Weekly Roundup: Heidelberg presents digital solutions in Japan, Ardagh Group converts beverage can plant from steel to aluminum 

24 Aug 2018 --- The weekly roundup is PackagingInsights' collection of global packaging stories from the past week. UK based artisan confectionary company Buttermilk has released its newest snack bar in cellulose packaging. Heidelberg has presented its latest digital solutions and “smart print shop” at customer events in Japan. Aptar has announced its official participation in Amazon’s Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) program while UK bagged fruit and nut snack manufacturer Humdinger Ltd has purchased two Vegatronic 6000 baggers and Parkside, a specialty packaging solutions provider, has made a further significant investment in state-of-the-art laser equipment. Lastly, Ardagh Group has completed the conversion of its Rugby, UK, beverage can manufacturing plant from steel to aluminum.

In brief: Product launches and certifications
UK based artisan confectionary company Buttermilk has released its newest snack bar – crumbly caramel sea salt fudge enrobed in Belgian milk chocolate – in compostable cellulose packaging. Tracy McDonnell Goad, Buttermilk’s MD, was recently asked why finding compostable packaging had been a priority: “Sustainability is an important part of Buttermilk’s ethos and we were keen to find a plastic-free solution so that customers can enjoy an on-the-go treat, knowing that the packaging will not end up in the oceans.” 

Heidelberg has presented its latest digital solutions and “smart print shop” at customer events in Japan. Thanks to intelligent networking and automation, the machines can organize and handle the production process on their own. This goes as far as autonomous printing and has the potential to double the Overall Equipment Effectiveness. The new Versafire EV and Versafire EP digital printing systems were presented at the open house and printed 28 different jobs on a wide range of substrates and with different applications. The Versafire EV is aimed at customers who want to realize creative applications and enhanced business models. The Versafire EP is designed for flexible production and maximum performance.

In brief: Acquisitions, partnerships and expansions
Aptar has announced its official participation in Amazon’s Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) program. With this certification, Aptar is now providing services directly to vendors, sellers or manufacturers related to packaging design and testing in compliance with Amazon’s guidelines and certification test methods. The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers and manufacturers to obtain certification of their products as Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP), Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC) or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).

UK bagged fruit and nut snack manufacturer Humdinger Ltd has purchased two Vegatronic 6000 baggers as part of its drive to improve its operational excellence. The bagger’s swift changeover capabilities and multi-format flexibility has seen line efficiency improve by 50 percent. Humdinger produces snacks for retailer own labels and licensed brands alongside its own branded range. This varied portfolio calls for a flexible packaging operation – bags range from 80-500g and can be either quad or pillow in style.

Parkside, a specialty packaging solutions provider, has made a further significant investment in state-of-the-art laser equipment which will create new business opportunities for the packaging innovations focused company. A new laser investment enables laser scoring across two sides of a single film or laminate to create easy-open and reclose pack designs. The laser technology can be used across a variety of packaging applications from flexible packaging to easy-peel vented lidding for ready meal packs.

In brief: Miscellaneous
Ardagh Group has completed the conversion of its Rugby, UK, beverage can manufacturing plant from steel to aluminum. “The conversion of the Rugby plant has further enhanced Ardagh’s manufacturing footprint. Operating two highly-efficient aluminum beverage can plants in the UK, at Wrexham and Rugby, supported by our recent investment in our Deeside ends plant, positions Ardagh to offer leading beverage customers greater choice and flexibility in future,” says Oliver Graham, CEO at Ardagh Metal Beverage.

By Laxmi Haigh