PKN’s next issue for 2021 is bursting with stories of how the packaging industry is making positive changes with active and intelligent packaging; track and trace technology; and with robotics and automation.
Hot off the press, the PKN Packaging News March-April 2021 issue is on its way to you in the mail, and available online here for your convenience.
As you flip through the pages of this issue – so strongly focused on smart packaging solutions and robotics innovations – you will see that here is an industry that is backing itself, that has heard the call to action and is making the move towards more efficient operations and greater sustainability.
Starting with the Cover Story, we see how Result Group is forging a path for synergistic integration of existing and new technologies in active and intelligent packaging on page 20. In this article, PKN spoke to company managing director, Michael Dossor, about the group’s business drivers considering the paradigm shift that is seeing more brand owners and suppliers embracing smart technologies.
We report on progress being ramped up for the ANZPAC Plastics Pact (page 15); and highlight the work of Sydney-based Hero Packaging (page 24), who is on a mission to remove single-use plastic from packaging for e-commerce parcel shipping.
In the realm of intelligent packaging, AIPIA’s communications director Andrew Manly looks at how the recent global pandemic has put a spotlight on smart packaging solutions (page 32); while PKN chats with Bill Atta from Dreemar on innovations in AR technology providing a platform to boost brand engagement (page 36); and Kurz ANZ managing director Stephen Pratt tells us how drinks manufacturers can move their label into the fast lane with help of advanced and sustainable decoration solutions (page 38).
In other packaging related news, we highlight Winerytale’s AR-enabled labels bringing more engagement avenues for brands and customers (page 34); contract packer ABC Filling consolidating its operations at its Lisarow site (page 40); and Coca-Cola prototyping paper bottles to package its drinks (page 41).
In the field of track and trace, we cover smart labels (page 28), which is now being embraced by Australasia’s meat producers to build consumer trust, prevent counterfeiting, and boost trade; while Phil Biggs, Foodmach director, discusses a multilayered approach to adopting product traceability technology (page 30).
We also cover all the latest developments in robotics and automation, including SMC supporting the rise of collaborative robots (cobots) with new end-effector components (page 42); ABB expanding its portfolio with two next-gen cobots (page 44); Combilift officially launching the latest addition to its product portfolio (page 45); the rapid uptake of AR in the factory across all stages of the project lifecycle (page 46); and Schubert leveraging the drive for remote maintenance technology to develop its service expertise (page 48).
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE…
Rounding out the issue are our regular sections: Industry Insight, where Toluna breaks down consumer behaviour shifts that are sparking warning for brands and retailers; Tech Speak, where Nerida Kelton shares key findings of the recent industry report showing that food waste remains too low a priority for manufacturers; People in Packaging, which features Ian Hayes, packaging development manager at Simplot; and The Bottom Line, where Paul Allen, director of Margin Partners, puts a spotlight on a new app that is set to do to B2B relationships what dating apps have done for romance.
We also put a spotlight on SICK solutions for increased control over processing webs (page 27), along with the latest products from Nordson and Krones (page 50).
AND THE CHERRY ON TOP…
Our regular Machinery Matters supplement, brought to you in partnership with APPMA, keeps you updated on the latest trends, technology and company news from the packaging and processing machinery sector. Companies featured include Nordson, Krones, Nord Drivesystems, Markem-Imaje, Currie Group, Multivac, Schubert, Molson Coors, and Frost & Sullivan.
Enjoy the read.
