Category Archives: Insights

The 3-A Symbol — A Mark of Excellence in Food Processing

When we are ready to make a sizeable investment in equipment, many of us value certifications, from the UL stamp to ISO. These marks are easy-to-understand signs that the products we are purchasing are endorsed for a given task. For those of us in the food-processing industry, the most sought-after certification is the 3-A symbol […]

Farm-to-Table Food? Keep it Fresh with Flexible Packaging

As a 36-year veteran of the food industry with a master’s degree in food process engineering, it really irks me when people vilify “processed foods.” It is as incorrect as most other generalizations. People have been “processing” foods since the beginning of time, which met the challenge of preserving that food. Today, flexible packaging also […]

Hearing the Voice of the Customer in Flexible Packaging Design

Louis Sullivan, a famed Chicago architect, once said that “form ever follows function.” His statement firmly asserted his belief that the way a building looks should be determined by its purpose. Over time, this principle was applied beyond buildings to automobiles and many household objects, from tea kettles to can openers. Sound functional design is […]

Five Thought-Provoking Thoughts for Packaging Professionals

“Conserving energy and thus saving money, reducing consumption of unnecessary products and packaging and shifting to a clean-energy economy would likely hurt the bottom line of polluting industries, but would undoubtedly have positive effects for most of us.” ― David Suzuki, Canadian Scientist “Testers for 7-Up consistently found consumers would report more lemon flavor in […]

Better than Chocolate, More than Candy Canes: Peppermint Needs Effective Packaging to Maintain Its Medicinal Qualities

Most Americans associate peppermint only with the striped hard candies that come out during Christmas and other year-end holidays. But the global history of this plant is storied, and its uses are much more varied than commonly known. Flexible packaging can protect this versatile plant, preserving it for its many uses. A Versatile Herb The […]

Eight Quick Reasons Why Flexible Packaging Is Replacing the #10 Can

High-barrier flexible packaging is on the rise for the food service industry. According to a study released by ReportsnReports in May 2016, the worldwide flexible packaging market is expected to reach $125.66 billion by 2021, growing at an estimated annual rate of 5.11 percent between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, retort pouches in particular are expected […]

Nutraceuticals: Packaging Products that Protect Our Health

As consumers look for ways to lead healthier lives, they are also driving up the sales of nutraceuticals, both in the U.S. and around the world. How do producers protect these goods with their steadily rising values? The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines nutraceuticals — a combination of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical” — as fortified […]

The Value of Flexible Packaging in Dietary Supplements

Thousands of professionals in special ingredients will convene in Las Vegas, October 4 through 6, to attend Supply Side West. Attendees will learn about wide range of products, including dietary supplements, functional food and beverages, personal care, and sports nutrition. In advance of this show, Nick Strickland, business director, agricultural & industrial packaging for Fres-co […]