United States

Enter the Pouch King…Oystar hails ‘breakthrough’ machine

DISPATCHES FROM PACK EXPO 2012, CHICAGO

Enter the Pouch King…Oystar hails ‘breakthrough’ machine

By Ben Bouckley

Mark Nease from Oystar North America shows Ben Bouckley the world’s first high-speed pouching machine that forms, fills, seals pouches of virtually any size containing free-flowing and non free-flowing dried- beverage or food powders.

Crown Holdings reports Q3 results

Crown cautious in ‘sluggish’ times

By Joe Whitworth

Crown Holdings has postponed plans to build two new plants in China as it continues to face sluggish economic conditions and unfavourable weather in its key markets.

PepsiCo tips flavoured carbonates to outsell colas by 2015

PepsiCo tips flavoured carbonates to outsell colas by 2015

By Ben Bouckley

PepsiCo Americas Beverages says flavoured carbonates are predicted to outsell colas in the US by 2015, as it revealed plans to capitalise upon growth in this segment, where growth is being led by Hispanic consumers.

Gerard H Gifford unveiled as new Crown Europe president

Crown appoints new European president

By Rory Harrington

Crown Holdings has announced a senior management shake-up in its European division – including the appointment of a new president for the region.

Coca-Cola denies Monster takeover rumors

Coca-Cola denies Monster takeover rumors

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

The Coca-Cola Company has denied rumors that it is in talks to acquire Monster Beverage Company, after media reports sent shares in the energy drinks giant soaring on Monday.

‘Terrible’ weather hits Ball’s beverage can sales

‘Terrible’ weather hits Ball’s beverage can sales

By Ben Bouckley

Cool, wet summer weather in Northern Europe hit Ball Packaging’s beverage can sales in the region hard during the third quarter (Q3), but the firm still grew sales in the US, Brazil and China.

API Foils managing director Stephen Clarke

API outlines trends driving thin film PET price rises

By Rory Harrington

Spiralling raw material prices combined with a severe tightening of supply as PET producers increasingly target the electronics rather than packaging sectors are pressures driving up thin film material costs, said a leading industry player.

Stevia pioneer recounts first encounter

Stevia pioneer recounts first encounter

Jim May of SweetLeaf tells how he came across the sweet leaves from Paraguay almost three decades before they captured the imagination of the mainstream food industry.

Foods with artificial trans fats should be considered adulterated

Foods with artificial trans fats should be considered adulterated

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

There is a pile of evidence linking artificial trans fats with heart disease, so why is it still in our food? It’s time to get real and recognize that artificial trans fat is an adulterant with no place in the global food supply.