Bosch Packaging Technology has completed the expansion of its state-of-the-art vertical form fill seal (VFFS) test facility in New Richmond, WI. The $850,000 vertical expansion helps Bosch accommodate two full VFFS packaging lines that include secondary packaging, such as case erecting, loading and closing.

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation and Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Inc. have signed an agreement for KapStone to acquire the stock of Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging, Inc. from Brookfield Capital Partners II, a private equity fund managed by Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

Thirsty beer drinkers can slake their thirst faster thanks to a two-piece carrier design aided by rotary die cutting technology offered by Schober USA. Working inline as a “slave” with a folder gluer, the Schober RSM operates at speeds of 150m/min (492 ft/min) and more on a 24/7 basis – producing significantly more beverage carriers than the traditional one-piece design.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association releases the results of its 2012 Aerosol Pressurized Products Survey, which serves as an annual indicator of the business strength of the aerosol products industry. For a third consecutive year, U.S. aerosol product production increased setting a new record high with more than 3.8 billion total units filled. The addition of 33 million more units filled – a 0.9% increase over the previous year – contributed to setting a new high mark for aerosol production in the United States. This year marks the 62nd year CSPA has conducted and released the results of this survey. Survey data were collected and verified by the independent firm, Association Research, Inc.

It has been said that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses account for 46% of private-sector output in the U.S. economy. Undoubtedly, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have tremendous influence on not only the economy, but also innovation. Recognizing the unique value of SMBs, PMMI recently announced the SMB FastTrack, which will debut at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013 (Sept. 23-25; Las Vegas Convention Center).

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.

According to a report from the American Pet Products Association regarding industry statistics and trends, Americans are pampering their pets by purchasing items for them that go well beyond the bare necessities. Pets now receive gourmet and organic food options with special consideration for allergies, dietary restrictions or a special healthy diet.

X-Rays get a power boost: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (www.thermoscientific.com) has upgraded its popular Thermo Scientific Xpert C400 X-ray system for detecting metals and other foreign objects in food. By adding an X-ray source with twice the power of the original model, the system is better suited for thicker, denser products and high speed production. The system targets a broad range of food applications including challenging wet and semi-frozen products, as well as metalized packaging structures that do not lend themselves to metal detection.

The international community agrees: food waste is a problem of global proportion. The widespread inefficiencies caused by food waste highlight the need for packaging that prevents spoilage and extends shelf life, while still protecting the flavor and quality that consumers count on and providing the convenience they need. The metal can is an ideal format to help brands achieve these goals, proving its value as a waste prevention tool.

More than a third of the food produced in the world – 1.3 billion tons per year ¬– never finds its way into anyone’s stomach. It can rot in the field, go bad during processing, spoil at the grocery store or get tossed in the garbage by the consumer. For food producers, processors and manufacturers with the foresight and ingenuity to tackle this problem, there is more than a cautionary tale here – there is real business opportunity.

In recent years, private label has increasingly gained ground in the marketplace with the majority of U.S. shoppers (86%) purchasing some type of store brand regularly . Store brands now account for one out of five items sold in US supermarkets, drug chains and mass merchandisers . In particular, product categories like salty snacks, soda, cookies and paper goods are gaining ground on their national brand counterparts. The trade-off is that the price/value point is no longer enough of a differentiator and private label brands must step up their game in an effort to meet rising shopper expectations. Addressing this progression partly means understanding shopper preference, but it’s also important to remember that consumer curiosity (and brand loyalty) is sparked through creatively designed brand packaging that leads to shelf interaction.

Doritos, a brand from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, partnered with branding and design firm Hornall Anderson to update its identity and packaging to create global harmonization and unleash the power of the iconic brand.

In an industry first, Veteran’s charity Stoll has worked together with integrated brand design agency bluemarlin to launch Forces Sauces, a new range of table sauces that support vulnerable and disabled ex-Servicemen and women across the UK, as well as those currently serving.

Lundberg Family Farms, a leading U.S. producer of organic rice and rice products, is a Gold award winner in the flexible packaging category of the 2013 PAC Leadership Awards.

The Union Series Meridian Session Ale is the first package design featuring Duffy’s complete rebrand of Summit Brewing Company, including identity, packaging and more.

Canadian food manufacturer Lassonde Specialties is making the move to carton packs from SIG Combibloc. From now on, the company’s Canton brand fondue bouillons, traditional canned classics, will be offered exclusively in carton packs. The ready-to-serve bouillons in combiblocStandard 1,100 ml come in Beef/Onion, Original, Oriental Delight, Red Wine and Thai varieties. To make them easy to open, the carton packs feature a V perforation. Further products are set to follow.