Topic “packaging” — Exporter Magazine
PET bottles continue to gain a bigger and bigger share of the global beverage packaging market, helped by the popularity of juices and RTD tea, according FoodProductionDaily, citing an Euromonitor report. A US ink firm has unveiled a range of new commemorative drink packaging designs with a dramatic visual appeal that are dedicated to members of the US armed forces, according to Packaging International’s website. 
Ulf Sonesson, from the Swedish Institute for Food Production and Biotechnology said smart packages can cut food waste in western economies. Packages that can be enclosed after opening help to prolong shelf life and to reduce waste. The website MyExtraGum.com was launched, said the company, to allow consumers to choose from a range of templates, themes, patterns, colours and fonts for a packet of Wrigley Extra gum. Drinks market research specialist estimates that total demand across the soft drinks and beer markets stood at 1055 billion closures in 2010 (including plastic and metal closures, plus ring-pulls). And over the tough economic period of 2008-2010 overall global growth was 2.2%. The new Heineken beer bottles will be launched first in Western Europe early next year and across the rest of the world in 2011. They will come in 5 rather than 15 sizes as had previously been the case. Dr Ross Lee, a researcher at the Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions in Maryland, US, was quoted telling the Neutrons and Food Conference in Sydney, Australia, that the use of printable electronics in ‘smart’ packaging was viable. Other emerging nanotechnologies include sensors and batteries as well as new scanning technologies. Global packaging giant Ampac has launched a new sealant film with an antimicrobial additive to inhibit the growth of odors and mildew for food and beverage applications, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. Consumers in southern Europe have a particularly positive attitude towards food and drink products packed in glass, according to FoodProductionDaily.com, citing a survey of European attitudes to glass packaging. 
