A surge in demand for canned foods during the COVID-19 pandemic has led metal container manufacturers to speed up production to keep pace. For example, Silgan’s record Q1 earnings are in part because of the jump in demand, and Crown’s website lists 81 open jobs at its 25 U.S. plants.

The WPO (World Packaging Organisation) announced Bronze, Silver and Gold Special Award winners in the categories of Marketing, Sustainability, Packaging that Saves Food, and the President’s Award. There will be a special ceremony to present the Special Awards during Interpack 2021.

COVID-19 cases among U.S. workers in 115 meat and poultry processing facilities were reported by 19 states. Factors potentially affecting risk for infection include difficulties with workplace physical distancing and hygiene and crowded living and transportation conditions.

Food and beverage manufacturing professional address industry concern related to the pandemic and the impact on business and the economy; the impact of the pandemic on industries targeted for this research; measures being taken to keep employees, customers and others healthy/safe; and more.

The FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response said that "we don’t believe that food packaging is a common route of transmission’ of COVID-19" during a virtual press briefing on April 2nd. America has plenty of safe food and there’s no reason to stockpile, federal and state government officials added.

The new InvisiShield technology, by Aptar Food + Beverage, is an anti-pathogenic packaging solution seamlessly integrated into sealed packages to protect fresh-cut produce from harmful pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses. 

Yesterday, the President of the United States declared an expanded emergency declaration for all states and the District of Columbia on truck shipments of consumer goods and other supplies. Below is an update from the FMCSA delineating the types loads that are being exempted from hours of service rules.

SÜDPACK Verpackungen GmbH & Co. KG received a certificate of recyclability from the Institute cyclos-HTP for its packaging film concept, combining a Skin Multi SV top film (150 µm) and base film Ecoterm VP (250 µm).