Packaging
September 1, 2006
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Code verification for non-rigid packages
lexible juice pouches and
shrinkwrapped cases of bottled water are flat when empty, but
expand and change shape when filled, sealed and moved, making it
difficult for a vision system to acquire
and verify an image of the product’s
coded information. ProofRead from Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass., is a
new high-performance ID and Optical Character Verification (OCV)
system designed to address this challenge.
ProofRead includes IDMax code reading and
OCVMax character verification breakthroughs based on patented
Cognex PatMax technology. Greater tolerance to perspective changes
and random spatial distortions allow IDMax and OCVMax to provide
reliable code reading and character verification under the most
difficult conditions involving flexible
shrinkwrap films, decorative labels and
cylindrical, concave or convex surfaces on bottles or cans. The
technology also is touted to effectively read codes and text
distorted during the printing or manufacturing process.
Aluminex line-up
CCL Container introduced the first two designs
in its Aluminex line of full-body shaped aluminum bottles. The
“Roadhouse” is a longneck bottle available in 12-ounce
and 16-ounce sizes. The “Tailgater” has a
full-contoured body and is available in a number of bottle
finishes.
World Cup fever
Earlier this summer, Coca-Cola got into the
World Cup spirit by launching special-edition soccer ball-shaped
bottles in the United Kingdom. The 25-ml. bottles were made for
both regular and Diet Coke. Graphic Packaging International
supplied the exterior wrap for four.
TETRA PAK multis
MeadWestvaco, Stamford, Conn., recently
partnered with Tetra Pak, Vernon Hills, Ill., to create
consumer-friendly multi-packs for wine in Tetra Prisma containers.
The resulting Cluster-Pak from MeadWestvaco showcases the unique,
octagonal shape of the Tetra Prisma container. The Three Thieves
brand of 250-ml. single-serve wines are currently available in the
four- packs using the package.
Multi-packs of energy
Graphic Packaging
International Inc., Marietta, Ga., has partnered with Power Trip
energy drinks to launch the first multi-pack in the Northeastern
United States without flaps. The carton is designed without a top
flap and with diamond corners so the four-pack has clean, sharp
shapes and keeps a billboard effect on all sides. The package has
also been used by Coca-Cola’s Full Throttle and Tab Energy
drinks.
Laser-incised tab
A new laser-incised tab from Ball Corp., Broomfield, Colo.,
made its debut on the Go Fast! brand of energy drinks. The Go Fast!
logo will now be featured on the pull-tabs of the energy drink to
reinforce the brand name from the moment the can is opened.
Wine, redesigned
Centerra Wine Co., Canandaigua, N.Y., recently
redesigned the packaging of its Inglenook wine brand. The packaging
makeover features a new label with a watercolor grapevine
illustration and a Bordeaux style bottle. All sizes and varieties
of this Top 15 wine brand will display the new packaging.
Upsized Modelo
Barton Beers, Chicago, rolled out a new
24-ounce single-serve can of Modelo Especial imported beer. The
introduction will be supported by a full line of off-premise
promotional materials in both English and Spanish. Barton expects
to have full distribution of the 24-ounce can in its territory by
October.
For ‘viking’ sized thirst
Iceland Spring,
Orangeburg, N.Y., launched the new 24-ounce bottle, nicknamed the
“Viking” size, of its pure bottled water. The
“Viking” size bottle is big enough to quench thirst,
but small enough to be portable. Distribution began in August in
New York, with plans to expand into natural food shops.
