WEBpackaging European Packaging Edition News and Innovations Feed

New pharma closures and measuring caps from Gerresheimer

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:34:13 GMT

The principle of serving the customer as far as possible from a single source is thereby further established in Gerresheimer: including the latest plastic plants integrated in the Group only in 2008 – to which Zaragoza belongs. The Spanish subsidiary enjoys an international reputation as a leader in the PET field in particular; in the past however it produced only the bottles and vials itself and bought in the closures.

“This expansion is a perfect example of successful integration and constructive synergy effects within our network today,” says Burkhard Lingenberg, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Gerresheimer Group: “It not only gives our own divisions a competitive advantage but also benefits our customers in particular.” Safety aspects and advantages in the registration process, which becomes more complicated with each packaging component from an additional supplier, play a key role in this singlesource supply.

In terms of detail, the new system components made of polypropylene also reflect the Group’s high standards. Three system solutions carefully coordinated in compliance with international regulations are offered:

The PP28 Cap is the larger easily-combined closure variant with an interior diameter of 28 millimeters and weighing only 3.5 grams. After extensive dimensional and functional tests – for example to ensure air/water tightness, precise twist action and a lasting fit with the matching measuring cup (see below) – the intelligently designed twist-action closure was given the green light for an astonishingly large number of pharmaceutical plastic and glass bottles in the Group’s widely diversified repertoire. Manufactured in one piece the PP28 Cap also has a tamperevident closure which is reliable and convenient for patients.
The PP28 Measuring Cup provides a tailor-made accessory for liquid medicines. It was also subjected to multifaceted testing, has now been registered for CE labeling and is available in colorless or white polypropylene. Shaped on the inside with four vertical guide ribs it sits securely on the closure and bottle shoulder and is easy to remove and replace. The calibration which is alternatively externally or internally readable permits correct dosing from 2.5 to 20 milliliters. If desired, a brand logo can also be printed in a prominent position: for example on the bottom of the cup.
The PP18 Cap is tailored to PE and PET products with 18 millimeter necks, and weighs only two grams. In other regards it is like the larger version: in particular, this variant also has a userfriendly tamper-evident closure.

As usual, Gerresheimer consistently manufactures these products under clean-room conditions in accordance with ISO class 8. And of course certification in accordance with ISO 15378 is expected for all of them in the near future.

Aesthetic, sporty and young - The "Luna" line

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:42:57 GMT

“Luna” is an innovative offering from bomo trendline – a universal, young, and sporty design well-suited to spas, natural cosmetics and wellness-products.

From jars to bottles, this all-in-one line is extremely practical and available with two different closure designs (“Luna” and “Shuttle”) as well as a host of pump attachments: foam pumps, lotion/gel pumps and spray bottles.

The “Luna” jars (10/15/50 ml) can alternatively be delivered with protective plastic covers. They are also available in a 5 ml mini-size.

Finishing: upper portion lacquered, base components metallized: Matte surface, additional soft touch
finish optional, special gradient color finish

Decoration: all-round screen printing or screen printing-foil stamping combo

Jar: polypropylene – thick walled to ensure the protection of the product

Bottles: 22-thread with 2 cap designs, gel and lotion pumps, atomizer and spray bottle, 30-thread for foam pumps

Ecocert: Luna Line complies with Ecocert Standards for Cosmetics and can be used for cosmetics certified by Ecocert

PACKstory: The Airless Syringe, a sterile dispenser

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:26:52 GMT

Quadpack has introduced a new innovation to its range of products: the Yonwoo 10ml PP airless syringe, specifically geared towards the cosmetic industry. The two-part pack is comprised of a polypropylene outer bottle and a replaceable inner tube. The design is clinically-inspired, providing an experience that seems medical in its precision and cleanliness.

Environmental awareness at REBHAN

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:29:30 GMT

Environmentalism has gained more and more ground at Rebhan, due to issues related to climate change, global warming, conserving resources and using green technologies.

By entering the “Umweltpakt Bayern” (Bavarian Environmental Agreement), REBHAN has agreed to play an active role in preventing future environmental impact. The Umweltpakt Bayern is an agreement between the Bavarian state government and the Bavarian economic community to improve protection of the environment. The primary focus of this agreement consists of exacting commitments from partners to conserve resources and to apply green technologies in order to achieve “ecologically sustainable economic growth.”

A few examples of REBHAN’s involvement in environmentalism are:

A reduction in energy consumption and the promotion of energy-optimising processes (high energy efficiency through economical machines, closed cooling circuits and waste heat recovery).
The direct return of material remains from production processes back to the recovered substance cycle in the machine.
The in-house repelletisation of plastic scrap for reuse in suitable processes.
The use of water-based varnish and solvent-poor, UV-hardening, screen printing ink.
The goal to avoid or reduce waste as much as possible and to dispose of it in an environmentally safe manner.
Offering customers environmentally friendly solutions. If requested, the company also uses materials from renewable resources.
The training of company employees to be environmentally conscious.
Working toward solutions in cooperation with government agencies, social institutions, and unions.

The company, like others at the forefront of social change, wishes to usher in an era of responsible environmental policy so that our world's children will be able to enjoy a green future.

KAPPA and OMEGA caps to premiere at Cosmopack

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:05:44 GMT

SHB, the market leaders in bottle design and stock tooling, have developed more exciting caps for 2010. The all new KAPPA and OMEGA caps will be launched during Cosmopack, adding to the comprehensive range of caps already available.

These caps themselves fit on bottle ranges that accept existing DELTA, BETA and ALPHA caps, meaning the customer can now buy one bottle with 5 distinctly different cap styles. Each cap style is designed to be an eye-catching product line feature unto itself. On the other hand, the caps are attractive enough for one to be "mixed and matched" - by combining different colours and cap styles, the packaging buyer can create an entire line of products with complementary looks that retain consistency.

The new KAPPA and OMEGA caps will be premiered at Cosmopack this April, at SHB's booth in pavillion 19 at booth C1-D2.

TuPlast showcases its latest wares at CosmoPack

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:29:06 GMT

The company will be showcasing all of its latest products and techniques at Cosmopack, including:

New disc-top caps, made of PP and available in a variety of colours, which can be uniform for both parts of the opening mechanism or done up in two different colours.
Premium oval tubes, with the option of including a tamper-evident membrane seal on the opening of its 40mm containers.
TuPlast’s proprietary hot foil stamping technique, which can cover an entire tube in hot foil from base to neck, hurdling a long-standing barrier for premium and prestige products.

TuPlast will be available to answer questions on products and customization options at Cosmopack in Bologna, April 15th-18th at stand B36 in pavilion 20.

Gepack presents new wine bottles in PET

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:15:21 GMT

Wine has been bottled in glass for a long, long time - it’s a practical, sanitary and useful medium. The wine can be introduced in the glass bottle and corked by the producer (“château bottling”) , ensuring that the wine remains unadulterated by middle-men or those wishing to sell a fraudulent product. The glass bottle also provides a safe haven from oxidation and permits “ageing” in the bottle. In short, glass and wine go hand in hand.

Well, almost.

Our world has changed. Glass is expensive - it’s reusable and recyclable, but requires that consumers carry about heavy articles to drop spots which they often find to be a chore. Also, glass shatters VERY easily, it’s a rigid substance with almost no give that can break with the slightest external pressure or explode due to slight changes in internal pressure.

PET provides the same sterile environment for wine. Admittedly, due to lower barrier protection, “ageing” in a PET bottle is currently impossible, so the preference for vintage wine will probably always be glass but wine distributed in PET bottles is easier to transport, cheaper to produce, and easier for most consumers to recycle. PET bottles are lighter and can be crushed to save space after use. If the consumer wishes to throw a dinner party, a glass bottle of fine wine will always be indispensible, but there are many situations in which a PET bottle will be of immediate benefit - taking a bottle on a gourmet picnic to save on weight and possible breakage; enjoying a glass (responsibly, of course) with friends on the beach; deck parties, house parties or barbecues - anywhere a glass bottle might be easily dropped onto a hard surface and shattered.

Gepack’s PET bottles are just in time to provide real benefits to consumers and bottlers. Made of thick PET with strong walls, they can withstand the high capsulation pressures required by wine bottling lines, meaning glass bottles can be swapped out immediately for PET without added costs related to reconfiguring machines. Available in both Bordeaux and Burgundy styles, the new bottles can hold 187.5ml, 250ml and 375ml (used with screw neck PP25 for screw-on caps) or 500ml, 750ml and 1L (used with screw neck PP28 for screw-on caps or with corks). The bottles are available in a range of traditional wine bottle colours and are virtually unbreakable.

Rexam Beverage Can Europe & Asia catalogue steps into the future

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:07:57 GMT

The recent re-launch of Rexam's BCE&A section, designed and deployed by WebPac, was aimed at taking the section's online image into the future while allowing for more visibility of the extensive range of beverage cans. The result is a crisp, sharp and creative website that is easy to navigate thanks to a clear left-hand menu allowing the visitor to explore the wide variety of beverage cans on offer.

Also available to view is an ‘Added Value’ section, complete with zoom function, allowing visitors to experience first hand, the sensory effects achievable with cans, including Varnish, Illustration and Printing Techniques. This range has been designed to enable brands to stand out from the crowd, target new consumers and appeal to existing target markets.

“The catalogue underlines Rexam’s commitment to our customers by providing easy-to-access product information around the clock and listening to our customers needs”, said Alex Jennings, Rexam’s Vice President Sales and Marketing for BCE&A. “We are able to react to our customers growing demand for innovative packaging solutions and for that reason, continue our leadership in the market and stay ahead of the competition. “

Rexam and WebPac have formed a successful partnership over many years and together, have created a comprehensive catalogue, covering Rexam’s array of packaging solutions.

Click here to view the new Beverage Can Europe & Asia section in Rexam’s product catalogue!

JohnsonDiversey selects Rieke Dispensing RS3 dispenser

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:41:25 GMT

The Soft Care Triple C system utilises four great formulations, combined with Rieke dispensing solutions, to offer products designed to clean and care for skin, and control the spread of infection.

The four products are Soft Care Lotionised Handwash, a 1 litre hand wash lotion that is formulated for frequent use; Soft Care Derm, a 500ml reconditioning cream; Soft Care Sensisept, a unique antimicrobial wash lotion effective against a wide range of micro-organisms including MRSA; and the jewel in the crown, Soft Care Med.

Soft Care Med, unlike many alcohol gels, is based on a blend of propanols rather than the conventional choice of ethanol. The formula is effective against MRSA, Norovirus and many flu type viruses such as Swine Flu. Furthermore the thicker formulation is unpalletable, preventing consumption. Soft Care Med also has flashpoint of 24°C while normal ethanol products are 19°C. These five degrees crucially take the flashpoint above normal room temperature, making it a safer choice.

Soft Care Med is a trusted product so careful consideration was given to the quality of the product’s dispensing system, and there was only one logical choice, Rieke.

JohnsonDiversey required a robust dispensing pump that could cope with regular usage while delivering a consistent dose. Crucially, the pump needed to offer a non-metal contact construction to avoid the risk of reaction with alcohol. Regular supplier Rieke proposed the use of its RS3 pump, which is suitable for a variety of different viscosities. It can be locked down when not in use to prevent waste, and is also 100% shower proof.

The RS3 is supplied with a round head, short nozzle for optimum ergonomics, and delivers a1ml dose.

“We have been very impressed with the Rieke RS3 dispensing pump, in particular its dosing accuracy and user convenience,” comments Emma Phillips, Product Manager, Personal Care and OPL at JohnsonDiversey UK.

“Equally important, its versatility had enabled us to use the same design across several products to maintain uniformity of branding and efficiency in logistics.”

The proof of quality has been proven in the products that are now on contract with NHS Supplies in England, Scotland and Wales and JohnsonDiversey is proud to hold the number one position versus all other suppliers for hand care.

Video conferencing speeds time-to-market at Quadpack

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:15:34 GMT

Quadpack works closely with Asian manufacturers like Yonwoo to bring high-quality packaging solutions to Western companies at competitive prices and with a fast turnaround. The €50,000 equipment provides our project management personnel with instant visuals of a product in high definition during all stages of development and manufacture. This enables uninterrupted quality control in real time and shortens turnaround times as physical presence is no longer required at every stage. Less postage and travel also reduces our and our clients’ carbon footprint.

Clients, too, now have the opportunity to visit any Quadpack office where they can use the conferencing equipment to view their product remotely as it progresses, for instant comment and approval, cutting time-to-market even further.

Fostering a team spirit already prevalent, Quadpack staff in Spain, France, UK, Germany, Italy and Asia can now work together face to face, while those clients who have video conferencing facilities in place are also encouraged to take advantage. Communicating with Quadpack via this high-tech equipment enables all parties to benefit from the time and cost savings it brings, while accelerating development and boosting our collective competitive edge.

From the glass tube to the nested syringe: complex system responsibility

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:05:47 GMT

In Claudia Petersen, Director of Business Development for Gerresheimer Bünde, the organizer Concept Heidelberg managed to find a highly competent speaker for this subject. Across the field of injections her company ranks among the technology and innovation leaders worldwide– particularly with the leading brand RTF® (Ready to Fill).

This range of all-glass sterile syringes represents the latest status of technology from all relevant viewpoints:

Gerresheimer supplies them to the pharma industry ready to fill from A to Z – completely preassembled, siliconised and sterilized, and additionally in tailor-made nests for fully automated filling.
The syringes are based on borosilicate tubular glass which has the highest hydrolytic resistance. The tubes themselves are also manufactured by Gerresheimer in house as an intermediary product.
With extremely precise PharmaPlus™ technologies for syringe forming and production, Gerresheimer Bünde has managed to develop a completely new quality category previously unattained anywhere in the world.
As an alternative to the customary liquid siliconisation – especially for sensitive biopharmaceutics – the finishing spectrum offers Baked-On RTF™, a process whereby the silicone oil is fixed to the syringe wall.
Innovative product labeling helps prevent mistakes and counterfeits. Laser Coding places individual data for the syringe in the glass of the finger flange. Multicolor Heat Transfer Printing makes it easier to take in the printed information and calibrations.
Intelligent accessories facilitate safe handling of the syringe.

These include closures such as the Rigid Needle Shield with thermoplastic elastomer (TERNS) and the Tamper Evident Luerlock Closure (TELC), or for example the Backstop with a widened finger flange.
Against this background the lecture, which is being held on the second congress day in the framework of the ready-to-fill syringe conference, may be expected to provide comprehensive information.

Under the title "Prefillable glass syringes: system responsibility from the tube to the nested syringe,” Claudia Petersen’s lecture takes participants through the many requirements which advanced systems have to fulfill today – and in parallel explains the qualitatively critical spectrum of specifications, control mechanisms and process optimizations.

“The less complicated syringe systems are for the pharma industry and end users, the more demanding are the quality requirements they impose on the manufacturer,” says Burkhard Lingenberg, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Gerresheimer Group: “The market must have confidence in maximum competence and responsibility in this demanding field.”

Rexam appoints Malcolm Harrison as Group Director Plastic Packaging

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:26:49 GMT

Harrison brings to Rexam a wealth of international management knowledge and experience from a career spent in the food and beverage industry. In this position, he will lead the company’s efforts to focus its global plastic packaging resources on creating value-added product and service solutions that help customers build their brands and businesses.

Harrison will become a member of the Group’s Executive Leadership Team and will report directly to Graham Chipchase, chief executive, Rexam PLC.

“We are very pleased to add such a valuable asset as Malcolm to our leadership team,” said Chipchase. “We are confident that his leadership will strengthen further our global plastics business, position our organization to deliver on expectations and help us as a Group to move toward our goal of becoming the best global consumer packaging company.”

Harrison began his career in manufacturing and operations at Mars Ltd. He moved on to serve as operations director of Britvic Soft Drinks, and then as a divisional managing director for the former Bass Brewers. Over the last ten years, he has held senior leadership roles in both InBev in Belgium and, most recently, with Nestlé in Switzerland.

Customizable double-wall jars, all the rage at Metalicoplastico

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:57:24 GMT

Since their introduction in the market, double-wall jars have become something more than a fleeting packaging trend, they’ve carved out a space for themselves on corporate shelves as well as creating an almost iron-clad link between the packaging and specific product in the consumer’s perception.

Metalicoplastico has a wide range of double-wall jars, including its popular series 25 - a warm jar in the shape of a perfect cylinder, with the clean lines so sought after in today's market. Each of the circular vessels features the concept that makes double-wall jars popular - polypropylene (PP) inserts that provide few product compatibility issues in a double wall construction, so that a customer gets the glass-like feel and durability of another material on the outside, such as PS, SAN or any other material required by the specific chemical needs of the customer's product for the exterior.

Further, the outer components (the jar and lid) can be decorated in a vast number of ways to provide eye-catching ensembles ready to fit any branding/marketing endeavour. Some options offered by Metalicoplastico:

Colouring - Obviously, sometimes white just doesn’t do the trick, so the outer walls and lids are completely customizable with regard to colour.
Metallization - All sorts of metal effects can be selected by the client for just the right faux finish - chrome, gold, silver, brushed aluminum or nickel, titanium, etc. Furthermore, metallization can be applied in a givré effect, a crystallized effect that results in unique components with a metal “mosaic” look that’s popular with customers that want an eye-catching, "top-shelf" look.
Frosting - A sort of pastel semi-transparency that adds style and panache to any package.
Pearlising - By mixing colours along with specific agents that enhance component sheen and sparkle, a luminescent penumbra is given to the product for the creation of a simple and cost-effective high-end look.
Many more, including Metalicoplastico's renowned soft-touch, lens and concave effects as well as industry-standard hotstamping and silkscreening.

All in all, the range of customization options are nearly limitless, with more being added every day, according to developing technology and manufacturing processes. These days, the question that a customer needs to ask when deciding upon packaging isn’t “What are my options?” but instead “What look best fits in with my plans?”, making the selection process of a particular product line akin to the proverbial “kid in the candy store”.

Body and...Spirit: a new venture into bags and accessories

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:08:52 GMT

Spirit offers a variety of stitch-and-sew bags (cosmetic, brush, clutch, tote, travellers, wash bags, etc) and clothing (dressing gowns, slippers, etc), as well as beauty and spa accessories (muslins, brushes, manicure sets, mirrors, etc).

“Spirit is a natural progression from my packaging development work at Quadpack,” says Jeremy. “Body care, skin treatment and cosmetics ranges often come accompanied by bags and accessories. They are attractive little luxuries that can help encourage sales. Stylish cosmetic bags filled with miniatures, for example, are a tempting, affordable introduction to a new product range.”

Spirit products are ideal for product launches, sales campaigns, product repositioning exercises and special events such as Christmas or Mother’s Day. Please contact your local Quadpack office for more information.

New low-cost airless syringe features smart medical ‘look’

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:48:36 GMT

The syringe has a soft-touch, silicon tip which makes it easy to massage the product over a targeted area. With a high-viscosity dispenser capable of handling thick products, its 0.15cc dosage is ideal for skin care, body care, make-up and OTC local treatments.

Yonwoo’s patented airless technology means the bulk never comes into contact with air, making the syringe highly suitable for sensitive formulas. Minimal contact between skin and product before use also make it very hygienic to use. These qualities are reflected in the syringe shape designed to help convey the credentials of cosmetic treatments.

Manufactured from 100% polypropylene, the new syringe has no metal components and is fully recyclable. It has been specifically developed as a refill pack to comply with sustainability requirements. It also offers the possibility of incorporating multiple bulk formulas in one pack.

In addition to its excellent product compatibility, polypropylene is extremely cost-effective. In fact, the PP syringe is a lower-cost version of our most popular offering in 2009. A high-volume price structure applies for this product. Please contact our sales team for details.

Packs for paediatric syrups: a Bormioli Rocco Four-in-One

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:54:47 GMT

Bormioli Rocco has developed a packaging solution that ensures total safety and practicality in administering syrups to infants and children.

The Plastics Division and the Pharmaceutical Glass Division have collaborated in evolving and manufacturing a pack comprising bottle, adapter, dosing syringe and plastic cap, safeguarding children’s health at the same time as making life simpler for Mum and Dad.

The bottle is made of type III yellow borosilicate glass and has been specially adapted to guarantee greater security during administration.

The bottle’s neck finish (PFP 28mm) has been modified in order to make it connect perfectly with the adapter, without the risk of detachment. This accessory has been carefully studied so that it‘s no longer simply inserted into the bottle: thanks to a special rim it remains firmly attached to the bottle’s neck finish. Both bottle and adapter have been patented and now constitute a Bormioli Rocco exclusive.

The oral dosing syringe, the third element in this packaging set, is produced using processes that guarantee elevated levels of hygiene. In general, the Plastic Division’s pharmacy dosage stems offer numerous customisation possibilities in terms of both colour and decoration. Finally, the bottle’s cap with its child-proof plastic cap and tamper-evident seal complies with safety regulations for pharmaceutical containers and packaging, and can be supplied already attached to the adapter.

Glass bottle, adapter, syringe and cap: Bormioli Rocco presents itself to client manufacturers as the single supplier of a complete and integrated packaging solution.

New materials that bolster sustainability

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:45:38 GMT

The choice of the material used for the packaging of a specific product can optimize the sustainability of the entire product.

The crux of the problem when trying to balance eco-friendliness with cost-effectiveness is to consider the total packaging solution from beginning to end - material efficiency and weight savings are important factors but there are others as well, such as the use of renewable resources, finding the optimum protection for the product, using space-efficient forms of packaging and considering recycling options. Bearing all of these factors in mind, bioplastics appear to be an excellent solution.

Hermann Koch has already performed preliminary tests with bioplastic materials, and has created bottle and jar samples from biodegradable polymers and polymers based on renewable raw materials. At the moment, the company is testing polymers which are completely made of recyclable material.

The activities have generated a lot of positive reactions from customers - it was to satisfy customers' requests to find more sustainable options that Hermann Koch began to experiment with bioplastics. The company has already received its first order for a jar completely made of biodegradable polymers.

STO commissions new multi-million pound furnace

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:59:40 GMT

‘This is a major investment not only for the company but also Knottingley and the surrounding area of West Yorkshire,’ said Mark Devonald Smith, the Stölzle Glass Group Sales Director for Perfumery and Personal Care.

2009 was a difficult year for major investments to receive approval but the UK company was given the go-ahead for the new furnace in June. ‘Its construction was a logistical nightmare,’ said Mark. ‘All production had to be closed down and the opportunity was taken for incorporating that part of the factory into the site rebuild which is currently being undertaken.’

The construction of the new furnace took 42 days, extending over Christmas. It was fired up on the 4th of January. Now that it has been commissioned and production is proceeding smoothly, all five Sto-Flaconnage production lines are once again in operation. The fifth line was added in 2008 to meet demand. The IS machines operate with a combination of double and single gob, producing between 55,000 and 100,000 bottles per machine per day. Full annual capacity for the factory is 81 million pieces.

‘The whole operation has been a team effort,’ said Mark. ‘And it has generated a fantastic spirit amongst the whole company. Without the new furnace, the future of the factory had to be in doubt. Now we know it is guaranteed a highly successful part in the UK’s manufacturing output.’

Sto-Flaconnage is a member of the international Stölzle Glass Group. The UK glass factory is one of four Stölzle production sites, the others are in Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic. Sto-Flaconnage has gained a unique reputation as a one-stop-shop for the whole range of packaging glass required by the Prestige Spirits and Beauty industries, offering standard ranges as well as custom designed containers. It handles development and production as well as decoration and offers a variety of key components such as closures and labels. The Group also produces pharmaceutical and food glass containers and specialised tableware.