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.

Whether avoiding a certain food type is due to an allergy, or a preference, retailers around the world are embracing the growing free-from culture. In the U.S. alone, 3.1 million people follow a gluten-free diet. 72 per cent of these are classified as PWAGs — people without celiac disease avoiding gluten.

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

Plant-based yogurt brand Lavva has launched new packaging with design by famed cut-paper artist, Hattie Newman. The bold, colorful designs will help it stand apart from the white and cream-colored packaging typical of competing brands.

Processors gain a competitive edge by providing quick-serve restaurants and grab n’ go deli establishments with ready to use, pre-sliced, interleaved portions of meat and cheese.

JLS Automation has named John Hofer as Regional Sales Manager, Central Region for the U.S. and Canada. 

OAL has launched the world’s first artificial intelligence-based vision system, APRIL Eye, for date code verification. 

As the new U.S. master distributor for the Italian OEM, Ossid, a ProMach brand, will be responsible for sales and support of the superior REEPACK brand of thermoformers and tray sealers.

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.