End users are cutting costs and film manufacturers are responding with simpler, stronger films.

Here's how companies are reducing packaging materials and increasing profitability in an uncertain economy.

Coding equipment boosts its reading, writing and track-and-trace capabilities.

A dual chamber application for food and beverage products has been designed and patented by certified packaging professional John Henry of Changeover.com. It can be used to add milk to cereal or hot water to dry soup mix for on-the-go consumption.

International Paper has bought Weyerhaeuser’s Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling business, making International Paper the premier global industrial packaging supplier, with a network of plants throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

Resin manufacturer Nova Chemicals has developed Surpass HPs167-AB, a high-density polyethylene resin, for use in barrier-film structures and with 50% stronger moisture barrier strength.

Rising petroleum and commodities prices often mean using less packaging material, which in turn demands more flexibility and accuracy in case packing systems.

Organic, natural products are being matched with packaging and labeling that reflect the goodness of the product.

Once again, Coca-Cola Co. has made its way to the top as Food & Beverage Packaging’s No. 1 beverage packager in the world. You probably expected that. However, to be a worldwide player requires constantly being in the game. Coca-Cola is the world’s largest carbonated soft drink manufacturer, responsible for 1.5 billion beverage servings consumed worldwide daily. It’s no easy feat to stay on top: The non-alcoholic beverage industry is highly competitive.

Though the company is known more for its food products, Nestlé is a major player in the beverage market. As the No. 1 bottled water company in the world, Nestlé owns 15 brands of water, including Nestlé Pure Life, Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka and Zephyrhills, as well as imports brands such as Perrier and S. Pellegrino.