Converting Industry News
- Published: July 01, 2001, By Claudia Hine, Senior Editor
Covering the Full Spectrum of Industry News, Events & Activities
OVD Gives Consumers 100% Proof of Identity
Ukrainian importers of Smirnoff vodka were faced with revenue loss and falling consumer loyalty due to sales of bootleg imitations. To combat the counterfeiters, a solution was developed in conjunction with Decorative Sleeves, a packaging specialist, and De La Rue Holographics, a provider of secure optically variable devices (OVD).
The vodka bottle's neck shrink sleeve now features a secure OVD, which works as a strong visual assurance of product and brand integrity in tandem with thermochromic and other security print features.
This design won the World Packaging Organization's World Star Award for Packaging Excellence and the Inst. of Packaging's Technical Innovation Award.
Supplier Information
De La Rue Holographics, Basingstoke, Hampshire, U.K.; +44 1256-463000
Flexible Package Slider Closure Applied In-Line
A joint effort between Pactiv Corp. and Sargento Foods has resulted in the commercial launch of a flexible package using in-line application of the Hefty Slide-Rite Advanced Closure System on a horizontal f/f/s machine.
Pactiv also announces the launch of a retrofit system to enable current users of horizontal f/f/s equipment to apply the Slide-Rite slider closure system in-line.
Explains Brad Rostowfske, senior business manager for Sargento Consumer Products Div., “The key was to develop a consumer-preferred slider closure package that provided the required level of hermetic properties, functionality, tamper-evidence, and merchandising without adversely affecting machine speed and scrap.”
The end result is a retrofit unit that is mounted between the unwind stand and the folding board on the f/f/s unit. “The application takes place at line speed with no adverse effect on production efficiencies,” adds Rostowfske. “Further, the unit is able to meet our stringent quality and registration application requirements. One of the goals that we were able to achieve was a registration tolerance of ±1/64 in.
Supplier Information
Pactiv Corp., Lake Forest, IL; 877/722-8481
Association News
Global Innovation Is Focus of PSTC Seminar
ORLANDO, FL, USA—The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) held its 24th Annual Technical Seminar May 2-4 at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney Village. PFFC was in attendance, and despite overcast and sometimes rainy conditions, who could complain about a meeting that kicked off with a visit by that world-famous duo, Minnie and Mickey Mouse?
PSTC chairmen were delighted with the attendance figures — more than 400 attendees were registered, including nearly 120 people from 12 countries who came a day early to participate in Tape University: PSA 102.
Chaired by Raymond Coughlan, American Biltrite, this advanced course was taught by a faculty that included Timothy Jensen, 3M; Jerry Serra and Anne-Marie Baker, Tyco Adhesives; Steven Hebert, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics; Thomas Godonis, American Biltrite; and Lawrence Kuntz, Dielectric Polymers. Comprising 12 presentations, the course provided the basics of the design and manufacture of p-s tapes as well as the details of testing and application.
“Sharing Global Pressure-Sensitive Tape Innovations” was the theme of the conference, in which a total of 24 technical papers were presented in four general sessions. Speakers from eight countries discussed topics that included applications, materials, release systems, curing methods, and testing/analysis.
Co-chairs included John Lind, Adhesives Research; John Tynan, Inter-tape Polymer Group; Krishan Sehfal, Union Carbide; Michael Drewery, BASF; and John Johnston, PSTC technical advisor.
John McDevitt, 3M's recently retired chief economist, provided a global economic briefing.
Despite overall slowing, certain sectors will represent growth markets, and McDevitt recommended focusing on these areas. They include processed foods; paper and products; printing and publishing; and instruments and related products.
Latin America/Africa is the fastest growing region in the world, McDevitt said, and Brazil will be the dominant economy in the next 10-20 years.
Because consolidation of suppliers can be expected, McDevitt stressed the importance of focusing on customer needs to ensure your company is included as a preferred supplier.
Attendees were given an opportunity to visit with representatives of 53 industry suppliers that presented products and services at a tabletop exhibition held during a luncheon break on Thursday.
PSTC will hold Tech XXV May 1–3, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, GA. Proposals for presentations are being accepted until August 1. For more information contact Glen Anderson, PSTC, 2514 Stonebridge Ln., Northbrook, IL 60054; 877/523-7782; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
FFTA Issues Call for Papers
The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Assn. is looking for speakers to participate in its Forum to be held May 5-8, 2002, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.
Deadline for submission of 250-word abstracts is July 30, 2001. Topics to be considered include technical innovations; international business issues; graphic communications and process controls; front-line production management and customer service issues; and implementation and impact of Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances (FIRST).
Send submissions to Carol Meyers, FFTA meetings manager; 900 Marconi Ave., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779; ph: 631/737-6020; fax: 631/737-6813; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Green Converting
Agricultural Plastic Film Recovery Project Enters Second Phase
MISSISSAUGA, ON, CANADA—The Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) reports that the first phase of an in-depth Ontario, Canada, investigation into the recovery of agricultural plastic film has been completed. The study is looking at ways to recover the plastic film used on farms to preserve high-moisture hay and provide covers for greenhouses. >Results to date are said to show there is interest at both the farm and municipality level to participate in such a program. The goal of the next phase will be to pilot different methods of collection and assembly of plastic film. For more information contact EPIC, 5925 Airport Rd., Ste. 500, Mississauga, ON, L4V 1W1, Canada; 905/678-7748
Show News
Register On-Line for Pack Expo Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV, USA—Pack Expo Las Vegas will be held Sept. 10–12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Ctr. The Expo will showcase more than 700 exhibitors of packaging and converting machinery and materials.
The International Exposition for Food Processors (IEFP) will be co-located with the show. IEFP will feature an additional 300 exhibitors of equipment in the food, beverage, dairy, and snack food industries.
Registration is available on-line at packexpo.com. For more information, contact show sponsor Packaging Machinery Mfrs. Inst., 4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 600, Arlington, VA 22203; ph: 703/243-8555; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Paperloop Buys TAPPI Paper Show
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA—Paperloop has purchased the Paper Summit exhibition from TAPPI; terms were not disclosed. TAPPI will continue to be involved as a cosponsor.
The Paper Summit, also known as the TAPPI Show, is held every three years in Atlanta. It attracts more than 500 exhibitors and 9,000 attendees. The next event is scheduled for March 3–6, 2002, at the Georgia World Congress Ctr.
Expansions
Harper Adds Equipment at Two Facilities
CHARLOTTE, NC, USA—Harper Corp. of America has expanded its Charlotte and Green Bay, WI, anilox roll manufacturing facilities through the acquisition of equipment from Harper West LLC. Harper West closed recently due to the startup of a new facility, Harper Asia/Pacific in Thailand, and the rising cost and unpredictability of electrical utilities in California.
Industry Studies
Kraft Paper Producers Face Challenging Market
ATLANTA, GA, USA—From 1985 to 1995, US production capacity for kraft papers decreased by 1.4 millon tons due primarily to the increased use of plastics. In order to retain long-term profitability, kraft paper producers must continue to face the challenge of rationalizing excess supply by shutting down high-cost machines or converting to new products. The good news is that demand for kraft papers is expected to remain relatively constant for the foreseeable future.
These and other findings are detailed in a new study from Jacobs-Sirrine Consultants on the changing kraft papers market in North America and Europe.
The study reportedly offers detailed information for each producing mill. It examines consolidation, particularly in Europe, the shutdown of several North American mills, and the ways in which changing energy costs affect the mills' competitive cost positions.
For information contact Jacobs-Sirrine Consultants, One Concourse Pky., Ste. 600, Atlanta, GA 30328; 770/673-6663; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Supplier News
Dri-Tec Reports Ownership Change
MILWAUKEE, WI,USA—David Kuehl has purchased a majority interest in Dri-Tec Inc. from current owner Paul Gaspardo. Kuehl will assume the positions of CEO and CFO.
Gaspardo has retained a substantial ownership position and will continue to serve as president.
Governor Is Keynote Speaker at PSI
HARTFORD, WI, USA—Preferred Systems Inc. (PSI) held its fifth annual Vendor Appreciation Day in April, and Wisconsin's governor, Scott McCallum, presented the keynote address. More than 150 industry professionals were on hand.
Midwest Engineering Systems Inc. and Interstate Bearing Technologies were among vendors receiving the distinguished award of excellence from PSI.
