With each passing year, the legalized cannabis industry grows as the stigma associated with it decreases. Ten states currently permit recreational marijuana, over 20 more permit medicinal use, and annual nationwide spending on legal cannabis is projected to reach nearly $50 billion in the next decade.

Lightweighting rigid containers is extremely important for the future of rigid packaging. Overall, plastics are lighter and more efficient than many alternatives. The lighter weight reduces waste, energy use and carbon emissions through the full life cycle of a product.

Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery has created a new role, appointing Robert Trabbold as Regional Sales Manager, Northeast.

E-commerce, concern over food waste and consumer demand for fresh, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are spurring innovation in the food preservation market. On-the-go consumers are seeking healthy, fresh and RTE options in categories like meats, dairy and juices as an alternative to processed snacks found in the center grocery aisles.

Silgan Vision has modified the 51R56 system’s software to increase its throughout speed from 800 bottles per minute to a maximum of 1,200 bottles per minute. The system has been used to inspect beverage, cleaning products and other household products bottles and caps.

Eagle’s new solution for reducing food safety recall risks is the EPX100. A high-efficiency, lower-energy machine, it detects a broad range of contaminants for small to mid-sized manufacturers, contract packagers, seasonal operators and global companies looking to standardize their equipment.

Heat & Control's CEIA THS/MS21 is now available with optional USDA-certified construction, compliant with the USDA’s hygiene and sanitation guidelines for the design and fabrication of dairy, meat and poultry equipment.

Loma Systems has strengthened its X5 X-ray Series for the detection of foreign bodies with the addition of its X5 Bulkflow model. The X5 Bulkflow is an advanced X-ray inspection system for bulk loose, unpackaged and free-flowing food products.

Investment in four Stealth metal detectors from Fortress Technology has underpinned an expansion program at Arizona-headquartered Doughnut Peddler. The presence of the metal detectors has enabled the doughnut producer to elevate its lines to top food safety standards, meeting GMP requirements and winning the confidence of new retail customers.