It is no secret that robots and automation are in big demand in the packaging industry, from pick and place applications to robotic palletizing and everywhere in between.

It’s that time of year again. In our industry, it’s just about the social gala of the year, yes it’s PACK EXPO time once again.

Manufactured with EcoStar® food-safe recycled PET, Placon (www.placon.com) introduces its new Fresh ‘n Clear™ CaterEase plastic catering tray and bowl line.

In our industry it looks like a great deal of food and beverage items are opting for pouches, but rigid containers still have a strong market presence.

For the first time, Kellogg is using post-consumer resin in a retail pouch; Kellogg is implementing a reusable pouch for its Kashi cereal from Envision Plastics.

Today’s palletizing equipment must meet several customer requirements, including intuitive operation, high productivity and flexibility.

Nature’s Coffee Kettle is a coffee brewing system for campers, hikers and coffee connoisseurs. Now the company’s updated spouted pouch from Flair Flexible Packaging helps Nature’s Coffee Kettle better communicate the unique brewing method and the freshness of the custom-roasted gourmet coffee.

Product protection is a must for food and beverage packages, and companies are working hard to make sure that their products are safe and protected for the end-user. Tamper evident bands, sleeves and seals are designed to prevent the improper opening of a product, which could cause damage to the product and brand reputation.

I recently read a report from Canadean about reusable beverage containers that really opened my eyes to the practice of reusing beverage bottles that I hadn’t much considered before.

Amara Beverage Company announces the launch of its newly redesigned raw sports drinks. The drink is set for release in California and Nevada in the next month. Amara teamed up with McLean Design to refine the brand image and design.