Refresh Your Brand With Contoured Packaging

Spotlight 2

Consumers Raise the Social Engagement Bar

May 6, 2020

Social engagement with alcohol brands has risen far more than other sectors during the coronavirus pandemic — an astounding 326.51% year over year. And consumers are interested in engaging with brands that are donating money or resources to coronavirus relief efforts.

Spotlight 1

The COVID-19 Booze Boom

Consumers are drinking more alcohol, as stay-at-home orders continue around the United States.

Kristen Kazarian

May 5, 2020

Americans are drinking their way through the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Many are holding Zoom video “happy hours” with friends and colleagues, while others are content to imbibe by themselves or with a significant other with no social media necessary.

Technology: Stand Up Pouches

What Is the Recipe for Sustainable Packaging?

NOVA Chemicals and Emmerson Packaging find the perfect ingredients for Anita’s Organic Mill.

Kristen Kazarian

April 11, 2020

The recipe for commercial success is high-quality ingredients, expert execution and perfect timing. All combined in a collaboration between NOVA Chemicals and Emmerson Packaging to help Anita’s Organic Mill, a Canadian manufacturer of organic flour, cereals and mixes, create a fully recyclable, all-polyethylene (PE) stand-up bag.

Packaging Outlook: Collaboration, Innovation, Flexibility

Spotlight Feature

Packaging Outlook 2020: Collaboration, Innovation, Flexibility

Consumer packaged goods manufacturers, retailers and OEMs are finding new growth with partner collaborations.

Kristen Kazarian

March 20, 2020

Last year many companies collaborated on new materials, machinery compatibility and corporate initiatives, and joined recycling groups. It’s time to look forward, get inspired and realize that sometimes it is better to work with a partner or two.

Jackie Canny, owner and CEO of Ultimation Industries

Machinery

The Ultimate in Automation

One company is setting the bar for conveyor technology and branching out into a vertical world.

Kristen Kazarian

March 16, 2020

Located in Metro Detroit, Ultimation Industries LLC, a conveyor technology and automation company, has been in business for 30 years. Owner and CEO Jackie Canny was a finalist for Amazon's Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award in 2019. The company was also named one of "Metro Detroit&'s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in 2019.

Spotlight Feature

Advances in Packaging Sustainability

Brands are telling their truth with new sustainable initiatives.

Kristen Kazarian

March 1, 2020

In January, U.S. plastic bag manufacturers and recyclers signed a sustainability commitment for the industry and renamed its coalition the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance (ARPBA). The agreement by ARPBA members includes a target that 95% of plastic retail bags be reused or recycled by 2025.

A Tour to Remember

Paper Converting Machine Company

Kristen Kazarian

February 27, 2020

Paper Converting Machine Company is offering a tour of its facility during Converters Expo in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Registered attendees attend free, with travel to and from the facility and Lambeau Field, just prior the Welcome Reception at the Green Bay Hall of Fame.

Editor’s Note

For What It’s Worth

Kristen Kazarian

February 14, 2020

I don’t know about you, but with a big family and friends gathering over the holidays, the question “What do you do, again?” comes up. I answer, and the inquiry ends, as people don’t quite understand the role of packaging.

Market Trends

Pure Michigan, Bottled & Canned

A local brewery reveals the secret to its success: variety, community involvement and fun.

Kristen Kazarian

February 14, 2020

Short’s Brewery in Northern Michigan was established in 2002 by Joe Short. Short had gained significant brewing experience at other Michigan breweries and realized that his style of brewing was best suited to his own business model.

Spotlight Feature

Latest Packaging Innovations Changing the Rules

Packaging is hitting the threshold of a new era.

Kristen Kazarian

February 11, 2020

2019 seemed to be the year of refining. Be it ecommerce campaigns, seasonal packaging or moving into a new sector, consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers and designers worked with what they had and made it better.