WEBpackaging Global Packaging Edition News and Innovations Feed

TKK releases new acrylic bottles with silicone/glass droppers

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:46:02 GMT

Acrylic is a material that provides a lot of benefits to the packaging buyer - durability, lightness, product compatibility, and (of course) price. TKK, as one of Asia’s leading suppliers in acrylic products, has developed their existing offering to include a wide range of solutions for just about every conceivable product line that may require the particular properties the material can offer. In order to appeal to an even wider demand, the company has just released some interesting new complements for its bottle lines, not least of which is its new droppers.

The droppers are composed of a sterile glass tube paired with a silicone bulb for small liquid doses that may require accurate dosing, such as cosmetic sera, herbal remedies or pharmaceutical products. Droppers are swiftly becoming the product of choice among vendors that require the consistency that only droppers can provide, without getting too “high-tech” or overly complicated.

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

TKPC’s new, advantageous blow-injection roll-ons

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:12:46 GMT

One of the catches of roll-on dispensers is that they require at least three pieces to function correctly - a product receptacle, an application sphere and a fitment to house the sphere and connect it to the bottle. For the packaging buyer, this means added costs related to extra materials and a risk in design flaws where the three pieces don’t mesh perfectly.

TKPC has elegantly sidestepped this issue by inventing a new line of roll-on dispensers that are blow-injected around the application sphere, such that the sphere is nested perfectly and directly in the bottle without the need for an additional fitment. The ball moves easily within its housing, with no reduced capabilities from the consumer’s point of view. The packaging is also lighter, more durable, and is easily colour customized - the colours of both the sphere and the bottle can be changed to suit the client’s needs.

Available in a range of sizes (0.4inch/1.0inch/1.14inch/1.4inch spheres and bottles) the components can be purchased together or separately and special, customized orders are accepted.

The company also produces traditional roll-ons which retain certain advantages, such as being able to pair plastic sphere and fitment with a prestige glass receptacle, for high-end or premium products. The new roll-on line does not seek to replace other roll-on formats, it simply adds a cost-effective solution to its existing gamut of products. Many multinational enterprises, such as PZ Cussions, SaraLee, Henkel, AVON, SPH and more have already signed on, lured by the new product’s reduced cost and quick lead time.

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.

New sizes and glassy colour concepts for Ching Fon’s “Diamond Jars”

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:18:31 GMT

Ching Fon’s critically acclaimed square PMMA jars have already garnered attention thanks to their attractive appearance which includes a transparent base and a metalized cap.

The base can be produced in any colour that’s in line with the client’s needs and the caps can also be coloured or produced in either matte or shiny metal that can be decorated a number of ways. The base is presented with a number of angled facets in order to produce a cut “diamond” effect, creating an eye-catching premium packaging concept perfect for the cosmetic or personal care industries.

The jars, which are already available in 30/50 ml, are now available in popular prestige sizes, 5/15 ml, perfect for promotional samples, essence materials or corporate hand-outs.

Further, Ching Fon provides internal capping in one of two varieties, to suit the product contained. Clients can select a small-aperture sifter for powder products or a security-seal disk for creams. As both solid and liquid options are covered, clients can create a full range of elegantly-packaged products to suit their marketing needs, attracting customers through bold dominance of shelf and display space.

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.

Libo Cosmetics at China Beauty Expo 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:54:57 GMT

Dongguan Libo Plastic Products Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer and designer of compacts, lipstick cases, mascara cases, lip gloss containers, jars and bottles for the beauty and personal care markets. The company will be attending this year’s China Beauty Expo, a show dedicated to the exposition of anything and everything related to the international cosmetic industry, including: Color Cosmetics, Skincare, Perfumery, Detergents & Personal Care, Hair, Beauty & Spa Products and Equipment, Nail Care, OEM, Machinery, Ingredients and, of course, Cosmetic Packaging. The last three together account for nearly 23% of the exhibitors, among which Libo stands out as an innovative and cost-effective supplier. Nearly 69% of projected visitors will be the Asian representatives of national or multinational firms with a strong presence in that continent, making it an ideal event for anyone operating in or wishing to enter that market.

The expo will take place at the New International Expo Center in Shanghai, May 19th through 21st. To speak with Libo representatives and see all of the company’s latest innovations, please stop by booths 6035 & 6036 in section W6.

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”.

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.

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.

The Bapco Website re-launch

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:47:18 GMT

Vivid colours and clean lines are the weapons of choice in Bapco’s new online arsenal, providing new and existing clients alike a powerful interface for satisfying their packaging and related campaign needs. The main page of the site clearly defines the company’s core value propositions with regard to packaging - safe, easy, unique and light, one of which is bound to appeal to the packaging purchaser.

The sections are easy to navigate, and contain the information required for making an informed choice on how to work with the company best. Apart from the standard “About Us” and “Products” section (which features a Product Catalogue on the site directly synchronised with WEBpackaging.com’s online and searchable database, providing automatic product updates whenever Bapco makes changes), the site features a prominent “Environment” area, pleasantly devoid of “greenwashing”, that makes direct and unambiguous statements on the company’s commitment to environmental issues.

All in all, the website does exactly what it’s supposed to do: it provides valuable information on the company and its products without expecting the user to have a PhD in online navigation or the time to drill down through 20 pages before chancing upon what he/she needs to know.

A welcome new addition to the granules jar range

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:26:51 GMT

Now available as a stock range item, the 175ml jar complements existing jars in 60, 100, 120, 200 and 250ml sizes and is ideal for packaging all types of granules, powders and vitamins.

Made from quality amber glass and with a wide labelling area, the 175ml option has a 45mm wide neck which can take a variety of standard screw cap options in black, white and brushed aluminium.

Having recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, Johnsen and Jorgensen is highly experienced in the stringent packaging demands of the pharmaceutical industry and works closely with its customers to ensure its bespoke jar designs and sizes deliver the packaging solutions they need.

Sales manager, Matt Scott commented: “We’ve seen market demand for a granules jar that sits between the 120ml and 200ml sizes available and are therefore pleased to be able to now stock a 175ml amber glass option as standard.”