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Equipment Round-Up: Packaging materials

FoodProcessing.com

Keywords: packaging, materials, Curwood, TetraPak, Ampac Flexibles and National Adhesives

Our 2006 materials showcase wraps up the best of recent advances in adhesives, closures, labels, films, etc., into one accessible package.

Buy the adhesive; the machine is free

The company, a unit of National Starch & Chemical Co., has lowered the temperature of hot-melt box adhesive to 200°F — and is promoting that achievement by loaning out for free a $12,000 dispensing unit. The Easy-Pac system combines the first and only 200° hot-melt adhesive with an integrated application system. The lower temperature of the hot-melt eliminates charring, the most frequent cause of adhesive application malfunctions.

National Adhesives; Bridgewater, N.J.
800-797-4992; www.nationaladh.com

Clear aseptic package

Tetra Wedge Aseptic Clear is the world’s first high-barrier, totally clear aseptic package, the vendor claims. This product allows for both high- and low-acid applications, making pouch-style, shelf-stable packaging a new possibility for the dairy and soy industries. It uses aseptic processing, which seals in taste and nutrition. The 6.75-oz. package has smooth sides and no sharp edges, and is 80 percent more puncture-resistant than other stand-up pouches, making it ideal for kids’ beverages.

Tetra-Pak; Vernon Hills, Ill.
847-955-6000; www.tetrapakusa.com

Retortable pouch

The vendor claims new McCormick Finishing Sauces are the first sauces marketed in a retort pouch in the U.S. The microwaveable, retortable standup pouch has a structure without a foil layer but it can withstand the temperature of the retort (250°F). The result is an adhesive lamination which is (outer to inner layer) reverse printed, high-barrier polyester/ oriented nylon/polypropylene. “Cool grip” heat seals on either side of the 5- oz. pouch enable consumers to handle the package after microwaving.

Ampac Flexibles; Cincinnati
513-671-1777; www.ampaconline.com

Colorful casings

Available in a large variety of colors and tints, these are most widely sold plastic casings in the world. They claim to have the best diameter control and exhibit strength and durability. They feature a unique barrier film structure that improves quality and freshness while extending shelf-life. The product is available in various cling levels for smooth peel during slicing, and for casing-on slicing products such as bologna and salami.

Vector Packaging; Oak Brook, Ill.
800-435-9100; www.vectorpackaging.com

Container decoration

Containers featuring in-mold labeling are a packaging solution for a wide array of products destined for the grocer’s deli case. Recently introduced to North America, the IML process offers full photographic quality, top-to-bottom coverage and premium design. The containers are easy to open and feature the company’s unique tamper-evident system. They are available in sizes from 12 oz. to 4 gal.

IPL Packaging; Saint-Damien, Quebec
800-463-4755 (USA), 800-463-7083 (Canada); www.ipl-packaging.com

Appealing and durable

Cryovac Rollshrink gives the skin-tight appearance of a bag with the loading and productivity efficiency of a rollstock application. During packaging, the bottom web of Rollshrink material forms a pocket in which the product is loaded, then the top web is applied and vacuum-sealed. The final, tight-fitting, clear package assumes the guise of a high-end display bag with the robust characteristics of a high-abuse bag. This product is best for smaller, consumer-sized cuts of a variety of meats and cheeses.

Cryovac/Sealed Air Corp.; Duncan, S.C.
800-391-5645; www.cryovac.com

More corn power

NatureWorks PLA cups are made from corn-based ingredients that are readily biodegradable. They look, feel and perform like traditional plastics but have multiple environmental beneifts for the consumer and the food marketer. They are made from an annually renewable, domestic resource and are 100 percent compostable in industrial facilities. Mrs. Fields Famous Brands recently introduced Breezer smoothies in the material.

NatureWorks LLC.; Minnetonka, Minn.
952-742-0400; www.natureworksllc.com

Edible ingredient packaging

Water soluble F-100 Edible Ingredient Film is engineered specifically for unitdose packaging of dry ingredients used in mixing and batching operations. Ingredients packaged in pouches made of this product offer the convenience of using pre-measured quantities, saving production time and operating costs. Made of cellulose polymers, the film can be converted into bags or wrappers on most conventional packaging machines.