Kristen Kazarian

When I was growing up, as many of you I’m sure, I would never have guessed that cannabis would be legalized. Back then it was taboo, worse than alcohol and seen as another drug on the streets. Remember the commercial, “This is your brain on drugs,” with the eggs frying in a pan?

J&J Snack Foods is an innovative national leader in the snack food and frozen beverage industries. To protect product quality, J&J Snack Foods turned to Mettler Toledo Safeline and installed three X-ray systems — one X33 model, and an unusual two-lane X36 model in 2018.

Digital print technology does not need a separate plate for each print run — unlike offset and flexo printing. Instead, all colors are printed in a single pass. Not having to constantly replace plates is a big cost and time saver.

Consumers push the trends in this market, which include flavor diversity, health and wellness appeal, convenience/resealability and clean label. There are opportunities for manufacturers, such as sustainable processes and increased productivity levels, to keep up with demand.

With automation, the cloud and new innovative printing solutions, there are many ways to create new and unique labels. Here, we cover an automation solution that boosted a label printer’s production by 50%, a label management system stored in the cloud, a barcode printer that prints a packing list and shipping label on a single label, and a new adhesive.

Milk (cow, sheep, goat and butter) and other liquid dairy products like coffee creamer and other creams, are still holding strong even though nut and other plant-based milks have made the dairy case competitive.

Wine has found its niche in the aluminum can — and with it, refreshing flavors and packaging design. Winesellers Ltd., a family owned, global importer and marketer of fine wines, just launched Santa Julia Organic Rosé, Organic Chardonnay & Tintillo Malbec Red Blend in 375 ml cans.

Flexible packaging — especially the pouch — is still the fastest growing segment globally. Over the last decade, its share of total packaging in the U.S. increased from 16 percent to its current 19 percent.

It is obvious that the packaging world is taking sustainability in packaging — as well as operations — seriously. The numerous brands, retailers, suppliers and packaging companies that continue to change practices as well as offer lighter, recycled or reusable materials attest to it. But is it enough?

The recent recall of select canned dog food, as well as other pet food, has again put consumers on alert. In January alone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced seven recalls — 15 if you count December 2018. In fact, 60 percent of pet parents are concerned about the safety of pet food, reports Packaged Facts (packagedfacts.com).