Technology

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    alvarez via Getty Images
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    AI is ‘more of an evolution than a revolution’ for packaging: PMMI report

    Numerous practical applications of AI are already here for packaging machinery OEMs and their end users, though not without challenges. PMMI Business Intelligence shares recommendations on how companies can get started.

    By • Sept. 18, 2024
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Breaking out of the mold: Innovations in molded fiber drive growth

    Speakers at an International Molded Fiber Association event detailed advancements in the energy efficiency of manufacturing equipment, dry molded fiber and R&D to expand into new end-use markets.

    By • Sept. 18, 2024
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Molded fiber’s growth as a plastic replacement isn’t pulp fiction

    While the market is expanding, speakers at an International Molded Fiber Association event said it still faces an entrenched competitor in plastic and hurdles with feedstock availability, energy use and other factors.

    By • Sept. 16, 2024
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    Courtesy of PulPac
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    Dart delves into dry molded fiber for lids, licensing PulPac tech

    The food service packaging company and Solo Cup distributor is the first in North America to license a more compact production platform from the Swedish dry molded fiber specialist.

    By • Sept. 13, 2024
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    Permission granted by Califia Farms
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    Califia Farms acquires Uproot to reduce packaging via food service dispensers

    Uproot has more than 150 dispensers across the U.S. at college campuses and other dining locations. The announcement follows the plant-based beverage brand’s rollout of 100% rPET bottles in the U.S. and Canada.

    By Elizabeth Flood • July 25, 2024
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    Permission granted by EFI
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    Digitally printed, rightsized boxes could change the shape of e-commerce

    EFI and Packsize collaborated on a system they say checks the right boxes to boost packaging customization, which can help brands connect with consumers and improve sustainability. 

    By • June 18, 2024
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    Q&A

    Tetra Pak training center expansion offers ‘golden opportunity’ for employee engagement

    Fabio Raffone, a company vice president, describes how virtual and hands-on training sessions help to build the workforce of the future while reducing turnover.

    By • May 21, 2024
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    Courtesy of Jones Soda Co.
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    Augmented reality entices brands with endless off-package marketing space

    Brands such as Almond Breeze and Jones Soda have found that visuals accessed via phone cameras can engage and educate shoppers. As the technology advances, packaging will offer increasing opportunities to test this.

    By Leslie Nemo • May 20, 2024
  • A variety of different colored pouches of Dionis Goat Milk Skincare lotion.
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    Courtesy of Dionis Goat Milk Skincare
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    Packaging innovations: Bandit Wines cartons offer augmented reality, Huggies ups PCR in diaper bags

    Plus, Dionis Goat Milk Skincare lotion now comes in refill pouches and American Packaging Corp. tackles pet food pouch recyclability.

    By • May 6, 2024
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    Q&A

    Design and sustainability opportunities draw in next generation of packaging students

    Greg Batt, who serves as director of the packaging science program at Clemson University, also highlighted the growing role of data.

    By • April 15, 2024
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    Permission granted by Myplas
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    Eviction threat looms as film recycler Myplas accrues $1.3M in unpaid bills

    Unexpected financial challenges occurred shortly after the company launched its highly anticipated Minnesota polyethylene film recycling operation in December, according to Peter Shippen, Myplas board chair.

    By • Updated April 15, 2024
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    5 packaging innovation trends to watch in 2024: SPC

    AI, digital labeling and “paperization” top the movements highlighted in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s inaugural Packaging Innovation Trends Report.

    By • April 9, 2024
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    P&G, Dow pursue dissolution technology for recycling rigid, flexible, multilayer plastic packaging

    The in-development technology represents neither mechanical nor advanced recycling, according to Dow. The intent is for the resulting material to be of “near-virgin quality” with a lower greenhouse gas emissions footprint.

    By • March 29, 2024
  • Andy Lomasky, senior director of IT for PMMI, stands at a PMMI podium on the Industry Speaks stage at Pack Expo East on March 20, 2024.
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    How IT and OT can team up on cybersecurity in manufacturing: PMMI

    The association and partners also highlighted post-pandemic investment in remote services at Pack Expo East.

    By • March 28, 2024
  • Sign for the US Department of Energy out-front of their headquarters the James Forrestal Building in Washington, D.C.
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    The Bold Bureau via Getty Images
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    International Paper, O-I Glass win DOE funds for industrial decarbonization

    Targeting “difficult-to-decarbonize sectors,” the Biden administration calls its 33 project awards “the largest investment in industrial decarbonization in American history.” Diageo, Eastman, Gallo Glass and ExxonMobil are also recipients.

    By • March 25, 2024
  • Holy Grail demo in Pertuis, France.
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    Permission granted by Digimarc
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    Digimarc shifts packaging watermarking strategy to reach producer responsibility organizations

    The company sees EPR laws in U.S. states as a possible catalyst for expansion of its recycling technology. It's now seeking contracts with various types of central buyers that could manage a program at scale.

    By • Feb. 28, 2024
  • An aerial view of Arglass' manufacturing facility in Valdosta, Georgia.
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    Arglass envisions ‘maximum flexibility’ Georgia production site

    The U.S. packaging manufacturer says a forthcoming furnace could make 350 million glass containers per year. The ability for smaller production runs could make it resilient to market trends and more approachable for customers.

    By • Feb. 15, 2024
  • Exterior view of Berry Global's Circular Innovation and Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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    Courtesy of Berry Global
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    Berry invests in stretch film circularity at new innovation and training center

    “State-of-the-art” technology at the center will measure stretch film properties and behaviors, including tensile strength and force-to-load ratio.

    By • Feb. 14, 2024
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    Permission granted by Blue Lake Packaging
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    Q&A

    From Apple to plastic-free living: Blue Lake Packaging founder describes business pivot

    CEO Ying Liu describes how Blue Lake Packaging aims to expand market reach and product offerings in 2024, noting that “packaging itself can be a product” instead of simply protecting products.

    By • Feb. 5, 2024
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    Bohdan Bevz via Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Paperboard Packaging Council’s new leader talks importance of listening, representation

    PPC promoted Emily Leonczyk to executive director and vice president. She plans for “feet-on-the-ground” engagement during a series of facility visits to better understand members’ changing needs.

    By • Jan. 29, 2024
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    Nuclear_lily via Getty Images
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    The packaging industry outlook for 2024

    Packaging Dive takes a closer look at what’s in store for policymaking, producer responsibility, plastics and more.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 23, 2024
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    Permission granted by EFI
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    Digital inkjet printing’s transformation of the packaging industry

    The technology’s uptake is expected to accelerate. Current use cases include customization to connect with consumers, and future advancements focus on AI and scannable codes. Learn more in our three-part series.

    By • Dec. 20, 2023
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    Sean Rayford via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Customization, AI and scannable codes seen as future opportunities for digital printing

    As the technology’s capabilities broaden, converters are “thinking in completely different ways” about packaging production and predicting it will capture some of analog printing's market share.

    By • Dec. 20, 2023
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    Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
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    Deep Dive

    Brands level up packaging with digital printing’s customization, consumer connection options

    From Taylor Swift-printed Amazon boxes to different versions of the same product, digital inkjet printing enables converters such as Fortis Solutions Group, Printpack and Tetra Pak to meet brands' evolving needs.

    By , • Dec. 13, 2023
  • Rolls of paper being printed on industrial machinery.
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    Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
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    Deep Dive

    ‘Revolutionary’ digital printing technology uptake expected to accelerate for packaging

    DS Smith, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, WestRock, O-I Glass and others are among the companies innovating with this technology, which can increase precision and reduce waste. 

    By , • Nov. 29, 2023