Of the many benefits of automation, perhaps the one that usually first jumps to mind is labor reduction. While that definitely is one benefit, Ranpak’s Bryan Boatner (Managing Director, Automation) recently made the case to Packaging Strategies that automation can contribute to sustainability in multiple ways.

Packaging Strategies has reported extensively on the move toward eco-friendly packaging in multiple markets — from snacks to fresh produce to foodservice. A similar shift is underway in the packaging of meat, poultry and seafood.

Automation plays a huge and ever-growing role in the packaging industry. No surprise, then, that the July issue of Packaging Strategies featured a story on automation and controls (From Smart Valves to Smart Factories).

In this article, Graphic Packaging International (GPI) expounds upon the advantages of fiber-based solutions for produce packaging.

UNITED CAPS and TriMas Packaging are just two companies demonstrating the important role of caps and closures when it comes to curbing food waste and preventing the unintended environmental impact of discarded caps.

Three experts recently shared with Packaging Strategies their perspectives on how automation can improve the efficiency of packaging operations.

Packaging Strategies recently spoke to three heavyweights in the area of form/fill/seal equipment, TNA Solutions, Viking Masek Packaging Technologies, and Formost Fuji Corp., regarding their responses to a variety of new demands including sustainability and new food trends.

While responding to consumer and regulatory demands for more sustainable packaging is certainly one of the biggest challenges facing the industry, the good news is that there is no single solution but rather a plethora of routes to a circular economy.

In this story, we take a look at some of most recent announcements regarding the creation and adoption of new snack packaging materials.

My early career as a journalist — over a span of roughly six years — involved reporting for metropolitan weekly and daily newspapers. However, I have spent a much larger portion of my career in the B2B arena, and I cut my B2B teeth reporting on — ta-dah!! — the fresh produce industry. Hence, I can’t help but get excited when I get to write about packaging as it relates to fresh produce.