business. It combines face-to-face with data and digital tools to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in almost 30 countries across 43 industry sectors, attracting more than 7 million participants.  Our events, organised by 35 global offices, leverage industry expertise, large data sets and technology to enable our customers to generate billions of dollars of revenues for the economic development of local markets and national economies around the world.   RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. www.reedexhibitions.com

About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 30,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
 

The newly launched annual magazine of Jane Goodall Institute Austria will be printed on NAUTILUS® Classic made from 100% recycled paper
The partnership is based on the common sustainability aspirations and values of Mondi, NAUTILUS® and the Jane Goodall Institute 
Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has been chosen by the Jane Goodall Institute Austria as the supplier for the first issue of their new annual magazine Be inspired using Mondi's premium recycled paper brand NAUTILUS

By inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Our partners understand the importance to act sustainable and are equally ambitious to protect natural resources in their field.

Dr. Jane Goodall, scientist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute
 
“When choosing our partners, it is important to us that they share our sustainability philosophy and aspirations. Mondi puts great efforts into recycling paper and a circular economy. NAUTILUS® mission “For the love of nature” is an excellent fit with the values of the Jane Goodall Institute”, says Doris Schreyvogel, Managing Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Austria.

 
Founded in 2013, the Jane Goodall Institute Austria is part of the Jane Goodall Institutes network, a global community conservation organisation that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall focusing on the protection of chimpanzees, reforestation and education.

The new annual magazine will be presented to the public on 30 September 2021 at a special launch event in Vienna, Austria. The magazine gives an overview of the projects of the Institute showcasing the holistic approach of its work.

At Mondi we developed an ambitious action plan, MAP2030, where we focus on climate resilience through our forests and operations for the future of the planet. Targets include reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in line with science-based targets, maintaining zero deforestation in our wood supply and safeguarding biodiversity and water in our operations and beyond. This ambition fits very well with the mission the Jane Goodall Institute pursues and we are honoured to have been selected as a supplier with our premium recycled paper brand NAUTILUS®”, explains Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director Uncoated Fine Paper at Mondi.

With its authentic recycled shade and the two grammages of 200 g/m2 and 120 g/m2 NAUTILUS® Classic perfectly meets the technical requirements of the magazine. Nautilus® Classic is made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and awarded with certification schemes such as FSCTM Recycled, Blue Angel and EU Ecolabel.

NAUTILUS® not only offers a diverse portfolio of recycled papers in a wide range of grammages and formats, but it also delivers top quality in every sheet. The NAUTILUS® product family provides premium quality recycled papers that help you to look after the environment and reinforce your image as a sustainable company.

About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. In six operating sites in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and South Africa, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored to the latest professional digital and offset print technologies. The company complies with the strictest international certification standards to support sustainable production processes through the responsible management of forest, water and air resources. All Mondi uncoated fine papers belong to the Green Range of papers that are FSC™ or PEFC™ certified, 100% recycled or bleached entirely without chlorine.

Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, PERGRAPHICA®, NAUTILUS®, NEUJET®, IQ, MAESTRO®, BIO TOP 3®, DNS®, Snegurochka or ROTATRIM are used in office environments on laser or inkjet printers and by professional printers on digital or offset presses to create brochures, transactional material, folders, invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact communication. Converters appreciate the excellent printability and smooth handling of Mondi’s professional printing papers.

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.

Key industry players join forces to recycle PE-based barrier pouch into new high-quality PE pouches suitable for repeat recycling to help drive a circular economy
 

HORGEN, Switzerland – September 23, 2021 – Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, a business unit of Dow (NYSE: DOW), together with HP Indigo, Reifenhä user, Cadel Deinking and Karlville, announce the successful delivery of the first-of-its-kind pouch-to-pouch mechanical recycling concept, enabled by a unique value chain effort.

 
The approach uses a multi-stage process to contribute to a circular economy for digitally printed pouches. Starting with a polyethylene (PE)-based barrier food pouch designed for recyclability, the project team have used mechanical recycling and deinking to create a high-quality dishwasher MDO-PE1 pouch containing 30 percent recycled contents and being itself suitable for recycling.

In a next step, the team is working on a digital product passport pilot to allow for recycling-relevant packaging properties to be recorded and to make the pouch identifiable for high-quality recycling within post-consumer waste management.

Optimal recycling output designed from the outset

Delivering the high-quality PE-pouch has required several steps in a coordinated process with each team member applying their experience and capabilities collaboratively:

“The requirements for plastic packaging products have never been more complex than today. And we have modified and enhanced our Reifenhä user production lines to enable films and packages not just to be economical and functional, but to meet the vast demand for recyclable packaging based on mono-material structures”, commented Ralf Wiechmann, Head of Film Innovation at Reifenhä user:

 
“For this project we’ve broadened our machinery expertise to co-extrude the new resins on our highly flexible EVO 9-layer blown film line and produce PE-based packaging films at fast line speeds. This project shows that we can successfully both produce recyclable packaging, according to Recyclass and CEFLEX guidelines, and use recycled materials in high value applications if we collaborate effectively along the value chain.”

“To create the new pouch, HP reverse-printed the recyclable MDO-PE film on the HP Indigo 25K Digital Press with the dishwasher pouch artwork to have it ready for lamination to the film using recycled resins at Dow’s Pack Studios,” added Itai Shifriss, Head of Indigo Business Supplies at HP. ”Sustainability is a key strategic growth area for HP customers and HP, and in order to drive the circular economy we collaborate with leading value chain partners.”

“Thanks to Dow’s Pack Studios and a team of world-class scientists, we could apply our full expertise and testing capabilities to make our resins work in this proof of concept,” explained Laura Evangelio, senior technical service and development specialist at Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics. “The first PE-rich pouch was designed for recyclability with up to 5% EVOH in the total structure for barrier functionality, and Dow’s innovative resins provided a remarkable stiffness-toughness balance, low-temperature sealability, adhesion to extruded barrier layers and excellent bubble stability. For the second PE-based pouch we used a high-performing solventless adhesive to enable the lamination of the MDO-PE film to the PE-film containing recycled resins from the first pouch. The project is not only a triumph in our industry’s sustainability efforts but a true example of focused scientific teamwork.”

 
“To produce the recycled PE resins for the second pouch, we used our deinking technology to achieve the best outcome,” said Pablo Cartagena, Business development manager at Cadel Deinking. “The deinking process is key because it effectively removes ink from the plastic surface to obtain a plastic with similar characteristics to the raw virgin material which helps to provide high-quality pouch-to-pouch recycling. We are very happy to collaborate closely with all these leading companies and to demonstrate that Cadel's deinking technology is considered ‘crucial’ to achieve circularity in plastic.”

“The Karlville pouch machine is one with the most compact footprint on the market, designed for extremely low set-up waste and quick change-over, perfectly suitable for recyclable materials,” said Gustavo Guzzi, EMEA Sales Manager from Karlville. “We are proud to be part of this project to manufacture a high-quality PE-based pouch which is itself already challenging. But to allow for recyclability is amazing, and with the right project partners it is now within reach.”

Next step: closing the loop for traceability

As a further evolution of the project, the companies are working to add digital traceability to the pouches in line with the R-Cycle initiative, a cross-company initiative to develop an open and globally applicable traceability standard for sustainable plastic packaging. The aim of this initiative is to automatically record recycling-relevant packaging properties during production by providing a digital product passport and to pass them on through the value chain. Using special markings, usable packaging can then be identified in the recycling process and sorted into single-type fractions. This is the key to obtaining high-quality recyclates in order to continue efforts to close the loop. R-Cycle is being driven by several major stakeholders in the plastics industry, including Reifenhä user, which is contributing the technology to the pouch-to-pouch concept.

“Dow is engaged to drive the adoption of PE-based packaging designed for recyclability, which works in recycling and recovers the value of the initial use as shown in this project,” concluded Jaroslaw Jelinek, global marketing manager for oriented PE technologies, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics. “Through Pack Studios, Dow is contributing to industry-scale testing and production capabilities to accelerate the development of such projects globally. This announcement represents the latest in our efforts to address both climate change and plastic waste with our extended sustainability targets to protect the climate, stop the waste and close the loop.”

1MDO-PE: Machine direction-oriented polyethylene

About Reifenhä user

The Reifenhä user Group supplies tailor-made lines and components for the production of high-quality blown film, cast film, sheet film, and nonwovens, allowing producers to supply the market, achieve success, and protect the environment. Since the beginnings of the plastics industry in the 1950's, Reifenhä user has assisted numerous customers to establish successful production lines and become top suppliers on their markets. We are still doing this today - as market leader and family-owned company. Together, the Reifenhä user Group forms the largest competence network for plastics extrusion technology worldwide. For more information, please visit www.reifenhauser.com.

About HP Inc.

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at www.hp.com. To learn more about HP Indigo digital printing and the environment please visit: hp.com/go/indigo/environment.

About Cadel Deinking

Cadel Deinking is a technology company born to solve the problem of circularity of plastics and its main strength lies in the knowledge it has to decontaminate them. Above all, and due to all the experience in treating contaminated water once plastics have been cleaned of these contaminants, Cadel has the ambition of becoming a world leader in recycling technologies for the plastic sector. For more information, visit www.cadeldeinking.com or contact us at info@cadeldeinking.com.

About Karlville

Karlville provides converting & packaging machinery solutions for Shrink Sleeves, Flexible Packaging, Pouches & Tape Multipacks. Through a combination of Karlville-owned manufacturing facilities and strategic manufacturing ventures, Karlville offers a wide range of innovative converting and packaging machines for converters as well as brands & copackers. Karlville has support facilities in USA, Europe and Asia. Karlville Swiss has two factories focused on pouch machine manufacturing and is the sales and service center for all converting machines in EMEA. www.karlville.com

About Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics

Packaging and Specialty Plastics (P&SP), a business unit of Dow (NYSE: DOW), combines core strengths of R&D, worldwide reach, broad product lines and industry expertise to deliver high performing technologies for end use markets in food packaging, personal hygiene, infrastructure, consumer goods and transportation. P&SP is one of the world’s largest producers of polyethylene resins, functional polymers, and adhesives, and enabled by Pack Studios, is a leading innovator and collaborator across the value chain on sustainable application development and circular economy life-cycle design for plastics. www.dowpackaging.com

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company's ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through our materials science expertise and collaboration with our partners. Dow's portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

New York (USA) – Marchesini Group will participate at Interphex exhibition, a reference point for the pharmaceutical industries that will meet in New York from 19th  to 21st October to discuss new technologies and market trends.

With the support of its well established American branch Marchesini Group USA, the Group will exhibit, at stand 2805, three machines that represent the expanded solutions of the Group to meet the needs of the marketplace: a monobloc machine for counting and capping, a Turbo Emulsifier and an AVI machine for the inspection of liquid, lyophilized or powder products in vials or syringes.
 
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 extremely high levels of efficiency in the crucial counting and capping phases.

In the Compact 24 on show, innovation is harnessed to simplify 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 transport system employing magnets is used to overcome the limits generally associated with standard transport systems, with completely independent handling of every single bottle. 

The machine is designed to mount 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 colour).

Pharma-Mek
The Pharma-Mek is a vacuum turboemulsifier suitable for processing liquid and creamy products, designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. It was created by Dumek, the Marchesini Group company specialised 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. 

After the acquisition in 2017, Dumek has implemented its range of process solutions for the pharmaceutical market, in line with the desire of the Marchesini Group to invest in this sector and to be able to supply the pharmaceutical industry with increasingly complete lines.

The Pharma-Mek has been designed and developed following hygiene and cleaning design guidelines, in order to ensure a high degree of cleaning and washability, designing inclined surfaces and sophisticated steam sterilization systems.

The machine features SMART TC, an intelligent system patented by Dumek which not only favours 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 optimisation of wash water consumption.

The turbo-emulsifier, easily integrated into a production scenario with centralised management using MES/MOM type systems, avails itself of the latest technology for monitoring and control of processing parameters. A large internal database also allows storage of production ‘recipes’.

SV model
This inspection machine is made by CMP Phar.ma, an Italian company that joined the Group in 2018 and offers a wide range of solutions for the inspection, control and integrity of pharmaceutical products during the entire packaging process.

The SV model is a semi-automatic machine for the inspection of liquid, lyophilized or powder products in ampoules, vials and cartridges or pre-filled syringes. It is equipped with brushless motors for fast rotation (before inspection) and slow rotation (during inspection) to guarantee complete and efficient product control.

The containers are conveyed to the inspection station where the operator inspects them through a magnifying lens. The rejected products are automatically collected in a dedicated tray. Capacity ranges from 1 ml to 1,000 ml and the machine can handle up to 100 pieces per minute. 
 

The challenge of providing packaging that balances resource efficiency with the lowest possible environmental impact is one that every member of the packaging industry is familiar with. There is no ‘perfect’ solution, but Mondi looks at some of the strategies the industry could be employing to help turn the tide of climate change.

Last month’s alarming IPCC global climate change report – the first since 2013 – found that human activity is damaging the climate ‘irreversibly’. We don’t need to look further than the recent devastating fires and floods across the globe to know that action needs to be taken now to address climate change and the importance of innovating for a circular economy. So what can we do in the packaging sector to ensure we play our role to mitigate the environmental impact of packaging? Broadly, the value chain from manufacturers, to brand owners, and converters need to innovate and collaborate. Only then can we find the right answers and approach. It’s complicated, though. Mondi, a global leading packaging and paper company, shares its vision of sophisticated packaging strategies for a complex world.

Packaging isn’t perfect, but it serves an essential purpose

While we are all keen to provide the most sustainable packaging solutions, the resources used to produce and protect goods during transport are also a factor. The issue is that there isn’t one alternative that satisfies every criterion better than the others: what’s best forweight and resource efficiency may not be the best for preventing damage or avoiding packaging waste, and vice-versa. It’s a work in progress – and now the subject of a dialogue between a brand and its audience. This is the case for all manufacturers and packaging producers. How do we provide packaging that protects the product alongside having the lowest environmental impact?

Take a more holistic approach

Approaching packaging strategies and specifications in a nuanced and objective way that goes beyond what is the latest trend consumers are asking for requires taking a step back. Developing packaging that is sustainable by design means focusing on the purpose while optimizing the material, and even changing it completely if necessary. How companies identify these opportunities and work together along the value chain needs to be reconsidered. As innovations in paper, plastic, and hybrid solutions continue to develop, so does imagining new possibilities for paper and plastic applications. To get to that perfect solution, we need to question everything. This means looking at all the solutions, production processes, materials, and specifications needed to protect the product. Mondi is leading the way, reimagining how paper and plastic can be a part of the solution.

Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap shows what’s possible

An example of this is Advantage StretchWrap, a paper Mondi developed to stretch and resist punctures. First created to wrap around mattresses, Mondi realized the paper could be even thinner, which led the team to investigate what else it could be used for. They were able to envisage wrapping heavy pallets for transportation. Further R&D and the backwards integration in paper production meant that vision became a reality, and within two years of development, the paper could replace the current plastic industry standard for pallet wrapping and has the potential to replace a significant amount of plastic for specific applications. The solution uses responsibly sourced natural fibres and is recyclable. This demonstrates that by applying expertise and investing in development, in many cases, paper can do the job just as well as plastic.

New technological advancements mean paper and corrugated are delivering in areas where just a few years ago, the standard was lower. This approach aims to provide the most sustainable packaging solution, but recognizes that the material used in that packaging is, ultimately, secondary to its purpose. Advantage StretchWrap is something that had not even been imagined to be possible in the past. With this solution and others, producers need to take into account the whole life cycle of the packaging and ask the following questions. Does the end user know how to dispose of the packaging correctly? Is a sorting and recycling scheme available in that country? Is more paper used to pack something than plastic and is more energy (and therefore emissions) needed to produce it? Asking all these questions is part of Mondi’s EcoSolutions approach, which involves working closely with its customers to examine everything about their packaging needs and product requirements from the outset – the contents, the logistics, the end user, the existing lines, the shelf life, and even the communication to the consumer. The starting point is function, followed by sustainability goals, geographical regions, supply chains and legislation, then the available recycling infrastructure. Mondi believes that these are all relevant when it comes to identifying and developing the ‘most sustainable’ packaging solution. “Only by working collaboratively with our customers in this way can we objectively look for the best possible result,” adds Kahl. One EcoSolutions success that Mondi has delivered was in collaboration with the retailer Tesco, where they managed to close the loop for Tesco’s shopping bags.

Working together along the supply chain, Mondi now collects Tesco’s Central European corrugated waste and recycles it to produce the shopping bags that customers can buy in store. Mondi was able to identify how they could collect the waste, and recycle it for their EcoVantage paper grade, which is strong enough to carry groceries while also using recycled fibres. This required Tesco and Mondi to rethink their supply chains and be willing to try something new in order to come up with a truly circular solution. Questioning all aspects, from the materials to the supply chain, will ultimately lead to the most sustainable option – which can take time.

By first ensuring that products are packaged according to their needs, and not the material, we can rethink how different products can be packaged. It should not be a box-ticking, quick-fix approach. With Advantage StretchWrap and closing the loop with Tesco, both solutions took us two years of parallel research and development in order to make them possible. Good solutions take time, and we need more of them across the board if we are collectively going to become sustainable as an industry.

Thomas Kahl, EcoSolutions Manager at Mondi

One material cannot always replace another

Mondi believes that paper should always be the first option as a replacement to plastic: it is lightweight compared to other alternative materials like glass or metal, renewable, easily recyclable, and compostable. While some products can be replaced by fibre alternatives – food trays for cheese, for example, which can save up to 70% of the material needed – it is also clear that sometimes only plastic will do, with its distinct advantages and functionality. That includes packaging to keep medical equipment sterile, and to keep food fresh. One example is Mondi’s new recyclable packaging for Bell Germany’s ‘Abraham’ thinly sliced deli meat range that requires 37% less material and saves 35 tonnes of plastic per year.

 
Created after two years of development, Mondi’s WalletPack operates as a folder, features a re-close function on the backside to prevent food spoilage, and the German institute cyclos-HTP has certified it as 93% recyclable. Sustainable solutions like this show that there is always a place to consider the choice between paper and plastic.

 
The value of life cycle assessments

Given the complexities of material choice, Mondi advocates taking an empirical, data driven route. Research, test, and test again. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are effective and Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap has been undergoing its assessments, the outcomes of which will go into future developments or changes to its production. Mondi also sees peer reviews as essential, as they help deliver reliable, objective, and trustworthy data. They remove unconscious bias and bring fresh eyes to the whole process – often raising new questions by focusing on the statistics, rather than the opinions or trends around a product and its uses. They are critical tools to remain objective and focus on the true benefits of each material, instead of relying on emotions, which invariably could come into play when a product has taken years to develop. However, LCAs do not take into account the whole picture: many do not consider end-of-life impacts of the materials being used. There, we have to look to the benefits of different materials during their end-of-life. These facts can show that solutions, which may seem unsustainable, actually are less harmful to the environment. Then, at this stage, it’s important to educate the consumer about the facts.

 
Premium appearances and sustainable foundations

Let’s now go to what the consumer thinks. From a consumer perspective, brown paper often appears to be kinder to the environment, but there are solutions that provide consumer brands with sustainable white alternatives so as not to compromise on their premium look and feel. This is where having the facts can win over emotions. Mondi questioned how a white containerboard grade could become more sustainable and developed ProVantage Smartwhite. The outcome was an innovative solution with a recycled fibre bottom layer, which is suitable for drink, certain food, and retail applications, as well e-commerce. Crafted with a fresh fibre top layer for a superior appearance, it makes an excellent option for printing among uncoated containerboard grades. This development required a team effort in order to develop and communicate a sustainable solution that is not only attractive to brand owners but also innovative in its proposition.

We are not on this journey alone, but it’s a collective effort. We need to take a lot of options into consideration including; how would the packaging work when it is being filled on our customers’ lines, how will we trial the material on our customers’ machines, will the packaging protect the product? Will it do a good job providing information and instructions? We also need to evaluate how easy it is to dispose of the packaging product and if the infrastructure exists to make this possible. What we can say is that everyone has their role to play to make sure that solutions are truly circular and sustainable.

Thomas Kahl, EcoSolutions Manager at Mondi
 
Collectively, packaging needs to meet many requirements. It has to be innovative, fit-for-purpose, recyclable and/ or biodegradable, printable, generic, bespoke, affordable, sustainable, comfortable and practical, preserving the valuable resources and reducing CO2 emissions. This is quite a list and illustrates the need for us all to continue to communicate, share best practices and develop sustainable solutions that do not over-package a product. By adopting a pragmatic, objective approach, with a real focus on innovation, we can all ensure that products are packaged according to their needs, while being confident that we are aiming for solutions that are sustainable by design.

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.